10 Best Open-Back Headphones In 2023

Open-back headphones are always on the top priority list for the audiophile out there. The reason is quite obvious, open-back headphones are well known to deliver natural, authentic & neutral audio to their users. If you are an audiophile then you must be looking for the best open-back headphones, that brought you here. Here we have the best Audiophile Open-back Headphones for you.

Open-back headphones may not be as popular as Gaming Headphones or On-ear Headphones, they have a special place in the musical community. Most editors & audio mixers use open-back headphones because of their fidelity & authentic audio. A good quality open-back headphone will sound just as it should be, with no excess fake enhancement or bass boosting, nor ruining the natural tunes. That is why many professional gamers also use open-back headphones as their daily gaming device. Those headphones are also suitable for long time wearing compared to closed-back headphones. If you want to learn more then click Openback Headphones Vs Closed-back Headphones.

Now here is the list you have been waiting for. Have a look:

1. SENNHEISER HD 800 S Reference Headphone System – Overall Best

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.73 lbs
• Dimension: 10.7 x 5.7 x 13.8 inches
• Frequency Response: 4Hz – 51,000Hz
• Driver: 56mm

 

You might have heard of the SENNHEISER HD 800 S open-back headphones. This is not a new headphone that has been released during this year. The interesting fact is, it still is on the top of our list & many others’ first choice as the best open-back headphones. While making this list we have tested a few open-back headphones. There is no better choice compared to the SENNHEISER HD 800 S.

This headphone by SENNHEISER represents seven decades of audio expertise. It can deliver the most natural, realistic & authentic audio that you can imagine. It comes with innovative absorber technology that reduces unwanted frequency response peaks. SENNHEISER also allows all the music nuances to become audible to your ears. The audio is very detailed & it will not miss even a single tone. The high notes are very clear & crisp, the low notes are crystal clear & soothing. No matter if you are looking for an open-back headphone for gaming, editing, or audio mixing, this headphone will never let you down.

The design & build of these headphones will impress any of you. It is specially made for long-time wear. It comes with a unique ear cup design that directs sound waves to your ears at a slight angle. Thus it creates a spatial, authentic & natural audio experience.

 

2. Beyerdynamic T1 High-end Tesla Headphones (3rd Gen) – Second Best

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.79 lbs
• Dimension: 8.46 x 5.91 x 11.38 inches
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50,000Hz
• Driver: Tilted Tesla Driver

 

Our second choice is the Flagship Open-back Headphones by Beyerdynamic, the Beyerdynamic T1 High-end Tesla Headphones. You may have heard of the previous two headphones of the same series, this is the 3rd gen.

The main attraction of this headphone is its sophisticated stereo. This is possible for its Tesla Drivers. The T1 series comes with one of the most advanced technology in the audio industry, the legendary Tesla technology. This technology allows the most precise audio with intensified bass & superior clarity. The audio is very neutral & will feel very soothing in the ears. Another thing is that this headphone has been developed in the German headquarter. There the Beyerdynamic team has ensured that both ears headphones will match perfectly & deliver you the best natural audio that you can imagine. This type of audio is very much helpful for music enjoyment, editing, audio mixing & even for gaming.

The Beyerdynamic T1 High-end Tesla Headphones come with the finest material build Beyerdynamic can offer. It not just has a premium feel on it but also is very much comfortable in the ears. The replaceable velour ear pads come with a multi-layer filling. It helps to fine-tune the audio while making the headphone extremely comfortable to wear for a longer period.

 

3. SENNHEISER HD 660 S – Editors Choice

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.58 lbs
• Dimension: 10.12 x 4.25 x 12.6 inches
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 41,000Hz
• Driver: 42mm

 

Our editor’s choice is another SENNHEISER Headphone, SENNHEISER HD 660 S. This is the most popular open-back headphone by SENNHEISER. It comes with some amazing features that will satisfy any audiophile. The most amazing thing is it will not empty your pocket like the previous two headphones we reviewed might do.

As SENNHEISER has claimed, this headphone is for the demanding audio lovers out there. While testing this headphone we found that it comes delivers precise audio with balanced tones at any level. If you ever had used the previous versions of this series then you would be happy to know that the 660 S offers a lot more compared to the 650 & 660. It comes with new improved Transducers that deliver low harmonic distortion. It ensures exceptional accuracy at any level. If you are looking for the best open-back headphones for audio mixing & editing then these headphones can deliver you the most natural audio.

The design of this headphone is quite similar to its previous models. It comes with an open-back design with a see-through grille on the back of the earcups. The overall built quality is quite impressive compared to the price tag. It is very lightweight & also will not heat your ears even in a long time uses.

 

4. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – Best Budget Open-Back Headphones

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.55 lbs
• Dimension: 8.7 x 4.7 x 9.1 inches
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 35,000Hz
• Driver: 45mm

 

This is the most popular open-back headphone by Beyerdynamic. If you are looking for the best budget open-back headphones then there is no better option than this. Both gamers, music lovers & audio mixers use these headphones. It became very popular as a Gaming Headphone after the famous YouTuber NINJA started to use this for live FORTNITE streaming. If you have a low budget & looking for the best open-back headphones then we sure will recommend this one.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro delivers balanced audio which will feel right for most of you. Though the company claims that it delivers strong bass, we found that it delivers mid-bass but the clarity is really amazing compared to the price tag. The treble sound transparent audio with the right tunes makes it a perfect budget choice for both gamers & audio studio users.

The design of this headphone is not something special, but it feels really comfortable on the ears. Although, the plastic body is much durable than most other headphones at this price range. The soft, breathable & replaceable ear cushions ensure maximum wearing comfort even for a longer time.

 

5. HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version – Best Premium

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.89 lbs
• Dimension: 4.69 x 4.09 x 2.83 inches
• Frequency Response: 8Hz – 65,000Hz
• Driver: Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm Technology

 

Some of you may prefer a premium-grade headphone that delivers exceptional audio. Well, in that case, we have the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version for you. This is the most premium headphone that we have tested. It has a great look on it just as you can expect from a thousand dollars headphones. It also comes with some unique features that will amaze you.

The most amazing feature of this headphone is its Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm Technology stealth magnets. This is quite different from the usual drivers or magnets that you will find in most open-back headphones. This design is acoustically transparent. It reduces wave diffraction turbulence which may degrade the overall integrity of the audio waves. Thus it ensures zero distortion while enjoying your music or when you are mixing your audio. The magnets here comes with a special shape that will not find in any other headphone. It ensures the sound waves pass through the stealth magnets without any interference. Thus it delivers the most reliable & authentic audio with deep bass that will take you to another world of music.

The design, look & built quality of this headphone is surely the best on our list. A high-grade metal & plastic built makes it a durable & best-looking open-back headphone you can have.

 

6. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR – Best Cheap Open-Back Headphones

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.84 lbs
• Dimension: 4.72 x 9.45 x 12.6 inches
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40,000Hz
• Driver: 50mm

 

If you are looking for a cheap open-back headphone that sounds really great then the Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR might be your thing. This headphone comes at a really cheap price tag & is a perfect match for light users. Those who are seeking an open-back design & natural audio can go for these headphones without hesitation.

The audio quality of these headphones may not match most other headphones on our list. But if we consider the price tag then we must say that it is not that bad. In fact, it delivers quite balanced audio that some of you may prefer. This headphone is finely tuned & crafted for music lovers. The extended response frequencies here are Hi-res Audio Certified. The overall audio quality of these headphones may not satisfy an audiophile, but for light users & home use, this might be a great deal.

The design is quite similar to most Philips headphones. It is a bit heavier, but after you put this on it will not feel that way. The leather headband gives a very comfortable experience. The deluxe memory foam ear pads are also replaceable & deliver a breathable performance.

 

7. Focal Clear MG – Best Looking Open-Back Headphones

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.99 lbs
• Dimension: 12.5 x 12.1 x 9.4 inches
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 28,000Hz
• Driver: 40 mm “M” shaped magnesium dome

 

What is more important to you, the audio quality or the design & look? If the answer is “Both” then we have the perfect match for you. The Focal Clear MG Open-Back High-Fidelity Over-Ear Headphone can deliver the best quality audio along with its gorgeous look.

If we talk about the audio quality then we must say that it really is top-notch. It delivers balanced audio with deep bass & superb clarity. This type of audio is best for music lovers though the details could be a bit better considering the price tag. But compared to most other open-back headphones it really is amazingly detailed in every aspect of audio. Your first impression with its audio quality along with its look really will be very much overwhelming. Another amazing thing about this headphone is its precise deep bass. If you are a music lover or like to watch movies at home then these headphones sure will provide you with a home theatre experience.

As we have mentioned in the beginning, this is the best-looking headphone on our list. Not just the color & look, the built materials are premium as well. If you can afford it then this headphone might be the next best thing you can have in your life.

 

8. Philips SHP9600 – Cheapest Open-Back Headphones

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.72 lbs
• Dimension: 4.72 x 7.68 x 8.86 inches
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 35,000Hz
• Driver: 50mm

 

Philips is well known for cheap & budget-friendly headphones including open-back headphones. The previous cheap headphones we have mentioned in our list was Philips open-back headphone. This one is another Philips open-back headphone & is the cheapest headphone on our list.

This headphone comes with balanced audio just like the previous one. It delivers crisp bass with pristine high frequencies & balanced mid. The overall audio experience may not be perfect as you may expect from an open-back headphone. But considering the price tag, it can be a great choice as your daily driver. If you are a music lover then this headphone can deliver you a decent musical experience as well. It is a good choice for home use & light users.

The built quality is pretty amazing considering the money it costs. It has a durable steel frame as reinforcement of the main body. This makes it more durable than most other budget headphones. It comes with double-layered ear cushions that ensure extra comfort. The earcups are breathable & perfect for long-time audio sessions.

 

9. GRADO SR80x Prestige Series – Best On-Ear Open-Back Headphones

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.52 lbs
• Dimension: 9.21 x 8.03 x 1.93 inches
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Driver: 44mm 4th generation Grado tuned

 

Most open-back headphones we have mentioned here are over-ear headphones. Some of you may prefer on-ear headphones more than over-ear headphones. On-ear headphones are much more comfortable for long audio sessions & come with a portable design (Click here for the difference between On-ear & Over-Ear Headphones). If you are looking for an on-ear open-back headphone then the GRADO SR80x Prestige Series headphone can be your best choice.

GRADO headphones are on the top priority list for many users. They are well known for high-quality audio with a comfortable design. This headphone is no different. It delivers high-quality audio with clear lows, balanced mids & crisp highs. The bass is also precise & makes your overall musical experience enjoyable. The 4th generation Grado Tuned driver used inside this headphone is really amazing considering the price tag.

The design pattern is a signature one by Grado. It has a very lightweight body that makes it very much portable. The braided cable stops wire twisting & kinking while inside your bag. The headband & ear cushions are very much comfortable & perfect for long-time uses.

 

10. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – Budget Audiophile Open-Air Headphones

Key Specifications

• Connection type: Wired
• Weight: 0.99 lbs
• Dimension: 11 x 5 x 88 inches
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Driver Size: 53mm

 

Packing up our list with another budget open-back headphone, the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones. Audio-Technica is well known for budget headphones & gaming headsets. It is claimed to be an audiophile-grade open-air headphone. But in reality, its audio quality is far behind compared to our top choices. Although, if we consider the price tag then we must say that it sure can be the best budget audiophile open-back headphone.

It comes with a 53mm driver which is a bit bigger compared to the widely used 50mm driver. The bigger driver can handle mids & better with treble sound. The highs are also clear & it also delivers moderate bass. Overall it delivers moderate-quality audio that most people will like at this price range.

It comes with a very common headphone design. There is no solid headband here, instead, you will get a leather headband support. The entire headphone has a steel frame which makes it durable. This particular design will fit anyone easily. The ear cushions are also very comfortable.