Best Open Back Headphones of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Feb 1, 2026

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Open back headphones are a popular choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. These headphones are designed with an open back, allowing air to flow through the ear cups and reducing sound pressure. This results in a more natural and spacious sound, as well as a comfortable listening experience for extended periods of time. Open back headphones are also great for mixing and mastering music, as they provide a more accurate representation of the audio being produced. With a variety of brands and models to choose from, there's an open back headphone for every budget and need.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds Cover #TOP 1
Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Picun B8 Bluetooth Headphones Cover #TOP 2
Picun B8 Bluetooth Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Headphones Cover #TOP 3
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Open Back Headphones

#TOP 1

Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds

A3959
Black
Standard
Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds Cover
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Black)

The Soundcore P30i Earbuds offer a unique 2-in-1 charging case that doubles as a phone stand, making it easy for you to watch videos hands-free wherever you are. Their advanced noise cancelling technology can reduce background sounds significantly, so you can enjoy your music or calls without distractions. When you want to stay aware of your surroundings, simply switch to transparency mode to hear outside sounds clearly. Plus, the earbuds deliver powerful bass thanks to their 10mm drivers and BassUp technology, giving you a rich and immersive audio experience. These features make the Soundcore P30i a great choice for on-the-go listening with convenience and quality sound.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Outstanding battery life
Comfortable and secure fit
Customizable mobile app
Exceptional value for price

Picun B8 Bluetooth Headphones

B8 BLACK
Black
Medium
Picun B8 Bluetooth Headphones Cover
Picun B8 Bluetooth Headphones, 120H Playtime Headphone Wireless Bluetooth with 3 EQ Modes, Low Latency, Hands-Free Calls, Over Ear Headphones for Travel Home Office Cellphone PC Black

The Picun B8 Headphones are designed to elevate your audio experience. With dual 40mm drivers and three sound modes, you can easily switch between Pop, Bass Boost, and Rock to suit your music preferences. Enjoy an incredible 120 hours of playtime on a single charge, allowing you to listen for weeks without worrying about battery life. The comfortable over-ear design ensures a snug fit for extended use, while the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides a stable connection for hands-free calls. These features make the Picun B8 perfect for travel, workouts, or simply relaxing at home.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Long battery life
Comfortable for extended wear
Easy Bluetooth pairing
Durable build quality
#TOP 3

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Headphones

SHOKZ S820
Black
Standard
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Headphones Cover
SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2- Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running, Workouts - Sweat Resistant, Secure Comfortable Fit -Deep Bass, Smart Mic, Reflective Strip

The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 offers an impressive audio experience by blending bone conduction and air conduction technologies. You get clear highs and rich bass, perfect for staying motivated during your workouts. Its open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings, so you can exercise safely without missing your music. The lightweight frame with memory wire and ergonomic hooks ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even during intense activities like cycling or gym sessions. Plus, you can tailor the sound to your liking using dedicated EQ modes, so your audio is always just right whether you're indoors or outdoors.

What We Like
Clear, balanced audio
Open-ear safety design
Secure, comfortable fit
Customizable sound modes

Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Headphones

A3876
Black
Standard
Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Headphones Cover
Soundcore V20i by Anker Open-Ear Headphones, Adjustable Ear Hooks, Ultra-Comfort, Snug Fit, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, IP55, 36H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds, Multipoint Connection

The Soundcore V20i Headphones offer unmatched comfort with their open-ear design, perfect for all-day use. You’ll appreciate how these earbuds enhance your awareness of your surroundings while providing excellent sound quality. With four adjustable positions, you can easily find the perfect fit, allowing you to move freely without worry. The advanced 16mm drivers deliver powerful sound, immersing you in rich bass and clear audio. Whether you're commuting or enjoying outdoor activities, the V20i ensures a snug and secure fit, making them a great choice for any lifestyle.

What We Like
Ultra-comfortable design
Enhanced awareness of surroundings
Secure and adjustable fit
Powerful sound quality
#TOP 5

SHOKZ OpenMove - Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones

S661
Grey
Standard
SHOKZ OpenMove - Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones Cover
SHOKZ OpenMove - Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones, Sweatproof for Running and Workouts, with Sticker Pack, Grey

The SHOKZ OpenMove wireless earphones provide a comfortable, earbud-free listening experience for all-day listening without ear fatigue. The wraparound titanium frame ensures a secure fit for a range of low impact activities. With six hours of continuous use on a single charge, enjoy high-quality audio delivered through your cheekbone anytime, anywhere. Unlike over-ear and in-ear headphones, OpenMove keeps you connected and aware of your surroundings, making it a great choice for running and workouts.

What We Like
No ear obstruction
Sweatproof design
Good sound quality
Comfortable for extended wear
USB-C charging port
#TOP 6

TOZO NC3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

T11141
Black
Small
TOZO NC3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds Cover
TOZO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with 6 Mics AI Clear Call Ear Buds 68H Playtime with LED Display 32 Preset EQs via APP Bluetooth 5.3 IPX8 Waterproof in Ear Headphones

The TOZO NC3 Earbuds provide an exceptional listening experience with their hybrid active noise cancellation, reducing outside noise by up to 45dB. This means you can fully immerse yourself in music or calls, even in busy environments like subways or streets. With six built-in microphones, these earbuds adjust to ambient noise, ensuring clear calls. You also have the option to switch to transparency mode, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds. Plus, enjoy an impressive playtime of up to 55 hours with the charging case, so you can listen to your favorite tracks or attend meetings without worrying about battery life.

What We Like
Effective noise cancellation
Long battery life
Clear call quality
Transparency mode
#TOP 7

Fostex T50RPmk4g+ Wired Over-Ear Semi-Open Gaming Headset

T50RPmk4 Gaming Edition with Microphone
Black
Fostex T50RPmk4g+ Wired Over-Ear Semi-Open Gaming Headset Cover
Fostex T50RPmk4g+ Wired Over-Ear Semi-Open Gaming Headset with Detachable Microphone – Black

Features
Dedicated Microphone That Can Be Connected To Either Left Or Right For Comfortable Voice Chat
Fastest Ever Overwhelming Response Speed Enables Excellent Localization And Separation
Semi-Open Housing And Memory Foam Ear Pads Allow For Comfortable Play For Extended Period
Provides A A Distinct Advantage In Hearing Minute Sounds Like Footsteps, Quickly And Accurately Locating Them, And Pinpointing And Clearly Distinguishing Targets Against Environmental Sounds And Background Music
Microphone Controller Cable Enables Microphone Mute ON/OFF And Volume Adjustment
#TOP 8

King Lucky Gen 3 Clip-on Bluetooth Earbuds

King Lucky
i121
Pueple
Standard
King Lucky Gen 3 Clip-on Bluetooth Earbuds Cover
King Lucky Clip-On Earbuds Gen 3, Open-Ear Wireless Bluetooth 6.0 Headphones with Mic, Secure Fit for Small Ears & Glasses Wearers, 50H Playtime, ENC, IPX5 Waterproof Sport Ear Buds (Purple)

The King Lucky Gen 3 Earbuds offer a comfortable and stable fit thanks to their upgraded rubber ear hooks, which are designed to be gentle on your ears during long use. With Bluetooth 6.0 technology, you get a reliable and smooth wireless connection, so you won't have to deal with interruptions. The earbuds feature a powerful 13mm driver that delivers rich and immersive sound, making your music come alive. Plus, with an extended battery life of 7 hours per charge and up to 50 hours with the charging case, you can enjoy your favorite tunes all day without worrying about running out of power.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber ear hooks
Bluetooth 6.0 stable connection
13mm dynamic sound driver
Long battery life with case
#TOP 9

Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphone

MDR7506
Black
7" x 7" x 1"
Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphone Cover
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

The Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphone has neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers for powerful and detailed sound, along with a closed ear design that provides comfort and reduces external noise. Additionally, it comes with a 9.8 foot cord, a gold-plated plug, and a 1/4 inch adapter for connectivity. The headphones can be folded up for storage or travel in the included soft case, and feature a rugged construction for added durability.

What We Like
Powerful and detailed sound
Reduces external noise for comfort
Comes with gold-plated plug and 1/4 inch adapter
Folds up for easy storage and travel
Rugged construction for added durability
#TOP 10

JBL Tune Flex Earbuds

JBL
JBLTFLEXBLKAM
Black
Small
JBL Tune Flex Earbuds Cover
JBL Tune Flex - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black), Small

The JBL Tune Flex offers an immersive listening experience with its powerful 12mm drivers that deliver deep bass, making every beat feel alive. You can enjoy your music without distractions thanks to the advanced Active Noise Cancelling feature, which uses dual microphones to minimize background noise. If you need to be aware of your surroundings, the Ambient Aware mode lets you stay alert while listening. Plus, with four built-in microphones, your calls will be crystal clear, ensuring that you’re always heard without hassle.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Good bass quality
Long battery life
App EQ customization
Ambient Aware feature
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Open Back Headphones That Are Right for You

Introduction

When it comes to enjoying music, few things compare to the experience of listening to it with a pair of high-quality headphones. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss open back headphones, their advantages, and how to choose the best pair for your needs.

What are Open Back Headphones?

Open back headphones, as the name suggests, have open ear cups that allow sound waves to escape. This means that the sound is not isolated, and some ambient noise can be heard. These headphones are popular among audiophiles and professionals who require high accuracy and detail in their sound reproduction.

Advantages of Open Back Headphones

One of the main advantages of open back headphones is their ability to provide a more natural and spacious sound. Because the sound is not confined to the ear cups, it can flow more freely, resulting in a more realistic listening experience. Additionally, open back headphones tend to have a wider soundstage, making them ideal for music production and critical listening.

Another advantage of open back headphones is their breathability. Because the ear cups are open, they allow air to circulate, reducing heat and discomfort during extended listening sessions. This also helps to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can damage the headphones over time.

How to Choose Open Back Headphones

When choosing open back headphones, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

Sound Quality

As with any headphones, sound quality is a crucial factor to consider. Look for headphones that offer a balanced and accurate sound, with good clarity and detail. Keep in mind that open back headphones tend to have a more natural sound, so they may not be ideal for bass-heavy music genres.

Comfort

Comfort is another essential factor to consider, especially if you plan to use your headphones for extended periods. Look for headphones with a comfortable headband and ear pads that provide adequate cushioning. The ear cups should also be large enough to fit comfortably over your ears.

Build Quality

Because open back headphones have exposed drivers, they are more susceptible to damage from dust and moisture. Look for headphones with a durable and well-built design, with high-quality materials that can withstand regular use.

Brand Reputation

Finally, consider the brand reputation when choosing open back headphones. Look for brands with a history of producing high-quality headphones, with positive reviews from customers and professional reviewers alike.

Conclusion

Open back headphones are an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality and accuracy. They offer a more natural and spacious sound, along with improved breathability during extended listening sessions. When choosing open back headphones, consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, build quality, and brand reputation. With the right pair of headphones, you can enjoy your music like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the point of open back headphones?

Open-back headphones allow air to pass through their ear cups from the rear of the speaker driver. This means that resonances and low-frequency build-up caused by the rear enclosure aren't a concern. Many expensive high-end headphones have open-backs because it allows them to sound more natural and clear.

2. Is it worth getting open back headphones?

Open-back headphones don't create a seal over your ears. Instead, they let sound leak out. As you might expect, the result is that music sounds less “muffled” and more “clear.” Additionally, open-backed headphones provide a better sense of dynamics and stereo imaging than closed-back headphones.

3. Can others hear open back headphones?

Well, open-back headphones probably aren't the best choice for the library. They're open to the world around you, so others might hear your music. Granted, it all depends on how loud you crank it. If you listen at relatively low volumes, you might get away with open-back headphones at the office.

4. Are open back headphones better for ears?

Open-back headphones are better for your ears because their design reduces the intensity of the sound sent, making them safer for long-term use. Open-back headphones also decrease the likelihood of damaging your eardrums from high volumes, lowering the risk of ear canal issues and heat rash too.

Editor's Notes

During our open back headphones research, we found 24 open back headphones products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 593,039 customer reviews through our big data system to write the open back headphones list. We found that most customers choose open back headphones with an average price of $68.83.

The open back headphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of open back headphones, including Soundcore, Picun, SHOKZ, TOZO, Fostex. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 32,149 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.