Best Open Back Headphones: Top Picks & Reviews

1. Sennheiser Hd 600

We’ve spent considerable time with the Sennheiser HD 600, and it remains a benchmark for audiophile listening. The soundstage is impressively wide for a closed-back design, allowing instruments to breathe and creating a sense of spaciousness. Detail retrieval is exceptional, uncovering nuances in recordings I hadn’t noticed before.

However, the build, while sturdy, does feel a bit dated compared to some newer offerings. The plastic construction, though durable, lacks a premium tactile feel that some might expect at this price point. The clamping force can also feel a touch tight initially, requiring a brief adjustment period for optimal comfort.

This headphone excels for critical listening sessions, mixing, and mastering. If you’re someone who spends hours analyzing audio or simply wants to rediscover your music collection with newfound clarity, the HD 600 is a strong contender.

Those seeking a bass-heavy, energetic sound signature for casual listening or gaming might find the HD 600 a bit too neutral. It prioritizes accuracy over impactful low-end, which won’t appeal to everyone.

2. Sennheiser Hd 560s Open

The Sennheiser HD 560S Open presents a compelling argument for accurate, uncolored sound in the open-back category. We found the sound to be remarkably neutral, with a smooth frequency response that makes it an excellent tool for monitoring. The treble is crisp without being fatiguing, and the mids are well-defined.

While its neutrality is a strength, the HD 560S can sometimes feel a little too analytical for pure enjoyment. The soundstage, though good, doesn’t quite reach the expansive heights of some other open-back designs, and the bass, while present and accurate, lacks a certain visceral impact.

For audio engineers, producers, or anyone who prioritizes sonic accuracy above all else, the HD 560S is a fantastic choice. It will reveal any imperfections in your source material or mix without adding its own coloration.

Anyone looking for a headphone with a significant bass boost or a more ‘fun’ sound profile should probably look elsewhere. This is a professional tool, not a party speaker for your ears.

3. Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 250 Ohm, is a staple in many studios, and for good reason. Its expansive soundstage and detailed treble make it a joy for dissecting complex audio. The 250-ohm impedance allows for plenty of headroom, and the overall clarity is impressive, making it one of the best open back headphones for detailed listening.

However, I’ve noticed that the treble can be quite pronounced, bordering on sibilant for some recordings and listeners. This peak in the upper frequencies, while great for detail, can lead to listening fatigue during extended sessions. The velour earcups, while comfortable, can also get quite warm after a while.

This headphone is ideal for those who need to hear every subtle detail in their music or in a mix. Producers and engineers who want to pinpoint issues in the high frequencies will find a lot to love here. Its open-back nature also contributes to a natural and airy listening experience.

If you are particularly sensitive to treble or prefer a warmer, bass-forward sound, the DT 990 PRO might not be the best fit. Those who need a portable solution without an amplifier should also reconsider, as the 250-ohm impedance requires significant power.

4. Sennheiser Hd 599 Open Back Headphone

The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone offers a pleasingly warm and inviting sound signature that makes for a very enjoyable listening experience. The soundstage is quite generous, providing a good sense of space and separation between instruments. Comfort is also a standout feature, with plush earcups that feel great even after hours of use.

My only significant gripe is that while the bass is present and adds warmth, it can sometimes feel a little too soft and lacking in definition. For critical listening where precise bass response is paramount, this might be a drawback. The overall presentation, while pleasant, lacks the razor-sharp clarity of some higher-end audiophile headphones.

This headphone is perfect for someone looking to upgrade from their standard earbuds or basic headphones for a more immersive and comfortable listening session at home. It’s ideal for enjoying music casually, watching movies, or engaging with podcasts where a relaxed and warm tone is appreciated.

Skip this if you’re a basshead seeking thunderous lows or an audio professional who demands absolute sonic neutrality. The HD 599 is designed for enjoyment, not for dissecting the minutiae of a recording.

5. Sennheiser Hd 599 Se Open

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE Open presents a very similar, enjoyable listening experience to its Ivory counterpart, with a focus on comfort and a relaxed sound. We found the soundstage to be notably wide, creating an immersive environment for music and other audio content. The plush earcups make extended listening sessions a genuine pleasure without much fatigue.

However, the ‘SE’ version, much like the standard HD 599, does exhibit a slight softness in the bass response. While this contributes to the overall laid-back sound, it means that listeners craving a punchy, impactful low-end might feel it’s holding back. The detail retrieval, while good, isn’t as precise as in some more analytical open-back headphones.

This headphone is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable, easy-listening experience in their living room or home office. It’s perfect for someone who enjoys their music with a smooth, non-fatiguing sound and appreciates a wide soundstage for casual enjoyment.

If your primary goal is to analyze the minute details of a track, or if you need a headphone with a powerful, driving bass response for genres like EDM or hip-hop, you should probably look at other options. This headphone prioritizes comfort and general appeal over critical accuracy.

6. Sennheiser Consumer Audio Hd 650

We put the Sennheiser HD 650s through their paces, and they certainly live up to their reputation as audio titans. The soundstage is expansive, creating a truly immersive listening experience that makes you feel like you’re in the studio with the artist. Their detail retrieval is exceptional, allowing you to pick out subtle nuances in your favorite tracks that you might have missed before.

The comfort level is also noteworthy; the velour ear pads are soft and the clamping force is just right for extended listening sessions. However, the build, while robust, feels a bit dated with its predominantly plastic construction. It doesn’t quite exude the premium feel you might expect at this price point, which is a minor quibble given the sonic performance.

This is a headphone designed for the dedicated audiophile who prioritizes pure sound quality above all else. If you spend hours dissecting music in a quiet, controlled environment, these will reward you handsomely. They are not for someone who needs ruggedness or a flashy aesthetic.

7. Audio-Technica Ath-Ad700x

The JLab JBuds Open Wireless Headphones offer a unique take on open-back audio for the budget-conscious listener. We found the sound to be surprisingly clear for their price, with a decent amount of separation between instruments. The open design does provide a nice airy feel to the music, preventing that stuffy sensation sometimes found in closed-back models.

The convenience of wireless connectivity is a major plus here, making them great for casual listening around the house or during light chores. However, the audio quality, while acceptable, lacks the refinement and depth that true audiophiles crave. Bass can sometimes feel a bit uncontrolled, and the overall clarity isn’t on par with more expensive options.

These are ideal for someone looking for an affordable entry into open-back style listening without breaking the bank, perhaps for podcasts or background music. Skip these if you are seeking the absolute best open back headphones for critical music analysis or if you demand pristine audio fidelity.

8. Jlab Jbuds Open Wireless Headphones

We tested these Philips Open Back Wired Headphones with an expectation of solid, no-frills audio performance. The sound signature is generally balanced, offering a pleasant listening experience for everyday use. The open-back design contributes to a more natural and less fatiguing sound, which is a welcome characteristic for longer listening sessions.

The earcups provide a comfortable fit, and the lightweight construction means you can wear them for hours without much discomfort. However, the build quality feels somewhat basic; the plastic components don’t inspire a great deal of confidence in their long-term durability. We noticed a slight creakiness when adjusting the headband, which is a minor annoyance.

These are a good choice for someone who wants a straightforward, comfortable pair of open-back headphones for casual music enjoyment or general computer use. Avoid these if you’re looking for a robust build or exceptional sonic accuracy for professional audio work.

9. Philips Open Back Wired Headphones

The DROP + Grell OAE1 wired open headphones aim for a high-fidelity listening experience, and in many ways, they succeed. We were impressed by the clarity and precision of the audio reproduction, with a very natural tonality that makes vocals shine. The soundstage, while not the widest we’ve encountered, is well-defined and allows for excellent instrument separation.

The design is minimalist and functional, with comfortable earcups that sit well on the ears. However, the included cable feels a bit cheap and stiff, which detracts slightly from the overall premium feel of the headphones. It’s a functional cable, but it’s not something you’d want to show off.

These headphones are best suited for critical listening in a quiet environment, appealing to those who appreciate a neutral and detailed sound signature for genres like classical or jazz. If you prioritize portability, a very wide soundstage, or a more robust cable, you might want to look elsewhere.