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Previous Next Rating Price Design Connection More info Sennheiser HD 800 S Best overall 4.6 Under $1450 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm Review Philips Fidelio X2HR Runner-up 4.7 Under $120 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm Review Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Best for studio 4.7 Under $160 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm Review Sennheiser HD 660 S Best classic 4.7 Under $430 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm Review Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X Best for gaming 4.4 Under $200 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm Review Philips SHP9500 Great value 4.7 Under $80 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm Review GRADO GW100 v2 Best wireless 4.4 Under $250 On-ear Wireless (Bluetooth 5.0) & wired (3.5mm) Review Sennheiser HD 560 S Best neutral 4.7 Under $200 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm Review RAPTGO x HBB HOOK-X Best in-ear monitors 4.4 Under $240 In-ear Wired 3.5mm, 2.5mm, & 4.4mm Review Samson SR850 Best cheap 4.5 Under $50 Over-ear Wired 3.5mm & 6.3mm Review If you’re searching for your new pair of headphones, you probably came across some open-back headphones. First thing, if you don’t know what’s the deal with this type of headphones, let us clear up a few things. As the name suggests, open-back headphones are physically different from the typical closed-back pair that you probably have at home. That means that the headphone’s driver isn’t enclosed inside the earcups, giving the sound more room to “breathe. In many cases, the driver inside the open-back headphone can be visible to the naked eye. Sometimes you can even see through the cup when you use a flashlight to shine on the other side. Drivers are usually protected with an aluminum mesh since touching them can cause damage. Open-back headphones have many advantages over closed-back ones. Since the air, which the driver pushes, isn’t trapped inside the earcup, there is a lesser chance of sound distortion at high volumes. On the other hand, you’ll also hear ambient sound coming in, so making open-back headphones only suitable for home use. Sennheiser HD open-back headphones usually have fully replaceable parts. The soundstage is also an area where open-back headphones excel. They can portray a massive soundscape that feels very natural, especially if you like to listen to live recordings or classical music. Not only that, but a big soundstage can benefit all music genres. Most open-back headphones have velour earpads (however, that is not always the case). With the combination of textile pads and no barricade behind the driver, your ears sweat considerably less than with the closed-back option with leather pads. Having no enclosure, the sound is also airer. It feels less congested and easier to listen to. Because of all those benefits of the open design, many headphones of this type are also the most expensive. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great deal even under $100. CONTENTS (show more) Open-back headphones are fantastic for: Studio work: If you work in a music studio, you must know how important it’s to listen to your mix with neutral headphones. Since the closed-back solutions tend to have a slightly colorized sound due to bass boost, open-back headphones can more easily achieve perfect neutrality. It’s worth mentioning that this type of headphone isn’t suitable for monitoring your singer’s voice since the sound leak might be audible in the microphone. Home listening: Since open-back headphones leak sound while also getting a lot of background noise in, the best place to listen to them is at home, in a quiet environment. In a room where no one can bother you, you can enjoy your favorite music in peace. Enhanced levels of detail and a big soundstage will give your music a whole new dimension. Related: Absolutely best headphones Best studio headphones Best headphones for mixing Best audiophile headphones Best headphones under $100 The 10 Best Open-Back Headphones 1. Sennheiser HD 800 S BEST OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES Overall best open-back headphones with accurate sound reproduction. Sennheiser HD800 Dynamic Open Air Headphones Impedance Wired Used F/S JPN Sennheiser HD800 Dynamic Open Air Headphones Impedance Wired Used F/S JPN $726.00 $899.00 in stock Buy now eBay Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With… Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With… $1,497.61 $1,699.95 in stock 10 new from $1,497.61 8 used from $1,187.96 as of September 26, 2023 5:24 pm Buy now Amazon.com One of the best pair of open-back over-ear headphones from Sennheiser. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm, 6.3mm, & 4.4mm balanced Driver size: 56mm Frequency range: 4-51.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back desgn: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 300 Ohm | Weight: 330g | Cable length: 3m | Features: / Outstanding audio quality Big soundstage with good imaging Robust construction Expensive Sennheiser hit the right frequency response with HD 800 S. Nothing sticks too far out to cause sibilance or distortion. While dynamic drivers do have their physical limitations, this is definitely their best headphone implementation. Sennheiser is known for designing out-of-this-world-looking headphones. HD 800 S are a clear example of that. Thanks to the headphone design, they’re shaped to ensure a perfect fit for human ears. Dense earpads with soft fabric provide fantastic comfort when wearing headphones for hours. The exceptional build quality of these open-back headphones is also top-notch, with a quality plastic body, aluminum cups, and removable cables. With good care, these can last for many years. Even after a very long time, these are still a gold standard of how an accurate headphone should sound like. Check price 2. Philips Fidelio X2HR BEST VALUE OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES Best open-back headphones under $200. Philips X2HR Fidelio Over-Ear Headband Headphones – Black Philips X2HR Fidelio Over-Ear Headband Headphones – Black $87.99 in stock Buy now eBay Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone 50mm Drivers- Black Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone 50mm Drivers- Black $146.99 in stock 4 new from $146.94 2 used from $94.41 as of September 26, 2023 5:05 am Buy now Amazon.com Philips Fidelio X2HR On Ear Wired Headphones High-Resolution Audio, Black Philips Fidelio X2HR On Ear Wired Headphones High-Resolution Audio, Black $147.99 $199.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com If you’re looking for the best open-back headphones under $200, Fidelio X2HR are your top choice. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm Driver size: 50mm Frequency range: 5-40.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 30 Ohm | Weight: 13.4 oz (380g) | Cable length: 118 inch (3m) | Features: / Great sound quality Comfortable for long listening sessions Sturdy construction Velour pads get dirty quickly Open-back headphones are notorious for lacking low-end, but Philips somehow managed to make these quite bassy. Thankfully, the lower frequencies don’t bleed into the middle range or treble, where you can still find tons of details. Furthermore, you get a good sense of the soundstage, making them suitable as gaming headphones too. Fidelio X2HR open-back headphones are built incredibly well. There is very little plastic on them, providing a premium-feeling experience when you hold them in your hands. Compared to other audiophile headphones, these are also very easy to drive from a phone. Once they’re on your head, you can feel the exquisite comfort level provided by generous padding inside the velour pads. Since the dirt gets build up quite fast, check how to keep them clean. Because of that, your ears don’t sweat at all, ticking another box under the “great comfort” section. Check price 3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro BEST OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES FOR STUDIO Well-built open-back headphones for mixing. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones $75.00 $95.00 in stock Buy now eBay beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing $169.00 in stock 19 new from $169.00 8 used from $139.00 as of September 27, 2023 12:44 am Buy now Amazon.com BeyerDynamic DT-990-Pro-250 Professional Acoustically Open Headphones – 250 Ohms BeyerDynamic DT-990-Pro-250 Professional Acoustically Open Headphones – 250 Ohms $169.00 $199.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com If you need a trusted pair of headphones to reveal all the flaws in your studio mix, you should check the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm Driver size: n/a Frequency range: 5-35.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 250 Ohm | Weight: 8.8 oz (250g) | Cable lenght: 118 inch (3m) | Features: / Robust build, made in Germany Very detailed sound Non-detachable cable Bright sound can get sibilant Bass delivers a good punch and attack, not disturbing the midrange, which is incredibly detailed and accurate. The same goes for the upper mids and lower treble, which are boosted to add clarity, although, at times, it can be sibilant. All studio monitors from Beyerdynamic headphones are made in Germany, which ensures a greater level of quality control. They’re built like a tank, with robust hard plastic earcups and a metal frame dressed in padded leather. DT 990 Pro open-backs come with velour earpads with thick padding. Headphones feel comfortable, like wearing a pillow on your head. For slightly more than $150 (or less), you’re getting a fantastic mixing and mastering tool that you can genuinely rely on. Check price 4. Sennheiser HD 660 S BEST OPEN-BACK CLASSICS One of the best open-back headphones under $500 price tag that audiophiles will love. Sennheiser Over the Ear Wired Audiophile Headphones HD 660S Certified Refurb Sennheiser Over the Ear Wired Audiophile Headphones HD 660S Certified Refurb $229.95 $549.95 in stock Buy now eBay SENNHEISER HD 660 S – HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone SENNHEISER HD 660 S – HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone $494.99 $499.95 in stock 3 new from $494.99 13 used from $214.50 as of September 26, 2023 5:05 am Buy now Amazon.com Another fantastic open-back headphone from this German brand that provides an amazing audio experience. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm Driver size: n/a Frequency range: 9-41.500Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 150 Ohm | Weight: 9.2 oz (260g) | Cable length: 118 inch (3m) | Features: Detachable cable Audiophile sound quality Comfortable velour earpads for long listening sessions Fully replaceable parts Amp might be necessary for optimal performance HD 660 S combines everything good from HD 600/650 and makes it a little better. Bass has a better impact and control, the midrange is a bit more detailed, and the treble range shows slightly more resolution. Overall a well-balanced performance worthy of a reference headphones title. These pair of open-back headphones share an almost identical design compared to HD 600/650. The good thing about that is durability and detachable dual-exit cables. You can easily rock these over-ears for decades since the spare parts are always available. The cool thing is that everything is replaceable on these. Earcups are huge, providing a comfortable fit for extended periods, even for the most gigantic ear size. They come with velour memory foam earpads, which feel incredibly on your skin, and can also prevent sweating. Check price 5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X BEST OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES FOR GAMING Best open-back headphones for gaming. audio-technica ATH-AD900X Open-Back Audiophile Headphones,Black audio-technica ATH-AD900X Open-Back Audiophile Headphones,Black $155.00 $184.70 in stock 12 new from $155.00 3 used from $189.50 as of September 26, 2023 8:14 pm Buy now Amazon.com audio-technica ath-ad900x open-back audiophile headphones,black audio-technica ath-ad900x open-back audiophile headphones,black $255.89 $367.94 in stock Buy now Walmart.com While you probably know Audio-Technica because of their M50x model, these are actually very typical-looking headphones from this brand. 3D Wing design might look weird, but the sound is incredible. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm Driver size: 53mm Frequency range: 5-35.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 38 Ohm | Weight: 9.3 oz (265g) | Cable lenght: 118 inch (3m) | Features: / Airy, detailed sound Impressive soundstage Comfortable and breathable Light on bass Non-detachable cable They lack a bit of bass response, but they make up with a superb mid-range and treble. They’re incredibly resolving in those frequencies, which is why most people use them for gaming since you can hear enemies long before seeing them. These are the most unique-looking headphones on this list. While that 3D self-adjusting wing system looks flimsy, they’re doing a good job keeping the AD900X in their place. Headphones have big and perfectly round earcups with velour earpads that sit gently on your ears. Ear cups are large enough to go around your ears nicely. These headphones offer excellent breathability, with drivers so thin you can actually see through them. Headphones come with a 6.3mm adapter. Check price 6. Philips SHP9500 BEST AFFORDABLE OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES Best open-back headphones with amazing value for money. Philips Audio Over the Ear Headphones – Black Philips Audio Over the Ear Headphones – Black $56.99 in stock Buy now eBay Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones (Black) Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones (Black) $74.99 $79.99 in stock 1 used from $135.00 as of September 26, 2023 3:03 pm Buy now Amazon.com Philips SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Over-Ear Wired Headphones, Steel Headband, Black Philips SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Over-Ear Wired Headphones, Steel Headband, Black $79.99 $82.83 in stock Buy now Walmart.com A more budget-friendly open-back alternative to Fidelio X2HR, with similar sonic capabilities. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm Driver size: 50mm Frequency range: 12-35.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 11.3 oz (320g) | Cable lenght: 118 inch (3m) | Features: Detachable cable Excellent sound for the price Big soundstage Detachable cable Cushy earpads with breathable fabric Not very portable due to bulkiness and open design Lots of sound leakage Like the Fidelio model, these open-back headphones offer wide frequency response, a well-balanced sound signature, and a massive sound stage. They are an excellent option for gaming headset and music, especially if you want to hear even the faintest sound in your favorite tunes. The earpads’ fabric is extremely breathable, preventing them from getting too sweaty after extended listening sessions. They’re also generously padded, providing a cloud-like sensation when you wear them. Their solid build quality is exceptional considering the low price tag. Drivers are covered with a metallic mesh, on which you can also see big imprinted L/R letters. 1.5m copper cable with gold-plated connectors is replaceable. SHP9500 were much more expensive, costing well above $100, making them a steal at their current $75. Check price 7. Grado GW100 v2 BEST WIRELESS OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES Best open-back headphones with on-ear design. GRADO GW100 v2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Open Back and On Ear GRADO GW100 v2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Open Back and On Ear $357.57 $360.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com GRADO GW100 v2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Open Back and On Ear GRADO GW100 v2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Open Back and On Ear out of stock as of September 26, 2023 5:15 pm Buy now Amazon.com They look like someone brought them from the previous century, but they sound amazing. Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: n/a Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: On-ear | Battery life: 40h | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX | Water resistance: None | Features: Touch controls, AUX port Great, open sound Excellent battery life (40h) Lightweight and comfy No carrying case for the price Mediocre call quality Grado’s are known for their airy sound with an open soundstage. The bass is a bit lacking, but that’s something to be expected from completely open-back headphones. The design is Grado classic, with on-ear fit and foam earpads. These are comfortable headphones, even for long periods, thanks to light clamping force. Since they’re geared towards audiophiles, they use high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX. That also ensures minimal latency for watching videos. The battery life is pretty impressive, lasting for around 40 hours on a single charge. Just be aware that the microphone quality is nothing to brag about. If you want something cheaper and similar-sounding but wired, check our Grado SR80e review from their Prestige series. Check price 8. Sennheiser HD 560 S BEST NEUTRAL OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES Extremely well-balanced open-back headphones with excellent value. Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Certified Refurbished Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Certified Refurbished $129.95 in stock Buy now eBay Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R…. Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R…. $173.99 $229.25 in stock 19 new from $173.99 4 used from $148.75 as of September 27, 2023 12:44 am Buy now Amazon.com Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R…. Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones – Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R…. $173.99 $229.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Sennheiser nailed it with the HD 560 S, giving you a comfortable pair with exceptional neutrality for the price as well as a spacious soundstage. Connection: Wired – 6.3mm Driver size: n/a Frequency range: 6-38.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 120 Ohm | Weight: 8.46 oz (260g) | Cable length: n/a | Features: E.A.R. tech Exceptional neutral sound Comfortable Big soundstage Velour earpads Detachable cable Can get sibilant at times A welcoming new addition to the Sennheiser HD lineup, the HD 560S headphones provide an excellent neutral listening experience under $200. You get a very natural sound, albeit slightly warm and with plenty of detail retrieval in the treble. They’re the new audiophile’s choice on a “budget.” The design is similar to other headphones from the HD lineup. They’re lightweight and have comfortable earpads, making them a great choice for hours of extended use. Their open-back design ensures breathability and also widens up the soundstage. With a detailed treble, you can easily use the HD 560 S for gaming. Also, the cable is quickly detachable if you even need to upgrade. Check price 9. RAPTGO x HBB HOOK-X BEST OPEN-BACK IN-EAR MONITORS Fantastic open-back in-ear monitors and a great option for a detailed sound on the go. RAPTGO HOOK-X IEM In Ear Monitors earphones Green From Japan RAPTGO HOOK-X IEM In Ear Monitors earphones Green From Japan $209.89 in stock Buy now eBay RAPTGO Hook-X 14.2mm Open Planar Diaphragm Driver + PZT Driver HiFi in-Ear Earphone with… RAPTGO Hook-X 14.2mm Open Planar Diaphragm Driver + PZT Driver HiFi in-Ear Earphone with… $239.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X 14.2mm Open Planar Diaphragm Driver + PZT Driver HiFi in-Ear Earphone with… Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X 14.2mm Open Planar Diaphragm Driver + PZT Driver HiFi in-Ear Earphone with… out of stock as of September 26, 2023 10:24 pm Buy now Amazon.com The latest RAPTGO IEMs (in collab HBB) output excellent audio quality with tons of details and control across the entire frequency response. RAPTGO x HBB HOOK-X review Connection: Wired 3.5mm & 2.5mm & 4.4mm Driver size: 14.2mm planar magnetic & piezoelectric driver Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz Type: In-ear monitors | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 15 Ohm | Weight: | Cable lenght: 4.1 feet (1.25 meters) | Features: Interchangeable connectors, removable cable Natural, controlled, and detailed sound Easy to drive even from a smartphone or laptop Replaceable cable with different connectors Made from high-quality build materials Comfortable & stable for everyday listening Great passive noise isolation for an open-back design Occasional sizzling treble (only on cymbal-intense tracks) No built-in mic or controls in the cable Hear the RAPTGO x HBB HOOK-X A/B Sound Test: RAPTGO x HBB HOOK-X Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict If you seek small details in your music for around $200, then HOOK x HBB should be on your radar. They’re slightly V-shaped but very controlled, thanks to planar magnetic and piezoelectric drivers. Furthermore, they’re comfortable and stable thanks to the over-the-ear cable design. Speaking of the cable, it’s thick and braided for extra protection. It uses 3.5mm unbalanced and 2.5mm & 4.4mm balanced interchangeable connectors. The housing is also beautiful to look at, with all metal construction and open-back mesh that shows a little bit of that planar magnetic driver inside. You can easily drive the IEMs using a smartphone, but you must use the grey ear tips to get the best sound quality. RAPTGO x HBB HOOK-X review Check price 10. Samson SR850 BEST CHEAP OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES Semi-open-back headphones with well-balanced sound. Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones, Black Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones, Black $39.90 in stock 14 new from $39.90 4 used from $31.50 as of September 27, 2023 12:44 am Buy now Amazon.com Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Headphones Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Headphones $39.90 $49.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Samson SR850 Semi-open Studio Headphones Samson SR850 Semi-open Studio Headphones $39.99 $85.70 in stock Buy now eBay If you seek the best price-to-performance ratio, Samson SR850 are your best budget option. Samson SR850 review Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm Driver size: 50mm Frequency range: 10-30.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Semi-open | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 9.7 oz (276g) | Cable length: 98.4 inch (2.5m) | Features: / Fantastic sound for the price Lightweight construction Decent durability 6.3mm adapter included in the box Price All-plastic construction feels cheap Below average comfort and fit Bad noise isolation In this price category, the audio fidelity is outright fantastic. While you can get similar performance from other best cheap headphones like Superlux HD668B, Samson’s neodymium drivers are more balanced, with more bass and controlled treble. Supposedly, these use the same drivers as some much more pricey headphones. To cut down the cost, build quality feels very cheap. They’re entirely made of plastic, which can also be a good thing. That makes these budget-open headphones very lightweight for their size. Comfort is decent, especially if you don’t wear glasses. SR850 are also quite sturdy, despite lacking high-quality materials. We have had them for years now, and the only thing that feels slightly loose is the spring for the self-adjusting headband. Samson SR850 review Check price Honorable Mentions Superlux HD668B Popular headphones with excellent sound performance for their price point. They feel a bit cheap since they’re mostly made from plastic, but they come with a removable cable, which adds to overall durability. Check HD668B price AKG K240 Studio These headphones are proving you don’t need the latest and greatest to get excellent sound quality. Once a more expensive model is now much cheaper, making it a good choice for a music producer on a budget. AKG K240 Studio review Sennheiser HD 600/650 Both models are classics among music lovers, with the HD 600 providing one of the best vocals on headphones, and HD 650 being the king of laid-back sound. If you want something similar to the HD 650 but for a much lower price, check the Sennheiser HD 6xx on the Drop website. Check HD 600/650 price Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Beautifully crafted headphones that are extremely comfortable and have a neutral-to-warm sound profile. Tuning is mostly suited for vocal-oriented music and wind instruments. However, they’re a little hard to drive, and a bit soft when it comes to rendering electric guitars. Check ATH-R70x price HIFIMAN HE-400i (2020 Version) The new version comes with an improved leather headband design with better padding. The sound quality is the same as the previous model. The high-quality sound from planar magnetic headphones is nicely balanced, with a clear focus on intimate vocals and instrument rendition. Check HE-400i price HIFIMAN Ananda Headphones are built exceptionally well, with a beautiful design that never gets old. The bass is tight and controlled, with a powerful impact. Realistic midrange and crystal clear treble, combined with an accurate soundstage, provide a listening experience as if you’re sitting in a room with the band right in front of you. Check Ananda price Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open-back headphones that are made for critical listening, with detailed frequency response range and slightly brighter overall sound. They’re expensive but an excellent addition to your music production workflow. Check DT 1990 Pro price How to Pick the Best Open-Back Headphones for You? As you can see, open-back headphones aren’t only limited to premium prices. You can get an excellent pair for as much as $40. However, we know it can be tricky to find yourself a perfect headphone without trying them up front. If you haven’t found your next headphone on our list, try to follow these pieces of advice when browsing the web. Intent First, you need to know why you need them. Is it for casually listening to music, watching movies, playing games, or doing professional work? Lots of these things can stir you in a different direction when it comes to headphone search. For instance, if you need something for a studio, you should probably look for other options with a flat sound. If you need them for movies, you’re better off with a more bassy headphone, or even trying the ones with a closed-back design. Budget Give yourself a budget limit. Everyone wants the latest and greatest, but you can quickly find yourself browsing through more expensive headphones that you can’t afford. It’s easier to tell yourself that you want, for example, something under $100, and then start searching. That way, it’s much simpler to browse since many websites, including ours, sort headphones based on their prices. And we always try to present you with the best price-to-performance deals for a given price bracket. Reviews and Forums Try to seek reviewers that aren’t biased. Thankfully, there aren’t as many of them, but some might still favor a specific brand without knowing, giving a false product image. Seek for reviews that are honest and don’t only talk about nice things. No headphone is perfect, and there are no perfect scores. Forums can also be helpful when trying to decide if you want to buy that specific headphone or not. However, people tend to like different things, and while some might love a particular headphone, you might end up hating it entirely. So try to search through many forums before forming an opinion. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are the differences between open and closed-back headphones? Enclosed ear cups trap sound waves, developing a more powerful bass impact while also extending deeper into the sub-bass region. There’s also better sound isolation. Open-back headphones can be very detailed and natural but can’t reach those deep notes to provide an immersive sound experience with a music genre like hip-hop or rap. Therefore, they aren’t suitable for bass lovers. What are semi-open headphones? The semi-open style is a hybrid between closed and open-back headphones. They should be better at providing external noise isolation while also minimizing sound leaks. In practice, the difference is noticeable, especially in the bass, which is much deeper than a fully open design. However, isolation is only slightly better. Therefore, semi-open headphones are still not suitable for taking on a bus and jamming your music out loud. Can you improve your existing cheap headphones? There are ways to improve your existing headphones by changing their earpads with compatible ones. Looking at the Samson SR850, the earcup shape is precisely the same as the AKG Kxxx lineup. That is how you can achieve the sound and comfort of $100 worth of headphones with an upgrade that costs you around $10. Peter SusicPeter’s childhood interest in audio has grown into a full-blown quest to find the best headphones. He’s got many years of editor experience trying out numerous audiophile and consumer headphones. His words: “After many years, I can confidently say which ones are good and which ones are terrible.” Find his honest opinion in his reviews and guides.
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