While there's not many more satisfying feelings than playing through a cranked tube amp, it's not always the best idea when you share your home with others or you're playing out of hours. Investing in a set of the best guitar amp headphones is an essential purchase for any guitar player who wants to practice regularly, allowing you to play your best without incurring the wrath of parents, partners, roommates, and your neighbors.
There are so many different pairs of headphones available in 2024, that picking the best ones for your guitar can be a tough choice. Lucky for you our writing team of real guitarists has tested more than our fair share here at Guitar World over the years, giving us an excellent overview of what products will suit you best. We prefer studio headphones as they're intended to give a non-colored picture of your sound, also known as a flat response. This means that when you're practicing with a pair of headphones you're getting the exact sound of your guitar, without any bass boosting or high frequency shelves that you'll often find on consumer headphones. We make sure to rigorously test all of the suggestions in our guides by playing reference mixes through them, plugging them into our own amplifiers, as well as trying a variety of effects through them too.
If you're still unsure about exactly how to use a pair of guitar amp headphones, then make sure to stop by our buying advice section which answers loads of common questions. To see the very best guitar amp headphones available right now, keep on scrolling...
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Packing five unique amp types from the Katana amp series, including voicings for bass guitar and acoustics, plus 50 customizable effects through Boss’ Tone Studio app, it’s hard to see much wrong with the Waza-Air system. The advanced spatial technology and integrated gyro sensor claim to deliver a true ‘amp-in-room’ experience that will impress even the most scrupulous tone hounds out there.
With a frequency response of 15Hz to 25kHz, these headphones will cover your guitar sound in full and for little expense compared to other models made for studio use. They offer little in terms of extras, designed primarily with mixing in mind, but still double as a great pair of headphones for listening to your favorite albums.
This closed-back set from Audio-Technica sits amongst the most popular studio-quality headphones on the market and are well suited for guitar players, supporting frequencies from 15Hz to 28kHz. They’re highly effective at delivering amp tones that are uncolored and real – with very little change in EQ and response, and a quicker response compared to mainstream wireless options.
This set from Sennheiser is as expressive and dynamic as it gets. It includes high-power neodymium magnet systems for minimum harmonic and intermodulation distortion, and lightweight aluminum voice coils that offer a quick and transient response, delivering truly pristine tones to connoisseurs and purists alike. With a frequency range of 10Hz to 41kHz, it covers the guitar spectrum and beyond.
If you're taking your guitar on the road a lot, then the Sennheiser HD25s are a brilliant option. They're designed for DJs but have an expansive frequency range that suits the guitar equally well. They're ultra-compact and lightweight so perfect for bundling in a bag to take on the go. They're super durable too, so you won't have to worry about them getting damaged either.
These closed over-ear headphones from German manufacturers Beyerdynamic are very high-end, with a frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 35kHz for maximum resolution and precision. That extended range means all notes feel defined and articulate, even at the extreme bottom end of the register, making them great for use with bass, as well as any other kind of guitar.
Features could be overkill for those with minimalist needs
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want a complete wireless rig: Waza-Air doesn't require an external amplifier and being totally wireless, it's an excellent option to free yourself from the shackles of any cables.
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: This level of technology isn't cheap, so avoid it if you're on a small budget.
Packing five unique amp types from the Katana amp series, including voicings for bass guitar and acoustics, plus 50 customizable effects through Boss’ Tone Studio smartphone app, it’s hard to see where you can go wrong with the Waza-Air system. The advanced spatial technology and integrated gyro sensor claim to deliver a true ‘amp-in-room’ experience that will impress even the most scrupulous tone hounds out there – we’ve seen the evidence – and its 3D ambience delivered through custom-designed 50mm drivers with virtually zero latency.
Other incentives include a versatile two-way design, allowing the ‘phones to be folded away and built-in rechargeable batteries that offer five hours of undisturbed play time. It’s this kind of clever thinking from Boss that has established them as undisputed pioneers of the trade.
✅ Buy if you're on a budget: These headphones are dirt cheap but still provide excellent quality sound that's great for guitar players.
❌ Avoid if you need low-end: Other models on this list feature a greater depth of low-end so look elsewhere if you're all about the bass.
Not all of the best guitar amp headphones are made the same when it comes to comfort – some can feel too tight and build pressure on the ears over time, therefore distracting the musician from what matters most. This is where the AKG k240 Studio shines, with a self-adjusting headband system that easily sits and sets easily on just about any head size.
With a frequency response of 15Hz to 25kHz, these headphones will cover your guitar sound in full and for little expense compared to other models made for studio use. They offer little in terms of extras, designed primarily with mixing in mind, but still double as a great pair of headphones for listening to your favorite albums.
Best Bluetooth
(Image credit: Future)
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
The best headphones for guitar amps overall, now with Bluetooth…
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Wireless: Yes
Frequency range: 15 - 28,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
A highly trusted best-seller
+
Guitar-friendly frequency response
+
Foldable design
Reasons to avoid
-
Fit is quite tight
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want a wireless option: Although they do come with a cable, the Bluetooth capability of these headphones makes them great as a wireless choice when paired with a Bluetooth receiver.
❌ Avoid if you don't like a tight fit: These headphones are very snug, so avoid them if you don't like tight-fitting headphones.
This closed-back set from Audio-Technica sits amongst the most popular studio-quality headphones on the market and are well suited for guitar players, supporting frequencies from 15Hz to 28kHz. They’re highly effective at delivering amp tones that are uncolored and real – with very little change in EQ and response, and a quicker response compared to mainstream wireless options.
We have had the original, non-wireless version of these headphones for years, they’ve been thoroughly thrown around on countless studio sessions and have never let us down.
However, there is one small gripe with the non-wireless set: the cable, which has a tendency of getting in the way… suffice to say, problem solved with the Bluetooth version! Although you can plug in a cable if you need to, which adds an extra bit of security and guarantees you can use these even in non-wireless settings. Whether you want to record, mix, practice playing, or simply have a great set of headphones to listen to your favorite guitar music on, these do it all to a very high level.
The best durable and lightweight guitar headphones
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Closed-back, on-ear
Wireless: No
Frequency range: 16 - 22000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Extreme lightweight
+
Durable
+
Stylish
Reasons to avoid
-
Included cable is short
-
On ears may not suit everybody
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want portable guitar amp headphones: With their small, lightweight sizing and foldability these headphones are perfect for the traveling guitarist.
❌ Avoid if you don't like on-ears: These headphones are placed on your ears rather than around them, which some guitarists can find uncomfortable.
Seen in DJ booths across the world, the Sennheiser HD25 headphones are industry standard for a reason – and it’s not just DJs who love them, guitarists do too. With a generous frequency range all the way down to 16Hz and up to 22kHz, and super sensitive aluminum voice coils, you can be confident that these headphones deliver an honest representation of your guitar, across the frequency spectrum and dynamic range.
Unlike many of the other headphones in this list, they manage to look contemporary and sleek, and you would be proud to wear them out of the house, compared to the overly large headphones you’d typically find in a studio, which would look equally at home in air traffic control.
Which brings us onto their best quality; how compact and lightweight they are, they’re really built to go anywhere, and if you travel a lot, you should seriously consider these as your mobile audio companion. Their only drawback is that, as on-ears, they aren’t as comfortable as over-ear rivals, so if you plan on using them for prolonged periods, they may begin to feel a little uncomfortable.
Best quality
(Image credit: Future)
5. Sennheiser HD 650
Crystal clarity and unrivalled width from the German giants…
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Open-back dynamic
Wireless: No
Frequency range: 10 Hz - 41,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Designed for audiophiles
+
Unrivalled definition
Reasons to avoid
-
Not as quiet as closed back headphones
-
There are cheaper options on this list
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want the best sound: These premium-level studio headphones will deliver super detailed sound, perfect for audiophiles.
❌ Avoid if you need them quiet: These are open-back headphones which means that some of the sound will escape, making them not so great for people who need the utmost quiet when playing.
Aimed at higher-end users, this set from Sennheiser is as expressive and dynamic as it gets. It includes high power neodymium magnet systems for minimum harmonic and intermodulation distortion, and lightweight aluminium voice coils that offer a quick and transient response, delivering truly pristine tones to connoisseurs and purists alike. With a frequency range of 10Hz to 41kHz, it covers the guitar spectrum and beyond, ensuring you get the fullest and widest sonic picture possible for the music you listen to as well as the music you play.
Being an open back design, it doesn’t contain sound as well as other headphones, though will manage well enough to avoid any complaints from neighbors. As well as a gold plated 1/4" jack plug and a low-noise detachable cable made from highly conductive OFC copper, there’s a specially developed damping element made out of fine acoustic metal mesh. Seriously, it’s as hi-fi as headphones can get and better still.
Best for bass
(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)
6. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
High definition and incredible low-end detail…
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Closed-back
Wireless: Yes
Frequency range: 5 - 35,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Very popular range
+
Lots of detail
Reasons to avoid
-
On the more expensive side
-
Sounds can leak a little when you crank it
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want the best low-end: Going all the way down to 5Hz, these headphones produce ultra-low tones that are great for bassists and drop tuners.
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: These are premium studio headphones so look elsewhere if you're on a tight budget.
These closed over-ear headphones from German manufacturers Beyerdynamic are very high-end, with a frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 35kHz for maximum resolution and precision. That extended range means all notes feel defined and articulate, even at the extreme bottom end of the register, with punch and clarity in areas other sets may lack in.
They’ve been popular with producers – especially for vocal recordings – because of their superior noise isolation, bringing a complete sonic picture into your ears with virtually zero bleed. While the 880 and 990 models, semi-open and fully open respectively, are equally as impressive, it’s the sheer quietness of the 770s that make them ideal for any pro-level guitarist. The price is great, too.
More options...
(Image credit: Neumann)
7. Neumann NDH 30
Best studio-grade option
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Reference-grade open-back
Wireless: No
Frequency range: 12 - 34,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Pristine sonic accuracy
+
Extended frequency response
+
Sumptuous looks
Reasons to avoid
-
Leaks sound
-
Expensive
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want accuracy: These audiophile-grade headphones are perfect for players who want to hear their guitar tones in the utmost detail.
❌ Avoid if you need complete silence: Being open back design means that they will leak sound, so not ideal if you want as quiet a pair as possible.
Famed for producing the very best microphones around, Neumann has a storied history in studio monitoring too. With the NDH 30 headphones, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d strapped two expensive monitors to your ears and were experiencing your guitar in a world renowned studio. They have an aura that shines through even from glancing at them, with the beautiful steel spring and aluminum body providing the exacting quality you’d expect from Neumann, setting them above their rivals.
As you’d hope from studio-grade monitoring, these aren’t flattering headphones, they’re very much designed to give you a crystal clear, transparent representation of your audio, utilizing their absolutely gargantuan frequency range of 12Hz to 34kHz. Their open back design gives you a natural low end and really makes the stereo field sing, so if you’re into stereo effects, they will shine in the NDH 30s.
These aren’t headphones for the casual player, they’re for those obsessed with their tone and want to hear every minute detail of their playing – if that is you, the NDH 30 is the current benchmark in studio headphones.
(Image credit: Future)
8. Austrian Audio HI-X15
Budget friendly headphones from audio experts
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Wireless: No
Frequency range: 12 - 24,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Transparent sound
+
Great design
Reasons to avoid
-
Need a bit of running in
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want comfort: We found these headphones to be super comfortable, and great for guitarists who like to play for lengthy amounts of time.
❌ Avoid if you need complete silence: Being open back design means that they will leak sound, so not ideal if you want as quiet a pair as possible.
Another manufacturer more famed for sound recording than sound reproduction, Austrian Audio is the new kid on the block; but unlike so many newbies who suffer teething problems, pretty much everything it makes is excellent. That trend has continued with its headphones, in particular the wallet friendly Hi-X15, which ticks just about every box you could want for studio grade guitar headphones. Their highlight is their 44mm drivers that provide superb transient response and distortion-free audio, without skimping on low end.
These are really comfortable too, so if you’re a fan of long sessions playing or listening back to your music, they are a great option. Whilst they do not have noise cancellation they fit snugly over the ears and do an admirable job of isolating external noise, so would be a great companion for recording acoustic guitar in the studio.
To top it all off, how good do these headphones look? They feel every bit a premium product, despite their sensible price tag. We expect to see more and more guitarists picking these as their headphone option in the coming years.
(Image credit: Yamaha)
9. Yamaha HPH-MT7
Best for dynamics and a throwback to Yamaha’s studio heritage…
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Closed-back, Circumaural (Over Ear)
Wireless: No
Frequency range: 15 - 25,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Inspired by classic Yamaha monitors
+
Very dynamic
Reasons to avoid
-
The cable isn't replaceable
-
Perhaps a bit too flat
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want a flat response: Based on the legendary NS-10 monitors, these headphones aim to replicate that super flat response so you get an honest picture of your guitar tone.
❌ Avoid if you need a replaceable cable: The cable here is hardwired into the unit, which could mean issues replacing it later down the line if you end up using these for a long time.
Though they’ve been out of production for quite some time, the Yamaha NS10 remains one of the most popular studio monitors of all-time, celebrated for their midrange honesty and unexaggerated low ends. This headphone set, launched by Yamaha back in 2015, was designed with those speakers in mind – offering a high-resolution sound with precise stereo imaging and faithful source signal reproduction from 15Hz to 25kHz.
There’s a three-dimensional arm pivot construction and adjustable slider length to alleviate fatigue during prolonged usage, with synthetic leather and large low-resistance cushions that ensure stress-free wearability and high levels of isolation. Perhaps the only downside is that, much like the monitors they’re inspired by, they could be a little too flat, but then again if you’ve already dialed in the perfect guitar tone, that could very well be for the best…
(Image credit: Future)
10. Vox VH-Q1
Fantastic battery life from the legendary British amp manufacturers…
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Dynamic, closed-back
Wireless: Yes
Frequency range: 10 - 25,000 Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Bluetooth-enabled
+
Attenuation for loud signals
+
36 hours use from a single charge
Reasons to avoid
-
May feel too smart for some
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want noise canceling: The noise-canceling technology of these headphones makes them great for blocking out any distractions.
❌ Avoid if you like simplicity: They have a lot of features that could prove overwhelming for those who just want a set they can plug in and play with.
These brand-new active noise-cancelling headphones from Vox certainly turned a few heads at NAMM 2020. The internal and external microphones make them an excellent tool for guitar practice and vocal training – picking up and isolating frequencies from your instrument, amp or voice for a clear and pristine tone. You can even feed in an audio source and blend it against what you play, which is perfect for rehearsing or jamming to backing tracks.
But that’s not all – the VH-Q1 also supports voice assistant services (Google Assistant and Siri) and comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts 36 hours on a single charge. It’s even clever enough to pause tracks automatically when you take the headphones off and restart the track when you put them back on. So whether you are taking calls, gaming, practicing or playing to someone down on the other end of the line, or simply just want to listen to music, Vox has you covered on all fronts.
Buying advice
(Image credit: Getty)
How to choose the best guitar amp headphones for you
You can trust Guitar World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Before you start exploring your headphone options, figure out what your requirements actually are: are you looking for something transparent and simple to deliver authentic guitar amp tones, raw and uncomplicated? Or are you in the market for the kind of guitar wireless system that will allow you to roam free like James Hetfield stalking the stage of the nearest stadium? Perhaps, like many guitarists nowadays, you are a writer-producer, who wants headphones that can deliver from practice sessions, to mixing and mastering your very own records.
The best guitar amp headphones for you may well depend on the kind of guitar amp you own. Purists may prefer headphones with a short cable and flat EQ, to ensure they don’t lose anything from the experience of playing their favorite tube amp – though classic tube amps often don’t have headphone outputs, which is where an option like the Waza Air headphones comes in.
Would you spend all that money on an amp and then have it colored in some way by the headphones you use? Or sacrifice some immediacy with a wireless set? Probably not. This is why a lot of the best headphones for guitar amps we’ve chosen here are geared more towards producers, rather than specifically hi-fi headphones or those designed primarily for streaming use, both of which tend to color your sound by adding loads of unnecessary low-end and flattering the midrange.
Like many amplifiers, some headphones aren’t super travel-friendly and may not last long if thrown in the bottom of a backpack too often, so if you’re looking for something that will reliably last on the road, bear in mind that some headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD25s, have a reputation for being comfortable roughing it alongside gigging musicians. As with any addition to your musical inventory, it’s about investing in something that will stand the test of time, so choose wisely.
(Image credit: Future)
Can you plug headphones into a guitar amp?
Yes you can. If you own a modeling amp or a solid-state amp, then chances are it comes with a dedicated headphone output you can plug into, which will override the main speaker.
Although there are some tube amps with headphone outputs, the majority won't feature this due to the way they work. If you have a tube amp and your desperate to play with headphones, then have a look at a tube amp attenuator with a headphone output.
How do I connect bluetooth headphones to guitar amp?
You'll need a Bluetooth transmitter if you want to use Bluetooth headphones with a guitar amp. Many Bluetooth headphones come with a dedicated receiver, but not all of them so you'll need to check the specs of your chosen cans to see if they have this feature.
Once you've plugged the receiver into the headphone out of your guitar amp you simply follow the standard procedure for pairing them. Once they're connected you should be able to enjoy wireless headphone freedom with your guitar playing.
Can you plug headphones into a guitar?
You can plug headphones into a guitar, but nothing will happen when you do. Your guitar needs some form of amplification to generate a sound, which headphones aren't able to provide on their own.
If you want to just use your guitar and a pair of headphones, then you can have a look at a guitar headphone amp. This small device is essentially a tiny guitar amplifier you can fit in your pocket, giving guitar players a portable option to play their instruments.
How we test
When testing headphones for use with a guitar amp we're looking for a certain set of narrow characteristics that aren't quite the headphones intended use. Most headphones on this list are predominantly designed for studio use, but as guitarists are likely to want the best sound it makes sense to use headphones that are good quality and have a flat EQ.
Our first test with all headphones is to check reference mixes to see how well they perform. These will be professionally mixed songs that our reviewers know inside and out that will be the basis for sound quality. From Lil Wayne's rumbling sub-bass right through to the complex compositions of Steely Dan, we'll ensure that each headphone is able to accurately translate across the full frequency spectrum.
Once the reference test is out of the way we'll then plug them into our chosen guitar amp to test their performance. We'll use all of the amp settings to see how they perform, from changing the EQ knobs to cranking the volume. We'll also use the headphones with our pedalboard to ensure they react realistically to the use of effects.
Next, we'll look at the durability and general features of the headphones in question. Do they come with a carry case? Can you fold them? Do they have a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter? All of these things are important touches that elevate a great set of headphones above merely good ones. We'll also be looking to see how tough they are, using them in a variety of scenarios to ensure the headphones in question will be able to put up with the rough and tumble of daily use.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
Amit has been writing for titles like Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Guitar World for over a decade and counts Richie Kotzen, Guthrie Govan and Jeff Beck among his primary influences as a guitar player. He's worked for magazines like Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, Prog, Record Collector, Planet Rock, Rhythm and Bass Player, as well as newspapers like Metro and The Independent, interviewing everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Slash and Jimmy Page, and once even traded solos with a member of Slayer on a track released internationally. As a session guitarist, he's played alongside members of Judas Priest and Uriah Heep in London ensemble Metalworks, as well as handled lead guitars for legends like Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols, The Faces) and Stu Hamm (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, G3).
