Whilst we all love the sound of a cranked tube amp, the truth is it’s not always appropriate to let rip with some awesome riffs. If you’re anything like me, your long-suffering family members and neighbors have probably made it clear when it is appropriate and when it isn’t. Of course, we don’t want anything getting in the way of our guitar playing, so a pair of the best guitar amp headphones could be the key to unlocking more practice time with your instrument.
I've had my hands on every single one of the headphones in this guide, so you can rely on my recommendations to do the job for you, no matter what your use case. Whether it's practicing your technique late at night, songwriting, or just honing the sound of your amp or pedalboard, playing with headphones really lets you get into the nitty-gritty of your guitar playing.
As someone who regularly works in a professional recording studio, I know my headphones. Over a twenty-plus-year stint making music, I’ve tested and used more than I care to remember, so if you want the best headphone for playing guitar with, I’d go for the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X. They offer superb sound, excellent durability, and an ultra-comfortable ear pad. They are expensive, though, so for a cheaper option, the excellent AKG K240s deliver great sound for relatively little money.
If you’re new to the world of studio headphones, I’ve included a bunch of sections in this guide that will get you up to speed. From a walkthrough on how to choose a pair to a comprehensive FAQs section and a glossary of key terms to decode any lingo, this all-encompassing guide will get you pointing in the right direction.
My top picks
If you want the best sound overall when practicing or recording your guitar, my top pick is the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X. Their wide and flat frequency response makes them great for surgical detail, and they’re really comfortable too.
If you just want a no-frills pair of headphones for practicing your guitar, the AKG K240s are a great option. I’ve had a pair for years, and they’ve held up incredibly well, delivering a great sound with the semi-open back design and being lightweight yet ruggedly built.
Amongst the most popular studio headphones ever made, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xs are great for practicing guitar, thanks to their closed-back design and excellent isolation. They’re not ‘flat’, but nicely straddle the line between pleasing and analytical.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want the best sound quality: The frequency range on the DT 990 Pro X is incredibly wide, so you’ll hear every facet of your guitar tone with these.
❌ Avoid if you need truly silent practice: These are open-back headphones, which give them a more natural sound but mean they bleed out of the back of the ear cups.
Overview: If you want detail and depth from your guitar practice sessions, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X headphones will offer it in spades. Although primarily designed for mixing, I’ve had a set of these on my studio desk for a few years now, and they sound absolutely fantastic with guitars.
Build quality: The velour-style ear cushions are super comfortable for long playing sessions, and although the design is non-foldable, these are cans that should be living on your desk rather than traveling around with you. My pair has been around for years now and is showing very few signs of wear other than a slight discoloring of the ear pads after many sweaty recording sessions.
Sound: The frequency response is very flat with these headphones, and the range means you’ll hear every detail from the subs when you engage your octave pedal to the super high end of a shimmer reverb. Like most headphones, there are some peaks and troughs as you move beyond the 6kHz range, but for playing guitar, you won’t notice all that much here.
Do bear in mind however, that these are open-back headphones, which means they let some sound out of the back of the ear cups to deliver a more natural tone. It means they’re not a great option if you need truly silent practice, or complete isolation in a noisy environment.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you need a budget workhorse: My pair has lasted years, and is still performing at the top of its game.
❌ Avoid if you want premium fidelity: The K240s do the job, but if you’re serious about sound, they may not be detailed enough for you.
Overview: A proper studio workhorse, the AKG K240 headphones are renowned for their sturdy build quality and low cost, whilst retaining a quality sound. I’ve had a pair of these in my home studio for years now, and whilst aesthetically they’re past their best, in terms of usability, they’re just as good as the day I got them.
Build quality: AKG’s self-adjusting headband is a great feature, with the K240s adapting to your head shape with a little adjustment when you put them on. The lightweight design means they’re perfect for long practice or recording sessions, but it also means they feel a little fragile versus some of the more sturdily built options here.
Sound: They won’t blow you away with sound fidelity like some other headphones on this list, but they’re more than adept enough for use as a guitar practice tool. They sound very spacious and detailed thanks to the semi-open back design, which means there is a little bit of bleed when playing at higher volumes.
Best for beginners
✅ Buy if you’re after a reliable performer: Nicely straddling the line between affordability and performance, the ATH-M50x headphones are incredibly consistent.
❌ Avoid if you prefer a flatter response: These headphones have some low and top-end hype, so avoid if you want to listen to your guitar tone surgically.
Overview: Among the best-selling headphones ever made, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x strikes a brilliant balance between affordability and sound quality. They get a lot of hate online nowadays, unjustifiably in my opinion, which tells you something about just how popular they are.
With their slick looks and foldable design, you can take them anywhere, and they’re closed back, so great for isolating yourself in noisy environments and practicing silently.
Build quality: The cushions are incredibly comfortable, so you can wear them for long playing sessions without them becoming an irritant. A removable cable is a handy addition, and the cans fold so you can easily tidy them away or take them on the road with you. They’re very durable too, so don’t feel bad about chucking them in your backpack sans case to take them on the road with you.
Sound: The ATH M-50x straddles the line between analytical and pleasing, which is why they’re a great option for budding guitarists. The closed-back design means there’s plenty of low-end response, probably a little too much for pure mixers, but great for making your guitar tone shine during a practice session.
The mids are relatively flat with a slight dip in the low mids, part of what makes them pleasing versus analytical. The top end also features some peaks and troughs, which again delivers a more pleasing sound that might mean you miss certain frequencies when mixing.
Best all-in-one
✅ Buy if you want an all-in-one solution: Headphones and amplifier built into one, the Waza-Air gives you a full rig without the need for any other product.
❌ Avoid if you’d prefer to use your current amp: These headphones are only useful if your amp doesn’t have a headphone output.
Overview: The Boss Waza-Air headphones are essentially a Katana amp wrapped around your head. Placing you in a simulated space with your amplifier, you can turn your head and hear the change in sound as the spatial technology reacts in real time, a feeling that simply has to be experienced.
Build quality: They’re essentially a full rig in themselves, totally wireless with a dedicated transmitter. The headphones will last around five hours on a full charge, and with comfort levels suitable for long sessions, they’re easy to wear while practicing. They do feel a little plasticky, however, despite the hefty price tag, but I wouldn’t have any qualms about their durability, as the typical Boss build quality is present and accounted for here.
Sound: Based on the ever-popular Katana amp series, the tones on offer are fantastic and well-modeled, delivering clean and high-gain tones alike. In static and stage modes, the Waza-Air offers an uncanny sense of physically standing in front of an amplifier, and the sound quality is simply incredible.
Best for isolation
✅ Buy if you don’t want outside noise pollution: These headphones are great for locking in and keeping focused.
❌ Avoid if you want neutrality: The response isn’t very flat, and they are more ‘hi-fi’ in character.
Overview: If you're looking to isolate yourself from any distracting sounds while you play your guitar, I love the Shure SRH840A for its excellent external noise rejection. With a classy design and excellent feature set, they’re perfect for the guitar player.
Build quality: The ear pads are really comfortable, so you won’t have a problem wearing them for extended sessions. I also found the long cable, which locks into the headset, really handy for navigating busy home studio setups. They also fold down relatively flat, so you can take them on the go with you easily.
Sound: There’s a very hi-fi feel to their sound. They’re not quite as flat as I’d like for mixing duties, but they’re certainly useful as a reference pair. When you need the utmost concentration to nail that part or track guitars, these headphones do an excellent job of keeping you focused and keeping any external noise out.
Best for durability
✅ Buy if you want rugged build quality: The MDR-7506 is a legend in studio circles, thanks to its unique sound profile and outstanding build quality.
❌ Avoid if you’d prefer something more comfortable: There is no built-in Bluetooth or ANC with these headphones.
Overview: A cult classic in the world of studio headphones, the Sony MDR-7506 is also a great choice for practicing your guitar chops. Reliable and revealing, with a seriously good pedigree, they’re great value for money and solidly built.
Build quality: They look pretty old school, but Sony has kept the design exactly the same since the 90s. The adjustment bands use a graded slider so you can keep them at the same spot, although I’d like a little more cushioning on the headband. An ‘on-ear’ design means they press down on your ears, which some might find less comfortable than a pair of over-ears.
Sound: Famous for being Andrew Scheps’ mixing cans of choice, they have a very unique sound profile that’s ultra flat in the mid-range, which means your guitar will sound fantastic through these. The signature 10kHz peak makes them great for ironing out any harshness in your tone, and there’s a nice amount of low end for when you want to get heavy.
Also consider
How to choose
If you’re new to the world of guitar amp headphones, this section is for you. Calling upon my decade of experience working in a guitar store, as well as 20 years of playing, I have whittled down the buying process to make it as easy as possible for beginners to select the best option for them. Consider these three things when purchasing your next guitar amp headphones and you won’t go far wrong.
Open back vs closed back
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One of the most important things you’ll need to decide is whether to go with open-back or closed-back headphones, as both have pros and cons. Open-back headphones allow airflow, resulting in a more natural sound overall. Expect an airy presentation with no build-up of bass frequencies. However, sound leakage is part of the design, so if you need to keep things quiet while practicing, they may not be the best choice.
Closed-back headphones are fantastic for sound isolation, blocking external noise much more effectively. This is particularly useful if you’re playing in noisier environments or want a more immersive experience. Closed-back designs can sometimes suffer from bass build-up, emphasizing the low end because those frequencies have nowhere to escape. There isn’t really a right or wrong choice here, just a preference.
Check impedance
Impedance is the resistance in electrical circuits, but what that means for guitar amp headphones is that some pairs of headphones require more than others to drive them. Depending on what your headphone output can drive on your amp, you will find that some headphones sound quieter than others.
The general rule is the lower the impedance, measured in ohms, the less power required to drive the headphones. It's worth checking if you're using a small guitar amp to practice with, as a higher impedance means it may struggle to drive them sufficiently to receive a volume that's loud enough.
Comfort
Lastly, always consider comfort. It may seem like a trivial thing, but an uncomfortable pair of headphones is next to useless. If you’re anything like me and end up playing for hours, comfortable ear cups and an adjustable headband are a must. Ideally, you’ll be able to try a few pairs out for size, but if that’s not possible, check Guitar Player reviews or buyer’s guides to get a sense of how they feel during longer sessions.
It's a very subjective thing, so what feels comfortable for one person doesn't necessarily mean it'll be good for you. Thankfully most headphones come with a decent returns period, so you can send them back if you find they're not gelling with your head or ear shape.
FAQs
Can I plug headphones straight into my guitar amp?
If your amplifier has a dedicated headphone output, then yes, you can plug headphones straight in. Most modern amps include a headphone jack in either 3.5mm or 6.3mm, and you may need an adapter depending on what your headphones use. When you plug in for the first time, start with the volume low and gradually turn it up. Listen carefully, and if your headphones begin to distort, you’ve reached their limit.
Can I mute my amp's speaker while using headphones?
Yes. In fact, most amplifiers will automatically mute the speaker when you plug in headphones. Since the headphone jack is an output, connecting your headphones redirects the signal from the speaker to the headphones, making your practice silent and only audible through the cans.
What headphone impedance works best with a guitar amp?
Most guitar amps work best with low to mid-impedance headphones, usually in the 32–80 ohm range. These are easy to drive and will give you plenty of volume without the amp struggling. High-impedance studio headphones (250 ohms and above) usually need more power than a standard guitar amp’s headphone output can offer and can struggle to reach a decent volume. If you’re unsure, stick to headphones around 32–64 ohms, as they’ll work reliably with almost every guitar amp out there.
Should I use closed-back or open-back headphones?
Like most things related to sound, this is totally subjective. There are a few reasons why you might choose one type over the other. Open-back headphones allow air to pass through the speaker, creating a natural, airy tone. They typically give the clearest picture of your guitar sound. However, because the backs are open, sound can bleed out easily, which isn’t ideal if you’re practicing quietly or using them in public.
Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, are fantastic for isolation. They block external noise very effectively, allowing you to focus on your playing. Since air can’t escape as easily, some frequencies, particularly bass, can build up, resulting in a more colored listening experience.
Can I use wireless or Bluetooth headphones with my amp?
Generally speaking, Bluetooth headphones and guitar amplifiers don’t go well together. That’s not to say they can’t pair, but if they do, you’ll likely encounter terrible latency, in other words, lag. Because Bluetooth has to process and transmit the audio signal, the delay is simply too long.
We’re only talking milliseconds, but even that tiny amount of time will throw your playing off, as you expect to hear an instant sound when you strike a string. Although a bit old school, wired headphones are still the best option for guitar amplifiers.
If you desperately need a wireless option, check out the Yamaha WL-500, which use some neat technology to give you a usable wireless option. Bear in mind they are very expensive though.
Can using headphones damage my hearing?
Using headphones can damage your hearing if you expose yourself to high volumes over long periods of time. Always start off quietly and turn up gradually if you need to. Like anything, excessive volume isn’t good for your ears, and if you start to feel ear fatigue, or worse, pain, it’s time to turn the amp down or stop altogether. Don’t get me wrong, blasting guitar is great fun, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your hearing.
Does playing through headphones change the feel of an amp?
Yes, playing through headphones can slightly alter the feeling compared to using your amp’s speaker. Headphone drivers are much smaller than a guitar speaker, so you won’t get the same physical response or sense of air being moved. Even though plenty of headphones do a great job of balancing frequencies, an 8mm headphone driver will always feel different from a 10-inch guitar speaker.
You also miss out on the room interaction you get with a real amp, which can make your playing feel a little more in your head. After all, you are pushing much less air, which is a tangible effect while playing guitar.
Key terms
- Cans: This is simply a slang term for headphones.
- Closed-back: A type of headphone that has a fully enclosed earcup. The cups are sealed and block outside noise.
- Fatigue: Ear fatigue refers to your ears becoming tired after extended exposure to sound. It can happen when you listen at high volumes for long periods, particularly when using headphones.
- Flat response: This describes a headphone’s EQ. A flat response means the headphone delivers an even performance across the frequency range, without any particular frequency being boosted.
- Frequency response: This is basically a measurement of how well a pair of headphones can reproduce the full range of sound frequencies. It’s shown in hertz (Hz). For reference, the human ear can pick up roughly 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, so most headphone frequency charts sit somewhere in that range.
- Imaging: This refers to how well a pair of headphones can separate different sounds in the stereo field. Good imaging makes it easy to pick out where each instrument sits in the mix, which can really help when dialing in your guitar tone.
- Impedance: This is a measure of electrical resistance, shown in ohms. In simple terms, impedance tells you how much power the headphones need to reach a usable volume. Lower-impedance headphones are easier to drive from a guitar amp or interface, while high-impedance studio cans may sound too quiet without extra power.
- Isolation: Isolation refers to how well headphones block out external noise. Closed-back headphones are the best for this, since their solid earcups create a physical barrier that keeps outside sound from leaking in.
- Leakage: Leakage happens with open-back headphones when some of the sound escapes through the back of the earcup. Because there’s no physical barrier stopping it, people nearby will hear a bit of what you’re playing.
- Open-back: A type of headphone with an open earcup design. The cups aren’t sealed, so air can pass freely through the driver. This gives a more natural, airy sound but also means noise can leak out.
- Semi-open: These sit somewhere between fully closed and fully open headphones. Semi-open designs usually let a little air pass through to keep things sounding natural, while still retaining more sound than a true open-back pair.
- Sensitivity: This tells you how loud a pair of headphones will get with a given amount of power. Higher sensitivity means they’ll reach a usable volume more easily, which is handy when plugging straight into a guitar amp or interface.
- Soundstage: Soundstage describes how wide and spacious the audio feels inside the headphones. You'll notice it most with guitar amps using stereo effects like reverb and delay.
How we test
At Guitar Player, we are a team of passionate guitarists who understand the importance of finding the perfect solution for private practice and recording. That's why we have meticulously tested and evaluated various guitar amp headphones to identify the best options available.
To compile our list of top guitar amp headphones, we combine our practical experience, extensive research, and insightful discussions with our editorial team. We consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, durability, portability, and value for money, ensuring that we showcase the finest headphones designed specifically for guitar amplifiers.
As dedicated musicians ourselves, we recognize the value of having a reliable and immersive listening experience while practicing or recording. Whether you're a late-night bedroom player, a traveling musician, or a recording enthusiast, our goal is to provide reliable and informed recommendations to help you discover the best guitar amp headphones that cater to your specific needs and elevate your playing experience.
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