Here’s an overview of the Best Open Back Headphone that we’ll explore today:
Open-back headphones are a staple for audiophiles, studio professionals, and casual listeners seeking an immersive listening experience. Unlike closed-back designs, open-back headphones allow air and sound to pass through the ear cups, creating a natural soundstage and reducing resonance. This makes them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. For this comparison, we tested five popular models spanning a price range from $34.94 to $179.99, evaluating sound quality, comfort, build, and value. Our goal is to provide consumers with the insights needed to make an informed purchase decision. The products reviewed include offerings from beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Samson, PHILIPS, and Audio-Technica.
1. beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones – Open-Back Stereo Construction
- Brand: beyerdynamic
- Manufacturer: beyerdynamic
The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a premium offering designed for professional mixing, mastering, and critical listening. Its open-back design delivers a spacious soundstage, with transparent highs, strong bass, and detailed mids. The velour ear pads ensure exceptional comfort during extended sessions, while the durable stainless steel frame and robust German craftsmanship guarantee longevity. With a frequency range of 5 Hz to 35 kHz and 80-ohm impedance, these headphones are tailored for studio use but also excel for gaming and home listening.
Performance-wise, the DT 990 Pro shines in reproducing intricate details, making it ideal for audio professionals who need accuracy. The bass response is strong yet controlled, while the treble is crisp without being overly sharp. However, its 80-ohm impedance may require an amplifier for optimal performance, especially when paired with mobile devices. Users have praised its comfort and build quality, but the open-back design means it’s not suitable for noisy environments or travel.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and detail
- Comfortable velour ear pads for long sessions
- Durable, high-quality build
- Wide frequency range (5 Hz – 35 kHz)
- Ideal for studio applications and gaming
Cons
- Requires an amplifier for best performance
- Not suitable for use in noisy or public spaces
2. Sennheiser HD 599 – Open Headphones
- Brand: Sennheiser
- Manufacturer: Sennheiser
The Sennheiser HD 599 offers a balanced sound profile with ergonomic acoustic refining (E.A.R.) technology that directs audio signals directly to your ears. Its lightweight design and replaceable ear pads provide excellent comfort, while the open-back construction creates a natural and immersive soundstage. With a frequency response of 20 Hz to 38,500 Hz and 50-ohm impedance, the HD 599 is versatile and compatible with most devices, including smartphones and laptops.
During testing, the HD 599 displayed a warm and inviting sound signature, with a focus on midrange clarity and smooth highs. The bass is present but not overpowering, making it ideal for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music. Its detachable cables and included adapters add convenience, but the plastic build feels less premium compared to competitors. Noise isolation is minimal due to the open-back design, limiting its use in noisy environments.
Pros
- Balanced and warm sound signature
- Ergonomic design for enhanced comfort
- Detachable cables for flexibility
- Wide frequency response (20 Hz – 38,500 Hz)
- Compatible with most devices
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Limited noise isolation
3. Samson SR850 Professional Semi-Open Studio Reference Monitoring Headphones
- Brand: Samson
- Manufacturer: Samson
The Samson SR850 is the budget-friendly option in this lineup, offering a semi-open design for studio monitoring, mixing, and casual listening. Featuring 50mm drivers with rare earth magnets, it delivers an extended frequency response of 10 Hz to 30,000 Hz. The self-adjusting headband and velour ear cushions provide reasonable comfort for its price point, while its lightweight construction ensures portability.
Despite its low price, the SR850 performs admirably in sound reproduction, with crisp highs and decent bass response. However, the mids can feel slightly recessed compared to higher-end models. Its semi-open design strikes a balance between soundstage and isolation, making it more versatile than fully open-back headphones. Build quality is adequate but lacks the durability of premium models. These headphones are ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Extended frequency response (10 Hz – 30,000 Hz)
- Semi-open design offers versatility
- Lightweight and portable
- Decent sound quality for its price
Cons
- Mids can feel recessed
- Build quality is less durable
4. PHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones Wired with Detachable Audio Jack
- Brand: PHILIPS
- Manufacturer: PHILIPS
The PHILIPS SHP9600 combines comfort and performance at a mid-range price point. Its open-back design and 50mm drivers deliver a spacious soundstage with crisp bass, balanced mids, and detailed highs. The ear cups are designed to fit the natural geometry of the ear, ensuring no detail is lost. With a detachable cable and lightweight construction, it is well-suited for home listening and casual use.
The SHP9600 excels in providing a balanced sound profile, making it versatile across various genres. Its 32-ohm impedance allows for easy pairing with most devices without needing an amplifier. However, the sound isolation is minimal due to its open-back design, and some users may find the bass slightly lacking compared to other models. Build quality is solid, but it doesn’t match the premium feel of higher-end headphones.
Pros
- Balanced sound profile with spacious soundstage
- Comfortable ear cup design
- Detachable cable for convenience
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy pairing with most devices
Cons
- Minimal sound isolation
- Bass may feel underwhelming for some users
5. Audio-Technica ATH-R50x Professional Over-Ear Open-Back Reference Headphones
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Manufacturer: Audio-Technica
The Audio-Technica ATH-R50x is a professional-grade model designed for demanding audio production. Its fully open-back design eliminates internal resonance, providing an expansive soundstage and quick transient response. With extended bass and accurate midrange, these headphones offer exceptional performance for critical listening. The lightweight construction and redesigned headband ensure long-lasting comfort, while the included detachable cables and carrying pouch add convenience.
In testing, the ATH-R50x impressed with its precise sound reproduction and immersive soundstage. The bass is tight and controlled, while the mids and highs are detailed and natural. Its 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency range is narrower than some competitors but sufficient for most use cases. The build quality is excellent, though its lightweight design may feel less robust. These headphones are ideal for professionals and audiophiles seeking accuracy and immersion.
Pros
- Precise sound reproduction with immersive soundstage
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Detachable cables for flexibility
- Tight bass and accurate midrange
- Ideal for professional audio production
Cons
- Narrower frequency range compared to competitors
- Lightweight design may feel less robust
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about open back headphones to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Whether you’re an audiophile, studio professional, gamer, or casual listener, this guide provides the insights needed to choose the right open-back headphones.
Each model has unique strengths tailored to different preferences and budgets..