Best Open Back Headphones

Looking for good earphones may be quite challenging since there are many models available on the market. Moreover, some models are great for different tasks – some earphones are better for musicians, while other models will be good for a common user who just enjoys music. I would like to share my experience and help you find the best open back headphones that will meet all your requirements.

Before making a purchase, you should consider numerous factors. You may also think that getting a model provided by a popular manufacturer is also a good idea, but sometimes, you can find a much better model made by a non-popular brand.

Another important factor to keep in mind is the price of earphones. Expensive models will provide you with crystal clear audio, but there are also quite decent reasonably-priced models that are able to meet the buyer´s needs.

Choosing the open ear headphones starts with determining different models in various price ranges. This open back headphone review should help you find the model that will satisfy your inner audiophile.

Open Back Headphones Reviews

beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro — best open back headphones under 200

Here is a model provided by a not so popular brand, but it still deserves attention. This model has a high-frequency response range – from 5 to 35000 Hz, which allows you to hear all the Here is a model provided by a not so popular brand, but it still deserves attention. This model has a high-frequency response range – from 5 to 35000Hz, which allows you to hear all the details of a recording. This wide range also makes this a good option for professionals who work with audio recording and mixing. Nevertheless, it is also a good option for those who just want to enjoy an amazing listening experience. The open construction type excludes any noise. The sound is spatial and transparent, while bass and treble are balanced. The nominal sound pressure level is 96 dB, which is enough for those who prefer to listen to music loudly.

The ear-pads are very soft, so you can use these headphones for hours without experiencing any discomfort.

The single-sided connecting cable is coiled – the length of the cable is 9.8 feet, which allows you to move freely. The cable can be put on and taken off frequently without cables getting tangled. These headphones have replaceable earpads so it is easy to replace them in the case of necessity.

AKG Acoustics k702 — best open back headphones under 300

This is an option for audio processing – mastering, mixing, and precision listening. The high audio precision is achieved by using flat-wire voice coils with the patented two-layer diaphragm solution by Varimotion. The frequency bandwidth of these headphones is from 10 to 39800Hz, while the sensitivity is up 105 dB SPL/V. The maximum input power is 200 mW and the rated impedance is 62 Ohms. This model delivers loud and clear sound.

The cushioned leather headband makes this model very comfortable, while the earpads are nice as well.

The good thing about this model is that different components can be replaced. The cable is detachable and it can be replaced if you break or damage it. The earpads are replaceable as well.

Philips Audio SHP9500 — best open back headphones under 100

If you need the headphones to listen to your favorite music for hours, the SHP9500 model might be your best open back headphones. This model has low-impedance big-size drivers, durable construction, comfortable earpads, and a headband. Still, these cans aren’t the audiophile grade and cannot deliver the enhanced level of detail throughout the frequency range. The latter, though, is quite extensive.

The spectrum of frequencies covered starts from 12Hz and ends up with 35 kHz. The drivers are 50mm neodymium magnets, and the impedance of this headset makes 32Ohms, which means you can use it with the majority of mobile devices (the smartphone, mp3 player, etc.) and also get the fuller sound with the amplifier connected.

The sound quality of these Philips open back headphones is quite good for the price. They deliver a wide immersive soundstage, bright spatial highs with a lot of detail. The mids feel solid but not heavy, and the bass reaches quite low. Yet, the detail of the lower frequency level is less noticeable than with the highs.

The comfort of wearing is ensured by the breathable material used for the earpads and the headband, and the large ear cushions. These headphones can be worn for a long time without becoming oppressive or tiresome.

Samson Technologies SR850

Being affordable, these headphones provide a balanced sound over the extensive frequency response and might well be praised as the best cheap open back headphones. However, the small details like the non-detachable standard cable might become a deal breaker for users looking for the time proof design.

The SR850 model features the 50mm rare earth drivers housed in the semi-open ear cup construction. The earpads are circumaural and made of velour. Such design ensures the good fixation of the phones on the head, the wider soundstage of the open-back type, and the small sound leakage (in comparison to the entirely open-back design).

The impedance of this model makes 32 Ohms, the sound pressure reaches 98 dB, and the frequency range starts with the sub-bass 10Hz and reaches the ultra-high 30kHz. The cable is 8.25ft long and can easily reach an amp, controller, or a PC. The default connector is the gold-plated ⅛-inch one, the stereo adaptor for a ¼-inch port is included.

GRADO SR125e — best open back headphones under 150

The handmade design is alone the reason to call these cans the best open back headphones. Still, they have more to attract the audiophile and the regular music lover: the long heavy-duty cord, the overall durable design, and the signature sound of Grados complete the picture. Yet, such wear-proof design limits the headphones use to the stationary one. The headphones aren’t lightweight, and the cord isn’t flexible.

The SR125e model has a 32-Ohm impedance, a standard frequency response of 20Hz – 20KHz, the sensitivity of 99.8dB. It’s equipped with the 8-conductor cord that ends with the ⅛-inch jack and is compatible with the supplied ¼-inch adaptor.

The sound of these headphones can be characterized as neutral, which makes them a worthy competitor to become best open back headphones for mixing. The bass has a good weight and is quite deep but doesn’t feature any artificial enhancement. The sweet spot of this model is within the mids, they are rich, detailed, and fill the whole vast soundstage created by the headphones. The imaging is precise, and the highs have just the right amount of brightness and space. They’re not warmed up and pictured with high precision.

GRADO SR80e

The vented diaphragm installed in these headphones results in the high detail and purity of the sound. At the same time, the bass is ample and deep, with clear rich mids and open moderately bright highs. All that sound is packed in the neat Grado-style design featuring nothing fancy but providing a lot of comfort for the user. This model could easily be the best budget open back headphones on the list; yet, the premium sound quality on these is paired with the minimum solidity of the overall construction. The cups and joints are made of plastic, which doesn’t feel durable.

The headphones, though, sit comfortably on the head and feature the easily adjustable mechanism. The ear cups feature a memory foam that might feel stiff for seconds but afterward, gets shaped over the ears. The construction contains a polymer that dampens the vibration and secures the clarity of the sound.

The SR80e model produces the sound within the 20 – 20,000Hz and has a sensitivity of 99.8 dB. It has the dynamic driver construction and the resonant air chambers. The impedance equals 32 Ohms.

Sennheiser HD 599

If you aim for the audiophile-grade headphones, take a look at the Sennheiser open back line. The HD599 model encompasses the quality solid build, the proprietary driver design ensuring the utmost sound quality, with the enhanced user’s comfort. The neutral detailed performance makes this unit a good option both for studio monitor and home entertainment use.

The 38mm drivers implemented in this model are the transducer type. Combined with the open-back technology, they provide a clear natural sound with all the detail and defects of the initial record. The soundstage is wide and dynamic, with the precision of instruments and vocals positioning and the balanced representation throughout the frequency spectrum. The latter starts with the sub-low 12Hz and reaches 38,500Hz. The bass has the punch and depth but doesn’t seem to be overblown, and the highs are airy and distinct up to the upper limit.

The headphones look and feel sturdy thanks to the metal parts and the plush velour earpads. The latter encircle the ears comfortably removing the tension and securing the audio signal from outside interference.

Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR

The high comfort of these headphones, natural materials, and big drivers located to deliver the most of the sound into your ears make the highlights of this open back headphone review. The inner part of the headband is adjustable and lightweight; besides, thanks to the 3D mesh used, it’s breathable and doesn’t cause any discomfort for the people with the different head sizes. The ear cups have the over-ear design and feature the memory foam that is covered with velour to prevent sweating and ensure the soft touch on the ears.

The impedance of this model makes 30Ohms. It has an extended frequency range of 5Hz – 40KHz produced by the 50mm driver and can boast the sensitivity of 100dB. The driver contains the LMC diaphragm. The connector has an ⅛-inch size and is supplied with the ¼-inch adaptor.

The signal transmission features the high source fidelity with the minimal to non-existent distortion on all frequencies making these cans a worthy model for the open back studio headphones. The treble is loud and clean with full detail but no harshness present. The mids and bass are strong while accurate, and the harmonics are fully traceable.

Sennheiser HD 650 — best open back headphones under 500

The distinctive feature of these expensive headphones set is the vivid but highly accurate dynamics and the transparent sound transmission revealing the tiny details in any music or movie record. The headphones are built with solid but lightweight materials and fit all types of Hi-Res recordings.

The metal body is covered with the titanium silver finish and padded with the plush velour on the skin contact points. The embouchures are deep distributing the weight efficiently and providing for long-time use.

The unit is equipped with the ferrous magnet drivers with the 1 dB tolerance letting you hear all the difference between the sub-bass and mid-lows, as well as discerning the vocal harmonics throughout the spectrum. The frequency response for these Sennheiser open back headphones makes 10 – 39,500Hz, the created soundstage is immersive and spacious, with exact imaging. The impedance equals 300 Ohms, the sound pressure — 103 dB.

Buyer’s Guide

What are Open Back Headphones?

The headphones featuring the open outer part of the ear cup (covered with the grill only) are called the open-back headphones. This construction foresees good ventilation of drivers and their non-restricted movement. This results in a more diverse sonic signature and a much more spacious soundstage than with the closed-back design. This is true both for wired and wireless open back headphones.

The open design also results in considerable sound leakage and poor noise cancellation properties. While wearing the open back cans, you can hear the environment, and the people around you can hear what you’re listening to.

Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones

There are two major headphones designs – closed and open. Earcups of open back headphones are not solid – they have cutouts for a better sound image. This design helps widen the “soundstage”. Closed back headphones are sealed and ear cups do not have any ventilation ports.

Open back headphones allow air to circulate. This design doesn’t allow pressure to build up and affect the sound anyhow, so you get some echoes inside the headphones. This approach is used in high-class headphones because it helps achieve clear and natural sound.

Another important factor to consider is that this design doesn’t cancel any noises around you. Moreover, sound comes out, which means that people around you will hear what you listen to.

Open back models are more fragile, as the moisture can get inside.

Overall, such models are good for:

• listening in a quiet environment;
• precise audio reproduction (you need high-quality lossless audio files to enjoy the sound).

They are not great for:

• noisy environments.

Closed back models have the back part sealed, so the sound goes straight to your ear. The result is that the sound may sound artificial, but they can cancel any noise.

The close design may be not great for your ears – since they are sealed and may become a bit warm, which may cause some discomfort.

Closed back ones are great to use in noisy environments – you will not hear any noise and people around you won’t hear your music.

This kind of headphones is good for:

• everyday use in various environments (blocks noise, do not let the sound come out);
• audio processing – recording and mixing.

These solutions are not good for:

• providing comfort – your ears will become warm.

How Loud are Open Back Headphones?

While the best open back wireless headphones might bring an immersive music listening experience, they’d fill the room you are in as well. Still, the amount of sound leakage differs depending on the headphones’ capacity and the selected volume level.

The high-end open back models usually have the ear cups completely grilled on the outer side. This lets dampen the vibration and keep the driver cool but provides for the sound distribution even at the low volume levels (level 2 or 3). There are also semi-open headphones that feature the partly closed ear cups with the grills covering the central part only. In these models, the sound starts leaking into the environment at the moderate volume levels (level 5 or 6).

If you wonder to what extent another person can hear the sound through your headphones, hold a short test. Put the comparable closed back headphones on the table, set the volume to the moderate level, and make five steps back. This will let you understand how loud your open back cans are.

How to Choose a Perfect Model of Headphones?

Finding the best open back headphones requires you to focus on various factors. Being the main component, the driver produces the sound signal and it has to be engineered properly. Open back models do not have drivers sealed. Since nothing protects drivers they have to be durable. High-end solutions have magnetic drivers – they output precise and natural sound. If you seek accurate sound reproduction, then you should look for a set that features magnetic or planar drivers. The best open ear headphones for you should have large drivers – consider getting the model that has 40mm drivers or more.

Size is important as well – some of them may cover the ears completely, while some models are circumaural (they cover the listener’s ears partially). Size doesn’t affect the output sound quality, but it determines overall experience and comfort. A heavy set may cause some discomfort after hours of using.

Price is important as well. Some cheap open back headphones may provide you with amazing sound, but they may not have additional features like a detachable cable. Choosing the best budget open back headphones should start with determining your headphones-budget. Knowing how much you are ready to spend helps determine what models you should pay attention to. Reasonably-priced models sound great, they are enough for everyday listening, mixing, or mastering. However, if you want to get the maximum possible audio precision covering a wide frequency range (required for the professional-level audio processing) you need to consider getting a more expensive model.

Are Open Models Good for Audio Mixing?

If you are into audio processing, then you should consider getting top open back headphones. The reason why professionals prefer to use the models that are designed this way is that the drivers are exposed outside. It helps reduce various resonant effects and it also preserves the cross-feed effect. Therefore, the output sound is more natural.

These models are more comfortable for long sessions (mixing may require some time to be done correctly) – your ears won’t be too warm, as the back part is not sealed. Professionals also recommend getting circumaural models as they provide deeper and natural bass sound.