For most guitarists, especially those in shared spaces or late-night practice warriors, headphones are the unsung heroes of tone preservation.
- But not just any headphones will do. Your average consumer cans – think bass-heavy Beats or flimsy earbuds – won’t cut it when you’re trying to hear the true voice of your amp, whether it’s a vintage tube screamer or a modern modeling marvel.
You need studio-grade headphones built for clarity, durability, and compatibility with guitar amplifiers – so explore the best headphones for guitar amps
7 Best Headphones for Guitar Amps
1. Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones – Best Budget Pick
Coming at a low budget is this Sony MDRV6 headphone (Micro Dynamic Receiver) – with a 5 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response. In fact, the Sony MDRV6 offers a wider range that’s appropriate for guitar amps.
It’ll give you a full-bodied sonic environment that will ensure you don’t lose any musical nuances.
It has a non-detachable (10ft long) cable which will great for guitarists since they are normally fixated at one point in their playing.
- With its 68 ohms impedance, this headphone will work with many of your audio devices and work excellently with the guitar amp.
- Notably, sound engineers who love this over-the-ear MDRV6 are Gucci Mane & Paul Van Dyk – they are great for playing bass or guitar, recording, and mixing.
2. Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones – Best for Nuanced Sound
This Creative Aurvana Live has Bio-Cellulose drivers and thus allows the narrow soundstage.
It has great and natural mid-range, with a greatly-extended bass (considered less aggressive), and slightly prickly highs – and hence are classified as detailed compared to your regular headphones.
- Creative Aurvana Live has great separation or imaging between various channels due to its great sound rendering – and thus allows some space preservation.
- On design, this headphone is light and comfortable –with an even lighter and thinner headband. Further, it has on-ear fit pads that are soft too. Despite having a cheap look, this headphone won’t feel that way in your hands.
Creative Aurvana Live has excellent noise isolation (for areas like a coffee shop or noisy office) but not as effective as the closed-back alternatives.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Studio Headphones – Best All-Rounder
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is loved by both musicians and audio engineers – it has a modern & comfortable design, improved sound isolation, great bass response, and an extended frequency range (15Hz – 28kHz).
- These closed-back headphones are great for sound monitoring – and are highly recommended for guitar amps.
- It has 38 ohms impedance will work with many audio devices and is great with when coupled with your guitar amp.
- In addition, it has a flat frequency response but has little midrange rise – which is great for a guitar amp.
Why It Rocks: A studio staple, the ATH-M50x is adored by musicians and engineers alike. Its closed-back design locks in sound, making it ideal for quiet practice, while the balanced response (with a slight midrange lift) ensures your guitar cuts through. Detachable cables (including a 1/4-inch adapter) add versatility.
4. Sony MDR7506 Large Diaphragm Headphone – Best for Studio Tracking
On sound, this Sony MDR-7506 has a detailed, consistent studio-type response. You’ll find that many frequency ranges will be highly audible – is short, it’s created for music production.
It’s designed for audio monitoring – is highly sensitive and is very loud. Its bass is notably clean for a closed headphone – but it’s not a perfect bass response.
- However, its sound quality won’t be great for people who do high volumes or extended listening. Its parts are replaceable and thus highly repairable. It has aluminum ear cups and a metal headband with the adjustment bar also being metal.
- This headphone has great isolation – despite it won’t match the quality offered by the best noise-canceling headphones. However, don’t put them into yours.
5. Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open-Back Headphone – Best for Soundstage
Specs: 12 Hz–38.5 kHz, 50 ohms, open-back
The Sennheiser HD 598 is audio-file level headphones. From a fit and comfort standpoint, the Sennheiser HD 598 are the most comfortable headphones – even for wearing all day long.
Why It Rocks: These audiophile-grade headphones deliver an airy, spacious soundstage that’s perfect for hearing your amp’s reverb or delay in full glory. They’re also the comfiest on this list, with plush padding you can wear all day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Pair
Picking the right headphones depends on your setup and goals:
- Practice in Shared Spaces: Go closed-back (ATH-M50x, DT 770) to keep sound in and noise out.
- Modeling Amps or Effects: Open-back (HD 598, K240) enhances stereo imaging for a live feel.
- Budget: Sony MDRV6 or AKG K240 deliver bang for your buck.
- Recording: MDR7506 or ATH-M50x offer the precision you need.
- Impedance Check: Most amps handle 32–80 ohms fine; test higher models (e.g., 250 ohms) with your rig first.
Conclusion
For most guitarists, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the sweet spot—versatile, isolating, and affordable.
If you’re in a solo space and crave pure sound, the Sennheiser HD 598 SR is unmatched. Budget hunters should hunt down a Sony MDRV6, while studio rats will love the MDR7506’s reliability.
So, plug in, turn down the chaos, and let your amp sing through these headphones. Your neighbors—and your tone—will thank you.