Enjoy the Best Sound Experience: Our Top 21 Open Back Headphones

Welcome to our roundup of the best open back headphones on the market! In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the top-rated options out there, highlighting their features, and helping you make an informed decision on which one is right for you. Whether you’re a audiophile, a music producer, or simply looking for a high-quality pair of headphones, we’ve got you covered.

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Reviews

High-Quality Sennheiser HD 560S Over-Ear Headphones - Natural Sound and Comfortable Wear

Immerse your ears in the immersive world of the Sennheiser HD 560S. These sleek over-ear headphones deliver a natural, accurate sound that unveils the intricacies of your music. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, while the wide soundstage provides depth and realism like never before. Experience the rich bass performance and enjoy the flexibility to connect to virtually any audio device with the detachable 3 meter cable. Perfect for audiophiles and music lovers alike, the HD 560S offers an unmatched listening experience.

Fostex T50RP-MK3: Semi-Open Planar Magnetic Headphones with Enhanced Audio Experience

Experience the ultimate sound quality with the Fostex T50RP-MK3 Semi-Open Headphones. These headphones are perfect for professional studio recording or monitoring applications, boasting sharp audio and precise monitoring for a superior sound experience. Their semi-open design ensures clear and flat sound, while the Fostex Regular Phase driver delivers exceptional audio accuracy. Designed with the music lover in mind, the T50RP-MK3 headphones feature comfortable ear and head pads for extended wearing, making them ideal for long working sessions or on-the-go listening. With their powerful neodymium magnet and copper foil etched on a polyimide film, these headphones are truly a must-have for those seeking unmatched audio quality.

Beyerdynamic Professional Open-Back Headphones - 250 Ohms

Experience unrivaled audio and sleek design with the DT 990 PRO, an open dynamic headphone for studio applications. This headphone boasts exceptional sound reproduction quality with a balanced mix of highs, mids, and lows. Its rugged design features a spring steel headband and soft headband, ensuring a secure fit and maximum comfort even after long listening sessions. With a detachable cable, adapter included, and a choice of either a 1/4” or 1/8” headphone output type, this headphone is perfect for your studio needs without breaking the bank.

Satin Silver Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Fast Fuel Technology and Apple W1 Chip

Experience premium sound with the Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones. Designed to provide up to 40 hours of battery life and seamless connectivity, these stylish headphones are perfect for on-the-go use. With advanced features like the W1 chip for easy device pairing and Fast Fuel technology for quick recharging, you can enjoy all your favorite audio without any interruptions. The cushioned ear cups ensure an irritation-free experience, immersing you in powerful sound while blocking out external noise. Available in a variety of bold colors, these headphones won’t just complement your style - they’ll become an essential companion for all your listening adventures.

Premium Open Back Studio Headphones

For a smooth listening experience, these high-quality headphones offer a wide frequency response and high dynamic range, perfect for mixing, recording, or just enjoying your favorite music. The Behringer BH470 Studio Monitoring Headphones come with an adjustable headband and cushioned earpads that provide not just comfort but also style, with the retro brown and silver finish. These 3.5 mm jack headphones offer a stereo sound output mode, making them suitable for professional audio use and portable electronics alike.

Sennheiser HD 559 Over-the-Ear Headphones: Open Back, Black

Immerse yourself in crystal-clear audio with the HD 559 wired over-ear headphones from Sennheiser. Featuring an open back design, these headphones offer a spacious soundstage, revealing every detail in your favorite tracks. With a 10-foot cable length, you have the freedom to move around without any limitations. Ergonomically designed with cozy ear pads, these stylish headphones ensure comfortable wear even during marathon listening sessions.

Shokz OpenRun Pro Blue: Premium Open-Ear Sport Headphones

Step into a new era of sporty audio with the Shokz OpenRun Pro Premium. Experience the freedom of bone conduction headphones, leaving your ears open for total situational awareness. These lightweight bad boys are perfect for gym rats or adventure seekers, promising a secure fit no matter the workout. With impressive sound quality featuring enhanced bass, your playlist just got a major upgrade. Plus, no need to worry about moisture, thanks to its IP55 water-resistant design. Get ready for a seamless, hassle-free listening experience with OpenRun Pro Premium - the ultimate sports companion.

ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones: Exceptional Comfort and Sound Experience

Audio Technica’s ATH-AD500X offers a remarkable open-aired listening experience, perfect for audiophiles seeking unparalleled bass and treble reproduction. With a visually striking design, the headphones are extremely lightweight, featuring soft fabric-lined pads that adjust comfortably to the size and shape of your head. Exceptionally long cables allow free movement while connected to your hi-fi system, and the universal 3.5mm port ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. The product is highly rated and is regarded as a true-to-life listening experience, with reviewers applauding the audio quality, comfort, and durability of the ATH-AD500X.

Shure SRH1840 Open Back Headphones with Gold-Plated Adapt 2 and Detachable Cables - Durable and Comfortable Professional Audio Accessory

Experience crystal-clear audio with the Shure SRH1840 Open Back Headphones. Featuring a sleek design and powerful drivers, these professional headphones offer balanced sound and a spacious stereo experience. With a comfortable, adjustable fit and a variety of accessories included, the SRH1840s are the perfect choice for mix down and high-quality sound on the go.

Premium Open-Back Headphones for Professional Mixing

Immerse yourself in a professional audio experience like no other with the Shure SRH1440 open-back headphones. These top-of-the-line headphones boast dynamic and full-bodied sound, thanks to their 40 mm neodymium drivers and open-back design that produces natural sound and outstanding clarity. Comfort is never an issue with their fully adjustable, padded headband and detachable 7 ft copper cable, complete with gold-plated connectors for enhanced functionality and longevity.

Open-Back Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphones with Luxurious Ear Cushions

Dive into a world of exceptional sound with the Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition open-back headphones. Featuring Sennheiser’s renowned transducer technology, these full-sized headphones deliver rich, natural audio performance that’s tailored for audiophiles. The headphones’ comfortable design, complete with plush velour ear cushions and padded headband, promises a cozy listening experience even during extended sessions. With its distinctive black finish and luxurious metallic silver accents, the HD 599 Special Edition embodies a perfect blend of sophisticated sound, elegant design, and unparalleled build quality.

Sennheiser HD 599 Around-Ear Open Back Headphones

Experience incredible sound and comfort with the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones. These stylish, over-ear headphones feature an open back design for natural audio performance and impressive frequency response, delivering high-quality sound. With a sleek Ivory color, comfortable ear pads, and a soft headband, these headphones are the ultimate choice for music lovers seeking sophisticated sound, design, and build quality.

HIFIMAN HE1000SE Premium Open Back Headphones

Experience the pinnacle of clarity with the HIFIMAN HE1000SE, a full-size over-ear planar magnetic audiophile headphone. This high-end audio gem boasts a groundbreaking nanometer thickness diaphragm and acoustically invisible stealth magnets that work together to deliver a purer, more harmonious sound. The sturdy 3.5mm user-replaceable connector design allows for easy cable swapping and maximizes durability, while the comfortable earpads and open-back design offer an immersive listening experience. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a professional audio engineer, the HE1000SE is the ultimate choice for true audiophile enjoyment.

Marshall Major IV Wireless On-Ear Headphones - Brown

The Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones in Brown harness the iconic sound of Marshall amplifiers with up to 80+ hours of playtime. These headphones offer a truly immersive listening experience, with custom-tuned dynamic drivers delivering powerful sound and bass. Foldable for easy transport, they feature an ergonomic fit, on-ear control dial, and Bluetooth 5.0 technology for seamless connectivity and hands-free features.

Meze Audio 109 Pro Open Back Headphones: A Premium Listening Experience with High-Quality Aesthetics and Sound

Experience exceptional audio quality and timeless elegance with the Meze 109 Pro headphones. The 4.9-star rated model boasts a dynamic open-back circumaural design, delivering crisp sound in a sleek, premium finish. Engineered with carbon-fiber headband and hand-carved, hand-sanded ear cups, these headphones offer a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With a commendable wide soundstage and impressive sound quality, the Meze 109 Pro promises to elevate your listening experience regardless of your device setup.

Sennheiser HD 800 S Open-Back Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones offer a natural and detailed sound, making them a modern classic. With features like an open-back design, 56mm dynamic drivers, and a layered metal and plastic headband construction, they provide exceptional comfort and high-quality sound. The transducer is encased by stainless steel and uses materials developed in the aerospace industry for high strength with minimal weight. The HD 800 S now comes with two connection leads for better quality sound and the addition of Sennheiser’s innovative absorber technology. Overall, these headphones are a high-performance option for audiophiles and those who enjoy exceptional sound quality.

Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Bluetooth Headphones with Mic and Charger

Introduced to the market as a game-changer for music-loving fitness enthusiasts, the Shokz OpenRun Pro is designed to provide you with the best of both worlds – unparalleled audio quality and complete situational awareness. With its unique open-ear design, your favorite earphones become your safety net, making you hear the world around you while you groove to your playlist.

Mackie MC 450 Professional Open-Back Headphones for High-Quality Sound

The Mackie MC 450 headphones are a professional open-back pair designed for critical listening. Built on a legacy of high-quality sound, these cans deliver exceptional clarity and accuracy, revealing the finest details of your music. With a wide stereo width and an organic sound signature, you’ll enjoy an immersive audio experience without unwanted noise. The premium leather headband and memory foam ear tips offer both luxury and comfort, ensuring long hours of use without fatigue. The MC 450’s features include a detachable cable, 42mm transducers, and a 3.5mm TRS mini jack. With a frequency response of 5 Hz - 28 kHz, these headphones make a statement for audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.

AKG K712 Pro Open Over-ear Mastering Referencing Headphones - Professional Sound Quality and Comfort

The K712 Pro headphones are top-notch, open-over-ear audio marvels designed for long, fatigue-free sessions. These reference headphones are built for precision and deliver spacious, airy sound with excellent low-end performance. The headphones come with a professional mini XLR connector and a coiled cable, perfect for audiophiles seeking the ultimate music listening experience.

AKG K701 Open-Back Headphones: Premium Audio Experience

AKG K701 headphones are a stunning combination of comfort and superior sound quality. The revolutionary flat-wire voice coil technology ensures a realistic and immersive listening experience, allowing you to easily differentiate between each musician’s location. The full-size headphones showcase brilliant highs, velvety bass, and a detailed soundstage, making them perfect for professional audio and home use. Plus, with an attractive design and premium build, these AKG headphones are unbeatable at their price point.

Audeze MM-100 Open Back Headphones: Ultimate Precision & Comfort for Professional Use

Meet the unparalleled Audeze MM-100 Open-Back Headphones, crafted for pros and audiophiles alike. With its studio-grade precision and lightweight, durable construction, these headphones deliver sound like no other, adapting to suit your workflow seamlessly. Featuring a unique cable design and gel-filled leather earpads, the MM-100 provides the comfort, accuracy, and convenience you need for any setting. Pair it with your favorite equipment and travel in style, knowing your investment is backed by Audeze’s premium build quality and robust protection.

Buyer’s Guide

Open back headphones are a popular choice among audiophiles due to their ability to deliver a more natural and immersive sound experience. With that said, before diving into the world of open back headphones, it’s essential to understand their characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.

Key Features

Open back headphones are designed with an open-air back that allows sound to escape, resulting in better soundstage and imaging. They typically feature larger drivers and have a broader frequency range. This allows them to deliver more detailed and accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for various music genres and high-fidelity audio. However, this open-back design also makes them less suitable for use in noisy environments or when a more immersive sound experience is desired.

Considerations

When shopping for open back headphones, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the driver size and frequency range should align with your desired sound quality. Larger drivers tend to deliver better bass and more detailed mids and highs, while smaller drivers can be more comfortable for long listening sessions.

Advice

It’s essential to try on open back headphones before making a purchase, as comfort is a crucial factor. They can be lighter and more comfortable than closed-back headphones, but still consider whether the overall design suits your preferences. Additionally, it’s recommended to invest in a high-quality headphone amp to ensure optimal performance.

Alternatives

If open back headphones aren’t the best fit for your needs, closed-back headphones can provide better noise isolation and a more immersive sound experience. Closed-back headphones are ideal for use in noisy environments and are often more comfortable for extended listening periods. However, their sound quality might not be as natural and detailed as open back headphones.

FAQ

What are open back headphones?

Open back headphones are a type of headphone that features drivers that are not sealed within ear cups. Instead, they allow for air to circulate around the drivers, producing a more natural and spacious sound. This setup offers a more immersive listening experience and is particularly popular among audiophiles.

Despite the advantages, open back headphones tend to be less portable and less suitable for noisy environments, as they can leak sound onto others and are susceptible to external noise. However, they are highly prized for their ability to deliver audio in a more realistic manner and are often used as a reference for sound quality.

What are some popular open back headphone models?

Some of the most popular open back headphones include the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, Sennheiser HD 650, and Grado RS-1i. These headphones are well-regarded for their exceptional sound quality and are typically preferred by audiophiles and sound professionals. They are available in variations of metal or wooden finish, with the Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser models being over-ear, while the Grado model features an around-the-ear design.

Each of these models is known for distinct characteristics. For instance, the Sennheiser HD 650 is highly praised for its balanced sound and comfortable, lightweight build, while the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is recognized for its expansive soundstage and customizable ear cups. Finally, the Grado RS-1i is recognized for its unique sound signature, characterized by a warm, rich, and detailed sound.

Why are open back headphones often more expensive than closed back headphones?

Open back headphones are generally more expensive than closed back headphones because they are designed with higher-quality materials and more complex manufacturing processes. The open construction of these headphones requires the use of more premium materials, such as wood or metal, to construct the ear cups and headband. This, in turn, adds to their overall cost.

Additionally, the drivers in open back headphones are larger and more intricate than those found in closed back headphones. This allows for a wider frequency response and more detailed sound reproduction, but also contributes to the higher price tag. It’s worth mentioning that the level of craftsmanship, brand reputation, and specialized design considerations also play a role in justifying the higher cost of open back headphones.

Are open back headphones suitable for all types of music?

Open back headphones are suitable for a wide range of music genres due to their ability to deliver a natural and spacious sound. However, their preference varies from person to person, depending on their taste and preferences. Some users may find that the open design makes certain genres, like classical or jazz, more immersive and enjoyable. On the other hand, bass-heavy music like electronic dance music may not be as well-suited for open back headphones, as they may not deliver the same level of bass-boost as closed back headphones.

It’s also important to note that open back headphones are less ideal for noisy environments, as they can leak sound and become susceptible to external noise. In such cases, users may prefer closed back headphones, which provide better noise isolation and a more controlled sound experience. Overall, open back headphones are a versatile choice that can cater to a wide range of musical preferences, but may not be better suited for certain music genres or environments.

How do I care for my open back headphones?

Proper care for your open back headphones is crucial for maintaining their sound quality and longevity. Here are some essential tips for taking care of your headphones: Keep them away from moisture, as water can damage the drivers and electronics. Always dry them thoroughly if they get wet accidentally.

Store your headphones in a protective case or pouch when not in use. This helps to prevent damage from wear and tear, as well as protect from accidentally getting tangled or bent. Additionally, avoid using your headphones while charging your smartphone or other devices, as this can cause noise disturbances and affect the overall sound quality.

Are there any alternatives to open back headphones?

If open back headphones are not suitable for your needs or preferences, there are several alternative types of headphones to consider. Closed back headphones provide a tight seal around the ear cups, which helps to isolate sound and provide a controlled listening experience. They are more suitable for noisy environments, but may not offer the same level of immersive sound experience as open back headphones.

In-ear or earbud headphones are another option. They are small, lightweight, and portable, making them ideal for everyday use. However, they do not offer the same level of sound quality or spaciousness as open back or closed back headphones, and are generally less suitable for audiophiles and professionals.

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