Best Open Back Headphones Available Online

Open Back Headphones are known to deliver a more realistic audio experience than the common closed-back headphones.


It creates a wider Soundstage effect which makes it feel like the music is filled within the room you are in, rather than just playing inside your head as in closed-back headphones.


This provides better sound separation which can lead to a more immersive experience.
They can be useful especially if you are inside a studio or a quiet room, or if you want better awareness of your surroundings.

Here, we have compiled a list of some of the best Open Back Headphones that you will find in the market. And we have also included a set of general guidelines and factors to consider while buying a pair of these headphones online. 


What are Open Back Headphones?

Open Back Headphones, as the name suggests, come with an open back design where the ear cups are perforated and left open to allow air to pass through the cups to the speaker element.


This helps to avoid pressure build-up and affects the sound you hear to create a more realistic and “in the world around me” kind of listening experience.

 
They are usually used in professional studios for music production, editing, and recording as they provide a more 3D listening experience and better sound separation.


They can provide a truly unique and immersive experience for listening to music but may not be suitable for certain environments such as listening on a street or the plane.

Best Open Back Headphones Available online

Open Back Headphones, as the name suggests, come with an open back design where the ear cups are perforated and left open to allow air to pass through the cups to the speaker element.


This helps to avoid pressure build-up and affects the sound you hear to create a more realistic and “in the world around me” kind of listening experience.

 
They are usually used in professional studios for music production, editing, and recording as they provide a more 3D listening experience and better sound separation.


They can provide a truly unique and immersive experience for listening to music but may not be suitable for certain environments such as listening on a street or the plane.

1. Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone

Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone

Sennheiser needs no introduction, especially for the audiophile community. They have been a pioneer in audio systems and headphones around the globe with over 65 years of providing a “true-to-life” audio experience.


These open-back headphones are of professional-grade quality and are great for music production, editing and recording. It is a fantastic addition to a hi-fi stack or dedicated listening room, and is a known favorite amongst mastering engineers globally.


They are made with high-quality open metal mesh grilles that deliver extremely transparent sound. It comes with featherweight aluminum voice coils that improve accuracy and delivers fast transient response.


The computer-optimized magnet systems will help to minimize harmonic and intermodulation distortion during your work. It has Neodymium ferrous magnets, which are great for maintaining optimum sensitivity and excellent dynamics in audio ranges.


They are wired with Kevlar strengthened copper cables that are reinforced with oxygen and provides minimum sensitivity to handling noise. A 1 ¼” (6.3 mm) headphone adapter plug is shipped along with this unit.


This product is covered by an impressive 2-year international warranty as well.

2. Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone

Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone

This is another set of headphones from Sennheiser that are a slightly lower version of the previous product and less costly too.


Although they are not on the same professional-grade level as the Sennheiser HD 600, this one provides all the features of an open back headphone along with some studio features such as aluminum voice coils that deliver high efficiency, excellent dynamics, and very low distortion.


It has a lightweight yet robust design with luxurious velour-covered ear cushions and a padded headband that delivers exceptional comfort even for prolonged listening sessions.


They provide versatile connectivity functions with their two detachable cables that include a 3m cable with a 6.3mm jack for the home entertainment system, and a shorted 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack that is perfect for connecting to phones, tablets, laptops, etc.


They come in premium design cues with an attractive ivory color scheme, brown headband stitching, and matte metallic detailing. This product also comes with a standard Sennheiser 2-year international warranty, so you can be confident about its durability.


These headphones are better for you than the HD 600 if professional music production is not your intention.

3. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR

Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air

Philips is also a popular brand of electronic devices and its headphones are a trusted brand among the audiophile community. These headphones combine the acoustic open-back design with other audio-enhancing features to deliver certified Hi-Res audio with extended response frequencies.


The 50mm drivers of these headphones use high-power neodymium magnets to reproduce all of the music’s dynamics and deliver a well-balanced, crisp bass, and transparent mid-range as well.


It has layered motion control (LMC) drivers that feature a multi-layered polymer diaphragm that encases a layer of damping gel. These layers form a flexible boundary and they absorb and dampen any exaggerated frequencies.

 
They are built with double-layered ear shells that are engineered to reduce resonance and vibration and have a solid layered construction that ensures durability. These ear shells are pre-tilted to 15 degrees for fitting your ears' natural geometry and providing an immersive experience.


The breathable velour and memory foam cushions are optimized for density with high breathability, to dissipate pressure and heat for a longer wearing comfort.
Another cool feature is its self-adjustable hammock that is very flexible and ensures a perfect fit for your head shape.


They come with a 3m long detachable oxygen-free cable with a 3.5mm to 6.3 mm adapter, along with a cable management clip.

4. Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones

Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi

 
This one is a slightly more basic version of open-back headphones from Philips and they deliver a high precision sound. It also rocks the 50mm high power drivers that utilize high power neodymium magnets to reproduce the dynamics of your music and deliver a well-balanced crisp bass, transparent midrange, and pristine high frequencies.

 
The drivers are precisely angled and engineered to fit the ear’s natural geometry. The ear shells offer precise and accurate sound as the signals are directly channeled into the ears.


The comfortable headband cushions offer a soft and breathable fit that maintains its comfortable listening experience for hours-on-end. The headbands are also made very durable with cold-rolled steel that provides the right amount of tension and ensures an optimum fit with its easily adjustable markings.


Its ear cushions are engineered to improve breathability and dissipate pressure and heat to provide longer comfortable use. It comes with a 1.5m (4.9 ft) removable cable and a 3.5mm jack, along with the 3.5-6.3mm adapter.

5. AKG Pro Audio K702

AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back


AKG is also a popular brand of acoustics engineering and manufacturing company based in Vienna, Austria. The K702 is a pair of reference studio headphones that are made for precision listening, mixing, and mastering.


They are meant for fighting discomfort and pain when working in the studio or listening to music, so they come with self-adjusting headbands that are built for a perfect fit. Its unique 3D Foam ear pads and ergonomically padded genuine-leather headband ensures that you remain pain-free and comfortable for long sessions.


The ear pads also feature an innovative gel construction with a super soft lining.

Its Flat-wire voice coil technology is what gives the K702 reference headphones the transient response that delivers an amazingly accurate and spacious sound.


The flat-wire technology allows AKG to build very rigid yet lightweight voice coils that improve the pulse response, and these wires also provide a higher packing density in the magnetic gap, which increases the efficiency due to less power loss to heat.


The diaphragm is made with a unique Varimotion technology which makes the thickness vary along its diameter.  A professional mini XLR connector is provided along with this product for quick replacement of the cable.

6. AKG Pro Audio K240 Professional Studio Headphones

AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear


These headphones feature a more basic version of the AKG K702 and these are a semi-open back variant which means that the ear cups are partially closed. They can provide the same Soundstage effects as open-back headphones but not as immersive.


The K240 are studio headphones designed for professional applications such as mixing, mastering, and playback. They have advanced 30mm XXL transducers with a patented Varimotion diaphragm that ensures accurate response at any listening level.


This technology creates a diaphragm that is thinner, more elastic toward the outside edges for more powerful bass response, accurate mids, and clear, detailed highs. The large size of the transducers makes the overall sound more realistic and three-dimensional for capturing the emotional and sonic content of your soundtracks.

 
For maximum comfort, the K240 utilizes a self-adjusting headband and a flexible steel structure for an optimum fit and provides superior durability as well.
They come with a detachable input cable and they use a mini XLR connector for perfect contact and secure mechanical connection.


The cables are made with 99.99% oxygen-free copper and have gold plated plugs on both ends including the screw-on 1/8" to 1/4" stereo jack adapter.

7. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone

Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open

Beyerdynamic is a German audio system manufacturer that is headquartered in Heilbronn and they are known for the superior quality studio headphones. This one, the DT 990 PRO, is the premium variant of the DT990 edition, which includes a series of other open-back headphones.


They come in two standard color variants – Gray and Black and they boast extremely detailed audio resolution and very transparent sounds. Their 3D sound reproduction and outstanding tonal depth ensure that even small changes in the positioning of the acoustic source can be perceived while mixing.


It has a mild bass and treble boost that ensures a pleasant listening experience. The bass is precise and the treble boost is powerfully present without sounding sharp.


In terms of comfort, the soft and adjustable ear cups provide adaptability and the robust spring steel headband design ensures that the over-ear headphones offer a secure fit.


They come in two-ohm sizes – the 80-ohm variant and the 250-ohm variant.

They come with a 3-meter coiled cable included in the box.

8. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition

beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition 250

This belongs to the DT 990 open back headphone series of Beyerdynamic but it is a more basic version than the previous DT 990 PRO headphones. The DT 990 PRO is designed as a studio headset while the DT 990 edition is ideal for home use.


Unlike the PRO version, these headphones don’t come with a coiled cable, instead, you get the straight cable with this version. These also come in the two standard color variants – Gray and Black. And they provide 3 size variants that include – 32-ohm, 250- ohm, and 600-ohm.


The 250-ohm is developed for home use at a stereo system. The 600 ohm is perfect for HiFi systems with either a strong headphones output or with extra headphone amplifiers.


For flexible usage with smartphones, tablets, or PCs, the 32 ohm is ideal. They boast a vibrant and natural sound and the DT 990 edition has been a popular choice for many years and suitable for many music genres.


The headbands are flexible, the yokes are made with aluminum and the ear pads are silky-smooth with breathable and skin-friendly velour. This combination provides the DT 990 edition with a pleasant and comfortable fit for long listening sessions.

9. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile

A standard open back headphone variant for audiophiles from Audio-Technica which is a Japanese company that designs and manufactures professional headphones, microphones, turntables, and other audio systems.


What makes the ATH-AD700X a great choice for producers and music lovers is its wide 5-30,000HZ frequency response. It has an open-air design that produces no sense of pressure on your ears and provides a completely natural sensation.


Its aluminum honeycomb casing provides excellent acoustic properties as well as being extremely lightweight. These headphones have superior power handling properties thanks to their bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils.


The drivers included are of size 53 mm and they can reproduce clear treble and midrange sounds. These headphones are specially designed for comfort and come with flexible raised fabric earpads that offer excellent wearing comfort for extended periods as well as durability.


The self-adjusting 3D wind support combined with its total ear-fit design minimizes pressure build-up and provides additional comfort and a better listening experience.

They have a highly conductive OFC single-sided cord with an elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangles and knots.


They come with a gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector with a 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter in the box.

10. HIFIMAN HE - 400I Planar Magnetic Adjustable Headphone

HIFIMAN HE-400I Over Ear Full-Size

HiFiMAN is a Chinese electronics company that manufactures audio products such as headphones, amplifiers, and portable audio players. 


The HE-400I is created by the innovator of the planar magnetic technology and is of high quality for critical listening at home or in the studio and boasts a 30% lighter overall weight for taking pressure off of your ears for long hours of use.


The design features ABS polymer ear cups in a gloss charcoal finish to give it a striking and contemporary look. The specially designed beveled ear pads are made of leatherette and velour for providing increased comfort and improved sound quality.


It has a massive but lightweight diaphragm that allows high signal input and flexible bass and treble tones and very fast response time due to its lightweight design.

Very low sound distortion is another pro feature, thanks to its evenly distributed magnetic force and reproduction of live sound.


It can be driven with a modest size amplifier, portable audio player, or computer, thanks to the increased efficiency of the 93dB drivers. They include a premium cable comprised of crystalline metal with oxygen-free copper and silver of 1.5 m in length.


A standard ⅛ in (3.5 mm) to ¼ in (6.35 mm) adapter is also included in the box.

Things to keep in mind while buying open-back headphones


1. Match your use 

Make sure that you are getting a pair of headphones that suit your purpose. Getting a high-end studio variant with planar magnetic drivers for just listening to music at home may be a waste of money. If you are buying them for your professional studio setting then, the ones from Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic are great options.


2. Drivers

For regular home use any pair with a standard dynamic neodymium magnet, voice coil, and diaphragm will do good. But for studio use, planar magnetic drivers will deliver the lowest sound distortion and superior bass response.


3. Cables

Always look for oxygen-free cables whether they are copper or silver-based. They generally run cooler than other conductors and are more resistant to shorts, more durable, and far less likely to corrode.


4. Warranty

Always go for those variants that provide at least 1–2-year warranty certificates. Usually, these products will be more durable and resistant to wear.

Final Take

Open Back Headphones will provide a unique and immersive listening experience with more realistic and 3-dimensional sound creation.


They are definitely your best option for studio use as they produce a richer sound separation that allows you to isolate specific parts of your music and pay attention to the more subtle areas of your soundtracks.


Click Here To Check Out The Best Open back Headphones For Gaming


All of the products we have listed here are of great quality and are fan-favorites among the audiophile community. They are ensured of their durability and most of them come with a 2-year warranty, some even have the option to purchase an additional warranty.


Whichever you choose to buy, please go through the “Things to keep in mind” section before you make your purchase for helping you make a more informed choice.


Cheers!