Whether you’re a musician, professional audio engineer, home studio enthusiast, or simply an audiophile, a quality pair of headphones is an essential pick-up.
While reference monitors are an important piece of equipment that any studio should have, owning a good pair of open-back headphones will grant you a different perspective — allowing you to hear things that you might not pick up in your monitors.
This begs the question, which headphones should you buy?
There are two main types of studio headphones: open-back and closed-back. They are largely the same, but have a few distinct differences — and one can be better for mixing while the other can be better for recording. This article will explore open-back headphones, how they differ from closed-back headhones, and several fantastic models you should consider purchasing.
Table Of Contents
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Open-Back Headphones
Despite some great alternatives, the DT 990 are my favorite headphones — and one of the most used by studio professionals around the world.
What Are Open-Back Headphones?
Open-back headphones are headphones that do not have material covering the back of the ear muffs — where closed-back headphones do.
They look just like “regular” studio headphones, with the only difference being a transparent, usually mesh, covering over the back of them that allows air and sound to come in and out of the headphones. This can make them great for mixing, as this can help take into consideration your room sound. They also won’t trap in and overemphasize certain frequencies (particularly bass), which can help give a truer representation of your mix.
When Would You Want To Use Open-Back Headphones?
The best scenarios to use open-back headphones are for studio mixing and at-home listening. Air is allowed to flow through the headphones, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods. Also, you are able to hear the ambient noise around you; something that can’t be done nearly as well with the more insulated closed-back headphones.
Importantly, since the closed-back headphones allow sound to bleed in and out, what you are hearing is more representative of what the average listener will hear when they play back the track you’re listening to. Closed-back headphones will give you more low-end and isolated sounds, but the open-back design will give you a more holistic perspective.
Compared to closed-back headphones, their open-back counterparts are a far more natural representation of the music and closer to what it would sound like if it were being played on stage.
Open-back headphones are not good for recording, though, as sound can escape from the headphones and bleed into your microphones (especially when recording vocals). I recommend anyone that is serious about mixing and mastering music to pick up a pair of open-back headphones — even if it’s just to double-check your mixes.
The Top 5 Best Open-Back Headphones
| Image | Pros | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 Overall Pick  |
| 9.5 | View Price |
Editor's Choice  | Beyerdynamic DT 990 Open-Back Studio Headphones
| 9.5 | View Price |
Best Ovular Option  | Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Headphones
| 9.5 | View Price |
Editor's Choice  |
| 9.5 | View Price |
Most Unique Design  | Avantone Pro Planar Open-Back Headphones
| 9.5 | View Price |
1. Best Overall Pick: Shure SRH1840 Open-Back Studio Headphones
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Description
It’s hard to go wrong with any Shure product and the SRH1840 headphones are no exception. These open-back studio headphones are phenomenal and are known for their natural and speaker-like sound. They are designed for extreme comfort and have a specially designed, oxygen-free cable that also detaches if need be.
These quality headphones are in the $500 range. They also include a hard case, replacement ear pads as well as an extra cable, and a threaded ¼” cable adapter.
Shure SRH1840 Open-Back Studio Headphones
Bottom line: These headphones would be a great choice for any professional or home studio.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Connection: | ⅛” plug, ¼” adapter |
| Color: | Black |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Detachable Cable: | Yes |
| Material: | Velour Earpads |
| Accessories: | Hard Case |
| Dimensions | 11.26 in. W x 10.43 in. D x 6.57 in. H (286mm x 264.92mm x 166.88mm) |
| Weight: | 0.59lb. (0.27kg) |
2. Editor’s Choice: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Open-Back Studio Headphones
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Description
The DT 990 open-back headphones by Beyerdynamic are a highly-rated pair of headphones at the lower end of the price scale. They feature circular, silver earpads that are known for being very comfortable and are completely replaceable, as is nearly every other part of the headphones.
These headphones sound great and are a great find for someone looking for their first pair of open-back headphones or need a low-budget option for their home studio.
The DT 990 headphones also come with a ¼” stereo jack adapter and a soft drawstring travel bag. Purchase these awesome headphones here.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Connection: | ⅛” plug, ¼” adapter |
| Color: | Black, silver earpads |
| Cable Type: | Coiled |
| Detachable Cable: | Yes |
| Material: | Velour Earpads |
| Accessories: | Adapter, drawstring bag |
| Dimensions | 21 in. W x 15.5 in. D x 10.5 in. H (533.4mm x 393.7mm x 266.7mm) |
| Weight: | 0.55lb. (0.24kg) |
3. Best Ovular Option: Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Headphones
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Description
The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are a great pair of open-back headphones that are a lower-priced, comparable option to the Shure SRH1840. They share many of the same features and qualities, including shockingly natural sound, a ¼” cable adapter, and velour earpads.
The shape of the earpads are the main difference. While the Shure earpads are circular, the HD 600 features pads that are ovular, creating a different feel for the user. The HD 600 headphones are also cheaper than the SRH1840. Find these headphones here.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Connection: | ⅛” plug, ¼” adapter |
| Color: | Black |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Detachable Cable: | Yes |
| Material: | Velour Earpads |
| Accessories: | Adapter |
| Dimensions | 12.4 in. W x 10 in. D x 4.33 in. H (314.96mm x 254mm x 109.98mm) |
| Weight: | 0.58lb. (0.26kg) |
4. Best High-End Pick: AKG K701 Open-Back Studio Headphones
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Description
AKG is another excellent and historic name in audio and the K701 headphones do not fail to live up to expectations. The headphones feature the revolutionary flat-wire voice coil technology, which gives its soon profound accuracy, most noticed with low-end frequencies.
The design is a beautiful white, with a self-adjusting leather headband and 3D-form earpads that fit with maximum comfort. The cable is bi-wired, allowing for a wide dynamic range with minimal distortion. Each pair of headphones is individually tested and numbered, and they even come with a desktop cradle that holds your headphones aesthetically and efficiently.
Though they are at the higher end of the intermediate price range, you should absolutely consider purchasing these wonderful headphones here.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Connection: | ⅛” plug, ¼” adapter |
| Color: | White |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Detachable Cable: | No |
| Material: | Leather headband |
| Accessories: | Adapter, cradle |
| Dimensions | 8.35 in. W x 7.83 in. D x 4.45 in. H (212.1mm x 198.9mm x 113.03mm) |
| Weight: | 0.51lb. (0.23kg) |
5. Most Unique Design: Avantone Pro Planar Open-Back Headphones
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Description
The Avantone Pro Planar headphones are a stylish option that look as unique as their technology is. Most open-back headphones use coil drivers, but this Avantone model uses planar drivers instead that offer high clarity, low distortion, excellent bass, and an overall spacious soundstage.
These headphones are larger than their typical counterparts, while remaining extremely lightweight and comfortable. The headphones feature a detachable cable that can connect on either side of the headphones. They also include an eco-friendly carrying bag, as well as a ¼” cable adapter.
These excellent headphones are at the lower end of the intermediate price range and can be bought here.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Connection: | ⅛” plug, ¼” adapter |
| Color: | Red, black earpads |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Detachable Cable: | Yes |
| Material: | Velour Earpads |
| Accessories: | Adapter, bag and extra cable |
| Dimensions | 11 in. W x 9.5 in. D x 5.5 in. H (279.4mm x 241.3mm x 139.7mm) |
| Weight: | 1lb. (0.45kg) |
Honorable Mentions
Sennheiser HD 800 S Open-Back Headphones
If you are in need of a very high-end option, these headphones by Sennheiser are a stellar option. They are specifically designed for professional studio use, featuring an aerospace headband, microfiber earcups, and an incredible frequency range with dynamic highs and lows.
The headphones come with a two-year manufacturer warranty, extra cable, carrying bag, and a jump drive. This is the most expensive model in this article and they are at the high end of the price range. Find these headphones here.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Headphones
The ATH-R70x model is Audio-Technica’s flagship studio headphones. These headphones are extremely versatile and commonplace among professional and home studios alike. They are tuned for a neutral and flat response and feature an excellent, form-fitting headband that provides great comfort during use.
They feature a detachable cable, carrying case, and a very breathable earpad material. Purchase them Purchase these headphones here.
Mackie MC-450 Open-Back Headphones
The MC-450 headphones are a great pair of open-back headphones for someone at the beginner to intermediate level. They are competitively priced in the $200 range and feature a padded leather headband with memory foam earpads. The headphones also come with a 10’ straight cable, 10’ coiled, and a 3’ straight with a microphone.
The MC-450 also has a collapsible design for convenient travel and storage. The price is on the low end and can be found here.
Which Open-Back Headphones Should You Buy?
Open-back headphones are a lovely type of audio equipment that any home or professional engineer should have in their repertoire. Even audiophiles who desire a comfortable, quality pair of headphones to simply listen to music will find any of these options enjoyable and worthwhile. Their closed-back counterparts are far more popular, but the added comfort and natural sound of open-back headphones offer something different.
Like all other pieces of gear, deciding on the right option to buy entirely depends on your needs and preferences. This list features products by respected brands with strong histories and guarantee a baseline quality in their products. Weighing the differences in price, sound quality, accessories, and special features will guide you when it comes to making your open-back headphone purchase.
If you’re looking for a lower-priced option, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 open-back headphones are a good fit. If budget isn’t as much of a concern, and you’re looking for an all-around good pick, then go with the SRH1840 headphones. But any of the headphones in this list would be a good pick up, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each!
