The Best Open Back Headphones: Listen With ABSOLUTE Quality!
Open back headphones are the choice of true audiophiles who want to hear their music as it was intended to be heard. Does that sound like you?
If you're an audiophile that demands absolute quality in sound, we've got just what you need.
Interested in open back headphones? You're in the right place!
Open back headphones have many benefits over traditional closed back headphones. They provide a more natural and spacious soundstage, making it easier to distinguish between different instruments and sounds. They also allow you to hear your environment better, which is great for people who need to be aware of their surroundings at all times (like commuters or office workers).
If you're looking for a pair of headphones that will give you an immersive listening experience, open back headphones are worth considering. With their superior sound quality and comfort, they're perfect for long listening sessions.
How We Choose The Best Open Back Headphones For You And Your Ears!
You want to buy a new pair of headphones, but you don’t know which ones to get.
It can be tough to find the perfect pair of headphones that fit your needs and budget. There are so many different types and brands available, that it can be hard to know where to start.
We’ve done the research for you and found the best open back headphones available in the market today. These headphones offer great sound quality at an affordable price, and they’re perfect for listening to music or watching movies.
Sennheiser HD 599
Why We Love Them
Looking for a premium, around-ear headphone that delivers audiophile sound quality?
Look no further than the Sennheiser HD 599. This headphone is designed with superior materials and construction, making it perfect for long listening sessions.
The padded headband and luxurious velour-covered ear pads provide ultimate comfort while the multiple connectivity options (robust 3-meter detachable cable and 6.3-millimeter jack and additional 1.2-meter detachable cable with 3.5-millimeter Jack) offer flexibility and durability.
For the ultimate listening experience, choose the Sennheiser HD 599!
What You Should Know
Sennheiser is a well-known name in the audio world, and for good reason. The company has been making high-quality headphones for years, and the Sennheiser HD 599 are no exception.
It is a top-of-the-line pair of headphones that promises unbeatable sound quality. If you're looking for a new pair of headphones to take your music listening to the next level, the HD 599 should be at the top of your list.
Here's what you need to know about them:
First and foremost, the Sennheiser HD 599 are designed for supreme comfort. They feature ultra-soft ear cushions that conform to your head, so you can wear them for hours on end without experiencing any discomfort.
In addition, the headphones have a self-adjusting headband that evenly distributes their weight, further adding to their comfort factor.
When it comes to sound quality, the Sennheiser HD 599 are in a league of their own. They utilize Sennheiser's proprietary transducer technology to deliver lifelike sound with stunning clarity and detail. Whether you're listening to your favorite tunes or watching a movie, you'll be utterly immersed in whatever you're hearing.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line pair of headphones that offer unbeatable sound quality and unparalleled comfort, the Sennheiser HD 599 should be at the top of your list.
Philips Fidelio X3
Why We Love Them
Introducing the all-new Philips Fidelio X3 wired over-ear headphones. These headphones have been designed to provide a wide, natural soundstage with uncolored sound.
The 50 mm multi-layer polymer diaphragms have been exquisitely tuned to deliver detailed highs, full and smooth midrange, and impactful bass. The open back design of the headphones allows for a wide, natural soundstage with acoustically transparent Kvadrat speaker fabric.
This design eliminates the air pressure build-up behind the diaphragms, resulting in an immersive sound experience. The Fidelio X3 headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified, meaning you'll hear the full impact of every note when hooked up to a high-resolution source.
Experience lifelike performance with the Philips Fidelio X3 wired over-ear headphones.
What You Should Know
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a premium set of over-ear headphones that promises to deliver an immersive listening experience.
It features 50mm neodymium drivers, which are said to provide clear and detailed sound, while the ergonomic ear cups are comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions.
The headband is adjustable so you can get a perfect fit, and it folds up for easy storage in the included carrying case.
The Fidelio X3 also has a detachable cable with a built-in microphone and remote control, making it easy to take calls or control your music on the go.
If you're looking for a high-quality pair of headphones that will let you enjoy your music to the fullest, the Philips Fidelio X3 should be on your list.
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
Why We Love Them
Looking for headphones that will give you the best listening experience? Look no further than the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X.
These headphones are designed with 53 mm drivers that reproduce clear treble and midrange frequencies.
Additionally, the Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils provide superior power handling. With a 38-ohm impedance and 100 dB/mW sensitivity, these headphones are sure to deliver an amazing listening experience.
Plus, the full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation.
Give your ears the gift of great sound with these fantastic headphones!
What You Should Know
If you're looking for an outstanding pair of open back headphones that will provide you with incredible sound quality, then you need to check out the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X.
These headphones are designed to give you a natural and accurate sound, making them perfect for both music listening and gaming.
The large 53 mm drivers produce clear and detailed sound, while the 3D Wing Support System ensures a comfortable and stable fit. The ATH-AD700X also has a gold-plated stereo mini plug and comes with a 1.2 m (3.9') cable.
So if you're looking for headphones that will provide you with an amazing listening experience, the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X are the perfect choice!
AKG Pro Audio K702
Why We Love Them
Looking for a top-quality pair of over-ear headphones that will let you enjoy your music to the fullest?
Check out the AKG Pro Audio K702!
These headphones are designed for maximum comfort, even during long listening sessions, and feature sophisticated open technology that delivers spacious and airy sound without compromise.
The patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm provides an improved high-frequency range and better performance at low frequencies, while the unique flat-wire voice coil ensures higher sensitivity, better impulse, and treble response.
The specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads provide optimum fit and ease of use, making the AKG Pro Audio K702 the perfect choice for serious music lovers.
What You Should Know
The K702's are reference, open, over-ear studio headphones that are designed for precision listening, mixing, and mastering.
They have a very accurate response and are very agile and spacious. This is achieved by using revolutionary flat-wire voice coils and a patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm.
They also have an open design and a high-performance cable. The K702's comfortable, specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads and a genuine-leather headband ensure a perfect fit. They provide a professional mini XLR connector for quick replacement of the cable. The K702s are individually tested and serial-numbered.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Why We Love Them
Looking for a top-quality pair of headphones with incredible build quality that will allow you to hear your music the way it was meant to be heard? Then check out the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones.
These German-engineered headphones are perfect for studio and stage recordings, thanks to their high-resolution sound that is both natural and balanced.
And with the extended warranty, you can be sure that your investment will be protected for years to come.
What You Should Know
The DT 990 PRO are open dynamic driver headphones that offer exceptional sound quality.
The reduced weight of the diaphragm and moving coil result in a similar pulse characteristic as electrostatic headphones, and in combination with a carefully tailored frequency response offer a natural and balanced sound.
The DT 990 PRO feature a 250-ohm dynamic driver and a gold plated 3.5 mm stereo jack with a 1/4" inch adapter and are, therefore, suitable for use with almost all headphone amplifiers.
Soft ear pads and adjustable, sliding, earpieces together with a very flexible coiled cable ensure listening comfort during extended periods of use.
Open Back Headphones FAQs
It can be hard to find the best open back headphones that fit your specific needs.
There are a lot of different factors you need to consider when choosing the best open back headphones for you.
We've created this guide to help make the process a little bit easier. Here, you'll find information about what to look for when shopping for open back headphones.
Do open back headphones sound better?
There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on a lot of factors.
However, we can narrow it down to a few key points.
On the whole, open back headphones tend to have a more natural and realistic sound. This is because they allow air to flow freely through the headphone cups, which creates a more spacious and open soundstage.
Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, trap the air inside the cups, resulting in a more enclosed and intimate sound.
In addition, open back headphones usually have better bass response due to their design. This is because closed-back headphones tend to create an artificial bass response that can often sound boomy or overemphasized.
Are open ear headphones good for mixing?
Yes, open ear headphones are good for mixing because they give you a more accurate representation of how your mix will sound on various playback systems. They also allow you to hear what's going on in the room so you can make better mixing decisions.
Closed-ear headphones, on the other hand, create a sonic environment that's completely separate from the external world.
This can be good for blocking out distractions, but it can also lead to inaccurate mixes because you're not hearing what your mix sounds like.
So if you're serious about mixing, we highly recommend using open-ear headphones instead of closed-ear headphones.
Which headphones have the best sound quality?
It depends on what you're looking for in terms of sound quality. Some people prefer headphones that produce a lot of bass, while others prefer headphones that produce a more accurate sound.
That said, some headphones are generally considered to have better sound quality than others.
For example, Beats by Dre headphones are known for their emphasis on bass and tend to be popular among people who are looking for a more bassy sound.
On the other hand, Sennheiser headphones are known for their accuracy and are popular among people who want a more faithful reproduction of the music.
Are open back headphones immersive?
Some people believe open back headphones offer a more immersive extended listening session experience because you can hear the environment around you and "feel" the space better.
This is because sound waves travel directly through your ear canal instead of bouncing off of your head and being muffled by your hair and skin like they would with closed-back headphones.
Others believe that open back headphones can be too immersive, making it difficult to focus on the outside world. This is because they allow more external sound leakage, which can be distracting when trying to concentrate in a noisy environment.
At the end of the day, it's up to personal preference.
Some people swear by open back headphones for their immersive experience, while others find them too distracting.
Why do audiophiles like open back headphones?
There are a few reasons why audiophiles tend to prefer open back headphones.
First, they tend to produce a more natural sound than closed-back headphones. This is because the sound is not confined within the headphone chamber, which can create an artificial or muddy sound.
Second, open back headphones allow you to hear ambient sounds around you, which can be beneficial in certain situations (e.g., if you're working in a noisy office and need to be aware of your surroundings).
Finally, many people find that open back headphones are more comfortable to wear for long periods since they don't put as much pressure on your ears.
Will open back headphones bleed into the mic?
When it comes to open back headphones, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, because they're open backed, the sound will bleed into the mic more easily. This means that if you're in a noisy environment, your recording will likely pick up that ambient noise.
Second, because they don't have the same kind of sound isolation as closed backed headphones, you may find yourself getting distracted by sounds around you while you're trying to record.
So, overall, open back headphones can bleed into your mic and may not be ideal for recording in noisy environments.
However, they do have their advantages - namely, that they tend to provide a more natural soundscape and can be more comfortable to wear.
Why are open headphones better than closed?
Open headphones, also known as supra-aural headphones, are headphone designs that have some or all of their speaker elements open to the air.
Air thus has a chance to enter and exit the enclosure through vents or perforations. The main driver in open headphones is aimed outward, toward your ear, while closed headphones have their drivers pointing inward, away from your ear.
Theoretically, an open design should allow for somewhat better sound quality than a closed design. That’s because with an open headphone there’s no effect from what’s known as baffle diffraction—sound waves hitting the edge of the headphone cup and then reflecting into your ear.
Can headphones sound as good as speakers?
It depends on what is meant by "as good as."
Headphones can certainly provide a very high-quality listening experience, and in some ways may even exceed the sound of traditional speakers.
For example, headphones can create a more critical listening experience by sealing off outside background noise and delivering sound directly to your ears.
Additionally, because audiophile headphones are generally much smaller than speakers, they can often produce a tighter, more focused bass response. Because they allow air to move through the back of the ear cup, the earphones act more like stereo speakers.
However, higher-end models might use angled drivers or dynamic drivers or planar magnetic drivers to generate more detailed sound.
On the other hand, speakers typically have a wider soundstage and may be better for casual listening experiences.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference—some audiophiles swear by their headphones while others prefer the sound of classic speakers.
Why do open back headphones sound wider?
Open back headphones usually sound wider because they allow more external sounds to enter the ear cups, which gives you a wider stereo image.
With closed-back headphones, all of the sounds is directed towards your ears, which can give you a more focused audio experience.
Some people also believe that open back headphones allow your ears to "breathe" and stay cooler, but there's no real evidence that this is true.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the wider stereo image and airier sound of open back headphones, while others prefer the more focused audio experience of closed-back headphones.
Can I use open back headphones in public?
Overall, If you're looking for the best sound quality, open back headphones are the way to go. However, they're not the most practical choice for use in public places.
Specifically, open back headphones tend to leak sound, so people around you will be able to hear what you're listening to. Additionally, they don't provide any isolation from external noise, so you'll still be able to hear any ambient noise around you.
If you really want to use open back headphones in public, try to find a quiet spot where you won't bother other people and be mindful of the volume level so as not to disturb those nearby.
Can earwax ruin headphones?
Yes, earwax can ruin headphones, but not in the way most people think.
It's not so much the wax itself as it is the oils and dirt that the wax collects. These oils and dirt can get into the headphone drivers and negatively affect their performance. In fact, over time, they can actually wear them out.
Open-back headphones are more susceptible to damage from earwax than closed-back headphones because the drivers are exposed. If earwax gets into the opening of the driver, it can decrease the sound quality and even damage the speaker.
That said, if you're careful to keep your earwax clean and free of debris, it won't be a problem. But if you let it build up, it can definitely cause damage.
The Last Word
At the end of the day, finding the best open back headphones for you is all about understanding your needs and preferences. We hope that this article has helped to clear up some of the confusion around open back headphones and give you a good starting point for finding the pair that’s perfect for you.
If you're looking for other styles of headphones different from these, check out our reviews of Earbuds For Small Ears, Earbuds For Motorcycle, Red Headphones, Bass Headphones, Over Ear Headphones For Working Out, and Headphone Stands!
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Related Articles About Headphones
Now that you've learned about the best open back headphones, check out some of our articles below to learn about some great headphone options (both wired and wireless) in a variety of styles.
The Best Earbuds For Small Ears
The Best Earbuds For Motorcycle
The Best Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
Is It Illegal To Drive With Headphones?
How Do Wireless Headphones Work?
Check out these reviews and treat yourself to your music, only better. We've reviewed a lot of great headphones of all types. Your ears will thank you!