How many fit
55 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I want to swap out a damaged cable” and “I connect to a headphone jack”.
55 models fit, out of 60 checkedPicked for one job
The best replaceable-cable headphones
Top pick
beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X is the pick for a closed desk headphone with detachable mini-XLR leads in two lengths, and it sidesteps the fixed cable of the classic DT 770 PRO. ATH-M50x is the pick if you also want a short cable and folding storage. HD 490 PRO is the pick if the cable has to leave from either side of your head.
Why it suits this job
- A lead that unplugs from the headphone
- A replacement connector that matches
- The catch
- Without its cable it weighs 350 g, more than many folding studio pairs.
- Go with Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if
- You would like three supplied lengths and a headphone that folds up for a bag.
More reasons we picked it
- A supplied length that works
- The right model and not a similar-looking sibling
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Wired headphones that take a replaceable cable, compared by mini-XLR, locking and two-sided connections. Don’t mistake a fixed-cable model for its newer version.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I want to swap out a damaged cable” and “I connect to a headphone jack”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X |
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| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
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| Sennheiser HD 490 PRO |
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| Shure SRH840A |
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Decision guide
How to choose for this job
Look at the connector on the headphone side and at the exact model suffix. A detachable cable only helps if a compatible replacement can be had.
Look at the connection and not only the family name
A fixed cable is what the classic DT 770 PRO 250-ohm model has, while DT 700 PRO X uses detachable mini-XLR leads. Swapping the lead on the latter doesn’t mean opening up the headphone. That is a practical difference in the cable connection and not a promise that every other part is easy to repair.
A 3.5 mm plug at the source doesn’t make a lead universal
At the source end a lead may fit an ordinary headphone output, yet the headphone end could use a locking connector, a particular pinout or two separate cup connectors. M50x and SRH840A each use their own matching detachable leads. Buy a replacement that is explicitly compatible with the model and don’t assume a cable that looks close will work.
Routing the cable matters even before anything fails
On HD 490 PRO the cable can attach to either the left or the right earcup, which keeps the lead clear of a mouse hand or a keyboard edge without running it across your body. DT 700 PRO X comes with 1.8 m and 3 m leads for a closed-back setup. M50x offers 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and coiled options for different working distances.
What this page can’t tell you
- Having a detachable lead says nothing about overall service life or whether every spare part can be had.
- Just because an adapter exists doesn’t make balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs interchangeable.
4 options
The top pick and the alternatives
beyerdynamic, DT 700 PRO X
DT 700 PRO X
A closed studio pair that includes two locking mini-XLR cables, one shorter for the desk and one longer for the studio.
Top pick ifClosed-back recording where the cables can be swapped out
Key facts
- A closed-back enclosure houses the 48-ohm STELLAR.45 driver.
- Without the cable, the weight is 350 g.
The catch
Without its cable it weighs 350 g, more than many folding studio pairs.
Audio-Technica, ATH-M50x
ATH-M50x
This foldable wired pair ships with a short cable, a long one and a coiled one, so you can go from a laptop to an audio interface without buying another lead.
Pick this instead ifYou would like three supplied lengths and a headphone that folds up for a bag.
Key facts
- Cables in the package are 1.2 m straight, 3 m straight and 1.2 to 3 m coiled.
- Without the cable and connector, the headphone weighs 285 g.
The catch
It has neither Bluetooth nor active noise cancellation.
Sennheiser, HD 490 PRO
HD 490 PRO
This studio-focused open-back pair lets you plug the cable into either earcup and includes two sets of pads. Choose whichever side keeps the cable away from your mouse hand.
Pick this instead ifYour room is quiet, and being able to attach the cable to either earcup would make desk routing easier.
Key facts
- A 1.8 m cable comes with the standard HD 490 PRO.
- Without the cable, the weight is 260 g, and the impedance is 130 ohms.
The catch
Beside a live vocal microphone, open cups are a poor choice.
Shure, SRH840A
SRH840A
This closed studio pair includes a locking straight lead and a carrying bag. What comes in the box works with a laptop jack and with a conventional headphone interface.
Pick this instead ifYou are looking for a folding closed pair that comes with a detachable locking 3 m cable and a carrying bag.
Key facts
- A 40-ohm impedance and a 273 g weight are specified in the manual.
- A detachable 3 m straight cable comes in the package.
The catch
The SRH440A, which costs less, offers nearly the same wiring options.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
A lead that unplugs from the headphone
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
You would like three supplied lengths and a headphone that folds up for a bag.
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money