The Best Open Back Headphones

Chances are you’re here because you’re tired of the limitations that come with closed-back headphones. You may be seeking to immerse yourself in the broad soundstage of open-back designs, or perhaps you’re looking for better balance and accuracy. Switching to an open-back design can revolutionize how you listen to music and the truth for most music lovers is that once you go open-back you never go back. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how open-back headphones can improve your audio experience, particularly by increasing your level of immersion, and provide you with some of our top picks. We’ll also discuss the things you should be aware of when transitioning to open-back.

1 Best For Music

HIFIMAN Sundara

92 dB/mW Sensitivity
37 ohms Impedance
Planar Magnetic drivers
Weighs 372 grams

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2 Best For Gamers

Sennheiser PC38X

97 dB/mW Sensitivity
28 ohms Impedance
42mm Dynamic drivers
Weighs 258 grams

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3 Best For Studio Use

Sennheiser HD600

97 dB/mW Sensitivity
300 ohms Impedance
42mm Dynamic drivers
Weighs 260 grams

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What Are Open-Back Headphones?

Unlike traditional closed-back designs, open-back headphones have earcups with holes in them that allow sound to escape instead of channeling all the sound toward the ear of the listener. This may seem counter-intuitive, but this design improves immersion, reduces distortion, and improves the clarity of bass.

How Open-Back Designs Improve Sound Quality

Closed-back headphones often sound intimate, because the sound is channeled through a narrow area and directly into the ear canal. In open-back designs, the excess sound is allowed to escape which creates a more spacious sound. To emulate the experience, place a cupped hand over your ear and tap on the back of it with your other hand, you’ll notice the thumps sound directly channeled to your ear. Now do the same but separate your fingers a bit, you’ll hear that the sound becomes more spacious as it blends in with the environment.

Closed-back headphones can be more prone to distortion, especially at higher volumes, due to the confined space within the earcups. Sound reflections can overlap and interfere with each other, leading to a less accurate and potentially distorted sound.

Because air can move more freely in an open-back design, they tend to have better dynamics, which refers to the level of detail and nuance you can hear. Ultimately, this makes songs sound more intricate and can also improve immersion.

The Limitations of Open-Back Designs

Although open-back headphones tend to produce better sound, their design does limit how they can be used. If you’re considering the move to open-backs, understand the trade-offs before committing.

Fewer Budget Models

Regular headphones are plentiful, you can walk into just about any electronic store and find a pair for under $100. However, open-back designs and more specialized and tend to cost more. That’s not to say that there aren’t some outstanding open-backs for affordable prices (just look at the Philips Fidelio X2HR), but you will have less choice than with traditional closed-back options.

Lack of Noise Isolation

If you’re in an office environment, on transport, or a noisy room, open-back headphones may not be the best choice. That’s because their design is inherently transparent, allowing external noise to enter into the headphones and allowing the music you’re listening to, to be heard by those around you.

Some Models Require Additional Amplification

Impedance measures how much resistance there is on the driver, meaning headphones with higher impedance need more power. Typically anything under 75 Ohms can be powered by the built-in amps found in computers, laptops, and phones; however, open-back designs more commonly feature higher impedance/resistance and may need to be powered by a separate headphone amplifier or DAC.

While this may result in additional costs, it’s worth considering the many benefits of a DAC, as they can also be used to improve volume and sound quality. If you’re serious about getting the most out of your headphones, DACs can be a useful addition to your audio setup.

The Best Open-Back Headphones for Music Enthusiasts

When it comes to music, open-backs offer a distinct improvement over closed-back designs. They tend to have a focus on neutral sound, which allows the production to come through as intended by the producers. The wide soundstage is an effective way to enhance the immersion, placing the listener at the center of the music. While suitable for all genres of music, open-back headphones sound especially good when listening to electronic music.

If you’re anything like me, you probably love closing your eyes and letting the song take you on a journey within your mind’s eye. Dreamy tracks, such as those by the band Deftones are often brought to life in a new dimension when listened to through a high-quality pair of open-backs.

For others, it’ll be the balanced sound and accuracy that they find appealing, again enhancing the natural and intended production of the track.

HIFIMAN Sundara

Specifications

• 92 dB/mW Sensitivity
• 37 ohms Impedance
• Planar Magnetic drivers
• Weighs 372 grams

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Released in 2017, the Sundara has quickly become one of the most popular open-back headphones on the market, owing primarily to its excellent sound quality. It features planar magnetic drivers for a distinct, tight bass and offers superb clarity, detail, and a wide soundstage that makes music, movies or games sound immersive. They are versatile enough to be used for a multitude of purposes, ranging from critical listening to gaming, production, and home theatre. The durable construction with an aluminum frame and a comfortable, lightweight design. The ear cups are made of metal with a matte finish, and the headband is padded for added comfort. They come with a detachable 3.5mm cable, which is flexible and durable and the 1/4” adapter adds compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.

Features:

• Planar magnetic drivers: Deliver a wide soundstage and accurate sound reproduction.
• Comfortable design: Large ear cups and adjustable headband.
• Durable construction: Built with high-quality materials.
• Affordable price: Offers excellent value for its price point.

The Sundara makes music come to life with its impressive bass and outstanding clarity. There’s a reason why they’re one of the most recommended headphones for those seeking audiophile quality.

Philips Fidelio 2XHR

Specifications

• 100 dB/mW Sensitivity
• 30 ohms Impedance
• 50mm Dynamic drivers
• Weighs 380 grams

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The Philips Fidelio 2XHR is a budget-friendly open-back headphone that flexes its versatility. It has a balanced sound with excellent imaging and soundstage that make it extremely immersive. Given its price point, it’s a safe choice for general music lovers looking to venture into higher-quality sound. While they are fairly heavy, the headband adjusts automatically for improved comfort, meaning you can get carried away by the music you’re enjoying for hours. Its 3-meter-long cable can be both a benefit and a drawback, but the included cable lock lets you attach them to your mousepad and adjust the cable position more easily.

Features:

• Premium build quality: Durable construction with high-quality materials.
• Comfortable design: Large ear cups and adjustable headband.
• Balanced sound signature: Accurate representation of various music genres.
• Versatile connectivity: Compatible with multiple devices and can be used for gaming.

Offering excellent value and endless comfort, the X2HR is a great choice for budding audiophiles and those looking to immerse themselves in music without breaking the bank.

The Best Open-Back Headphones for Immersive Gaming

Gaming is another area where open-back headphones showcase their power. The improved soundstage and imaging make it easier to pinpoint enemy locations, an essential feature for competitive gamers. Even casual gamers who don’t engage in multiplayer formats get noticeable benefits from the way open-back headphones sound though, as the increased soundstage adds to immersion, placing you dead center of the action and making it sound as though you’re experiencing the digital world you’re engaged with first hand.

The improved bass can also reduce rattling and distortion which sometimes happens with bass-heavy closed-back headphones. Reducing these artifacts helps to keep other sounds, such as footsteps or enemy gunfire clear, giving you a slight advantage over competitors.

Sennheiser PC38X

Specifications

• 97 dB/mW Sensitivity
• 28 ohms Impedance
• 42mm Dynamic drivers
• Weighs 258 grams

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The Sennheiser PC38X is a premium open-back gaming headset designed for gamers who want audiophile-level sound quality with a comfortable, user-friendly design. Available in black or yellow, its open-back earcups deliver immersive sound with enhanced stereo imaging and locational accuracy, perfect for those important clutch moments. The on-ear volume control and a high-quality microphone with noise cancellation and an EQ filter ensure clear communication. The PC38X is compatible with a wide range of devices thanks to its standard 3.5mm jack and 28-ohm impedance, making it easily drivable on consoles, PCs, or even mobile phones. Though it comes with a carry bag, the build quality could be more durable, so a sturdier case might be a worthwhile investment.

Features:

• Audiophile-grade sound: Immersive soundstage and accurate positioning.
• Comfortable design: Lightweight and breathable ear cups.
• Gaming-focused features: Active noise cancellation microphone, built-in EQ filter, and volume control.
• Versatile connectivity: Compatible with PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.

While the PC38X may not be the most durable headphone, its exceptional sound quality and gaming-focused features make it a top choice for serious gamers.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Specifications

• 96 dB/mW Sensitivity
• 250 ohms Impedance
• 45mm Dynamic drivers
• Weighs 250 grams

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The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro offers outstanding value as one of the best open-back headphones under $200. Handcrafted in Germany, they are an extremely versatile pair of headphones that feature a durable metal headband and well-padded ear cups for comfort during long sessions. Whether you’re gaming or listening to music, the DT 990 Pro is a safe bet. The sound quality is detailed and balanced, with clear mids and highs, and controlled bass that avoids overpowering vocals. With a 250-ohm impedance, they perform best with an amplifier. However, the open-back design leads to sound leakage and minimal isolation, making them better suited for private use rather than on-the-go listening.

Features:

• Transparent and detailed sound: Accurate reproduction of instruments and vocals.
• Comfortable design: Large ear cups and adjustable headband.
• Durable construction: Sturdy build with replaceable parts.
• High impedance: Requires an amplifier for optimal performance.

While the DT 990 Pro may not be suitable for public use due to sound leakage, its audiophile-grade performance and affordable price make it a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts.

This is a high-impedance headphone and will need a headphone amplifier to effectively be driven.

Top Pick for Open-Back Headphones in Home Studios

Producers love using open-back headphones for their ability to provide a more natural and accurate soundstage. They also tend to have better accuracy in the frequency response. This allows them to precisely judge the placement of instruments in the stereo field and make informed decisions about mixing and mastering. Open-backs also offer reduced distortion, improved transient response, and better bass extension, contributing to higher-quality audio production.
Keep in mind that sensitive microphones can pick up the audio being played through the headphones. There is also the possibility of encountering feedback, so arranging the headphones and microphones in a suitable position may be required.

Sennheiser HD600

Specifications

• 97 dB/mW Sensitivity
• 300 ohms Impedance
• 42mm Dynamic drivers
• Weighs 260 grams

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The Sennheiser HD600 is a top choice for studio use, with a balanced and natural sound ideal for mixing and mastering. It has a wide soundstage with clear mids and smooth highs. Though mostly plastic, the HD600 feels premium and durable, with metal reinforcements and replaceable velour ear pads. Lightweight and well-padded, they provide comfort for extended sessions.

With an impedance of 300 ohms, these headphones require an amplifier for optimal performance. The HD600 offers detailed and neutral sound with controlled bass, rich mids, and smooth treble, providing an accurate and immersive listening experience. These cans are also excellent for those who enjoy recreational listening to music with a critical ear.

Features:

• Transparent and natural sound: Balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity and detail.
• Comfortable design: Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions.
• Durable construction: Built to last with replaceable parts.
• High impedance: Requires a powerful amplifier for optimal performance.

While the HD600 isn’t very bassy its balance and overall sound quality make it ideal for studio and reference work.

This is a high-impedance headphone and will need a headphone amplifier to effectively be driven.

AKG Pro K712

Specifications

• 105 dB/mW Sensitivity
• 62 ohms Impedance
• 45mm Dynamic drivers
• Weighs 235 grams

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AKG’s K712 is a popular choice for studio use, offering high-quality sound at a reasonable price. With a comfortable design featuring a spacious fit and a soft headband, they are ideal for extended listening sessions, though their large size reduces their portability and makes them slightly less versatile than the HD600.

The K712 has an accurate frequency response with warm, tight bass, pleasant midrange, and detailed highs, though the highs can be sharp at higher volumes, potentially causing listening fatigue. As open-back headphones, they offer minimal isolation, but the K712 has slightly less sound leakage compared to similar models. Overall, the AKG K712 delivers excellent audio quality and comfort, making it a great choice for critical listening and professional audio work.

Features:

• Balanced sound signature: Accurate representation of the frequency spectrum.
• Comfortable design: Large ear cups and adjustable headband.
• Durable construction: Sturdy build with a protective carrying case.

The K712 is a large pair of studio cans that may stand out a bit too much for use outside of the home. However, their balanced sound and durable construction make them a great studio headphone.

These headphones are medium impedance and may require an amplifier on some devices.

What To Know When Buying

When purchasing open-back headphones, it’s important to make note of potential compatibility issues. Reading through the spec sheets can give a general overview of how the headphones have been designed and which areas they excel in. However, terms like sensitivity, impedance, and frequency response range may be foreign to some. The following guide will help you understand what these specifications relate to and how they may impact your audio performance or compatibility.

Impedance / Power Matching

As mentioned earlier, impedance refers to the amount of power a pair of headphones needs to adequately drive them. Underpowered headphones can sound soft and may also have audio glitches. Don’t let this encourage you to buy the lowest impedance options possible though, higher impedance, while harder to drive comes with its benefits. They typically get louder than lower impedance variants and can even sound better because of the improved signal-to-noise ratio and lower distortion levels.

Headphone impedance is measured in Ohms/Ω and usually ranges from 16 Ohms (low) to 300 Ohms (high). If you’re unsure of whether you’ll need a separate power source, the info below gives an idea of the types of power handling provided by common source devices.

Here are a few suggestions for trustworthy DACs and headphone amps that can help to power high-impedance headphones:

Budget – The FiiO E10K is a great budget DAC with a built-in amplifier that can effectively drive headphones up to 150 Ohms.
Midrange – For higher impedance headphones, the iFi Zen DAC V2 can effectively drive up just about any headphone model.
High-End – The Mojo 2 by Chord Electronics is a high-end option that can power headphones up to 600 Ohms, it’s renowned for its sound quality.

Frequency Response & The Role It Has On Performance

The frequency response range is a relatively straightforward term that tells us which frequencies the headphones can reproduce. For example, a song may have been produced with deep bass down to 30Hz, but headphones with a frequency response range of 50Hz – 20kHz for instance, aren’t going to be able to reproduce those same deep lows.

The first number represents the low frequencies and the second number represents the highs. A speaker with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz can reproduce frequencies within this range and would be considered a relatively wide frequency response range.

The human ear can only hear up to 20kHz (and that’s if you’re lucky), so anything after that isn’t important. The number you’re going to see varying the most between models is the first one, the number that represents how deep the bass extends.

When considering frequency response range, keep in mind that there’s a lot more that goes into the way a speaker or headphone sounds. The response range measures the horizontal metric, but the emphasis or sensitivity of each frequency band is represented vertically within that range.

That’s to say, a headphone with a narrower frequency response range can sound easier than one with more extension. This is why frequency response charts map both the X and Y values to give an easy overview of where each frequency lies in terms of balance.

Check The Sensitivity To Get An Idea of Volume Potential

Sensitivity is shown as a decibel rating and represents how many decibels the headphones can produce with 1 watt of power. Noting the sensitivity can help you identify models that have a good potential for high volume. By itself, sensitivity doesn’t say much but when combined with the impedance gives a general idea of the volume potential, high impedance headphones with a high sensitivity are going to be able to produce lots of volume, as long as they’re adequately powered.

Driver Sizes and Types and How It Impacts Sound

Inside each open-back headphone is a driver, an electrical component that takes current from your device and uses that current to generate movement driver movement. That movement then pushes the air/sound outward, generating the audio you hear as the listener.

Although they are just one factor, driver size, and type will directly influence the type of sound you get from your headphones. Larger drivers tend to have more bass and get louder, they may also have a better soundstage. Smaller drivers, while easier to power usually won’t be as effective at producing deep bass.

Frequently Asked Questions