Best Open Back Headphones of 2024

Open back headphones are a popular choice for audiophiles and music producers alike. Unlike closed back headphones, which isolate sound within the ear cups, open back headphones have perforations or vents on the back of the ear cups, allowing sound to escape and creating a more natural, spacious soundstage.

While closed back headphones are great for blocking out external noise and preventing sound leakage, open back headphones offer a more immersive and natural listening experience. They are also preferred by many music producers for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making them an essential tool for mixing and mastering.

When shopping for open back headphones, it’s important to consider the type of sound you’re looking for. Some headphones may have a warmer, more bass-heavy sound, while others may prioritize clarity and detail. Comfort is also a key factor to consider, especially if you plan on using your headphones for extended periods of time.

After testing and researching various models, we’ve identified the best open back headphones on the market. In the following sections, we’ll break down each model and explain why it stands out from the competition.

Best Open Back Headphones

We have spent countless hours researching and testing various open back headphones to bring you the best options available on the market. Open back headphones are designed to provide a more natural and spacious sound, making them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. These headphones also allow for better airflow, resulting in less heat buildup and a more comfortable listening experience. In this article, we will be showcasing the top open back headphones that we believe offer the best combination of sound quality, comfort, and value.

1) beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones

If you are looking for high-quality open-back headphones for professional mixing, mastering, editing or simply listening at home, the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a great choice.

We have been using the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones for several months now, and we are impressed with their sound quality and comfort. The open-back design provides a spacious and natural soundstage, which is ideal for critical listening tasks such as mixing and mastering. The bass is strong and punchy, without being overpowering, and the treble is clear and detailed, without being harsh or sibilant.

The velour ear pads are soft and comfortable, and they do an excellent job of sealing out external noise, without causing any discomfort or sweating. The headband is adjustable and well-padded, and it distributes the weight of the headphones evenly across the head.

The build quality of the headphones is excellent, with a sturdy metal frame and high-quality plastics. The cable is detachable and replaceable, and it is long enough for studio use. The headphones come with a 1/4″ adapter and a drawstring carry bag, which is a nice touch.

Overall, we highly recommend the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones for anyone who needs accurate and detailed sound reproduction for critical listening tasks. They are not the most portable or versatile headphones, but they excel in their intended use case.

2) Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory

If you’re looking for a premium pair of open back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 is a great choice.

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are powered by Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology, which delivers impressive natural spatial performance. The headphones are designed to offer near-audiophile levels of sound quality, and they certainly deliver on that promise. We were really impressed with the sound quality, which is detailed, balanced, and natural. The headphones are also very comfortable to wear, thanks to the large ear cups and soft replaceable ear pads.

One of the standout features of the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones is their elegant and sophisticated design. The ivory color, matte metallic details, and brown stitched headband all convey a sense of quality and craftsmanship. We also appreciated the multiple connectivity options, which include a robust 3-meter detachable cable and 6.3-millimeter jack, as well as an additional 1.2-meter detachable cable with a 3.5-millimeter jack.

Of course, there are some downsides to the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones. The price point is certainly on the high side, which may be a dealbreaker for some buyers. Additionally, the open back design means that sound leakage is inevitable, so these headphones may not be suitable for use in noisy environments. Finally, the wired design means that you’ll need to deal with cords and cables, which may be a hassle for some users.

Overall, we think that the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are an excellent choice for anyone who’s looking for a premium pair of open back headphones. The sound quality is exceptional, the design is elegant and sophisticated, and the headphones are very comfortable to wear. If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality pair of headphones, the Sennheiser HD 599 is definitely worth considering.

3) PHILIPS SHP9600 headphones

If you’re looking for high-quality open-back headphones, Philips SHP9600 headphones are a great choice.

We were impressed with the performance of the Philips SHP9600 headphones. The open-back design provides a spacious sound that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the music. The 50 mm drivers deliver crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies, ensuring that no detail is lost. The drivers are engineered to fit the ear’s natural geometry, which adds to the overall comfort of the headphones.

The headband is reinforced with durable steel, which adds just the right amount of tension for a secure fit. The double-layered headband cushion adds real comfort, and the breathable ear-cup cushions are perfect for long listening sessions. However, the open-back design means that these headphones leak sound and don’t guard against outside noise much, which may not be ideal for all users.

The cable is not detachable, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the headphones are relatively large and may not be ideal for users who prefer a more compact design. Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality open-back headphones, the Philips SHP9600 headphones are a great choice.

4) Samson Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones

If you’re looking for a pair of open-back headphones that deliver solid bass response, ultra-clear highs, and an over-ear design, the Samson SR850 is a great option. With a self-adjusting headband and velour cushioning, these headphones are comfortable even during long listening sessions.

We’ve had a chance to test out the Samson SR850 headphones and we’re impressed with their sound quality. The bass response is solid and the highs are clear, making these headphones a great choice for music enthusiasts, sound engineers, and musicians alike.

One thing to keep in mind is that the headphones may not be the most durable option on the market. Additionally, the sound leakage may be noticeable to people around you, so they may not be the best choice for use in a shared space.

Overall, we would recommend the Samson SR850 headphones for anyone looking for a comfortable and high-quality pair of open-back headphones for studio work or personal listening.

5) Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that deliver natural and accurate reference sound, the Sennheiser HD 560S is a great pick. With lifelike depth and realism from open-back earcups that allow sound waves to expand naturally, this headphone is tuned to reveal the truth in your music without sacrificing the gratifying bass response needed to reproduce complex modern music—all at a breakthrough value.

Overall, we highly recommend the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones for anyone looking for a pair of headphones that deliver natural and accurate reference sound without breaking the bank. The ergonomic acoustic refinement (e.a.r.) creates a wide soundstage that’s perfect for audiophiles evaluating their music’s entire journey through the audio path, while the lightweight design of the HD 560S gives the listener a “barely there” experience for extended listening sessions. The low-impedance drivers offer the flexibility to reproduce hi-fi sound on virtually any of your audio devices such as portable digital audio players, laptops, A/V receivers, audio interfaces and more. However, keep in mind that the HD 560S is wired, so you won’t be able to use it with Bluetooth-enabled devices, and the 3 meter cable may be too long for some users. Additionally, the HD 560S doesn’t come with a carrying case, so you’ll have to purchase one separately if you plan on taking it on the go.

6) Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones

If you’re looking for a comfortable and natural listening experience, the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X headphones might be the right choice for you.

We’ve been using the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X headphones for a while now, and we’re impressed with their comfort and natural sound. The open-air design is especially noteworthy, as it produces no pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation. We’ve worn them for extended periods without any discomfort, and we appreciate the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and magnesium frame structure, which make them easy to wear.

The self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing is another highlight of these headphones. It provides comfortable support for a more enjoyable listening experience, and we appreciate that it automatically adjusts to our head size.

However, the bass might not be as impactful as some users would like. While the sound is natural and clear, it might not be as powerful as some other headphones on the market. Additionally, the open-air design means you might not be able to use them in loud environments, as they don’t provide much noise isolation.

Finally, the cable might be too long for some users. While it’s detachable and highly conductive, some users might find it cumbersome to deal with.

Overall, we think the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X headphones are a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and natural listening experience. While they might not be the most powerful headphones on the market, they provide a clear and enjoyable sound that’s perfect for extended listening sessions.

7) Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 650 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone, Titan

If you’re an audiophile looking for a pair of headphones that deliver natural and accurate sound, the Sennheiser HD 650 is definitely worth considering.

In our experience, the Sennheiser HD 650 delivers exceptional sound quality that is unmatched by many other headphones on the market. The headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time, and the elegant design is sure to impress.

One thing to keep in mind is that the HD 650 is an open-back headphone, which means that sound can leak out and in, making it less than ideal for use in noisy environments. Additionally, the headphones are relatively expensive, which may be a barrier for some buyers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that deliver natural and accurate sound, and you don’t mind splurging a bit, the Sennheiser HD 650 is definitely worth considering.

8) beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Headphones with Stellar.45 Driver for Mixing and Mastering

If you’re looking for high-quality open-back headphones for mixing and mastering audio, the beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X is definitely worth considering.

We were impressed with the beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X’s comfort level, which is crucial when you’re spending long hours in the studio. The headphones are also highly versatile, working well with a variety of devices and applications. The STELLAR.45 driver delivers excellent sound quality, with a wide frequency range and clear, detailed audio.

On the downside, the DT 900 PRO X is a bit more expensive than some other open-back headphones on the market, so it may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget. Additionally, the open-back design can allow some outside noise to filter in, which may be a problem in noisy environments. Finally, some users may find the cable a bit short, which can be inconvenient if you need to move around while wearing the headphones.

Overall, we think the beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality open-back headphones for mixing and mastering audio. The headphones are comfortable, versatile, and deliver outstanding sound quality, making them a great investment for serious audio professionals.

9) beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Open-Back Over-Ear Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones 250 OHM Black

If you’re looking for high-quality open-back headphones, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is an excellent choice. We highly recommend these headphones for their spectacular sound quality and excellent wearing comfort.

We were impressed with the sound quality of the beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium headphones. The open-back design provides a wide soundstage that gives almost the same sense of enjoyment as listening to music with loudspeakers. The sound is vibrant and natural, with distinctive highs and intense bass that combine to produce a perfect richness of sound that delights rock and pop enthusiasts in particular.

The wearing comfort of these headphones is also exceptional. The flexible headband and silky-smooth ear pads ensure that you can listen to music for hours without any excessive build-up of heat. The ear pads are breathable and skin-friendly velour, which is a great feature for those who wear headphones for extended periods.

One downside of the beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium headphones is that they were developed primarily for use at home on a stereo system. They have an impedance of 250 ohms, which means they may not be suitable for use with portable devices. Additionally, the headphones are relatively large and bulky, so they may not be ideal for travel or commuting.

Overall, we highly recommend the beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium headphones for anyone looking for high-quality open-back headphones with excellent sound quality and wearing comfort.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best open back headphones, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important features to look for when making your purchase:

Sound Quality

The most important factor when choosing open back headphones is sound quality. Look for headphones that offer a balanced sound with clear highs, mids, and lows. A wide soundstage and good imaging can also enhance your listening experience.

Comfort

Since open back headphones tend to be bulkier, it’s important to choose a pair that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Look for headphones with padding on the ear cups and headband, as well as adjustable sizing to ensure a good fit.

Durability

Investing in a high-quality pair of open back headphones can be expensive, so it’s important to choose a pair that is built to last. Look for headphones made with durable materials such as metal or high-quality plastic. Additionally, consider purchasing headphones with a detachable cable to prevent damage from wear and tear.

Connectivity

Consider the type of device you’ll be using your headphones with. Make sure the headphones you choose have the appropriate connectivity options, such as a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth.

Price

Open back headphones can range in price from affordable to high-end. Determine your budget before making your purchase and consider the features that are most important to you. Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better sound quality or durability.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the best open back headphones for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using open back headphones for gaming?

Open back headphones offer a more natural and expansive soundstage compared to closed-back headphones, which can help you better locate sounds in your game environment. They also tend to have a more balanced frequency response, which can make it easier to hear important audio cues like footsteps or gunfire. Additionally, the open design allows for better airflow, which can help keep your ears cool during long gaming sessions.

How do open back headphones enhance the experience of listening to music?

Open back headphones offer a more natural and spacious sound, allowing for a wider soundstage and more accurate instrument separation. This can make music sound more immersive and detailed, as if you were listening to it in a concert hall or studio. Additionally, the open design tends to produce a more balanced frequency response, which can make music sound more accurate and true to the original recording.

What should I consider when choosing open back headphones for mixing?

When choosing open back headphones for mixing, it’s important to consider factors such as frequency response, soundstage, and accuracy. You’ll want headphones that can accurately reproduce a wide range of frequencies, from the lowest bass notes to the highest treble tones. A wide and accurate soundstage can also help you better distinguish between different instruments and sounds in your mix. Finally, you’ll want headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, since mixing can often be a lengthy and involved process.

Can you recommend high-quality open back headphones that are also wireless?

Yes, there are several high-quality open back headphones that are also wireless. Some popular options include the Sennheiser HD 660 S, the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless, and the Grado GW100. These headphones offer the same natural and spacious sound signature as their wired counterparts, but with the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.

What are some top open back headphones available for under $2000?

There are several excellent open back headphones available for under $2000. Some popular options include the Sennheiser HD 800 S, the Audeze LCD-2, and the Focal Utopia. These headphones offer exceptional sound quality and build quality, making them ideal for audiophiles and music professionals alike.

How do open back and closed back headphones differ in sound quality?

Open back headphones tend to offer a more natural and spacious sound, with a wider soundstage and more accurate instrument separation. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, tend to offer a more intimate and immersive sound, with better noise isolation and deeper bass response. Ultimately, the choice between open back and closed back headphones comes down to personal preference and intended use.