There are many ways to enjoy your favorite music, be it headphones, earbuds, or speakers. Whileheadphones allow for better immersionand isolation, they don’t always deliver the best sound stage and audio quality. That’s where open-back headphones come in. The open-back style of headphones allows air to pass through the rear of the earcup, which negates resonance and echoes commonly heard when listening to closed-back headphones. This is why open-back headphones are used in music production and monitoring.
This design enables the listener to hear music more clearly and with a more natural tone, the way it was intended. However, there are a few shortcomings of this design as well, such as sound bleed. Everyone around you will be able to hear what you are listening to when out in public. If there is ambient noise around you, these headphones will notisolate you from itand that’s where closed-back headphones reign supreme. Another concern is moisture and other debris building up on the internal components due to them being “open.”
Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset
HiFiMan Edition XS
With that said, there’s still no doubt that open-back headphones offer the best audio quality, so if you are searching for one, here’s a handy guide to help you out.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Open-Back Headphones
HiFiMan Sundara
The HiFiMan Sundara are premium sounding and stylish-looking open-back headphones. They feature planar magnetic drivers that include a NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD) which is significantly thinner than the previous generation. They use a detachable 3.5mm cable for connectivity.
HiFiMan is no stranger to audio gear, and where it shines the brightest is open-back headphones. In particular, the HiFiMan Sundara stands as the best value open-back headphones on the market, considering its top-shelf audio quality, solid construction, and comfortable fit. At $300, these are notbudget-friendly or cheap headphonesat all, but they justify the price with the premium audio experience they deliver.
In terms of specifications, the HiFiMan Sundara boasts planar magnetic drivers that include a NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD) that is 80% thinner than the previous generation. This allows for faster response without losing any audio nuances. It has a frequency response range of 6Hz to 75kHz, an impedance of 32 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 92 dB. Because of the wide frequency range it covers, the audio is crisp, loud, and natural sounding.
As for the headband, HiFiMan has gone with a hybrid approach that includes a metal frame and a soft leather band for distributing the weight evenly. This helps better manage the 342-gram weight of the headphones and makes them feel comfortable over longer durations. Those who appreciate the ability to replace the ear cushions or pads can do so with the Sundara, and it is quite easy as well. They use a 3.5mm cable for connectivity, which is detachable. The HiFiMan Sundara headphones come in a matte black color scheme with some silver accents.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The Sennheiser HD 800 S audiophile open-back headphones feature 56mm Ring Radiator drivers that deliver incredible sound quality and an open sound stage. These come with a vibration-dampening chassis, acoustic absorber system, and microfibre padding on the headrest and eacups.
If budget is of no concern, and you are looking for a no-compromise pair of audiophile-grade headphones, the Sennheiser HD 800 S is what you should be considering. The company says these headphones are the culmination of 75 years of audio expertise and coming from a brand like Sennheiser, the expectations are through the roof. Fortunately, these open-back headphones deliver on all fronts.
The immaculate sound is made possible with the 56mm Ring Radiator transducer driver and, because of its sheer size, it is able to displace air better than the competition, without losing any response time or clarity. The Sennheiser HD 800 S also features a vibration dampening chassis which works together with a solid headband insert to give incredible stability. There is also an acoustic absorption system that reduces frequency masking, which is when two sounds play at the same time and make things unclear.
The comfort of the Sennheiser HD 800 S is enhanced by the soft, cushioned headband, dual-axis articulating earcups, and microfiber ear and headband padding. The three-meter cable is detachable and has a 6.35 mm connector with an unbalanced 3-pin 4.4 mm and a balanced 5-pin connection. In terms of specifications, the HD 800 S features a 4Hz to 51,000Hz frequency response range and an impedance of 300 Ohms.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S feels incredibly sturdy thanks to the aerospace-grade materials used in its construction. All these features and premium build quality come at a steep price, so keep that in mind.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are audiophile-quality headphones ideal for content creators recording and editing their own productions. The over-the-ear DT 990 Pro perfectly balances low, mid, and high tones with a transparent listening experience. The headphones have exceptionally comfortable and stylish gray velour earpads for hours of pain-free listening. The adjustable steel headband is equally pleasant to wear, part of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro’s durable yet lightweight construction.
Everyone looking into headphones has heard of beyerdynamic and its open-back style studio headphones, and the ones that stand out the most are the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. These studio headphones designed for mixing and mastering are arguably the most popular headphones, even more so becausesome pro streamers use these for gaming as well.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PROs use 45mm dynamic drivers and boast a frequency response range of 5Hz to 35,000Hz with an impedance of 250 Ohms. There is also a cheaper version of these headphones with an 80 Ohm impedance, but the rest of the specifications remain the same (the 80 Ohm variant is a bit lighter). The 250 Ohm variant is slightly heavier at 370 grams, but the weight is distributed well, thanks to the solid build quality, soft headband and velour ear pads, as well as the ideal range of clamping pressure.
It comes with a three-meter coiled cable, which is easier to manage compared to a straight cable. It includes a gold-plated 3.5mm connector as well as a 6.35mm adapter. Unlike some other open-back headphones, the beyerdynamic DT 990 PROs have a cable connection on only one earcup instead of both, making it more maneuverable.
Philips Audio SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones
The Philips Audio SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones are a great entry-level open-back headphone option that come with impressive features, especially considering the price point. They feature 50mm neodymium drivers, a steel headband, a double-layered headband cushion, an angled drivers for a comfortable fit.
Philips has carved out a niche for itself in the headphone space but is relatively new in the open-back style studio monitoring space. That being said, the Philips Audio SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones stand as the perfectentry-level option at about $80. In terms of design and aesthetics, these headphones punch way above their weight. They have a steel headband with a double-layered cushion, angled drivers, breathable ear pads, and an all-black colorway.
An interesting design choice that Philips has made with the Audio SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones is to have large letters to indicate left and right on the outside of the earcups. They are quite prominently visible because they are in white on a black background, so keep that in mind before purchasing these entry-level open-back headphones.
These feature 50mm neodymium speaker drivers that deliver loud, yet crisp audio. Being a cheaper open-back option, don’t expect incredible impedance numbers, as these headphones only have 32 Ohm, though the frequency response range is quite respectable at 12Hz to 35,000Hz. The Philips Audio SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones come with a detachable gold-plated three-meter cable as well as a gold-plated 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter.
It should be noted that Philips does not sell these headphones anymore, but they are available at various retailers. However, that shouldn’t deter you from considering these as a starter or entry-level pair.
If Philips does not inspire confidence for you, check out theAudio-Technica ATH-AD500Xas when on sale, these drop to the entry-level category, but feature larger 53mm drivers and a relatively more comfortable fit.
The Drop + EPOS PC38X gaming headset is an upgraded version of the beloved PC37X. The new version comes with improved comfort, build quality, and sonic performance. With advanced audio technologies, the PC38X can deliver more accurate locational audio information, which might help the player score some extra kills or avoid the enemy. The drivers from EPOS deliver some of the best quality audio available. The headset has a noise-canceling microphone optimized to handle voice communications.
EPOS is a brand under Sennheiser that focuses more on gaming headsets and the Drop + EPOS PC38X is the perfect example of Sennheiser’s audio experience brought to a gaming headset. Featuring 42mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response range of 10Hz to 30,000Hz, the Drop + EPOS PC38X delivers a crisp and accurate sonic experience when gaming. These have a 28 Ohm impedance, making them easier to drive and compatible with mobile devices, PCs, and consoles.
For comfort, the company has gone with breathable mesh-knit earpads and a plush headband that makes these already light headphones feel even more comfortable. They weigh only 290 grams (with the cable), and that’s considering they come with a flip-up mic. The mic is what makes these open-back headphones ideal for gaming. It is a noise-cancelling, bi-directional mic that can be muted by flipping it up.
On the right earcup, you will find a dial for volume control, which is quite unique for open-back headphones, but not as specialfor gaming headsets. These also have an all-black aesthetic and come with two cables, a 3.5mm TRRS cable for mobile devices and consoles as well as a split cable for PCs. You also get a set of replacement earpads included in the package.
If you wish to save some money, check out theCorsair Virtuoso PROopen-back gaming headphones with larger drivers, but a mic that doesn’t flip up to mute.
The HiFiMan Edition XS open-back headphones are an all-round package combining great sound quality and elegant design. They feature a thin Neo Supernano Diaphragm (NsD) with stealth magnets for a sharp and natural sonic experience. They have an industrial design but with a soft and comfortable headband.
If you are looking for excellent sound quality and a premium build, but don’t mind the extra weight, the HiFiMan Edition XS open-back headphones are the ones for you. These use the company’s proven Neo Supernano Diaphragm (NsD) drivers with a stealth magnet design. These stealth magnets have a special shape that negates interference when sound waves are passing through. HiFiMan calls them acoustically transparent because they have minimal impact on the integrity of sound waves.
As for comfort, the HiFiMan Edition XS uses a high-grade memory foam headband and soft earpads that are replaceable. The pivoting earcups themselves are quite large and will be comfortable for larger head sizes. However, they weigh 405 grams, which may be a deal-breaker for some, but the HiFiMan Edition XS headphones justify the weight with impressive build quality and use of premium materials.
With a frequency response range of 8Hz to 50,000Hz and an impedance of 18 Ohms, these open-back headphones can be driven by a 3.5mm cable that splits at the headphone end to connect with each earcup. The design of the earcups is quite unique and industrial looking, yet minimal at the same time.
Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Open-Back Headphones
Driver size: The quality of sound is greatly dependent on the size of the diaphragm, which is indicated by the driver size. Typically, the larger the driver, the better the sound output. But there are additional factors at play, such as the type of drivers being used, whether they are moving coil drivers, planar magnetic, neodymium,bone conduction drivers, electrostatic drivers, or others.
Weight: Typically, open-back headphones are lighter compared to closed-back, making them more comfortable over longer durations. But it is still something to consider if your intended use involves wearing the headphones for several hours at a stretch.
Earcup cushion: Not only the weight, but the overall comfort of open-back headphones, or any headphones for that matter, is dependent on the earcup cushion quality as well. These can be made out of leather, memory foam, velvet, velour, or some hybrid material. Some options may feel more comfortable than others, but it depends on your specific preference.
Budget: Open-back headphones are available in a variety of budgets, and you don’t necessarily have to go in for a premium option, as the mid-tier headphones also offer great sound quality and comfort. However, if you are looking for studio monitors for the purpose of music production, you may want to increase your budget.
FAQ
Q: Do open-back headphones sound better?
Open-back headphones produce more natural sound and a sound stage that is more open when compared to the echoic and trapped feeling closed back headphones. The open-back headphones, however, are not as isolating as closed back.
Q: Are open-back headphones less fatiguing?
Typically, open-back headphones are less fatiguing when compared to closed back options as they allow for air pressure to move in and around the ears rather than trapping it inside like closed back headphones. This also leads to less sweat build up overtime.
Q: Are open-back headphones loud for others?
Depending on the volume, ambient noise, and the space you are in, open-back headphones do leak sound and the audio can be heard by others around. In a public setting, because there is ambient noise coming into your ears through the headphones, you would want to increase the volume, which would lead to more sound leaking.
