Playing the piano is a beautiful and fulfilling experience, but it requires precision, attention to detail, and a great set of headphones to hear every nuance of the music. So, we discover the best headphones for piano.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional pianist, the right headphones can make a world of difference in your playing.
In this article, we will explore some of the best headphones for piano on the market, examining their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you find the perfect pair for your needs.
We will discuss important factors such as sound quality, comfort, and durability to ensure that you can focus on your music without any distractions. With these headphones, you’ll be able to hear every note and improve your piano playing like never before.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
The DT 990 Pro is a versatile headphone that delivers clean, accurate, detailed audio at a great price point. It’s a great choice for people who want a wide, open sound with impressive bass response.
These headphones feature a closed-back design that allows air to circulate freely around the head. This provides a wide and spacious soundstage that makes it easy to distinguish between different instruments and elements in a mix.
The headphone has a unique oval shape that is comfortable to wear and fits comfortably on the head. It comes with soft cushioned ear pads that will provide maximum comfort for hours of listening.
The DT 990 Pro also features a high-quality, sturdy metal frame with a sturdy headband that will give the user years of reliable service. These headphones are built to last, which is evident from their strong, high-quality materials.
The headphones also feature a convenient 3.5mm stereo jack plug with a 1/4″ (6.35mm) adapter for compatibility with portable devices. These headphones have been designed with convenience in mind, making them a great choice for people who listen to music on the go.
Sennheiser HD 600
The Sony WH-1000XM2 is the successor to the excellent WH-1000XM. The Sony headphones are open-backed, which means they’re perfect for people who want to hear everything clearly.
The headphone sound is wide and detailed, with a strong low end. The treble range is not as extended as that of the Bose QuietComfort 35, but the Sony WH-1000XM2 is far more accurate. It’s not as transparent, but the difference is minimal.
The headphones are also comfortable to wear for long periods, with soft ear pads and plush headband padding. However, the downside is that the headphones leak sound quite a bit, so you might need to put them on before stepping outside the house.
The Sony headphones come with an in-line remote and a detachable cable, which makes them easy to charge and replace if they break.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These headphones from Audio Technica have a solid reputation for their outstanding sound quality. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to these headphones in a variety of contexts including the gym, on the road, and even when watching TV.
I’ve found these headphones to provide a balanced and detailed sound that can compete with higher-end models. The bass response is on point and the highs are crisp and clean, but the mids and lows lack a bit of punch.
The ear cups are padded with soft foam and the fit is very comfortable, making it suitable for extended listening sessions. The detachable cable is flexible and has a swivel mechanism that allows the user to adjust the fit of the headphones.
The headphones are made from durable materials with a sleek finish that will not scratch easily. However, these headphones do not include a carrying pouch, which may be a problem for those who need to carry them around often.
Overall, the Audio Technica ATH-M40x are a very good choice for those seeking a high-quality pair of headphones.
AKG K240 Studio
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is one of the best headphones for piano. With its semi-open, circumaural (over-ear) design, it delivers an immersive, neutral and balanced sound experience that is suitable for a wide range of music genres and audio applications.
The open-back design allows for some air and sound to pass through while still offering a nice sense of space and clarity. The headphones are comfortable and lightweight and provide a snug fit.
The headphones also feature an adjustable padded headband and a detachable 3-meter cable with 3.5mm plug and 6.3mm adapter.
The frequency response of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is 15Hz – 25kHz, with a sensitivity of 91 dB SPL / V, and an impedance of 55 ohms.
The headphones are built with a rugged, durable and water-resistant plastic design and have a lifespan of up to 10 years, but you should always clean them thoroughly after every use and keep them stored away from direct sunlight.
Overall, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a good set of headphones for the money and is worth checking out if you are looking for a reliable pair of headphones.
Shure SRH840
The Sony WH-1000XM2 is a premium wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones with a battery life of up to 18 hours. It’s designed with a unique in-ear microphone and active noise cancellation technology to provide excellent audio and superior noise cancelling.
The design is simple and sleek, with a brushed metal finish. It weighs in at just 375g and is very light, so it will be easy to carry around with you.
The Sony WH-1000XM2 comes with two pairs of different-sized ear tips for you to try out. It is a little bulky for some people, but you’ll get used to the design after a few weeks.
On the left side of the headphone, you will find the power button, which also doubles as a microphone, volume control, play/pause and pairing button. On the right side, there’s a small touchpad for skipping songs, pausing, skipping forward, and answering calls.
It also comes with a leather carrying case that will protect your headphones during transportation.Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM2 is a nice pair of headphones with plenty of functionality.
Sony MDR-7506
The Bose Quiet Comfort 25 II is a professional-grade pair of closed-back headphones designed for music production and recording. The headphones feature a flat frequency response, which means that they reproduce sound without any added coloration or bias.
These headphones are designed to be used with all major audio workstation software, including ProTools, Cubase, Nuendo, and Cakewalk.
They have a rugged design that can withstand regular use and feature an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit.
The closed-back design of the headphones helps to block out external noise, but they still leak sound out of the closed ear cups, which can be a problem in noisy environments.
The headphones have a coiled cable that extends 9.8 feet from the left headphone and 5.5 feet from the right headphone.
The MDR-7506 is one of the best headphones for piano available, because it’s durable and provides accurate sound. However, there are better models available that don’t have the same drawbacks.
Focal Listen Professional
The Sennheiser CX 200 are truly a superb pair of over-ear headphones. They’re comfortable to wear and provide a very high-quality sound with a very nice bass response.
These headphones have been around for a long time now and they still remain one of the best-selling headphone models. The CX 200 has been featured in the movies, such as Star Wars, Spider-Man, and many others.
The coiled cable is fairly long, but it doesn’t come in the way of your movement when you are working on the piano. You can use the headphones while traveling as well and the coiled cable does not interfere with the luggage.
Furthermore, these headphones are quite a bit heavier than the average pair of headphones, which makes them more stable and reliable. You can adjust the ear pads to your desired comfort level and the noise isolation is excellent.
You can easily connect these headphones to your iPhone or iPod using the 3.5mm jack port, and the included carrying pouch comes in handy for transportation.
All in all, if you are looking for a high-quality pair of headphones that will help you achieve high levels of quality sound while enjoying a pleasant listening experience then the Sennheiser CX 200 is definitely a good option for you.
Grado SR80e
The Grado SR80e is a great value open-back headphone that offers a great sound quality and excellent portability. These headphones are available in 2 different colors (black and white) and they come with a 6 month warranty.
The SR80e is a light-weight and comfortable headphone that will last you a long time. The open-back design will allow you to get a wider soundstage while also allowing a natural sound to come through.
The headphones are suitable for any environment. They are very affordable and if you are looking for a good value open-back headphone then I would recommend the Grado SR80e.
Philips SHP9500
If you want to get the best out of your headphones, then you should definitely consider the Sennheiser CX 500.
These headphones are perfect for the type of music you play on a daily basis and also the best headphones for piano.
The sound quality is excellent with clean bass and clear highs that allow for excellent vocal performance.
The Sennheiser CX 500 headphones are comfortable for extended periods of listening as they feature soft ear cushions with a memory foam headband.
The open-back design allows you to hear a wider range of sounds while also creating a large sound stage.
The headphone cable is detachable allowing you to easily replace the cable without having to open up the headphones.
In terms of protection, you will get a hard case and a pouch which is a plus for this type of headphones.
The only downside of these headphones is that they are not really made for the smartphone user, as there is no remote or mic available for controlling the music.So if you have the money, then definitely go for the Sennheiser CX 500 headphones.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
The KEF LS50BT is a great choice for those looking for high-quality sound for a reasonable price. It is a closed-back headphone that delivers accurate and balanced sound with a wide frequency range.
The drivers are made from aluminium and carbon fibre for an exceptional amount of rigidity and durability, while the headband is made from lightweight yet robust steel to ensure that your ears stay cool while listening for hours.
The build quality is second to none with a durable headband and ear pads that will provide comfort and protection.
The ear cups are padded with a soft velour material that feels great when wearing it for extended periods of time.
The bass response is a little weak and the highs are rather aggressive, but overall, these are excellent headphones with very good sound quality for a reasonable price.
The build quality is excellent, the design is sleek and modern, and the ear cups are comfortable to wear.
However, some people might find the cable a bit too long for their liking and the coiled cable is a bit heavy.
The only thing that might be a deal breaker is the price, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more on these headphones, then you’ll definitely not be disappointed. This is the best headphones for piano.
Conclusion:
Overall, the best headphones for piano players will depend on individual preferences and needs. However, there are some key factors to consider when selecting headphones, such as sound quality, comfort, and durability.
FAQs
1-What should I look for in headphones for playing the piano?
When embarking upon the quest for headphones suitable for piano-playing purposes, it is of paramount importance to take into consideration a multitude of variables, including but not limited to, the intricacies of sound quality, the aspect of comfort, and the durability factor.
In terms of sound quality, one must seek out headphones that present a well-rounded and harmonious soundscape, characterized by crystal-clear and precision-oriented audio reproduction.
That is not only palpable, but also accurate to the highest degree possible. Additionally, one must not overlook the importance of comfort, particularly if the plan involves wearing the headphones for a protracted length of time.
On the other hand, durability should not be relegated to the back burner, as it is imperative to acquire headphones that are capable of withstanding repeated usage, without succumbing to the perils of wear and tear.
2-Are closed-back headphones better for playing the piano than open-back headphones?
The suitability of closed-back headphones for piano playing can be substantiated by the provision of enhanced isolation and consequent minimization of external interference.
In contrast, open-back headphones are inclined towards the delivery of a wider, more expansive soundscape that replicates natural audio acoustics, albeit with the caveat of potential sound leakage, which could be counterintuitive during practice sessions.
As such, closed-back headphones might constitute the better choice for piano players aiming to optimize their concentration and aural immersion by shielding themselves from extraneous sonic disturbances.
3-Should I go for wired or wireless headphones for playing the piano?
The employment of wired headphones for the purpose of playing the piano tends to be the more popular choice, owing to the superior acoustic fidelity and dependability offered by said devices.
The utilization of wired headphones renders the issue of dropouts and connectivity predicaments that can sporadically arise with wireless headphones, null and void.
Nevertheless, should one find themselves necessitating a greater range of motion or favoring the ease of use that wireless headphones provide, the option of selecting a pair that is equipped with a low latency wireless connection is a possibility that can be explored.
4-Can I use noise-cancelling headphones for playing the piano?
Indubitably, it cannot be gainsaid that noise-cancelling headphones, per se, could indeed serve as a viable option for playing the piano, particularly if the setting is replete with clamorous din or if one is engaged in a collaborative musical exercise with other individuals.
Noise-cancelling technology, by dint of its efficaciousness in diminishing external sounds, enables one to concentrate more intently on the sonorous resonance of the piano, thereby enhancing the overall auditory experience.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned advantages, it is imperative to bear in mind that the use of noise-cancelling headphones may impinge upon the audio quality, thereby possibly compromising the accuracy of sound reproduction.
It is, therefore, recommended to exercise due caution and discretion when opting for noise-cancelling headphones while playing the piano.
5-What is a good price range for headphones for playing the piano?
The price range for headphones for playing the piano can vary greatly depending on the brand, features, and quality. A good quality pair of headphones can range from $50 to $300.
However, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a good pair of headphones for playing the piano.
Look for headphones with good reviews and a good balance of sound quality, comfort, and
durability, and you can find a great pair within your budget.
