Home The Best Openback Headphones in 2022
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True audiophiles want only the best open-back headphones that can meet their standards for immersive listening. Open-back headphones are popular with audio enthusiasts as they deliver the most detailed and accurate sound, which makes them perfect for a long day of critical listening. In this list, we’ve rounded up the top brands to consider when on the hunt for the best open-back headphones.
Being one of the best open-back headphones for serious music and audio consumers, the Sennheiser HD 600 not only sounds great but is designed for comfort, even during all-day use. It’s designed to deliver well-balanced sound with its open circumaural design, computer-optimized magnets, and aluminum voice coils.
Users of the Sennheiser HD 600 love that they fit snugly and comfortably around the ears. These headphones have a suede padded outline on their ear cups, which are responsible for the comfort and durability of this device. The headband has a blue patterned finish that sets it apart from other models in the Sennheiser line of headphones.
Vocals and instruments sound crisp and clear. Tests show that the HD 600 has great mid-range and treble quality, but the bass is a bit lacking. Nevertheless, the Sennheiser HD 600 provides studio-grade audio that any music fan will appreciate.
Great, well-balanced audioComfortable
Light bass
For people who just want to enjoy music or use headphones for gaming, the Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR headphones are a budget-friendly option. These open-back headphones have 50 mm, high-definition drivers in each ear cup. This, combined with its open-air architecture, gives users great clarity and detail with a wide soundstage.
Another useful feature of these headphones is their removable cable, which can be replaced with one that goes into an amp or a microphone. The cables are braided to prevent knots or kinks from developing. The ear cups on the Fidelio X2HR are also removable and replaceable if they become unusable due to wear and tear.
Soundwise, these headphones have a V-curve, which means the lows and highs are more dominant. You can expect the bass to sound exceptionally loud, especially when listening to genres like EDM, funk, rock, or hip hop.
Budget-friendlyReplaceable ear cups and cableLoud bass
Not for critical listening
In addition to delivering crystal clear and well-balanced audio, the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO stands out with its unique, metal design; you’ll notice the black grills going across each ear cup. The headband has a removable foam, but it’s primarily made of metal. With their sturdy build, these open-back stereo headphones provide neutral, detailed audio on a wide soundstage.
While the earcups on these headphones are well-padded, they can be a bit tight, so they’re not great for long use. They are also not for sports as they will not stay on the ear during fast, rigorous physical activities. However, they will stay on with minimal movement.
Users love the punchy bass and clarity of the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, but they have noticed a few heightened treble frequencies that can be harsh on the ears. Of course, this can be fixed by adjusting the EQ settings on your computer or phone, but it’s an additional step that some people won’t want to take.
Great overall soundDurabilityPrice
Harsh trebleNon-replaceable cable
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X may be one of the best open-back headphones for its price range. With a sturdy and lightweight build, these headphones are great for listening to music at home or in an open-air setting. Vocals are crystal clear, and sound reproduction is on point, thanks to the newly designed 53 mm drivers.
While these headphones will give you plenty of detail, they can lack a bit of bass punch, and the treble can be overly intense, which can be distracting at the very least. That said, the Audio-Technica headphones are still considered to be a solid choice for open-back headphones because of their great audio quality with a considerably lower price point.
The headphones are made with thick plastic and have a double-hooped headband design. They are expected to fit any head size, and, because they’re lightweight, they can be worn for long periods of time without putting pressure on the ear. The ear cups are padded and add comfort to the rest of the design.
Detailed soundLightweightLow price
Bass and treble can be better
Grado is a brand that has been around since the 50s, and the SR80x is the newest from a long line of headphones they’ve released since then. The Brooklyn-based company has upgraded the drivers and overall design of the SR80x to keep up with audiophiles today. As far as design, these headphones deliver a classic, industrial style, which makes them stand out from other modern-looking ones from competing brands.
Despite their affordability, the SR80x headphones deliver premium sound quality. With their new and improved drivers, you can enjoy listening to music with immense clarity. There’s a great balance between mids, highs, and lows, no matter what genre of music you use it for.
Being open-back headphones, some leakage is expected, but the Grado SR80x has substantial leakage compared to other open-back headphones of its kind. Other than this minor flaw, these headphones are a steal for the price.
Bright soundClassic, iconic designLightweight
Sound leaks more than expected
The Philips SHP9500 may be a pair of budget-friendly open-back headphones, but they look premium and polished. It also gives well-balanced audio that is expected from more expensive counterparts, which makes these headphones some of the best open-back headphones for the price.
The headphones are large to ensure they fit most adult heads and ears, and the headband is secure enough but not too tight. They’re not meant to be worn during workouts, as they will fall off. The ear cups are padded and do a great job of providing extra comfort; however, they can easily peel off with prolonged use.
Due to its limited audio quality, the SHP9500 headphones do not sound as balanced or bassy as other headphones within their category. However, they do excel in delivering accurate imaging and a wide soundstage. Overall, they’re quality headphones that are comfortable, sturdy, and great for casual music listening or gaming.
Accurate imaging, wide soundstageBudget-friendlyRemovable cable
No sub-bass
For serious audiophiles with a more generous budget, the HIFIMAN Sundara are some of the best open-back headphones to check out. With new and improved drivers and HIFIMAN’s signature planar magnetic technology, you get exceptionally balanced and accurate sound reproduction and insight. You don’t need an amp. Simply connect the Sundara to a phone or computer and enjoy the sound straight from the source.
These headphones are great for listening to all kinds of music because of their great balance across all frequencies. There’s enough treble and bass and neither overpowers the other. Vocals and instruments all sound superb, although imaging and soundstage could be improved.
Unrivaled sound qualityWell-balanced, full sound
Expensive
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