Open-Back Headphones: Uncompromised Sound Experience

Open-back headphones deliver an immersive soundstage with natural audio, perfect for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality.

What Makes Open-Back Headphones Special?

Open-back headphones are designed to provide an immersive listening experience through their unique build. Unlike closed-back models, these headphones create a wide and spacious soundstage that interacts with the environment, making your music feel more alive and engaging. However, this open design means sound leakage occurs, even at moderate volumes, which can distract people around you. They also offer minimal noise isolation, so background sounds are more noticeable.

If you want versatile headphones for noisy environments, closed-back headphones might suit you better. But for those chasing the purest audio quality, open-back headphones are the way to go.

Top Open-Back Headphones: Detailed Reviews

Best Overall Open-Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 800 S

• Sport & Fitness: 5.9
• Travel: 4.9
• Office: 3.4
• Wireless Gaming (in development): 4.8
• Wired Gaming (in development): 6.9
• Sound Accuracy: 8.4
• Noise Isolation: 1.4
• Frequency Response Consistency: 8.4
• Bass Emphasis: Slightly reduced (-3 dB)
• Treble Emphasis: Balanced (0 dB)
• Sound Signature: Flat
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Open-back
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

The Sennheiser HD 800 S stands out as the top open-back headphone we've tested. These premium dynamic driver headphones deliver unparalleled sound quality but come with a price tag that reflects their excellence. To truly unlock their potential, you'll need a powerful amplifier or audio interface, which could add to your investment.

If you're after the best, these headphones offer an exceptional passive soundstage that's natural, spacious, and open. Their build quality and comfort are superb, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue.

While the open design means the bass isn't deep, the treble range has a gentle lift that adds warmth. Vocals and instruments sound clear and lifelike, making these headphones adaptable to any music genre. If you crave more pronounced bass, planar magnetic models like the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version might suit you better, though they tend to be heavier and might require more power.

Best Upper Mid-Range Open-Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

• Sport & Fitness: 6.2
• Travel: 5.2
• Office: 3.5
• Wireless Gaming (in development): 4.6
• Wired Gaming (in development): 6.7
• Sound Accuracy: 8.3
• Noise Isolation: 1.9
• Frequency Response Consistency: 8.3
• Bass Emphasis: Slightly reduced (-1 dB)
• Treble Emphasis: Balanced (0 dB)
• Sound Signature: Balanced
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Open-back
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

If you want to save some money, consider the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO with a dynamic driver that won't empty your bank account. They're not as refined as the HD 800 S but still great for balanced sound enthusiasts. These headphones have a bit more bass than the HD 800 S and slightly different treble tuning, but vocals and instruments remain detailed and clear.

The HD 490 PRO is easier to drive than the HD 800 S, so you probably won't need a headphone amplifier for most devices. They also offer stable sound quality, so you don't have to worry about changes depending on fit. Plus, they come with a second set of ear pads that slightly alter the sound, adding a physical tuning option. The ear pads are also shaped to accommodate glasses without affecting bass.

Best Mid-Range Open-Back Headphones

HiFiMan Sundara 2020

• Sport & Fitness: 5.9
• Travel: 4.5
• Office: 3.0
• Wireless Gaming (in development): 4.6
• Wired Gaming (in development): 6.6
• Sound Accuracy: 8.0
• Noise Isolation: 0.7
• Frequency Response Consistency: 7.9
• Bass Emphasis: Slightly reduced (-3 dB)
• Treble Emphasis: Slightly reduced (-2 dB)
• Sound Signature: Flat
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Open-back
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Planar magnetic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

The best open-back planar magnetic headphones we've tested are the HiFiMan Sundara 2020. They feature a planar magnetic system with a comfortable and sturdy design. These headphones are a bit less expensive than the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO but don't reproduce low and mid frequencies as powerfully, so their sound lacks bass and punch compared to the latter.

However, their high-frequency response adds warmth and fullness, while the rest of the frequency range is well balanced with detailed and bright instruments that aren't harsh.

Some listeners may appreciate the flexible headband making them quite comfortable, but they press harder on the head and weigh more than the HD 490 PRO. The package is simpler, including only one set of ear pads and a Y-shaped cable, which might lead to extra expenses since the cable is less convenient than the fixed cable in the HD 490 PRO.

Best Lower Mid-Range Open-Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 560S

• Sport & Fitness: 6.2
• Travel: 4.9
• Office: 3.4
• Wireless Gaming (in development): 4.5
• Wired Gaming (in development): 6.6
• Sound Accuracy: 8.1
• Noise Isolation: 1.6
• Frequency Response Consistency: 8.3
• Bass Emphasis: Slightly lacking (-4 dB)
• Treble Emphasis: Balanced (0 dB)
• Sound Signature: Flat
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Open-back
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

Audiophile headphones often lose some performance when moving to the lower mid-range price category, but the Sennheiser HD 560S avoid this problem. They have decent, albeit more plastic, build quality and feature dynamic drivers typical for this price range, keeping them fairly light compared to the bulkier HiFiMan Sundara 2020.

Still, the Sennheiser headphones are more stable, a plus if you are an active listener, and they’re comfortable for long sessions.

Like most open-back headphones, their sound lacks deep bass, but there’s a slight emphasis in the mid and high bass range that adds warmth and depth to percussion. Overall, their sound is balanced, so vocals and instruments are accurately reproduced. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer treble, HiFiMan might be preferable.

Best Budget Open-Back Headphones

Superlux HD 681

• Neutral Sound: 7.9
• Commuting/Travel: 4.1
• Sport/Fitness: 5.1
• Office: 4.8
• Wireless Gaming: 4.3
• Wired Gaming: 6.2
• Phone Calls: 1.8
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Semi-open
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

If you want to dive into open-back headphones without spending much, try the Superlux HD 681. These entry-level full-sized headphones have a semi-open back, meaning they leak less sound than fully open models like the Sennheiser HD 560S and block external noise a bit better, though you’ll still hear most background sounds.

They can create a wider, more engaging soundstage than closed-back headphones. Comfortable to wear, they deliver similar bass amounts as other models listed here, but overall sound is brighter than the Sennheiser HD 560S. Vocals and instruments come through clear and natural, but sibilant sounds like hi-hats are relatively harsh.

As expected at this price point, build quality is modest, feeling somewhat flimsy and plastic. If you want sturdier headphones, consider the Philips SHP9500, which are better constructed with a fully open design, though slightly more expensive.

Best Open-Back Headphones for Gaming

Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X

• Neutral Sound: 8.0
• Commuting/Travel: 4.2
• Sport/Fitness: 5.6
• Office: 5.5
• Wireless Gaming: 5.6
• Wired Gaming: 7.6
• Phone Calls: 6.8
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Open-back
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: Yes

Though you can use any of the previous models for gaming, none have microphones. So, if you lack a separate mic and want headphones with an integrated one, check out the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X. Their excellent boom microphone ensures your voice sounds clear and natural in team chats. These headphones also provide a wider and more spacious passive soundstage than most closed-back gaming headsets.

They are very comfortable and come with microfiber or velour ear cushions, which is nice if you have preferences. Their sound profile is well balanced, with precise mids making dialogue easy to hear. However, like most open-back headphones, they lack bass, and highs are slightly muted.

These wired headphones lack sound-tuning software like an equalizer. If you enjoy adjusting sound through an app and want gamer-focused features with more extensive headphone controls, consider Turtle Beach Atlas Air. These open-back headphones support wireless and wired connections, increasing flexibility, and they have a better mic than Drop + Sennheiser. However, Turtle Beach is less comfortable than our pick.

Also Consider

• Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: Lower mid-range headphones with better build quality than the Sennheiser HD 560S and richer sound thanks to boosted highs. However, their passive soundstage isn’t as engaging, and the non-detachable cable means a full replacement if it breaks.
• HiFiMan Edition XS: Reliable open-back headphones competing with the HiFiMan Sundara 2020. Both use planar magnetic drivers, but Edition XS offers a more spacious and immersive soundstage, though Sundara fits more comfortably and is a bit sturdier for active listeners.
• Philips Fidelio X2HR: Wired open-back headphones with balanced sound, similar to Sennheiser HD 560S. Philips headphones have better build quality and offer a wider passive soundstage, but Sennheiser controls their sound profile more tightly, making it easier to get consistent performance.
• Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII: Premium open-back headphones slightly more robust than Sennheiser HD 490 PRO. Both come with extra ear pads and cables, but Beyerdynamic also includes a carrying case. The frequency response is less smooth than Sennheiser’s, with peaks and dips that emphasize lows more, but they offer a more refined sound if you prefer Beyerdynamic’s signature.
• Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO: Gaming headset with a boom mic, differing from Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X. It emphasizes higher bass and low mids and has brighter highs. The headset is heavier, but sound preference plays a major role in choosing between the two.

“They create a wide and spacious soundstage that interacts with the environment, making listening more immersive.” – Audio Experts

Conclusion

Open-back headphones are a dream come true for audiophiles craving a natural, immersive sound experience. Whether you're investing in top-tier models like the Sennheiser HD 800 S or exploring budget-friendly options such as the Superlux HD 681, there's an open-back headphone designed to elevate your listening game. Have you tried open-back headphones? What’s your favorite model to lose yourself in music?

FAQs

• How do open-back headphones differ from closed-back ones?
  Open-back headphones have perforations or grills on their ear cups, allowing air and sound to pass through, producing a more natural and spacious sound but with sound leakage and less noise isolation compared to closed-back models.
• Are open-back headphones suitable for outdoor use?
  Not ideal, since they leak sound and don’t block outside noise well. They are better suited for quiet environments like home or studio.
• Do open-back headphones require special equipment?
  Premium open-back models often benefit from dedicated amplifiers or audio interfaces due to their higher power demands.
• Can I use open-back headphones for gaming?
  Yes, especially if you prioritize sound quality and spatial awareness, but make sure to choose models with built-in microphones if communication is needed.
• Are open-back headphones comfortable for long sessions?
  Many are designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush ear pads and adjustable headbands, making them suitable for extended listening.

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