Headphone Calculator
Why these specs matter
Impedance, sensitivity and headphone design can affect
how easily they’re driven and how well they suit different
tasks. Enter the specs below to find out where your
headphones fit best.
Your Headphone Match
Here’s how your headphones fit different uses.
Our Take
Enter your headphone specifications to see our assessment.
Understanding Headphone Impedance & Sensitivity
What specifications should you look for based on how you use your headphones?
Impedance and sensitivity are two important specifications when choosing headphones, but there is no single “best” combination for everyone. The right choice depends on how you plan to use them and what you are plugging them into.
🎚️ Mixing
For mixing, headphones around 80–250 Ω can be a good range, especially when paired with a capable audio interface or headphone amplifier. Sensitivity around 96–105 dB/V or roughly 98–110 dB/mW is generally practical.
🎙️ Recording
For recording, 32–80 Ω headphones are often convenient because they are easier to drive from common audio interfaces. A sensitivity of around 100 dB/mW or higher is generally easy to work with. Closed-back headphones are usually preferred because they reduce sound leakage into the microphone.
🎵 Music Listening
For everyday music listening, 16–80 Ω headphones are usually a practical choice for phones, laptops and portable devices. Sensitivity around 100 dB/mW or higher generally makes headphones easier to drive.
🔄 Mixed Use
For a combination of music, gaming, office work and occasional production, 32–80 Ω with good sensitivity is a versatile sweet spot. It offers easy compatibility without necessarily requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Bottom line: Impedance tells you how much voltage a headphone may need, while sensitivity tells you how efficiently it converts that power into sound. Both specifications matter together when choosing headphones for your setup.