Best Closed Back Headphone Reviews – Full Buyers Guide

Review-comparison of the best closed-back headphones

Now the market has a lot of models of any type and there is a question: how to choose the best closed back headphones. The price plays important role there: lower price – lower quality, but nice models are in each category. Those who cannot choose, it is worth looking at a models under 300, where the optimal price-quality ratio. However, I have an opportunity to make the review of closed-back headphones and help to decide which one is the best.

The best closed back headphones under 100

Sennheiser HD280PRO provides comfort with dynamic sound

Headphones look strictly and qualitatively. The frame is made of high-quality plastic, the headboard is upholstered with soft fabric trim, filled with foam rubber, which allows tightly fixing the headphones on the head. Sennheiser HD280PRO has a sliding headboard, swivel cups that can be folded. The headphones are made for work with formats without compression (FLAC or ALAC). These formats are the best way to reveal the whole picture of the sound. One can’t say about the predominance of any specific frequencies in the sound spectrum. All of them are present in the sound picture and together they create a unique composition. Headphones have a soulful bass and its middle frequencies are enough. The presence of a decent soundproofing and wide dynamic range makes this model a candidate for the role of the best closed headphones for a home use.

Sony MDR7506 — impeccable quality since 1992

The headphones and headboard are made of metal, the headboard is covered with artificial leather, the ear cups are made of vinyl. The design is complex. The noise isolation is not bad, despite the slight pressure on the head and ears. The sound of headphones has excellent detail and tonal balance. Feels the depth of the bass. The dynamic range is wide. The mid-range is soft; even the smallest details of the compositions are heard. The stereo panorama is wide enough, and for closed headphones – and just luxurious, there is the effect of a small depth of the scene.

Edifier H840 — real Hi-Fi sound

Edifier H840 are closed back headphones with 40-millimeter drivers and reinforced neodymium magnets. Model Edifier H840 has a nice design and excellent ergonomics. The plastic headband has a completely standard design. However, the cups themselves are fixed on hinged mechanisms with several degrees of rotation. The sound of the H840 is not bad as for the budget closed back headphones. The bass is fully present. It is legible and structural. Voices and many musical instruments sound more expressive than they really are. The sensitivity of the Edifier H840 is average.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x — entry-level studio headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are positioned as a studio closed back headphones under 100 with a modern and stylish design. Modern construction and high-quality materials guarantee comfortable use and effective noise insulation. It has soft fixed leather ear cups, an adjustable headrest. ATH-M20x are equipped with 40-mm speakers with neodymium magnets. The ATH-M20x offers a very balanced, detailed sound of excellent quality. The sound is clean and dense, with slightly overpriced low frequencies. No unnecessary noise or an artifact in the sound of headphones, the volume margin due to excellent isolation is impressive.

ANC and wireless – it is COWIN E7

COWIN E7 are the wireless headphones with 40mm large-aperture drivers. The headphones have a pretty design. Ear cups are made from plastic and the hinges and fasteners are made “in metal style”, but they are also plastic. The headboard is soft and covered with leatherette. There are controls stylized to a silver triangle, NFC point, ANC toggle, mini Jack, and microphone on the right ear cup. NFC works great. It is only necessary to attach the phone to the headphones, the connection occurs instantly.

In terms of sound, the headphones are very pleased as the best closed back headphones. The sound is very loud, confident bass, the upper and lower frequencies sound normal. There are no Bluetooth delays. E7 have a built-in 600 mAh battery that provides more than 5 hours of working with Noise Canceling Technology.

The best closed back headphones under 200

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x makes studio level sound accessible

This model is positioned as the headphones for sound recording and monitoring. M50X has not an incredible design. It is simple and strict and it was developed for long and comfort work. Headband and cups are finished with artificial leather. Thick, soft ear pads rotate in two directions. Clamping force – moderate, soundproofing effective, ear cushions comfortable. In general, the sound of the models was impressed by an even, neutral feed with a careful drawing of the finest details. The bass is served smoothly and fundamentally. The middle is natural, lively, and very legible, the vocals are not sharp. High – transparent. The stereo panorama and the volume of the scene are very good for closed headphones. Voices are very clearly positioned.

The studio legend Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80

The model looks like a working tool. The headboard is made of metal and covered with soft leatherette. Plastic bowls on the texture resemble leather, velour earbuds. Despite the large size and weight, the model turned out to be convenient. Velour ear pads are soft and completely cover the ears. The sound is very pleasing. The music in these closed back headphones under 200 sounds in 360 degrees. The mids and highs are great but nothing outstanding. Basses may seem dry. I can not distinguish the genre predisposition of the model, it plays absolutely everywhere when listening to electronics or with alternative rock.

Natural sound experience is possible with Sennheiser HD 598 SR

This model is made of high-quality plastic, the headband is made of foam plastic and leather, the cups are made of fleece. The fleece cups feel very comfortably on the head, feel very light, the soft headband also did not cause discomfort. Black glossy inserts perfectly combined with leather headband, look great. The headphones Sennheiser HD 598 use a jack for a removable cable. A TS jack allows connecting to all external sources.
In terms of sound, the HD 598 SR is more suitable for fans of dance music, computer games, and movies. Bass is very bright and juicy. Lovers of the classics may not like a small loss of midrange frequencies, but the gorgeous upper frequencies are able to correct the situation a little.

The best closed back headphones under 300

Sennheiser HD 600 — just good headphones

Headphones are designed for comfortable listening to music at home or for gaming. Drivers with neodymium magnets and lightweight aluminum voice coils provide excellent sound. HD 600 has plastic open back cups covered with a metal mesh. The headband is plastic, inside is covered with a fabric. The whole design is lightweight as for professional headphones – only 260 grams. Surprisingly soft and comfortable ear cushions from the fabric will enable you to listen to your favorite music without any discomfort for hours. Headphones provide playback of the entire range of the sound spectrum. Open cups let out an external sound, they can not be used in places with a high level of noise. The main function of these headphones is to listen to their home, connecting to a good amplifier, and not somewhere on the street.

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 — outstanding sound and metal design

These closed back headphones impress with their design. Thanks to the metal frame they sit securely on the head. The headband is trimmed with a soft leather imitation. The same material is covered and ear pads. The ear pads are quite large and comfortable and cover the ear completely. Thanks to the use of 50-mm dual-diaphragm drivers, an optimal bass, mid-range, and high-frequency ratio are achieved. The headphones have rich almost physically perceptible bass, well-developed medium and accurate high frequencies. The effect of presence is also guaranteed, which should appeal to lovers of live vocals.

M-100 headphones are well equipped. In the kit, the owner will find two cables. The longest reaches for the audio input of a personal computer or audio equipment, short is suitable for listening to music from a smartphone or Hi-Fi player.

Bose QuietComfort 35 — folk wireless headphone

This is a wireless headset made in a minimalist style. The cups and headboard are made of plastic. Ear piercers and headband are covered with leatherette, soft and look good. The right cup contains controls: a multifunction button for answering a call, Play / Pause, rewind, volume buttons.

The sound quality is average. In QC 35 there is no detail or crystal transparency. The middle is lost behind the bass. These headphones are more suitable for watching movies or listening to podcasts, human speech is transmitted as if a person is standing side by side. The noise reduction mode works well, but some external sounds are still audible. The headphones can run for a long time from the battery – 20 hours of operation with ANC, with Bluetooth, and 40 hours of operation with a wired connection.

Bose SoundLink — wireless freedom

This is a wireless headset in on-ear format; there are two options – black with blue and white with beige. In SoundLink, the upper part of the headband is made of eco-leather, inside there is a suede type material. On the plates, the lining is made of plastic. Large cups cover your ears; you can wear them for hours without the least discomfort. The combination of matte plastic and lacquered rims looks very simple and very stylish. On the right side are the control buttons and the micro USB connector for charging. Passive noise insulation at a very good level, the cups completely prevent external noise from breaking through.

Headphones sound decent for both wireless. The bass is elastic, every detail is audible and the vocals sound very good. However, it seems that some word effects sound in the background or even from the side.

Sennheiser RS 175 RF — more than headphones

These headphones are mainly aimed at remote synchronization with a home theater or audio system. The set includes headphones and a docking station. The station is quite light and small.

Headphones tightly adhere to the ears. The design of the headphones ensures reliable fixation due to the headboard. The headboard has a standard adjustable design, but it is slightly thicker than usual with headphones, due to the weight of the electronics and the battery.

The headphones RS 175 features a very balanced sound processing in movies and music. The model supports two sound modes: Bass Boost for volumetric and Virtual Surround, offering a more spatial and lively sound. To switch between them you can use the buttons on the right side of these best closed back headphones under 300.

Beats Studio3 — bright and expensive

Studio3 is a closed-type wireless headset from a recognizable manufacturer. Immediately after unpacking, questions arise regarding the design of the headphones. They look cheap compared to competitors in their price category. The headband and other elements of the headphones are made of plastic with metal inserts, ear cups and headband backing – from eco-leather. Headphones are light and with prolonged wearing nothing hurts, does not rub, your ears do not sweat.

In terms of sound, Beats as the best closed ear headphones are not bad. Low frequencies sound well in these headphones, but here the high and medium frequencies are made so as not to distract from the bass. All thanks to the built-in Apple W1 processor. It is responsible for sound processing, noise reduction, and charge consumption. Noise Canceling System that is called Pure ANC works in the Apple ecosystem is configured on the connected device.

Sony WH1000XM2 — headphones with premium noise canceling

Headphones have drivers with a diameter of 40 mm (dome type, voice coil CCAW) with a diffuser made of polymer. The design is strict and minimalistic. Ergonomic of headphones is excellent, the headband is regulated, ear cushions made of eco-leather, fit tightly and give good sound insulation. The headphones do not crush, they do not hang around on the head either. The controls are in the right ear cup. There is the touch panel instead of standard buttons. The buttons are moved to the side, but the mini Jack is exactly centered, which is also logical. WH1000XM2 headphones have bass and high frequencies at a high level. They are confidently coping with external noise. The effects of NC and Ambient Sound are controlled by a single key since most of the settings are controlled in the smartphone`s software. The proprietary DSEE HX technology for improving the digital sound allows correcting both blemishes mp3, and compression flaws in wireless transmission.

The best closed back headphones under 500

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) — the best from Bose

These headphones are an improved version of Bose QuietComfort 35, from which remained the design and quality of materials. Ear pads are made of eco leather and part of the headboard is made of fabric. Ergonomics is excellent, the headphones do not press on the ears, but some pressure is felt on the head. It should be noted that the Bose QC35 II is not for audiophiles. They were uniquely created for a typical modern listener – the emphasis is on low frequencies. Bose QC35 II brand is trying their best to impress with bass, which at times outshines all other frequencies. The middle frequencies sound clear, clear and without serious distortion what is expected from the best closed back headphones under 500.

Their style is beyond competition — Master & Dynamic MH40S2

The company positions this model as the flagship one. Moreover, the truth is that the headphones are distinguished by a thoughtful design, quality materials, rich and warm sound, and special attention to detail.

The headphones themselves are big and heavy. Finishing, materials, assembly – all this causes delight. There are stainless steel parts, aluminum cups, and a metal headband are sewn into the thick leather with a very pleasant texture. Cups completely cover the ears.

Inside the headphones, there is a customary driver with a diameter of 45 mm with neodymium magnets. Headphones sound as befits a flagship model: a saturated bass, pure sound at medium frequencies, pleasant high frequencies.

HI-END — Premium quality headphones with brilliant sound

OPPO PM-3 — the best wireless headphones

Headphones OPPO PM-3 with planar magnetic drivers are capable to give out the sound of extremely high quality. The main feature of planar-magnetic drivers is an easy but simultaneously diverse, detailed sound, as well as a wide musical scene. PM-3 remarkably plays out the middle frequencies and very interestingly high: they are very sharp, but they do not cut a rumor. Sound insulation both internal and external on the verge of ideality.

PM-3 has a proprietary design Oppo, where the metal predominates. The bowls are made of structured aluminum, the holders and the arc are also made of metal, plastic is used only in the rim of the same bowls. The headband and ear cups are covered with soft leatherette.

Work is possible everywhere with Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

A distinctive feature of the DT 1990 PRO is the original design of the cups, which provides the headphones with their own unique look. Impressive materials of the case — a quality black metal, sewn headband with leatherette, and durable plastic matt. The outer surface of the cups has numerous slots. At a weight of 0.8 lb DT 1990 confidently keep on the head and do not tire the neck. DT 1990 pro headphones have dynamic drivers of 45-mm Tesla technology, which demonstrate a crystal and true sound. The multi-story and relief of sound are pleasing, which is very well felt on multi-instrumental compositions with a pronounced rhythm. Every little thing sounds so certain.

Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature — hi-end audio decision

These are expensive headphones which are positioned as a portable device.

The P9 brand uses genuine leather in all parts of the case. Thick leather on the headband with deliberately brutal corrugation and soft leather cups and lower headband, thick base metal, the cups are mechanically unleashed to reduce vibrations. Ear cups completely cover the ears.

The P9 closed over ear headphones are equipped with new 40-mm full-range speakers.They have light air supply of the entire high-frequency spectrum. The bass is fed elastically, without tension, without any effort, obviously shifted to the middle spectrum. In these headphones, the musical parts of each instrument are perfectly heard. The vocals are clean, listening is a pleasure.

Beyerdynamic T5p — the new standard of pro tool

The Beyerdynamic T5p headphones are perfect for both portable and stationary use. They look solid and durable. Soft leather padding of the headband and ear cushions increases the convenience and gives them a stylish look.

T5p headphones are also good at every genre, sound brilliant with excellent tonal balance. The soundstage is large with precise imaging and excellent instrument separation even with the closed design. Sound can leak slightly at a high volume level, but the leakage is not noticeable in moderate and comfortable volume levels.

Buyers Guide

Closed back headphones – what is this?

This is the type of headphone with a closed back of the ear cup and they have noise insulation. For fans of diving into sound, it is preferable to choose a closed-type headphone. With them, you completely ignore the external noise and focus on music.

Closed-back vs Open-back headphones

There are closed-back and open-back headphones. The design of closed back headphones is the completely closed back of ear cups and dense ear cushion. These headphones are noise-proof and allow you to immerse yourself in music. However, they heat so quickly. The open-back headphones are the complete opposite in terms of design. The main difference between open headphones is that drivers are not closed of ear cups back. Such design allows hearing all the surrounding sounds and own voice.

Can others hear music in open back headphones?

When using open type headphones, it is inevitable that others will hear your music. Not clearly, but the noise will come. This is a feature of the design – the back of the cup does not have a wall, it is closed only by a grid. As an example, this can create discomfort for your colleagues in the office.

Conclusion

In this review, headphones for any budget are presented. The buyer only needs to determine how much he can spend on headphones. But it is worth remembering the correlation between price and quality. Indeed, for a good sound, you have to pay more. Those who do not know what to choose, I can advise a category of up to $300 where the optimal price-quality ratio.