Nothing has quickly built a reputation for making consumer tech that does not look like everyone else’s, and the Headphone (a) continues that trend. These are the company’s more affordable over-ear headphones, arriving below the original Headphone (1) with a much lower launch price but many of the same headline ideas intact. That means the transparent, industrial-inspired design is still here, as are the tactile physical controls that I loved on the first model.

The Headphone (a) does confuse Nothing’s over-ear formula a little. They undercut the original quite significantly on price, while still promising active noise cancellation, LDAC support, a companion app with customization, and enormous battery life figures – the only thing you really lose out on is KEF tuning, which, to be honest, side by side with the Headphone (1) and (a), I can’t really notice.

Nothing Headphone (a): Specifications

Nothing Headphone (a): Price

The Nothing Headphone (a) launched at $199 / £149 / AU$329, which is a far more aggressive price than the original Headphone (1). Nothing has preserved a lot of what people liked about the first model while making the overall package more accessible but not at a cheap compromise, but rather a cut-price version of the more premium model. You are clearly not getting Bose-level ANC or a truly audiophile tuning here, but Nothing has packed in it's personality and style for a much more reasonable price than the (1).

Nothing Headphone (a): Design & Handling

If there is one area where the Nothing Headphone (a) immediately separate themselves from the pack, it is design. These just look so different from the usual generic black over-ear headphones, and whether you like that transparent, slightly sci-fi aesthetic or not, they certainly do not disappear into the background. The (a) does, however, tone down the industrial look of the original Headphone (1), with a slightly softer and more approachable look. But still, in a category full of safe, familiar designs, they stand out.

Nothing’s excellent controls from the original remain untouched. The Roller and Paddle are really intuitive ways to interact with the headphones. The Roller handles volume, play/pause, and ANC mode switching, while the Paddle makes skipping through tracks easy. Touch controls can often be infuriating, so this is the kind of tactile interface I love, and that is instantly more reliable than endless swiping on an earcup.

There is also a customizable button, which can be used for summoning your chosen AI assistant or reassigned for other quick settings. Power is handed by a clear on/off switch with an LED light. There is also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection if you run out of power.

The only downside is comfort over longer editing sessions. At 310g, these are not that heavy, but they are not featherweights either. The top band is padded and sits on my head nicely, although, as it takes most of the weight, it does start to become a bit irritating after a few hours of wear. But my biggest issue is just how tight these headphones are, with a firmer clamp over my ears, combined with quite firm pads, they just felt a little claustrophobic.

There is also a case included in the box, but don’t get too excited, as this is a very flimsy pouch rather than a proper hard case. Which is a shame, as the felt case included with the Headphone (1) was lovely. I get it, sacrifices have to be made for the price, but other similarly priced headphones do come with better soft cases. Bose's QC35s outperform the Headphone (a) on several metrics, and are available with a superior soft case for not much more money.

Nothing Headphone (a): Performance

The Nothing Headphone (a) gets the essentials right. Sound quality is very good, with enough balance and bass to be punchy and enjoyable. For music, I found them immersive. I tried a few different genres, and while they seem set up best for pop out of the box, there is an almost overwhelming in-depth audio tuning section in the accompanying app, should you be more of a rock or classical fan, and the default isn’t quite doing it for you.

For video editors, these headphones are absolutely fine for hearing your audio with plenty of clarity. My voice in video recordings sounded clear, and mixing in background tracks, I could get a good understanding of the levels before export. However, as expected, audiophiles can get better sound quality, but that isn’t really the point of the Headphone (a).

Automatic Noise Cancellation (ANC) is effective enough for everyday travel, office, or on-location use, but it does not seriously challenge the best from Sony or Bose. However, I flew on a 10-hour flight from China to London with the Headphone (a), and it effectively blocked out enough plane (and passenger) noise that I could comfortably focus on work or hear my movie. Transparency mode, however, is less convincing; it's fine, but there are much better implementations.

Battery life is where the Headphone (a) really excel. Nothing claims up to 135 hours without ANC and 75 hours with it, and that seems to hold true. I have used the headphones with ANC for around two weeks, including two long flights, plenty of commuting, and watching movies, and they are still going strong. For anyone who hates charging yet another device, that alone could be enough to tip the scales.

Nothing Headphone (a): Verdict

The Nothing Headphone (a) is the product that the Headphones (1) should have been. It takes the best aspects of Nothing's first attempts at over-ear headphones, including the unique design and intuitive controls, but repackages them with a price that feels more apt.

The Headphone (a) still looks distinctive, keeps the tactile physical controls that make it easy to use while editing or listening to music, and backs that up with incredible battery life. They are not the last word in outright audio fidelity, and the active noise cancellation is good rather than class-leading, so audiophiles may still want to spend more on something more refined. Comfort is also an issue, with a far too tight design. But for the money, the Headphone (a) gets an awful lot right – and looks like nothing else on the market.

Alternatives

It wasn't too long ago that I reviewed the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X labeling them "the kings of the studio". Recently I've been testing the very similar DT 700 PRO X to see if they hit the dizzy heights of the 770 PRO X and deserve a place in our roundup of the best headphones for video editing.

Pitched as over-ear, closed-back headphones for recording and monitoring, the 700 PRO X is a niche set of cans that aim to deliver class-leading audio reproduction into the studio context. Just like the 770 PRO X, they are wired, incredibly cushioned, and include an optional mini XLR connector.

In my review I'll compare them to various alternatives, including the Sony WH-1000XM5s and RØDE NTH-100s. Read on to see how they fare and whether you should trust them for your next video editing project.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Specifications

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Design & Handling

This DT 700 Pro X blend a professional ruggedness with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. They look fantastic but, as expected, are not quite as premium as the DT 770 Pro X. One of the biggest areas of divergence is the top-of-the-head cushion, which experienced video editors will know is vital for delivering a comfortable experience. Unfortunately, there's only a small amount of memory foam, which resulted in some levels of discomfort during longer sessions of editing.

Thankfully, I had no such comfort problems from the velour earpads that are as generously padded as they come. They also perfectly cupped my ears such that I had no issues with sound leaking, beating even the RØDE NTH-100s, which are also dedicated video editing headphones. I was glad to read that the earpads and the headband padding are both fully replaceable, which is a win for sustainability.

In terms of the drive system, Beyerdynamic has opted for the STELLAR.45 that utilizes a three-layer diaphragm and a lightweight copper-clad aluminum wire voice coil. This produces a low impedance of 48 ohms and enables the headphones to deliver studio-grade sound quality and volume even when driven by basic consumer devices.

The headphones are wired courtesy of a detachable, single-sided cable connected via a secure, lockable 3-pin mini-XLR socket on the left earcup. If it's wireless you want, then I'd recommend the Sony WH-1000XM5s instead.

The lack of Bluetooth in favor of a wired connection further cements the DT 700 Pro X as headphones for the studio rather than on-the-go music listening. In the box you'll find two straight cables, 1.8m and 3m, which offer a good level of versatility across different types of studio setups.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Performance

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X is designed to deliver balanced sound, which is exactly what it achieves. The sound, on every type of music I played through it, was composed and ordered. Take Gustav Holst's The Planets or George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as examples. Both are delivered in such a way that every single element is perfectly positioned such that the whole arrangement combined can be enjoyed. That's good news for audio editors.

I moved on to play Ed Sheeran's 'Azizam', which I listen to on every headphone product that I test because of its cross-cultural fusion that blends a range of frequencies with the exotic and textured frequencies of traditional Persian instruments. I can confidently confirm that the DT 700 Pro X handled it expertly.

Having already tested the DT 770 Pro X, I knew the DT 700 Pro X was never going to serve up an exciting presentation, but on a track like Azizam, it gives just enough life without sacrificing accuracy. The full range of frequencies are subtly blended to ensure that neither trebles nor bass dominate. As a result, audio professionals can be confident in what they're producing.

You won't find any 'smart' features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), audio pausing via a sensor, or a built-in microphone for taking calls. These features are nice to have but are unlikely to be high up on the priority list for users focused on audio monitoring and listening. If these types of features are important to you, then I'd recommend getting the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X sticks close to its ethos, which is to be studio-grade headphones for recording and monitoring. They therefore steer clear of offering more modern 'smart' features such as ANC and audio pausing. I didn't miss them one bit.

In testing they excelled where it matters most, and that's with the sound quality they produce. It's confident yet balanced, such that frequencies and instruments refuse to compete with each other. Anyone mixing audio for videos or monitoring sound for a live show will be able to trust exactly what they're hearing and make adjustments accordingly.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

We've covered the prospect of camera-like sensors built into Apple AirPods before, used to build up an image of the room around them for all kinds of AI goodness. This tech requires sight, and (artificial) sight requires cameras. So that's the pieces in place but, until this week, it all seemed like something in the dim, distant future.

Now, however, those in the know – including Mark Gurman – are starting to put dates on the possible devices that don't sound completely out of reach.

And in my area of expertise, of course – which is camera drones, for those not obsessively following my career – there are already plenty of options that use camera tech to 'see' the world, and this technology is used for collision avoidance systems more than anything else.

Interestingly, the tech is so 'old hat' in drones – at least three years old, now – that the latest thing is now the addition of additional cameras that can see beyond the usual optical range (tech like LiDAR), meaning collision avoidance can happen in lower light.

However it's done, lenses and optics on AirPods could enable headphones to build a picture of the space around them and feed that back to a computing device (for example, an iPhone sat in a pocket) – and this, now, might be how AI gets to grips with the world around you.

This comes at the same time Apple might be junking, or at least shelving, the idea of a Vision Air goggles system.

Looking closely at the successes of Meta, it is likely apparent to Apple that glasses and augmented reality is more likely to be a mainstream hit than ski goggles. And while the new M5 Vision Pro might keep the system in contention for a little longer for high-end users, it doesn't have the kind of breakthrough pricing that is going to see Apple's goggles in every home.

A system that involves glasses would also need to garner information about the world around it, like the Vision Pro, but ideally would have no more bulk than the kind of thing you might see adorning Buddy Holly.

Whether Apple has really got the right idea, expecting you to buy and carry AirPods, Buddy Holly-augmented reality glasses (iVision?) and perhaps a phone to get the full experience of the tech is another matter.

Instead, this might just be a pivot point like the original iPad – but one in which Apple cedes ground to another company. Meta, after all, has been working on the glasses idea for some time already.

Oh, and I've not even begun to cover the possible privacy and security implications of people having cameras hidden about their person that aren't really cameras but provide cover for people that have actual cameras discreetly tucked in their ears…

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Check our guide to the best camera drones.

I'm sure most of us have heard of Nothing by now, the brand that defies 'normal' in pursuit of something completely and wildly 'different.' This is most obviously seen in their transparent hardware, glyph interface, and design-focused branding.

Having released smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds, the forward-thinking company thought it was high time to introduce a headphone product to their lineup. Enter the Nothing Headphone (1) and the product I've been testing recently.

I was sent a pair of these headphones and was keen to see how they performed when listening to music as well as whether they would make any dent in our list of the best headphones for video editing.

Nothing Headphone (1): Specifications

Nothing Headphone (1): Design & Handling

The Nothing Headphone (1) makes an immediate statement with its transparent design, a core element of the brand's aesthetic. Instead of hiding the internal structure, the headphones feature see-through plastic elements that reveal the internal components. You'll either love it or hate it.

Even the haters have to acknowledge that it's a bold contrast to the smooth, monolithic designs that are dominating the premium headphone market. It won't be for everyone, but Nothing knows that, and they're unapologetic about it.

Beyond the striking visual look, the design prioritizes premium build quality and practical comfort. Constructed with a mix of durable, lightweight materials – including formed aluminum for the frame and soft PU memory foam for the earcups – the headphones are engineered for secure yet comfortable all-day wear. Unfortunately, at 329g some of the comfort is lost on account of the extra weight.

To complement the design, Nothing has completely abandoned more common touch controls in favor of tactile physical buttons. Having owned a number of pairs of headphones with finicky touch controls, I've lost count of the number of times that I've become frustrated with them.

No such frustration with Nothing's setup. The analog control scheme features a paddle for skipping tracks and a roller for some of the most satisfyingly precise volume adjustment imaginable. The buttons are easy to find, easy to use, and seriously elevate the overall user experience.

One of the key practical differentiators of the Nothing Headphone (1) is the IP52 water and dust resistance rating, but you'll only care about that if you're planning video editing in the shower or poolside. No one? No, I didn't think so.

As much as I adore the design of these headphones, one thing I don't love is that the design prioritizes form over ultimate portability; the earcups only rotate flat rather than folding up, and as a result, you have little choice but to utilize the bulky carry case if you're wanting to travel with them.

Nothing Headphone (1): Performance

Let's begin with ANC performance. As soon as you put the Nothing Headphone (1) on you'll notice a distinct dampening of all external noise. They far from eliminate all noise but certainly provide a quieter landscape for layering your audio on top of. That's perfect for the times that you're video editing in public spaces. Given that I tested the headphones in a room with around 50 people all talking at once, I was quite impressed by their noise-canceling capabilities.

From there I launched my favorite album at the moment, After Hours by The Weeknd. Thanks to a precision-engineered 40mm driver and KEF partnership, the headphones serve up an incredibly well-balanced sound. Every instrument and note stays well within its limits, which means there is fantastic low-end performance and, most importantly, zero distortion.

Their ability to handle and control sound makes them well worthy of consideration for video editors and indie filmmakers – especially if you'd like to make a design statement while knocking out an edit.

Bass and trebles are kept within range, and the overall soundscape is perfectly balanced. Users who like more control can take advantage of the advanced and comprehensive 8-band equalizer (EQ) that is found in the Nothing X app. Personally, I was happy with the straight-out-of-the-box experience, especially for video editing.

If I thought the sound was impressive, that was nothing compared to the headphone's battery life. With up to 35 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on and a whopping 80 hours with ANC off, they blow pretty much all competition out of the water. My experience of the headphones backs the claims up.

Other features include spatial audio and hands-free voice calls. The latter makes use of a four-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) system, which is AI-backed to isolate the voice. They do a fantastic job of suppressing background noise, wind, and echoes. I also love the ability to accept or reject calls using the paddle/rocker button.

Nothing Headphone (1): Verdict

The Headphone (1) is Nothing's first foray into the headphone market, and it's a really impressive entrance. Far from being a first edition that needs broad and significant improvements, the product feels like it's doing most things right already. Much of this is thanks to its already established design aesthetic as well as their decision to partner with award-winning speaker designers KEF.

The headphones produce a well-balanced sound that is ideal for most types of video editing. If I were to purely use these for listening to music, then I'd want a little more bass, but all in all, they're a fantastic all-rounder. Aside from sound, maybe the most impressive feature is the long battery life that is superior to most competitors.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

Smart glasses have been growing in popularity as a way to record POV video and ask AI questions about what you see – but one start-up is taking a different approach. MusicCam is a set of open-ear headphones that have built-in cameras for photos and POV videos.

Start-up VibeLens says that MusicCam is the first AI camera headset. The mix of headphones with built-in cameras powers some of the same capabilities as smart glasses, including asking AI questions about the camera footage, capturing POV videos, and snapping photos. Like smart glasses models with speakers built into the frames, the MusicCam, naturally, is made for listening to music and taking phone calls.

But the start-up says there are a few key differences that come from putting a camera and AI into headphones rather than a pair of glasses. The MusicCam is waterproof to 20m, allowing users to take photos and videos underwater. The company says MusicCam’s 2.6 hours of video recording and 15h of audio battery life ratings also set it apart from some smart glasses.

The camera itself is a tiny piece that rotates from the earpiece to face forward and capture POV footage and stills. The camera sensor is a compact Sony IMX219, but the company says the camera can still capture 1080P and 2K footage. The built-in f/2 lens captures a 73-degree wide-angle view, and footage can be steadied with six-axis gyro stabilization.

The wrap-around style headphones are the open-ear, bone conduction type. That’s paired with a dual environmental noise cancellation microphone to capture video audio, and take phone calls.

Like many smart glasses, the MusicCam will use AI to identify landmarks, translate languages, and answer common questions like the weather forecast.

The start-up says that the 600mAh battery can record voices for 20 to 24 hours, play music for 15 hours, or capture 2.6 hours of video. With quick charging, the headphones can recharge in as little as 30 minutes.

VibeLens is using crowdfunding to launch the MusicCam – and all crowdfunding has some risk involved. The campaign, however, has already exceeded its original goal. The company has already completed small batch trial production and expects to begin mass production in November, with shipping as early as December.

MusicCam is expected to have a $399 list price, which is about £298 / CA$557 / AU$606. Backers willing to take the Kickstarter risk could potentially get the camera headphones for as much as 50 percent off retail.

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Browse the best headphones for video editing, or the best action cameras. Or, take a look at the best camera glasses.

The best headphones for video editing must deliver an accurate and unbiased sonic performance while being comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. I've had this in mind while testing the Shure SRH840A headphones.

Aimed at professional users, these headphones supersede the SRH840. The addition of the letter 'A' at the end represents a new design that is supposedly more comfortable and stylish while delivering improved sound quality.

Having recently tested the RØDE NTH-100m and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, I was interested to see if this Shure offering could compete in terms of delivering a balanced, authentic, and accurate sound.

Shure SRH840A: Specifications

Shure SRH840A: Design & Handling

The Shure SRH840A headphones certainly look the part. With a black and gold colour combo, they look both classy and minimalist and would fit well into any type of creative studio. I particularly like the aesthetic driven by thread stitching on the top of the headband, the logo and circle on the ear cups, and the screws, all of which are gold coloured. These are beautifully offset against the deep black of everything else.

The cups are cushioned but with nothing like the velour found on the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X. As a result, they're not quite as comfortable and are also a little too small to be 'roomy' around my average-sized ears.

The headband is reinforced with metal, which is both sturdy and flexible to allow for different head widths. The high-density and slow-recovery foam is covered by a good-looking woven fabric. Everything, with the exception of the earpads, oozes class and quality.

Each earcup can be independently adjusted by sliding the internal mechanism up or down. It's not the smoothest of operations and feels less secure than the RØDE NTH-100, but it does the job. These cups house 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers, which are designed to offer natural and well-balanced frequency response with low distortion. More on that in the performance section below.

In terms of portability, I was relieved to find that the earcups fold flat. One further step to allow them to rotate up into themselves, like the Sony WH-1000XM6s, would help with transportation. The cable that twist-locks into the left earcup is detachable, which helps to pack them up neatly. Shure also ships the headphones with a carrying bag, a threaded ¼” (6.3 mm), and a gold-plated adapter.

Shure SRH840A: Performance

At the time of writing, the Shure SRH840A were priced at $169/£155, which puts them in the midrange from a cost perspective, sandwiched between entry-level and premium alternatives. Given the price, I was very impressed by their ability and would label them an excellent all-rounder.

They were equally at home when listening to music as they were in the studio. This makes them a perfect solution for anyone wanting flexible performance and headphones that will work in a variety of different contexts. More serious professionals will want a more capable pair, but for everyone else, the SRH840As are more than capable.

In terms of sonic performance, they pick up details across the whole frequency spectrum. Their range is set at 5-25,000Hz, which is smaller than the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, but given that most humans can't hear beyond 20,000Hz, this didn't create any problems while listening or editing.

Overall, there is fairly even representation across the bass, midtone, and treble, with very little sense of one competing for prominence. There is clarity and detail, which slightly lacks energy on some tracks, but the output is nicely even and controlled.

In terms of sound isolation, the closed-back design with cushioned earpads does a pretty good job, although it doesn't have the same performance in this area as the superior DT 770 PRO X.

Shure SRH840A: Verdict

The Shure SRH840A headphones are a significant improvement upon their predecessors, the SRH840. A beautiful and carefully considered design results in a striking aesthetic that will look fantastic in the studio, while out walking, or on public transport.

In terms of audio performance, you'll get clear and controlled sonic sensitivity across the whole frequency range. I would have appreciated a little more detail, especially in the mid-range, but all in all, there's very little wrong with them.

You'll find superior performance from the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, but if your budget doesn't stretch that far, then these headphones from Shure are a fantastic choice.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

The DT 770 PRO X from Beyerdynamic is one of the best headphones for video editing. Much has already been written about these over-ear, closed-back headphones, including their ability to blend bass, treble, and midtones to deliver accurate sound. This is why they're much loved among those who record and monitor audio.

They are wired, incredibly cushioned, and include an optional mini XLR connector. The company has named them 'studio headphones', so we're here to test how good they really are for content creators, with a specific focus on video editors.

I've recently tested the excellent-sounding and fully featured Sony WH-1000XM5s, but they're much more comparable to the RØDE NTH-100. I'll make some comparisons in my review, which I trust will help you decide which is best for you.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X: Specifications

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X: Design & Handling

The first thing I noticed about the DT 770 PRO X was the velour-covered earpads! Not only do they look delightfully classy, but they also provide one of the most comfortable headphone experiences I've ever had. The fact that they can be detached and replaced means that even if they become worn or damaged, you don't need to replace the full headphone set.

Comfort continues thanks to the padded headband and overall weight distribution that keeps everything feeling nice and roomy up top. They weigh the same as the RØDE NTH-100, which means they're a little on the heavy side compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, but nothing that isn't managed by quality engineering.

Accurate sound is delivered from the new in-house designed and manufactured STELLAR.45 driver that is capable of a frequency response between 5 and 40,000 Hz. The magnet is made of neodymium, while the precious coil is copper-plated. This partnership ensures low-distortion sound, even when you've cranked the volume up really high.

An impedance of 48 ohms means these can be utilised on low-power devices, including laptops and smartphones. I plugged it into my MacBook Pro, via an adaptor, and had no problems at all.

The 3m cable is plenty long enough for connecting to any device, either in the studio or on set. It has a built-in 3.5mm jack, although Beyerdynamic provides a mini XLR adapter should you want to hook them up to something like a wireless microphone beltpack. The cable is removable from the headphones, which is ideal for transportation purposes. The pouch bag also helps with this.

The closed-back design and cushioned earpads do a remarkable job of isolating background noise. I couldn't believe how good they were. I would say they're better than the RØDE NTH-100 in this regard, but you'll still hear a little bit of noise if you're in a busy environment.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X: Performance

Right from the get-go, I couldn't believe how good the DT 700 Pro X headphones sounded. They're more expensive than the RØDE NTH-100, but I think they're worth the extra money.

Their sonic performance is marked by clarity and detail that lets you enjoy all the individual instruments of the audio track while still appreciating the combination. Bass and treble frequencies are beautifully presented without being allowed to dominate. As a result, I felt that I could 100% trust what I was listening to – an essential part of audio editing, monitoring, and recording.

The honesty, accuracy, and focus on midtones might not provide the most lively or exciting of listening experiences, but that's not a problem for professional-grade studio headphones. That's not to say that they lack the emotion required for casual listening, but they're not as lively as the Sony WH-1000XM5s.

The overall performance would be best described as subtle and controlled. The DT 770 PRO X was in absolute control at every turn, and it became a trusted companion during editing sessions.

You won't find any additional 'popular' features such as ANC or pausing audio when you take them off. There's also no built-in microphone, so you won't be able to answer calls without either removing the headphones or connecting a separate microphone. None of these are reasons not to buy the DT 770 PRO X, though. If you're considering them, then it's for their studio and professional qualities.

It was a little frustrating that they weren't more portable, and the lack of a hard carry case meant I'd be concerned about damaging them should I move them about too much. That said, they're well-built and robust enough for that concern not to be too warranted.

All in all, the DT 770 PRO X performs excellently where it matters most.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X: Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X is everything you could ever want from a pair of studio headphones. Not only are they comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but they also produce an even, controlled, and accurate sound that can be trusted.

They're more expensive than the RØDE NTH-100, despite offering many of the same features. The difference was that the DT 770 PRO X delivered a more well-rounded and complete sound performance, and therefore I'd recommend anyone to go with Beyerdynamic if they can afford them.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

The best headphones for video editing deliver quality sound that is both clear and tonally neutral. That means they give equal weighting to bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, guaranteeing that you hear audio without unnecessary interference.

I reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and found that they delivered unbelievable sound quality and outstanding ANC performance, but they weren't as neutral as I was looking for. That's no surprise, considering they're not a dedicated pair of professional headphones.

That's where the RØDE NTH-100 headphones come into play. They claim to produce "exceptional sonic performance and superior comfort", and having owned and used them for over a month now, I can tell you whether that's true or not.

RØDE NTH-100: Specifications

RØDE NTH-100: Design & Handling

From a design perspective, there's a lot going on with the RØDE NTH-100s. At a cursory glance, it's almost like there are too many components fighting for attention. Anyone who cares only about sound quality will be unlikely to care, but these headphones are as far from sleek minimalism as you can get.

In terms of materials, there's a mix of metal and plastic with Alcantara fabric at all contact points, namely the ears and the top of the head. RØDE is known for its gold dot branding, but that so briefly appears on the cups that I can only imagine that RØDE wanted to go seriously understated. Instead, they've plastered a massive ‘Ø’ on each earcup, which almost blends in save for its more reflective finish.

The earcups are covered with thick CoolTech gel cushions. With the lack of any ANC technology, these cushions help to isolate sound entering the ears. In terms of design, the cushions look exactly as you would expect. In terms of feel, the cool gel certainly takes a lot of getting used to and, on a cold day, isn't welcome. It does, however, come into its own when working in a hot office.

Weighing in at 350g, they're definitely on the heavier end of headphones. Having only just finished testing the Sony WH-1000XM5 (250g), I was surprised at how heavy they were. It wasn't a problem after a while of adjustment, but I certainly noticed it at the beginning.

Moving on to operation, the NTH-100 headphones feature one clamp on each side, which lets you adjust the fit accordingly. It's well-engineered and unlikely to fail, although I'm always slightly put off by moving parts and clamping mechanisms. That said, this is the price to pay and the risk to take for having adjustable headphones.

The final thing to say is that the only connectivity option is with the 2.4m cable that has a 3.5mm jack on one end and a twist-to-lock plug at the other. It's great to be able to remove the cable during transit, but the very fact that they are wired means I was averse to moving them around with me. They also don't fold down, so transporting them is a big no-no. These have been specifically designed to be used in one place, and you move them at your own peril.

RØDE NTH-100: Performance

The RØDE NTH-100 are headphones and very little more. They produce sound thanks to their 40mm drivers, but you won't find any other features such as ANC or wireless listening, and there's no sign of any AI. As a result, RØDE has focused all its efforts on delivering optimal sonic performance, but have they managed it?

In short, yes, they absolutely have. They've opted for a very neutral tone that masterfully balances bass and treble such that neither overpowers nor diminishes the other. This is ideal for sound monitoring. It's not to say that the overall performance is not punchy, but it's not unnecessarily so.

Sound is also clear and crisp, even in the trebles. Midtones are delivered with very little variation or timbre, which means any vocals may lack feeling at times.

All of this means you can absolutely trust what you're listening to. If there's a problem in your audio track, then you'll spot it rather than it getting covered up by boosted bass or treble. Rather than hiding anything, RØDE serves up exactly what's there.

The lack of ANC might concern some, but the sound is isolated by precision engineering. The closed-back design and earcup cushions keep enough background noise out, but if you're in a busy office, you're still going to hear some talking or noise.

These are outstanding headphones when you're zoned in on video editing, but if you like the flexibility to also answer calls without needing to remove your headphones, then that's not natively possible. You could buy an NTH-Mic accessory that can be attached to the NTH-100, but that's an additional cost and far from ideal.

Even though you're unlikely to want to transport these headphones, I was a little disappointed to see that they only came with a bag rather than a hard case. I would absolutely fear damaging them if I had to regularly take them on set to monitor audio.

RØDE NTH-100: Verdict

In a headphone market that is flooded with feature-rich options, the RØDE NTH-100 headphones are beautifully simple. Casting aside anything like ANC, wireless technology, or even a microphone, they focus solely on delivering accurate sound, and boy, do they manage it.

Video editors focusing on sound monitoring and editing will value the lack of boosted bass and treble, which can often lead to a soundscape that makes it hard to trust. They're not bad for casual music listening, but they come into their own in a professional studio.

If I could get what I want, then I would love to see them go wireless and adopt a foldable design. These two features would greatly increase and improve portability. meaning you could use them as easily in the studio as you could out on a shoot.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

Owning a strong-performing pair of headphones is paramount for any video editor, musician, or music lover. I'm working on creative projects all day long, which means I need a set of cans that not only produce outstanding sound but are also supremely comfortable. They've also got to be portable enough so I can work anywhere I want and monitor audio while out filming.

Enter some of the best headphones for video editing, the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones are part of a long lineup of Sony success stories, which is why I was so surprised to see such a major redesign compared to the WH-1000XM5.

Like others, I wondered if this would have an impact upon sound quality or result in a less comfortable fit. Having used these headphones for a number of weeks, I've put them through their paces while working through various creative tasks. In this review I'll cover the design, handling, and performance as well as provide an extended verdict.

Sony WH-1000XM5: Specifications

• Style: Over ear, closed back
• Connection: Bluetooth / 3.5mm jack
• Driver size: 30mm
• Frequency response: 4-40,000Hz
• Impedance: 48 ohms
• Colors: Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Smoky Pink
• Comes with: Hard case, 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C charging cable
• Weight: 250g

Sony WH-1000XM5: Design & Handling

A complete design overhaul sees Sony embrace a new “noiseless design” in an attempt to produce a slimmer shape that reduces wind noise. These changes are only noticeable if you take the headphones outside and are particularly good when filming in a location or taking calls while travelling. If you only use these while sat at your desk, then the experienced advantages will be pretty limited.

The design changes might have some benefits, but they have come at a cost to their portability. The XM4s could be fully folded away into a super compact footprint, but not so with the XM5s. In pursuit of a noiseless experience, Sony has had to remove the joints and hinges that afforded such flexibility.

The headphones do ship with a hard-walled carry case which keeps the precious cans safe from harm, but gone are the days of being able to throw them into a bag without fear of damage. The case is also opened via a zip rather than a magnetic catch, which adds unnecessary time to getting them out or putting them back.

The overhaul has also resulted in utilising different materials. The use of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is not only nice to see from an environmental perspective, but it also results in a four-gram weight reduction. That might not seem like much, but it is noticeable when holding and wearing them.

There are also changes to the ABS sliders, which, again, are plastic rather than metal. This provides a seamless aesthetic despite feeling less premium than before. These sliders have a noticeably jagged design, which feels rather disjointed from the rest of the look.

I appreciated the memory foam contained within both the earpads and the headband. Combined with a synthetic leather covering, these are some of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I had no issues wearing them for long periods of time, and even though I was ready to remove them after a full day's editing, that's the case with every headphone product.

Aside from the exterior changes, Sony has also swapped out the 40mm driver used in the XM4s for a new 30mm carbon fibre composite dome that is not only supremely rigid but also lightweight.

Sony has also made changes to the already very capable Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. Not only have they incorporated a second processor, but they have also added multiple microphones for enhanced noise cancellation. This combination allows the XM5s to achieve their best noise cancellation performance yet.

The USB-C charging port is located at the bottom of the right earcup, with the left earcup chosen for the 3.5mm headphone jack, on/off button, and Ambient Sound Mode button. All swipe gestures are picked up by the right earcup, with options to control music playback and volume. These took a little bit of getting used to, and I didn't always find them to be the most predictable.

Sony WH-1000XM5: Performance

Connecting the headphones to my laptop, phone, and Sony Sound Connect app was straightforward and seamless. It actually only took me around ten minutes to get fully up and running with all my devices. The app is easy to use, and it unlocks a range of features that enhance the overall listening experience and help to tailor which features you want to use. I personally found the headphones to be well set up straight out of the box, but it was nice to have the option for customisation.

Wireless connectivity was predictable and reliable thanks to Bluetooth version 5.2. There were no issues transferring audio from laptop or phone to the headphones, and I found no need to use the cable for a hardwired experience instead. They also worked in a range of around 10 metres, which meant I could jump up from my desk and enter another room to take a call.

The headphones are fantastic at responding to your cues. That means that if you remove them from your head, your music will be automatically paused. It'll also do the same thing if you begin to talk, thanks to the speak-to-chat feature.

In terms of sound quality, the XM5s don't pretend to be dedicated sound monitoring solutions, but they still deliver sound that is clear, precise, and lively. This blend makes them a perfect all-rounder for the creative who records audio on set, video edits at home, and listens to music on the go.

Qualified sound engineers would benefit from a dedicated pair of headphones, but for almost everyone else, the XM5s will be more than sufficient.

In terms of noise-cancelling technology, Sony has consistently delivered with every single release of these headphones, and the XM5s are no different. The introduction of more microphones and an additional processor helps to reduce noise across the frequency range as well as specifically at the higher end.

My own experience was largely positive, with excellent results in almost all environments, including a busy office and packed coffee shops. Yes, I work in a lot of different places, and these headphones were able to adapt without needing to run any optimisation processes. This adaptive and automatic sound control feature worked well.

They're not perfect, though. Despite being pretty invasive in terms of cutting out noise, I think they could go further and, as a result, be better. In some environments I could still hear some conversations across the room, and because I could only hear the high pitch of their voices, it proved to be rather annoying.

In terms of call quality, the XM5s are better than any of its predecessors. With four microphones, wind noise reduction, and AI-powered noise reduction, the headphones deliver sound that is clear and free from interference. I was able to use them to take calls in a variety of different contexts without fear of being drowned out.

Battery life is excellent, with an advertised 30 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling enabled. If you'd like even better performance, then you can gain an extra ten hours by turning off the latter.

Sony WH-1000XM5: Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are not a dedicated pair of monitoring headphones, but they're not far off. With clear and detailed audio, you can rely on the XM5s to monitor audio while on set as well as edit audio when at your workstation.

I love being able to put them on at the start of the day and, thanks to excellent active noise cancellation, forget about my surroundings and focus on the creative tasks before me. They truly are something special.

As well as delivering in a professional context, they're also one of the best options for music lovers. With excellent sound quality across the whole frequency range, music is an absolute joy to listen to. And if you find yourself needing to take a call, the XM5s perform well in that area too.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

Think Atomos and you’ll think, external camera monitors, so you can imagine my surprise when I learned that the Melbourne-based outfit had launched a pair of headphones at NAB.

That’s right, the Atomos StudioSonic is a pair of wired, pro-grade, closed-back, over-ear headphones, designed for content creators, sound engineers, studio professionals, and DJs. Whether you’re capturing on-set dialogue, editing audio for your videos, or producing a master, Atomos says: “StudioSonic delivers true-to-source audio precision—so you can hear every detail exactly as it was meant to be heard.”

These contenders for the best headphones for video editing boast 50mm high-resolution drivers, and a frequency response of 10Hz–40kHz – bearing in mind that most consumer headphones produce the standard audible range of 20Hz–20kHz.

The over-ear, closed-back design allows for passive noise cancelling, and while it might seem like an oversight in 2025 not to implement active noise cancellation, professional audiophiles are more likely to opt for passive noise cancelling – or open-backed designs – over active noise cancelling in a bid to achieve the truest sound quality.

Furthermore, active noise cancelling would require charging, another obstacle for professional use, so it’s nice to see that Atomos has gone for a wired design, via a detachable two-meter coiled cable. You also get dual 3.5mm and 6.3mm jack plugs and you don’t need to plug into an external amp, boosting the appeal for on-the-go creatives.

These headphones max out at 105dB – so they get loud – and have a 30-ohm impedance, making them suitable for use with a wide range of devices. Oh, and if you’re a DJ type that likes to monitor in one ear, the cups swivel up to 180 degrees.

The Atomos StudioSonic is made from reinforced plastic and metal, with earpads constructed using “ultra-soft memory foam”, while also featuring a cushioned headband.

You can pre-order the Atomos StudioSonic now, with deliveries planned as early as May 2025. They have an RRP of $199.

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As a certified music lover, musician and video editor, having the right pair of headphones is incredibly important. I’ve owned a pair of Sony’s WH-1000XM series headphones since the WH-1000XM3 in 2019 and I’m actually on my second pair of WH-1000XM4’s at the moment.

I wear them A LOT and I’m not sure I’ve ever reviewed a product that I’ve been using for such an extensive period of time so I have plenty of experience with the WH-1000XM4’s. One thing that did shock me was how much more affordable they’ve become. When I bought my first pair of WH-1000XM3’s in 2019 they were £239 / $310, but now when I bought my most recent pair of WH-1000XM4’s earlier this year they were on offer for just £149 / $192.73. So there’s never been a better time to buy a pair as you’re getting excellent value for money with more features and a lower price point, though you may need to be patient and wait for a time when they're on sale.

So let’s get to it! In this review I’ll run through what all of the technical specs mean and also how I’ve gotten on with them over years…

Sony WH-1000XM4: Specifications

• Style: Over ear, closed back
• Connection: Bluetooth / 3.5mm jack
• Driver size: 40mm
• Frequency response: 4-40,000Hz
• Impedance: 16-47 ohms
• Colors: Black, White, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue
• Comes with: Hard case, 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C charging cable
• Weight: 254g

Sony WH-1000XM4: Design & Handling

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones come provided with a hard case and the headphones themselves can swivel and pack flat into the hard case which also has room for the provided cables and accessories including a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable which measures 1.2m and a plug adapter for in-flight use.

The headphones come fully equipped with some handy features for both plugged-in and wireless use. For a more reliable old-school connection you have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and the headphones come with a 1.2m cable so you can plug in. When turned on, pulling the headphone jack out automatically shuts the headphones off.

I’ve found the wireless Bluetooth connectivity to be very reliable over the Bluetooth 5.0 connection, the range is also impressive at 10m (30ft) and even when I leave my phone in another room I can still maintain phone calls or continue streaming music from it absolutely no problem.

The headphones support NFC for quick connection simply by moving the headphones close to the device you want to connect to. Its Bluetooth 5.0 capability means it can connect to multiple devices at the same time, however it will only stream audio from one, I often find myself having to turn the Bluetooth of my laptop off so that I can hear the audio through my phone when I need it.

The Custom button cycles through Ambient Sound, Ambient Sound Control Off and Noise Cancelling. You can also hold down this button to run through a Noise Cancelling Optimiser which will help the NC work best to the specific external sounds in your environment, from people talking to traffic or the hum of a jet engine – the optimizer targets specific sounds and is remarkably good at eliminating them. It’s not so good that it can totally remove somebody talking loudly right next to you, but it is powerful enough to remove a noisy neighbour’s music coming through the walls or a barking dog and on a recent flight it completely removed the engine hum and chatter of passengers talking in the background so I could enjoy a film in total peace.

When it comes to the noise cancellation the WH-1000XM4 headphones use Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and also use dual noise sensor technology with microphones on each left and right earcup to accurately capture ambient external sound to cancel it out and let you listen without distractions, though I’ll cover this in more detail in Performance.

In my extensive experience I have found that some of my USB-C cables won’t charge the headphones even though a red LED charging light appears on them. So frustratingly the only option I can resort to is to use the very tiny USB-C cable supplied with the headphones to ensure that the headphones are charged. Honestly, there’s nothing worse than coming back to your headphones after hours thinking they've been charging only to realise that they haven’t received any juice at all. That said, this is a minor blemish on an otherwise impeccable pair of headphones.

However, when the battery is fully charged it seems to last forever. Although quoted for 30 hours – it’s remarkable that even with eight hours of usage a day with the NC enabled I maybe only have to charge them up once a week. You can also extend the battery life to around 200 hours if the NC is switched off. A quick charge is possible in 10 mins to gain five hours of battery life though you’ll need a charger with 1.5A output (which costs extra). All of my smartphone USB chargers at home topped out at 1A so this doesn't look too common. A full charge usually takes around three hours.

The outside of the right ear cup supports touch gestures and for the most part I really like this, with the ability to swipe up or down to adjust volume or left and right to skip forward or backwards songs and double-tapping to pause. This works well with apps like Youtube and Spotify.

Speak to chat is a new feature that turns off the noise cancellation when it detects you are speaking to someone, to save you from removing the headphones to have a conversation. But this can be quite distracting and frustrating when this feature activates and you’re in the middle of recording voiceover. However it can be disabled within the app, or by holding two fingers against the touch pad – you’ll hear the message “Speak-to-chat deactivated”.

Another new feature is a proximity sensor within the left ear cup which detects when the headphones have been removed from your head and automatically pauses your music. This is a new addition from the M3’s and at first I was sceptical about it because it seemed a bit of a gimmick and means there’s less padding in the left ear cup, however I haven’t noted comfort to be affected and it is actually quite useful not having to manually pause music when you remove the headphones as they do it automatically for you, and resume when you put them back on.

Sony WH-1000XM4: Performance

The Sony WH-1000XM4’s gave a solid performance in pretty much every area, the comfort is very good, though perhaps not quite as comfortable for very long editing sessions as its headband is narrower than some of the other models in our buying guide. That said, the sound quality with its DSEE Extreme™ and LDAC is outstanding, the battery life is also excellent, though it is a little annoying that you have to use the Sony Headphones Connect app to get the most out of them.

I always love letting friends and family try my WH-1000XM4’s and watching their faces as they react to the noise cancellation. I was on a flight to Tokyo recently with DCW editor James Artaius and I let him borrow my headphones and he was blown away by how they completely removed any background chatter and jet engine hum. The Atmospheric Pressure Optimising feature also made sure they were comfortable to wear over this 15 hour long haul flight.

I’m on my third pair of WH-1000-series headphones and on average they're lasting me about three years, though they are really tested with eight hours of use everyday. And for a product that I use everyday, £50 a year for an essential part of my work equipment, I really can’t complain. I suppose if you went for a pair of headphones without noise cancellation you would expect them to last longer as there are less features that could go wrong, however my old headphones still work perfectly fine so long as the noise cancellation is turned off.

My previous pair of WH-1000M4’s lasted three years and they still work as a regular pair of headphones, though the noise cancellation now gets caught in an ear-piercing feedback loop. I’m sure this is just a hair or piece of dirt on one of the microphones but even after cleaning I’ve been unable to fix. Speaking of cleaning however, it is super easy to take the padding off the ear cups and gain access to the speakers and microphones for regular maintenance and dusting.

I use the WH-1000XM4’s regularly for making phone calls as it’s much more comfortable than holding a smartphone to your ear for long periods. The audio quality for phonecalls is usually pretty good, though friends and family have noted that my voice can sound a little glitchy and distorted at times, though this is a rare occurrence.

To get the most out of the headphones you’ll need to use them with Sony’s Sound Connect app as this unlocks features like Personal Noise Cancelling Optimizer which tailors the sound to your unique characteristics such as your head size, hair and whether you wear glasses or not. Whilst the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer analyses your ear shape to create your own personal spatial sound field and further enhance the sound quality for each individual.

Sony WH-1000XM4: Verdict

With six years of daily usage with the WH-1000XM4 headphones and WH-1000XM3 cans before them, I’m not sure I’ve ever had more experience reviewing a single product.

When I forked out for the latest model recently I was pleasantly surprised at how much they’d come down in price since 2019, I picked mine up on sale for £150 so they cost much less now and you’re also getting more features and better noise cancellation than ever! It’s for good reason I’ve been stuck with the Sony brand of headphones for the past six years – the audio quality and noise cancellation is absolutely first-class.

Whilst not specifically made as a pair of monitoring headphones, they won’t have the clearest and most detailed audio compared to other headphones specifically made for monitoring due to the closed back of the Sony WH-1000XM4 which is essential for blocking out external sounds for the noise cancellation, however they are a brilliant everyday pair for everything from listening to music whilst editing your pictures and videos for long periods or even taking to the gym or wearing on public transport.

The noise cancellation on these headphones is where they excel as it’s the best I’ve used to date and can easily cut out background noise – handy when recording video and listening to your audio on location, or when in need of some peace and quiet whilst editing in a busy cafe.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets

A recent report by technology journalist and Apple enthusiast, Mark Gurman, has suggested that AirPods might be getting fitted with tiny cameras in the future.

Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter says the move comes as Apple attempts to create a rival to take on Meta’s smart glasses. Citing lukewarm demand for Apple’s Vision Pro, designers have shifted their concentration to AR glasses as the “superior” option. However, Gurman reports that people in the know at Apple “don’t think a product will be ready for three years or more.”

While we wait for that, Apple is working on other wearable products that could benefit from cameras – such as camera-equipped AirPods.

Gurman first mentioned that Apple was exploring AirPods with cameras in February last year. And it would appear that, despite it not being clear what the cameras would be for, they would serve as infrared sensors, rather than for taking photos. According to a June 2024 blog post from Apple supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple planned to produce new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026 – where the cameras would be similar to iPhones' Face ID receiver.

Kuo said the AirPods would give the user an enhanced spatial audio experience with the Apple Vision Pro headset.

"For example, when a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio / computing experience," wrote Kuo.

The cameras could also potentially enable “in-air gesture control” as well, allowing for device interaction with hand movements. They could also be used for feeding data to your Apple Watch, or potentially send information to your iPhone in future versions of Apple Intelligence.

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Rode is a brand synonymous with some of the best microphones for vlogging and filmmaking. Now the company has released its first ever headset, the NTH-100M. The NTH-100M joins the existing NTH-100s, Rode's debut headphones, and is essentially the same but with an added broadcast-grade, detachable, headset microphone. Rode is pitching the NTH-100M for use in media, broadcast, podcasting, streaming, gaming, and business applications, such are the high-end specs of the headset.

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Custom matched 40mm sound drivers have a 5Hz–35Khz frequency response and 32Ω impedance. Rode states the drivers have been "painstakingly crafted using high-grade components to deliver an extremely accurate frequency response and very low distortion". A unique contoured earcup design is also said to deliver improved clarity and detail, while a layer of high-density memory foam helps improve isolation from external noise. The NTH-100M is said to deliver an open, natural soundstage, making it suitable for a variety of usage applications.

Specifications:

The detachable NTH-Mic fitted to the NTH-100M incorporates a miniature condenser capsule which Rode says will deliver detailed voice reproduction and has been positioned for "optimal plosive rejection with any head shape". The mic can be detached from the headphones when not in use.

To ensure good comfort over long periods of use, the earcups and headband have soft, breathable alcantara padded cushions, as well as a layer of CoolTech gel. This is designed to absorb and dissipate heat, "actively cooling the head and ears to significantly reduce wearing fatigue". Memory foam padding in each earcup, in addition to sealing out external noise, helps ensure a custom fit to any head shape, even including spectacle wearers. Rode's FitLok locking system secures the adjustable headband firmly in place for an almost tailored fit.

The NTH-100M has been built to be incredibly rugged, constructed from high-end materials and components, and designed to survive years of daily use. The detachable NTH-Mic features a locking bayonet connector to ensure a strong connection while also being easy to detach if desired. The ear pads and cable are user-replaceable, and the headphones are covered by a lifetime warranty.

The Rode NTH-100M headset is available to pre-order now from Wex in the UK, priced at £215. US pricing is $189 and you can pre-order at Sweetwater Sound. In Australia the headset can be ordered from Camera House for AU$299.

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For editing video in a serious capacity, the best headphones for video editing are a must. Quality sound is what sets apart good video from great, and while high-end headphones cost a little more, they'll provide you with clear, tonally-neutral audio, so you won't miss the tiniest detail in your sound editing.

When you're using the best video editing software, you ideally don't want to use the kind of headphones aimed for mass-market music listening, because they tend to up either the bass or treble. In contrast, proper studio headphones (which are also referred to as call monitors, reference headphones, or professional headphones) give equal weighting to bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, giving you a balanced reproduction that will help you to check quality, syncing, and levels more professionally. They're also better at keeping out background noise.

Below, we've listed the best headphones for video editing on the market today. These are a selection of the best studio headphones you can buy — we have included a couple of consumer options, but only ones that meet a very high quality threshold. However, we know not everyone has a sky-high budget, so we have ensured there are budget-friendly options on the list. Read on for our picks — and check out our guide to the best microphones for on-set recording, too.

The quick list

The best headphones for video editing

Best overall

We'll keep this simple: the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X are the absolute best headphones for video editing available today, with everything you could ever want from a pair of studio headphones. Not only are they comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but they also produce an even, controlled, and accurate sound that can be trusted.

When we reviewed the DT 700 Pro X we couldn't believe how good these headphones sound. Their sonic performance is marked by clarity and detail that lets you enjoy all the individual instruments of the audio track while still appreciating the combination. Bass and treble frequencies are beautifully presented without being allowed to dominate. The overall performance would be best described as subtle and controlled. The DT 770 PRO X was in absolute control at every turn, and it became a trusted companion during editing sessions.

Read our full Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X headphones review

Best for features

Nothing has quickly built a reputation for making consumer tech that doesn't look like everyone else’s, and the Headphone (a) continues that trend. These are the company’s more affordable over-ear headphones, yet they still feature active noise cancellation, LDAC support, a companion app with customization, and enormous battery life. I also appreciate the distinctive design, which contrasts with the usual generic black over-ear headphones from most brands.

Incorporated into the design are excellent and intuitive physical controls, including the Roller and Paddle: the Roller handles volume, play/pause, and ANC mode switching, while the Paddle makes skipping through tracks easy. Touch controls can often be infuriating, so this is the kind of tactile interface I love. There's also a customizable button, which can be used for summoning your chosen AI assistant or reassigned for other quick settings.

Sound quality is very good, with enough balance and bass to be punchy and enjoyable. When video editing you can hear your audio with plenty of clarity. My voice in video recordings sounded clear, and when mixing in background tracks I could get a good understanding of the levels before exporting. Audiophiles can get better sound quality elsewhere, but the Headphone (a) is more about overall value than uncompromising audio fidelity.

Battery life is where the Headphone (a) really excels. Nothing claims up to 135 hours without ANC and 75 hours with it, and I found those figures to be pretty accurate during our testing. There is also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection if you run out of power.

Read our full Nothing Headphone (a) review

Best value

Since Røde is known for its best-in-class microphones, it makes sense that the Australian manufacturer would eventually get into the headphones business as well. The Røde NTH-100 headphones are a pair of wired consumer cans, but they offer a sufficient degree of audio fidelity to be useful for editing and mixing work. They're comfortable to wear for long periods, with their memory foam incorporating CoolTech gel that is designed to dissipate heat and prevent the headphones from becoming unbearably hot and sweaty,

During comprehensive testing we found the sound to be excellent, with a very neutral tone that masterfully balances bass and treble such that neither overpowers nor diminishes the other - ideal for sound monitoring. Sound is also clear and crisp, even in the trebles. Midtones are delivered with very little variation or timbre, which can mean vocals lack feeling at times, but the result is a soundscape you can absolutely trust.

Downsides? They're a little heavier than some rivals, and they don't fold, so are best suited to life in the office, not location work.

Read our full RØDE NTH-100 headphones review

Best for video and music

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are not a dedicated pair of monitoring headphones, but they're not far off. With clear and detailed audio, you can rely on the XM5s to monitor audio while on set as well as edit audio when at your workstation.

As well as delivering in a professional context, they're also one of the best options for music lovers. With excellent sound quality across the whole frequency range, music is an absolute joy to listen to. And if you find yourself needing to take a call, the XM5s perform well in that area too.

As for comfort, I appreciated the memory foam contained within both the ear pads and the headband. Combined with a synthetic leather covering, these are some of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn.

These headphones also feature noise cancellation, which I was mostly impressed with. It gives excellent results in almost all environments, including a busy office and packed coffee shops. These headphones are able to adapt without needing to run any optimisation processes.

Best for sound quality

The Shure SRH840A headphones are admirable all-rounders at an affordable price point. Not only do they look fantastic with a distinctive black and gold colour combo, they also sound controlled and accurate.

In terms of sonic performance, they pick up details across the whole frequency spectrum. There's a fairly even representation across the bass, midtone, and treble, with very little sense of one competing for prominence. Clarity and detail are also good, which slightly lacks energy on some tracks, but the output is nicely even and controlled.

In terms of sound isolation, the closed-back design with cushioned ear pads does a pretty good job, although it doesn't have the same performance in this area as the superior DT 770 PRO X (above). The cushions themselves are comfy, though some may find their size a little small.

Read our full Shure SRH840A review

Best wireless

The WH-1000XM4s aren't designed as reference studio monitors, which is why they're not higher up this list. But their wide 4-40,000Hz frequency response is very respectable. And there's a lot of other good things on offer besides, such as advanced active noise cancellation. This may not be vital when editing in a quiet studio, but could be a neat trick for masking background traffic noise on location, or if you need to edit while on a plane.

The closed earcup design and leatherette pads help add some extra passive noise cancellation for good measure, and overall these cans are lightweight and comfortable. You're free to move while filming or editing thanks to the wireless Bluetooth connection giving up to 10m of range, while the built-in USB-rechargeable battery is said to be good for up to 30 hours runtime.

There's also a 3.5mm wired connection that enables you to use the headphones even if the battery is flat, or should you need to connect to traditional Hi-Fi equipment. A ‘Speak to Chat’ feature lets you talk to someone while the headphones are still on your head. The Ambient Sound Control feature automatically feeds in background noise should you want to know what's going on around you. And you can tune the sound profile to suit your taste using the bundled app.

See our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review

How to choose the best headphones for video editing

When you're editing video for long periods, comfortable earcups are a must. For this reason, studio headphones don't tend to use an in-ear, earbud design, and instead are generally classified as 'on-ear' or 'over-ear'.

On-ear headphones are less common in the studio sector. These earcups rest flat on the surface of your ear, which can be fine for shorter periods, but could cause fatigue after a while.

Over-ear cups – also called circumaural – solve this by adding a thicker perimeter ring of padding around the cup so it sits around your ear, rather than on it. It's a more comfortable solution for long editing stints, and also creates a seal around each ear to seal out background noise - a feature called noise isolation, or passive noise reduction.

Then there's the choice between open-back and closed-back earcups. Closed back are more common in the reference headphone market, as they help to further isolate sound. Open-back earcups will have a vented exterior casing to allow some sound to escape. This can create a wider, airier sound profile, but it also means others around you can hear the audio leakage, and in the worst case it could end up being recorded as background noise by a very sensitive mic.

How we test headphones

At Digital Camera World we test and review all kinds of photo and video accessories, including audio kit like microphones and headphones. Oyur experienced team of journalists and testers have a wide range of experience when it comes to kit, so we know what we're looking for. We test how products stack up against their manufacturer's claims — does a pair of headphones do everything the makers claim it does? Is the noise cancelling effective, is the sound fidelity up to par, are the headphones comfortable to wear for long periods? For video editing especially, the latter point is hugely important. Find out more about how we test and review at Digital Camera World.

FAQs

This is RØDE’s first-ever set of headphones and complements its wide range of mics, mixers, apps and other audio equipment. Although they’re designed with content creators and video editors in mind, RØDE has also designed them for critical listening, mixing, mastering, music production podcasting, live-streaming, location recording.

The RØDE NTH-100 headphones are over-ear types, offering passive sound isolation and controlled ’spill’ so that nearby microphones don’t pick up what you’re hearing.

RØDE has designed them to combine “exceptional sonic performance” with style, comfort and durability.

The performance comes from custom-matched dynamic drivers which deliver, according to RØDE, “incredibly accurate” frequency response, low distortion and exceptional detail and clarity.

Some of the performance also comes from the design. The earcup and headband are trimmed with Alcantara for superior comfort, but they also include memory foam cushions for noise isolation and low spill, and are filled with CoolTech gel for comfort when they are being worn for long periods. 

RØDE says the design eliminates standing modes and frequency resonances and gives the “sound signature” of open-back headphones with the advantages of a closed design.

The NTH-100s are practical too, with cable sockets on both left and right earcups so that you can swap the cable left to right to avoid it crossing your body, and there’s a twist-lock mechanism to stop the cables being yanked out.

The earcups themselves have very clear ‘L’ and ‘R’ (left and right labels) which is such a simple but useful feature. They come with a storage pouch, a 3.5mm to 1/4-inch adaptor for pro audio gear and colored ID rings – handy if multiple sets are being used.

The The RØDE NTH-100 headphones are available now, and cost $149/£149/AU$249.

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If you're looking for a set of headphones for your phone calls, podcasts or watching photography tutorials, these AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case are on sale for just $199.99 – an instant saving of $50! 

Perfect for answering calls on Apple's best camera phones, listening to podcasts while you edit images on your Mac, or watching photo and video tutorials on your iPad to get tips on location for a shoot, these AirPods Pro can be set up with a single tap – and they automatically turn on and play audio when you put them into your ears, and pause when you take them out! No more worrying about turning them on or off to save power. The fantastic Wireless Charging Case can be charged up using a Lightning cable; the AirPods give you 5 hours of listening on a single charge, and the case can keep them powered for over 24 hours of listening time. And best of all, you can top them up with an hour of charge for just five minutes in the case! 

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