Best Open Back Headphones: Top 11 Picks!

11 Best Open Back Headphones

Introduction

Open-back headphones let air flow freely through their ear cups to the speaker drivers. This design eliminates small echoes inside the headphones, so pressure can’t build up and affect your sound.

Because this makes the audio sound more natural and clear, many high-end, expensive headphones have open backs. They offer an amazing listening experience and excellent sound quality that music producers and audiophiles will love.

However, this only works well in quiet environments. Open-back headphones don’t block out external noise very well, so you’ll hear everything happening around you. They also leak sound, letting people nearby hear what you’re listening to.

For instance, if you use them at the office, your coworkers will be able to hear your music—and might even poke fun at your taste. While open-back headphones sound fantastic, you’ll probably want to keep them at home.

Additionally, open-back headphones are usually a bit more fragile than closed-back models. With less protection, it’s easier for moisture and dirt to reach the sensitive electronics, so these headphones need to be handled with care.

So, you might be asking: what are the best open-back headphones right now? Here’s our list of the Top 11 open-back headphones recommended by our team.

We want to let you know that we’ll be sharing reviews of the top 11 open headphones, listed in no particular order. The reviews will be presented randomly, as we aren’t ranking them from best to worst.

Listed below are our Top 11 Open Back Headphones:

1. HEDD HEDDphone

Everything about the HEDDphone is big. The oversized experience starts with the box itself. How can a box impress? Just make it massive (290mm x 365mm x 155mm). Removing the black paper slip-off sleeve reveals a sturdy cardboard box with a fold-up top and a magnetic closure.

What really sets the HEDD HEDDphone apart from every other headphone is its proprietary full-range dynamic driver. Oskar Heil first proposed the Air Motion Transformer concept in the 1960s.

Instead of using traditional piston-like diaphragms that move air in direct proportion to their own movement (meaning the air moves at the same speed as the diaphragm), the AMT design moves air four times faster than the diaphragm itself.

The Heinz Electrodynamic Designs HEDDphone is a challenging load for most amplifiers, with a 42 Ohm impedance and 87 dB SPL @ 1 mW sensitivity rating. When we tried them at a local showcase event, we were blown away by the quality—these headphones easily top the list for both sound quality and sheer size. Compared to other models, it feels like you have two studio monitors attached to your head.

While we love how they look, feel, and sound, it’s fair to say that great headphones come at a great price. Audiophiles who crave big sound should absolutely consider them. However, if you’re working with a smaller budget, you might want to look elsewhere.

The notorious HiFiMan HE6 is often considered the least efficient headphone, rated at 83.5 dB. The HEDDphone isn’t quite that extreme, but it’s getting close.

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2. Sennheiser HD 800 S

The second item on the list is reserved for the Sennheiser HD 800 S—German engineering at its finest. It’s no surprise that these headphones hold first place on our list of top 10 open-back headphones. They are true audiophile headphones, and many people swear by them.

As the smaller sibling of the now-iconic high-end Sennheiser HD 800 headphones, the HD 800 S is an updated and improved version. They feature a computer-optimized magnet system that enhances both durability and sound quality.

These headphones are both modern and classic, delivering sound that is accurate in every detail and as natural as possible. Further enhancing sound reproduction in the open, circumaural HD 800 S was no easy task—improving on an already perfect formula is never taken lightly. Yet, Sennheiser’s engineers have succeeded.

Form and function blend seamlessly with a striking industrial design. The layered metal and plastic headband reduces vibrations to the earcups, while the handmade microfiber earpads provide exceptional comfort for long listening sessions.

Crafted only from the finest materials and components, the HD 800 and HD 800 S are precision-built in Germany. Compared to other items on the list, these headphones fall into the higher price bracket, like the HEDDs—and for good reason. The sound quality is amazing and transparent, making these headphones a true mixing companion for any audio engineer.

The transducer is encased in stainless steel, while the headband and headphone mounts use advanced materials developed in the aerospace industry—offering high strength with minimal weight.

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3. Audio-Technica ATH-R70 X

These headphones have an easy, clear sound across the entire range: no peaks, no unwanted emphasis, no harshness—just pure clarity and detail. While the response isn’t perfectly smooth, these headphones reveal sibilance, resonance, and splashy elements in a mix, like over-hyped pads or overly bright acoustic guitars.

At this price and above, we’ve tried models with more pronounced “air,” but we don’t consider this a drawback here, since it keeps mixes from sounding dull or flat.

On the low end, the response remains smooth, with all the extension you need, and without any hint of boominess or artificial fatness. When we tested them, we really enjoyed their sound—which is exactly why they made our list.

Moving up through the low mids, the sound stays clean and natural—no cheap scooping (a trick sometimes used to hide uneven response), so you can truly hear what’s happening in your mix, for better or worse.

Like Sennheiser’s HD 600 and 650, the Audio-Technica R70x features a thin steel mesh on the outside of each ear cup, luxurious padding inside, and a stripped-down, industrial design. They also have a self-adjusting wing system that fits any head comfortably!

We’ve always been impressed with the performance-to-size ratio of Sennheiser’s 600 series, but Audio-Technica takes it even further with lighter, smaller headphones that still deliver excellent sound.

Weighing just 210 grams (7.4oz) without the cable, the R70x is one of the lightest over-ear headphones you can buy, whether for serious listening or casual use. Another great feature, carried over from the Sennheisers, is how low-profile and discreet the R70x looks when worn.

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4. Roland RH-A30

Introducing the RH-A30, a brand new open-air headphone designed for musicians who don’t want complete isolation from their surroundings.

The RH-A30s are especially well-suited for musicians who need high-quality headphone monitoring but also want to hear other instruments and onstage monitors during live performances.

Roland’s RH-A30 headphones deliver excellent sound quality in a comfortable design. The open-air construction offers clear, natural sound that’s perfect for studio monitoring. The swiveling earcup design allows for single-sided monitoring, while the cushioned earpads and adjustable headband provide lasting comfort.

For maximum comfort during long sessions, the RH-A30’s ear pads have been newly designed. These headphones are optimized for flat, accurate sound quality and can easily handle the demands of modern digital music instruments. With lower impedance than many other options, they can be powered easily by your audio interface.

Featuring a newly developed 45mm driver with a neodymium magnet, these headphones deliver a full dynamic range and stable output—even during loud input surges. They excel at reproducing fast attack transients. The stylish aluminum housing plate and soft ear pads ensure comfort for extended use.

The build quality of the RH-A30 headphones is solid and reliable. Their open-back design is perfect for mixing, allowing sound to escape from the ear cups for a more open and natural listening experience. While it’s not common to see headphones from Roland, we assure you these are impressive and ready to perform. After using them ourselves, we can confirm their quality.

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5. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Not only are the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones popular among professionals, but they are also considered a true studio classic. For many years, users around the world have trusted this legendary range: DT 770/880/990 PRO.

These studio headphones, which have set the industry benchmark, come in three different models. They deliver extremely detailed resolution and crystal-clear sound, earning them the second spot on our top 5 open-back headphones list.

The open-back design of the DT 990 PRO headphones offers impressive spaciousness. Thanks to their low impedance, you can use them with mobile devices as well. While they aren’t the best for noise-canceling, they remain a dependable choice that delivers high-quality sound.

For any audio enthusiast, these open-back studio headphones are a reliable tool. Like a loyal companion to producers, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro offers a wide stereo image and three-dimensional sound reproduction.

Even subtle changes in the position of an acoustic source can be detected while mixing, thanks to the outstanding tonal depth these headphones provide—a trademark of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro.

The circumaural (over-ear) design ensures exceptional spaciousness and detailed tonal depth due to the open-back construction. The treble is boosted but not harsh, and the bass is precise without being overwhelming, resulting in a pleasant listening experience.

The DT 990 PRO headphones feature a single-sided cable, making it easy to put them on or take them off without worrying about tangled wires. I have personally used these headphones, and they truly live up to their reputation. If you’re considering them, I can confidently say they will meet your expectations.

Additional comfort comes from their soft, adjustable ear cups, while a strong spring steel headband ensures a secure fit for over-ear use.

Like all Beyerdynamic professional studio headphones, the DT 990 PRO is handcrafted in Germany. All materials and components are made by hand and can be replaced if necessary, ensuring long-lasting quality.

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6. Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open System

Listening to the bass on a pair of AUDEZE headphones for the first time is an eye-opening experience. It’s not just that the sound is powerful—it seems to come from everywhere, surrounding you like you’re inside a booming thundercloud.

The bass has a richness and warmth that we find addictive. While you might argue that the AUDEZE LCD2C headphones are just a tiny bit less defined on the low end than the original model, it’s the kind of difference that would take a very long and detailed comparison to prove.

After all, the idea behind the LCD2C was to offer a headphone similar to the original LCD2, but at a much more affordable price. To achieve this, some compromises had to be made regarding the materials used. However, we think Audeze did an excellent job here because the LCD2C doesn’t feel cheap at all.

What we found particularly interesting is that, although Audeze used both metal and plastic, they gave each material a matching color and finish. This makes it hard to tell which parts are plastic and which are metal. As a result, the headphones still feel well-made and premium, even if they aren’t all metal.

The detachable cable is quite nice and feels reasonably high-quality. It’s not super flexible, but it isn’t annoyingly stiff either. Some other reviews mention that the cable is braided, but it’s actually a pair of twisted cables that are twisted together again, rather than a true braid.

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7. Avantone Pro Planar Headphones

To sum up my impression of the Avantone Planar headphones—they sound fantastic. Until now, we hadn’t found a truly high-quality planar headphone for under $1,000. The Avantones retail for $399 and come with a removable cable and a carrying pouch.

The Planar’s retro styling will probably be the first thing you notice, and they’re available in either black or red. The earcups are rectangular boxes with perforated metal backs.

A thin metal frame sits above the comfortable, vinyl-covered headband. The replaceable cable connects to both earcups with 3.5 mm plugs and includes a 3.5 mm to 1/4-inch adapter for your amp.

Weighing about one pound (0.5 kilograms), these headphones are on the heavier side—almost twice as heavy as many studio headphones. The square, cloth-covered earcups fit snugly and comfortably over your ears, even if you wear glasses.

The clarity of these headphones is excellent. You can easily pick out different effects in a pop mix—for example, which reverb is on the piano versus the guitar. Each instrument’s tone is well-defined, and any distortion, ticks, or pops are easy to hear.

Well-recorded classical music sounds amazing on these headphones, and listening to classical violin concertos or jazz collections feels fresh and new again. These headphones aren’t artificially boosted; they’re both accurate and enjoyable to listen to—a rare combination for studio headphones.

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8. AKG K702 Reference Studio Headphones

The AKG K702 are fully neutral, open-back reference headphones designed specifically for professional mixing and mastering—Austrian pride at its finest. These headphones don’t exaggerate or emphasize anything. What you hear is exactly what’s on your recording. The K702 is truly a tool for creating real music. For years, AKG has set the standard in recording studios with their microphones and headphones!

“What you hear is what you’ve got” is the motto of the AKG K702. That’s exactly why they’re so effective for mixing and mastering. If you can make your music sound great on the K702, you can trust that it will sound great anywhere.

They aren’t necessarily the most enjoyable headphones for casual music listening. Unlike many other headphones, the K702 doesn’t boost the bass. While extra bass might make music more fun to listen to, it can also lead to weak bass in the music you create. With the K702, you won’t have that problem.

One downside of the K702 is that they aren’t great for monitoring since they’re not sealed, and they don’t emphasize the midrange—meaning you might not catch background noise as easily. Still, we keep these headphones handy for any monitoring needs. The only thing that sets them apart from others is their somewhat fragile feel—they’re not built especially heavy or rugged.

You could spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on loudspeakers and acoustic treatments to get a sound that is smooth, clean, and natural. But you might be surprised to find that these headphones deliver that quality for just a fraction of the cost. The K702 is a truly affordable way to enjoy incredible sound for years to come.

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9. Mackie MC-450

These are the first open-backed headphones Mackie has released, and they absolutely nailed it on their first try. The headphones feature a sturdy yet comfortable headband with real leather padding and stitched leather ear cups, giving them a look and feel that seems much more expensive than you’d expect.

The ear cups fit snugly around your ears without feeling confining, and we’ve comfortably worn them for hours at a time without ever wanting to take them off.

When it comes to sound, there’s none of that dreaded ear fatigue. The headphones come with a generous 10-foot braided 1/8” cable that never tangles or gets in the way.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve loved a pair of headphones in the past, only to wish the stock cable was longer—or that we could swap it for a better one. This cable honestly made us feel like the “heart eyes emoji.” First impressions really are made with the little things.

While the bass isn’t as punchy or pronounced as you might want for showing off EDM bass drops, that’s not what these headphones are designed for. They give you an accurate, un-hyped representation of your mix, and we’ve found that mixing with these has helped our tracks translate much better across a wide variety of speakers.

That doesn’t mean the bass is lacking, though. It’s full and round, letting you hear details down to the sub-frequencies without being overpowering or muddying up the rest of your mix.

To be completely honest, we haven’t personally listened to these headphones, but we did talk to our audio engineer friend who owns them. He says they’re fantastic for critical listening and very well made and durable. Compared to his other headphones, these are the ones he relies on for studio work, both for mixing and double-checking masters.

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10. Shure SRH1840 Open-back Headphones

The Shure SRH1840 premium open-back headphones offer a unique set of features. Their excellent audio quality and premium materials make them one of the top choices available today. First and foremost, the listening experience is outstanding—and the Shure SRH1840 does not disappoint.

Like all open-back headphones, the design creates a spacious and enjoyable listening environment. There is plenty of room for the music to breathe, with no unwanted frequency buildup. The SRH1840 does an excellent job of making you feel as if you’re listening to speakers rather than headphones.

This precision carries through to the frequency response. These headphones are exceptionally flat, rivaling some of the most neutral headphones on the market. The highs are bright and clear. They might be a little too sharp for some, but we enjoy the distinct clarity and detail in the treble. The mids are also clean and precise.

There’s plenty of warmth without coloration, though the lower mids can show some weakness. Like many neutral headphones, the bass is flat, which might disappoint those who want heavy, thumping bass. If you prefer strong bass, you may want to look elsewhere. However, for critical listening, these are excellent.

The SRH1840 truly lives up to its premium name and price. It’s clear that Shure has applied the same legendary attention to detail found in their microphones to these headphones. With that in mind, these are among Shure’s best products, featuring detailed sound, excellent build quality, and an impressively wide soundstage. I use them whenever I need to check a signal with precision.

These are a serious pair of highly successful headphones. With great sound, practical design, and premium accessories, if you’re looking for high-quality studio headphones, the Shure SRH1840 is an excellent choice.

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Best Open Back Headphones – Latest Additions

11. Sennheiser HD 660S2

It’s no surprise that Sennheiser didn’t start from scratch when developing the HD 660S2. Their headphones have evolved gradually, building on a long legacy in the audiophile world. For many audiophiles, the ultimate goal is neutrality—hearing music exactly as it was recorded, free from distortions or changes introduced by hardware or software.

While the exterior of the 660S2 may not look much different, there are several new components inside. The driver now uses an ultra-light aluminum voice coil, which helps minimize the driver’s weight.

Sennheiser has also implemented a new airflow system designed to reduce distortion and eliminate unwanted artifacts. Along with this, they’ve adjusted the driver’s impedance and increased its sensitivity. These headphones have a 300 Ohm impedance, so you’ll need a dedicated headphone amplifier to provide enough power.

Given the rest of the 600 series lineup, it’s understandable that Sennheiser didn’t opt for an entirely new design. Overall, I think the 660S2 is a solid upgrade. If you can afford the higher price, you’ll find plenty to appreciate. Plus, as the newest model in the lineup, you can expect some fresh improvements over the previous versions.

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Conclusion

When you compare closed-back and open-back headphones, you’ll notice a few key differences. Closed-back headphones have less sound leakage, while open-back models generally offer slightly better audio quality. Both types usually provide a balanced and natural sound, making them great for long listening sessions. Closed-back headphones also offer sound isolation, so you can enjoy your music without distractions.

If you want accurate sound reproduction, open-back headphones are an excellent choice for sound engineers. Although you won’t get perfect noise canceling, you will enjoy a great frequency response range and well-balanced sound. Semi-open-back headphones offer a bit of both worlds, but you’ll still hear some external noise if you use them outside your studio.

If you’re not chasing ultimate sound quality, closed-back or semi-open-back headphones are worth considering. There are also great wireless options available with impressive sound quality, each serving its own purpose. Open-back headphones often feature high-quality builds, premium materials, aluminum voice coils, and a neutral sound profile.

Overall, we’ve listed some professional studio mixing headphones that are perfect for extended listening sessions and deliver excellent sound quality. If you have any questions about this topic, please let us know in the comments, and we’ll do our best to help!