In the world of videography — and in my case, wedding videography — audio is essential. It is perhaps the most important element of any wedding film. Without crisp and clear audio, you can’t tell the couple’s story. And, without a good pair of monitoring headphones for video editing, you can’t fine-tune your speeches and vows to that perfect level in post.
Now, are high-quality headphones essential when you’re beginning as a filmmaker? Of course not. You need to invest in the gear that matters most — notably a camera, lenses, stabilizers, and other audio equipment. But, once you have a handful of weddings under your belt and you’re ready to level up your game, having a solid pair of headphones with good sound quality can improve your audio and final product. Once you get started editing, with the right software, computer, monitor (maybe even consider setting up a dual monitor), you’ll be ready to elevate your videos.
So how do you choose a pair of headphones for editing your wedding video? Below are our top five picks for the best headphones filmmakers, video editors, and content creators:
The Best Headphones for Editing Video
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Over the Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
When it comes to headphones for video editing, look no further than the highly rated Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Over the Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones, which offer industry-leading noise cancellation. These headphones let you clearly hear every tune, note, and word, with dual noise sensor technology that includes two microphones on each earcup. Through the built-in adaptive sound control, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Over the Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones quickly adjust and work based on your location and behavior. The headphones promise full-day noise-cancelling power with a battery life of up to 30 hours. You can control the headphones via touch sensor controls for everything from skipping tracks to turning up the volume.
Key Features:
- HD Noise-Cancelling QN1 processor & Dual Noise Sensor technology
- Ambient Sound Control
- Closed, dynamic headphones
- Continuous music playback time with internal memory: 30 hours (noise control on), 38 hours (noise control off)
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones are another great option for video-editing headphones. With the high-quality headphones, you’ll enjoy a comfortable modern design with high-quality materials, particularly the cushioned and contoured ear cups—ideal for those long days in the editing studio or home office.
And, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones do not disappoint when it comes to quality. They deliver precise audio via 40mm drivers constructed with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. Plus, these professional headphones promise pristine low-frequency performance, guaranteeing you hear every audio cue and note for a spot-on video-editing workflow.
Key Features:
- Frequency response range of 15Hz to 20,000 Hz
- 40 mm drivers
- 96 dB sensitivity
- Single-side cable exit
- Closed, dynamic headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose is known worldwide for its audio precision, so it’s no surprise the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones made their way onto our list of best video-editing headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 45 are as comfortable as they are high-quality. The ear cups include soft leather cushions designed to conform to your ears for all-day listening and editing.
Additionally, these headphones incorporate Bose’s renowned noise-reducing technology, promising top-notch silence when you need to limit distractions, or the Aware mode when you need to tune into your surroundings. Deep, crisp, and accurate sounds are a guarantee with the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology
- Quiet Mode or Aware Mode
- New four-microphone system to improve audio pickup
- Charges via USB-C
- 24 hours of play time
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max promise the perfect blend of high-quality audio and cozy-yet-minimalistic comfort. These sleek over-ear headphones are ideal for video editing and everyday use. They’re cushioned with memory foam for comfortable all-day listening or editing, with an optimal acoustic seal designed to fit a variety of different head shapes. The result? A seriously immersive sound experience.
Add Apple’s industry-leading noise cancellation, and the Apple AirPods Max are hard to beat in the video-editing-headphones category. You can control the headphones via the digital crown, which operates everything from volume to skipping tracks, not to mention activating Siri. And, the Apple AirPods Max come in four eye-catching colors: gray, blue, green, and white.
Key Features:
- Over-the-ear high-fidelity headphones
- Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio
- Noise cancellation with transparency mode
- Quick, on-headphone controls
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Automatic switching and audio sharing
Sony MDR-7506 Pro Headphones
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a more budget-friendly option for video editors. Its rugged closed-ear design minimizes background noise well while also providing considerable volume. This design also eliminates headphone bleed. It has a frequency response range of 10 to 20,000 Hz and a compact and foldable design. For circumaural headphones, the compact MDR-7506 gives you bang for your buck without compromising on overall functionality and performance.
Key Features:
- Circumaural closed-back stereo design
- 40mm Driver Unit
- Frequency response: 10-20kHz
- Compact & foldable for easy storage
How to Know Which Headphones are Best for Video Editing
Before you go buying a pair of headphones, you must take various factors into consideration. Some headphone features may be much more desirable for video editing than for music listening or general use. Here are some things that you should keep an eye out for when getting the best headphones for editing:
Type of headphone
Headphones are created for different uses, from listening to music to drowning ambient or loud and bothersome noise. When it comes to video editing headphones, you’ll want to look for “monitoring headphones.” This style lets you hear the pure quality of sound. Unlike noise-cancelling headphones that are designed to drown out unwanted sounds, monitoring headphones won’t alter any audio coming through. Instead, you get the “truest” form of audio possible.
Comfortable and fitted ear cups
Some people may take the fit of headphones for granted thinking that they will only use them for short periods. Editing videos and film is a different story. Even if your high-end headphones have immaculate audio quality, it would be useless if they’re ill-fitting and uncomfortable to wear. Good editing headphones should be light and comfortable around the ears. Make sure to try the headphones on and see if your ears are comfortable wearing them for extended periods.
Frequency Response Range
The human ear can hear between 20 to 20,000Hz, so you’ll want to ensure your headphones meet this minimum required range. The best headphones for video production go beyond the 20 to 20,000Hz range, reaching 30,000hz or more. If you’re looking for budget options, you’ll be well set with the 20 to 20,000Hz range. But make sure not to go below this range to get optimal results from your headphones.
Open-back versus closed-back headphones
Video editing headphones come with either open-back or closed-back ear cups. Open-back designs provide more ambient noise to filter in, similar to having the speaker effect, while closed-back headphones block most of the ambient noise and help you edit with hyper-focused precision. Closed-back ear cups are also better when dealing with lower frequencies. Both options work well and have their specific pros and cons. It all depends on your preference and whether or not you like editing with or without hearing ambient noise.
Flexibility
Another consideration for getting video editing headphones is its compatibility with numerous devices. Having flexible headphones that can easily connect to a PC, smartphone, or mixing panels is ideal. Wireless headphones are also an option as they are easier to switch around multiple devices. However, they often have issues in conveying accurate sound compared to wired headphones. A solution for this is getting wired headphones with detachable cables and different plugs that can connect to various devices easily. It may also be useful to get a headphones amplifier to make sure you’re getting the clearest, purest sound possible.
If you’re ready for more ways to improve your audio, check out our full resource library of audio tips, tricks, and insights!
