If you want a studio-focused headphone with interchangeable pads and two included cable options for gym use, choose beyerdynamic DT 1770; if you need closed-back isolation and memory-foam pads for monitoring in noisy spaces, choose Neumann NDH20. Neither is wireless, so neither is my pick for a typical gym workout where freedom of movement matters.
beyerdynamic DT 1770 vs Neumann NDH20 at a Glance
• DT 1770 strength: Two replaceable pad types and two detachable cable options; trade-off: its 250-ohm impedance makes the intended setup worth considering.
• NDH20 strength: Closed-back construction, passive isolation, and circumaural memory-foam pads; trade-off: the listed specs provide fewer interchangeable accessories.
• DT 1770 is for: Studio users who want flexibility for different monitoring and mixing tasks.
• NDH20 is for: Listeners who prioritize isolation and comfort for extended monitoring, including in noisy environments.
• For gym use: Neither is wireless; both connect by cable, so I would look elsewhere for a headphone specifically meant for workouts.
The DT 1770 is a closed studio reference headphone built for mixing, mastering, monitoring, and recording. Its 45 mm dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers and 250-ohm impedance point toward a studio-centered setup rather than a casual, grab-and-go design. It is wired, with a single-sided detachable cable that connects through mini-XLR.
Its strongest practical advantage is flexibility in the box. You get velour and leatherette ear pads, plus straight and coiled cables, each listed as 3 meters. Those options let you choose between different pad materials and cable shapes for a session. The pads and headband are replaceable, which is useful for someone who expects frequent use and wants serviceable wear parts. A carrying case is included, too.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-23 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
I would consider the DT 1770 if my priority were a dedicated studio headphone with configurable pads and cables. I would skip it for a gym routine or another situation where a wireless connection is important. The 250-ohm impedance also makes it sensible to think about the output equipment in the setup before choosing it. The DT 1770 is designed for detailed studio listening, not as a workout-specific headphone.
The NDH20 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone intended for monitoring and mixing. Neumann describes it as offering isolation alongside a balanced sound image and high resolution, including in loud or noisy environments. Its listed impedance is 150 ohms, and the product information recommends a 150-ohm headphone amplifier.
Comfort is a key part of its design: it has circumaural memory-foam ear pads intended for long-term wear. The NDH20 is wired and has a 3.5 mm jack. Its listed frequency range is 5 Hz to 30 kHz. The supplied-cable details mention straight and coiled cables, though they do not give the same specific cable lengths or detachable mini-XLR connection noted for the DT 1770.
I would choose the NDH20 when isolation and memory-foam pads are the leading considerations, especially for monitoring in a noisy setting. I would skip it if I specifically wanted interchangeable pad types or detailed accessory choices like those supplied with the DT 1770. It is also not wireless, so it does not answer the usual need behind a search for the best comfortable wireless headphones for gym.
• Best for a studio package with pad choices → beyerdynamic DT 1770. It includes both velour and leatherette pads, while the NDH20’s listed comfort feature is its memory-foam pads.
• Best for isolation in noisy monitoring spaces → Neumann NDH20. Its closed-back design and passive isolation suit that use, according to the product details.
• Best for replaceable wear parts → beyerdynamic DT 1770. Both the ear pads and headband are described as replaceable.
• Best if you want an explicitly stated impedance recommendation → Neumann NDH20. Its listing recommends a 150-ohm headphone amplifier.
• Best for a detachable mini-XLR cable connection → beyerdynamic DT 1770. Its single-sided cable is detachable and uses mini-XLR connectors.
• Best for someone choosing between straight and coiled cables → beyerdynamic DT 1770. Both are included, with each listed at 3 meters; the NDH20 also lists straight and coiled cables, but without those length details.
• Best for a headphone for gym workouts → neither. Both are wired over-ear headphones, so neither provides wireless freedom of movement.
• Best fit for extended monitoring where memory foam is the priority → Neumann NDH20. Its circumaural memory-foam pads are specifically noted for long-term comfort.
These differences matter more than simply comparing two closed-back designs. The DT 1770 gives you more clearly specified choices in pads and cables. The NDH20 makes a narrower, compelling case around isolation, comfort, and monitoring in noisy surroundings. Neither listing describes wireless operation, so gym shoppers should not mistake either studio model for a workout-oriented wireless option.
I would also avoid treating impedance as a sound-quality score. The DT 1770 is listed at 250 ohms, while the NDH20 is 150 ohms and has a specific amplifier recommendation. Those figures tell you to consider the source equipment; by themselves, they do not establish which headphone will sound better in every setup.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I would choose the beyerdynamic DT 1770 for studio use because its two pad types, two cable options, and replaceable pads and headband make it the more adaptable package. I would choose the NDH20 instead if isolation and memory-foam comfort were my priorities. For the gym, I would buy neither: both are wired, and neither is designed around wireless movement.
Neither is wireless; both are wired, over-ear headphones. For a typical workout, I would look for a wireless model instead of treating either studio headphone as a gym specialist.
The NDH20 is described as a closed-back headphone with passive isolation and as suitable for monitoring in noisy environments. The DT 1770 is also closed, but its listed details emphasize studio tasks and its two pad options rather than a specific isolation claim.
Both have features aimed at extended wear. The DT 1770 has soft, replaceable ear pads and a replaceable headband, while the NDH20 uses circumaural memory-foam ear pads intended for long-term comfort. The better fit will depend on personal preference.
The NDH20 listing recommends a 150-ohm headphone amplifier. The DT 1770 is listed at 250 ohms, so it is worth checking whether your audio source is suitable for that impedance before choosing it.
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