As music enthusiasts, we know the importance of high-quality sound. One critical aspect of that is finding the right headphones. Open-back headphones are an excellent choice for musicians, artists, producers, and singer-songwriters looking for a more natural listening experience.
Open-back headphones, unlike their closed-back counterparts, allow air to flow through the ear cups. This design provides a more spacious and realistic soundstage. Perfect for listening to music in a studio or at home, they offer an immersive experience that can help you fine-tune your tracks or simply get lost in your favorite songs.
However, not all open-back headphones are created equal. It’s essential to pay attention to factors like sound quality, comfort, and build when making a purchase. With a vast array of options available, finding the best open-back headphones can be a daunting task.
But fear not! We’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various models to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best open-back headphones on the market. So, let’s dive in and see what makes these headphones stand out from the rest.
What Makes Open-Back Headphones Unique?
We all love music, but open-back headphones take it to the next level. Why? Let’s dive in!
The open-back design lets air flow freely, allowing for a more natural sound profile. This creates a passive soundstage, which makes you feel like you’re in the room with the musicians. Pretty cool, huh?
- Space: Open-back headphones give you room to breathe, unlike closed-back designs.
- Sound: You’ll enjoy a neutral sound profile and impressive soundstage quality.
So if you’re an aspiring musician, artist, producer, or singer-songwriter, open-back headphones are perfect for you. They’ll bring your music to life in a way you won’t believe!
Best Open Back Headphones
Feast your ears on our top picks for open back headphones, perfect for musicians and producers like you.
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Studio Headphones
You need these headphones for outstanding studio quality and comfort.
Pros
- Excellent sound for mixing, mastering, and editing
- Comfortable velour ear pads
- Made in Germany for durability
Cons
- Wired only
- Might be pricy for some
- Bulky design
You’ll love the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones for all your music needs. Their open-back design is perfect for professional use, giving you that transparent and spacious sound.
The soft velour ear pads make long studio sessions a breeze. You won’t even notice you’re wearing them after a while.
The best part? These headphones are built to last, made in Germany with robust workmanship. So, don’t wait any longer, give the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones a try and elevate your music game.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphones
Get these headphones for top-notch sound quality and comfortable fit.
Pros
- Thin diaphragm for detailed sound
- Comfortable, evenly distributed headband
- Durable, attractive design
Cons
- Bass is weak without EQ
- Quality control may be inconsistent
- Cable could be more durable
As a musician or producer, you know how important quality headphones are. The HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphones deliver detailed sound and comfort. Trust us, these headphones are a game-changer.
The diaphragm in these beauties is 80% thinner than previous versions. This means faster transients, more detail, and an extended frequency response. It’s music to our ears (literally).
Not only that, but the headband design offers a separate head strap. This lets the weight spread perfectly evenly over your head – comfort and style all-in-one. The new design is also built to withstand everyday wear and tear while looking fantastic.
However, there are a few downsides. The bass needs an EQ boost to shine, and some customers reported quality control issues. The included cable could be more durable, too. But overall, the HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphones provide a remarkable listening experience and are worth considering for audiophiles and musicians alike.
Sennheiser HD 560 S Audiophile Headphones
These headphones are a must-buy for their accurate sound, comfort, and affordability.
Pros
- Natural and accurate reference sound
- Wide soundstage with E.A.R. technology
- Detachable cable for easy use
Cons
- Open-back design may not be ideal for all environments
- Needs an adapter for 3.5mm connections
- No carrying case included
We recently tried the Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones and fell in love with their performance. The natural and accurate reference sound provides a clear and honest music experience. It’s perfect for aspiring musicians, producers, and audiophiles alike.
E.A.R. technology improves the listening experience even further. The angled drivers create a wide soundstage, allowing for an optimal listening position. This design immerses you in your music and helps you appreciate every detail.
The headphones also come with a detachable cable, which is a nice touch. It allows for greater freedom when connecting to your gear. However, you’ll need an adapter for 3.5mm connections, as the cable comes with a 6.3mm plug.
Our only concern with the HD 560 S is their open-back design. While it provides excellent sound quality, it may not be the best choice for noisy environments or shared workspaces. Additionally, the headphones don’t come with a carrying case, so you’ll need to provide your own protection for travel or storage.
Overall, we highly recommend the Sennheiser HD 560 S for its impressive audio performance and comfort. They’re suitable for hi-fi enthusiasts and those working with music, and considering the price, offer great value.
HIFIMAN Edition XS Headphones
Grab these headphones for an immersive, high-quality listening experience.
Pros
- Stellar sound quality
- Comfortable headband
- Detachable cable
Cons
- Pricey
- Large size
- Possible discomfort on head
As aspiring musicians and producers, we appreciate the importance of excellent audio quality. The HIFIMAN Edition XS Headphones deliver on that front with their incredible soundstage. The Stealth Magnet Technology and NEO supernano Diaphragm work together to provide a detailed, full-range sound.
The adjustable headband is a game changer for extended listening sessions. It’s made of high-grade memory foam, ensuring comfort and elasticity. Plus, the removable cable is convenient for those inevitable tangles or replacements.
However, the Edition XS headphones come with a hefty price tag. The higher cost may be a turn off for some, but we believe the quality justifies the expense. Additionally, the large design can be a bit cumbersome and may cause minor discomfort around the head area. But overall, we are confident that these headphones will not disappoint!
Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset
This headset is a top choice for gamers and musicians seeking comfort, performance, and excellent sound quality.
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Noise-cancelling microphone
Cons
- Wired connection
- Clamping force may be tight for some
- Sound leakage due to open-back design
We recently tried the Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset and were blown away by its performance. As musicians ourselves, great sound quality is essential, and this headset delivers. The open-back design creates a spacious soundstage, perfect for analyzing music or immersing yourself in gaming.
The headset isn’t just about sound – comfort matters, too. The breathable mesh-knit pad on the headband ensures you stay cool and comfortable during long sessions. Although some might find the clamping force to be tight, we found that it helps to keep the headset secure while moving. However, it’s important to note that due to the open-back design, some sound leakage may occur.
The noise-cancelling microphone makes communication a breeze, whether you’re chatting with fellow musicians or conducting gaming sessions. Overall, we believe the Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset is a fantastic choice for those in the music and gaming industry.
Philips Fidelio X2HR Headphones
Experience top-notch audio quality and comfort with these open-back headphones.
Pros
- Hi-res audio certified
- Double layered ear-shells
- Replaceable memory foam ear-pads
Cons
- Cable management could be better
- May need an amp for volume boost
- Not ideal in noisy environments
The Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones are a fantastic choice for those looking for an immersive audio experience. With their open-back design, you’ll truly feel like you’re in your personal concert.
Their 50mm high definition neodymium drivers deliver clear and detailed sound. The memory foam ear-pads also add comfort to your listening experience, and the best part is they’re replaceable. So, say goodbye to the worn-out ear pads of your old headphones!
One thing to consider when using these headphones is that they’re not ideal for noisy environments. Open-back headphones tend to have sound leakage, so they might not be suitable for situations when you need noise isolation. But if you have a quiet listening space, these are perfect for you.
Overall, the Philips Fidelio X2HR open-back headphones are an excellent investment for anyone passionate about high-quality audio and comfortable listening experiences. So, go ahead and let yourself indulge in the world of impeccable sound these headphones offer.
Sennheiser HD 650
These headphones are perfect for music enthusiasts seeking top-notch sound quality and comfort.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Durable design
Cons
- Pricey
- Not ideal for studio monitoring
- Requires a good audio source
The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are a true masterpiece in open back design, offering a balanced and transparent sound for those in search of the ultimate listening experience. With their elegant titanium-silver finish and optimized performance for hi-res recordings, these headphones will please even the most demanding listeners.
Designed to provide long-lasting comfort, the HD 650 effortlessly sets standards in convenience, ensuring that lengthy jam sessions at home are enjoyable. The lightweight aluminum voice coils ensure a fast transient response, further elevating your listening experience.
It’s important to note that the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones require a quality audio source to truly shine. For casual listeners and professional musicians alike, these headphones are an investment worth considering for an unparalleled auditory experience.
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 600
You’ll love these headphones for their impressive sound quality and comfort.
Pros
- Excellent transient response
- Great sensitivity and dynamics
- Detachable, low-noise cable
Cons
- Mostly plastic build
- Open back design not for public use
- Limited portability
We tried the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 600 and were amazed by the sound. The lightweight aluminum voice coils ensure excellent transient response, while the neodymium ferrous magnets maintain optimum sensitivity and dynamics. You’ll enjoy every detail of your favorite tunes with these impressive headphones.
But keep in mind, these headphones are designed to stay at home. The open back design provides an expansive soundstage, but it also means sound leaks out. That makes them less suitable for use in public or shared spaces. Plus, the mostly plastic build might not feel as premium as some other options on the market.
To wrap up, if you’re an aspiring musician, artist, or audio enthusiast searching for the best open back headphones, the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 600 is a fantastic choice. Providing excellent sound quality and comfort, they are perfect for immersing yourself in sound at home. Just remember, these headphones are best suited for private listening sessions rather than on-the-go use.
PHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Headphones
These headphones are the real deal for music lovers seeking comfort, quality, and well-rounded performance.
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Durable design
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Lack of noise isolation
- Wired connection only
Stepping into the world of open-back headphones, we tried the Philips Over Ear Open Back Headphones and were impressed. The 50 mm drivers offer crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies. You’ll truly feel the music while using these headphones, making them perfect for your home studio.
As musicians and producers, comfort is essential during long sessions, and these headphones deliver. The steel-reinforced headband provides a secure fit, and the double-layered cushion adds much-needed comfort, while the breathable ear-cup cushions are gentle on the ears.
However, these headphones are best for indoor use as their open-back design offers little noise isolation from the outside world. Additionally, they come with a wired connection only, which may deter users looking for a wireless option.
Give the Philips Over Ear Open Back Headphones a try, and amp up your music game today. With their rich sound quality and comfort, they’re the perfect addition to any aspiring musician’s home setup.
AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones
These headphones are perfect for aspiring musicians seeking semi-open, professional studio quality at an affordable price.
Pros
- Comfortable wear for long periods
- Balanced sound quality
- Durable design
Cons
- Weak bass response
- Semi-open design may leak sound
- Cable may be too long for some users
We tested the AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones and were delighted with the comfort during long listening sessions. The self-adjusting headband and the around-the-ear pads gave us a snug fit without any discomfort.
The sound quality is well-balanced, with clear mid and high frequencies allowing us to discern intricate details in our music. Just a heads-up, the bass response is somewhat weak, which might not suit those craving powerful low-end sounds. But if you’re looking to mix, produce or simply enjoy music with a focus on mids and highs, these are a solid choice.
One thing worth mentioning is the semi-open design allows for a more open soundstage, but it might be an issue if you prefer complete sound isolation or have noise-sensitive neighbors. Moreover, the 3 m replaceable cable may feel too long and cumbersome for those with more compact workspaces, but it’s manageable with some cable management.
Overall, the AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones offer an excellent combination of comfort, durability, and sound quality for aspiring musicians and producers on a budget. Just be mindful of the bass response and the semi-open design based on your specific needs.
Buying Guide
Comfort matters
When choosing open-back headphones, comfort is key. Look for lightweight designs and soft ear pads. Adjustability is also vital for long studio sessions.
Sound quality
Obviously, sound quality is crucial. Focus on a wide frequency range, clear mids, and tight bass. These factors contribute to an authentic, immersive listening experience.
Durability
We all want headphones that last. Pay attention to the build quality and materials used. Some headphones use metal frames for added durability, while others use robust plastics.
Budget
There’s a wide price range for open-back headphones. Set a budget and look for options that provide the best value for your money. You don’t have to break the bank for decent quality.
Connectivity
Consider the cable type and connection options available for the headphones. Longer cables work well for studio settings. Detachable cables can be a lifesaver, as they allow for easy replacements.
| Features to consider | |
|---|---|
| Comfort | – Lightweight |
| – Soft ear pads | |
| – Adjustability | |
| Sound Quality | – Frequency range |
| – Clear mids | |
| – Tight bass | |
| Durability | – Build quality |
| – Materials used | |
| Budget | – Value for money |
| Connectivity | – Cable type |
| – Connection options |
Now that you’re armed with this info, it’s time to find the perfect open-back headphones for your music journey. Happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are open-back headphones?
Open-back headphones are designed with an open ear cup. Unlike closed-back headphones, they allow sound to flow freely in and out. This creates a more natural listening experience for the user.
Do open-back headphones sound better?
Sound quality is subjective, but many users prefer open-back headphones for their natural and spacious sound. They can provide a more immersive experience, making you feel like you’re in the room where the music is being played.
What are the benefits of open-back headphones?
With open-back headphones, you get a more accurate soundstage. This makes it easier to hear the individual elements of the music. They also provide a more comfortable fit, as they allow air to circulate around your ears.
Are open-back headphones suitable for professional music production?
Yes, open-back headphones are often used by professionals for mixing and mastering music. They give an accurate representation of the audio, allowing producers to make precise adjustments. However, keep in mind that they don’t isolate sound well, which could be an issue in noisy environments.
What should I look for when choosing open-back headphones?
When choosing open-back headphones, consider sound quality, comfort, and durability. Look for headphones with a wide frequency range, comfortable ear cups, and a sturdy build. It’s important to read reviews and try them on if possible to find the perfect pair for you.