Best Open Back Headphones of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone Cover #TOP 1
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones Cover #TOP 2
Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Sennheiser HD 600 - Open Back Dynamic Headphone Cover #TOP 3
Sennheiser HD 600 - Open Back Dynamic Headphone
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Open Back Headphones

#TOP 1

SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone

506831
Ivory
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone Cover
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory

The SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone delivers audiophile sound with premium design and materials. The headphones feature a padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads that make them perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears. They come with multiple connectivity options, including a robust 3-meter detachable cable and 6.3-millimeter jack, as well as an additional 1.2-meter detachable cable with 3.5-millimeter jack. The headphones have a timeless design with ivory color, matte finish, brown headband stitching, and matte metallic detail that convey quality at first glance. They use Sennheiser engineered transducers with aluminum voice coils that deliver high efficiency, excellent dynamics, and extremely low distortion.

What We Like
Impressively natural spatial performance
Luxurious velour covered ear pads
Multiple connectivity options
Timeless design with premium materials
Sennheiser engineered transducers with aluminum voice coils
#TOP 2

Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones

HD 560S
Black
size
Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones Cover
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones - Neutral Frequency Response, E.A.R. Technology for Wide Sound Field, Open-Back Earcups, Detachable Cable, (Black) (HD 560S)

The Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones provide natural and accurate reference sound, with lifelike depth and realism from open-back earcups that allow sound waves to expand naturally. The ergonomic acoustic refinement (e.a.r.) tilts the drivers to the natural angle of your ears, creating a wide soundstage. These headphones also have an extended low-end reach with gratifying presence for clear bass performance. They come with a detachable cable and a 1/4-inch connector type.

What We Like
Neutral frequency response for accurate sound
E.A.R. technology creates a wide sound field
Open-back earcups for natural sound expansion
Detachable cable for convenience
Clear bass performance
#TOP 3

Sennheiser HD 600 - Open Back Dynamic Headphone

4465
Black
medium
Sennheiser HD 600 - Open Back Dynamic Headphone Cover
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 600 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone, Black

The Sennheiser HD 600 is an audiophile-grade headphone that features lightweight aluminum voice coils for excellent transient response and neodymium ferrous magnets for optimum sensitivity and dynamics. Its black and gray design is elegantly finished and features high quality open metal mesh earpiece covers. The detachable, Kevlar reinforced oxygen-free copper cable has very low handling noise, and the headphones are wired for connectivity.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminum voice coils for excellent transient response
Neodymium ferrous magnets for optimum sensitivity and dynamics
High quality open metal mesh earpiece covers
Detachable, Kevlar reinforced oxygen-free copper cable with very low handling noise
Wired for connectivity
#TOP 4

Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Headphone

Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Headphone Cover
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 650 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone, Titan

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a top-of-the-range open, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphone that offers exceptionally natural, spatial, and accurate sound. It features a specially designed acoustic silk that ensures precision damping over the entire frequency range, improved frequency response, and highly optimized magnet systems for minimum harmonic and inter modulation distortion. The headphone also comes with high power neodymium magnets that deliver maximum efficiency, lightweight aluminum voice coils for very fast transient response, and a cable length of 118 inches. The HD 650 is a genuine masterpiece that will satisfy even the most demanding listener.

What We Like
Exceptionally natural, spatial, and accurate sound
Specially designed acoustic silk ensures precision damping over the entire frequency range
Highly optimized magnet systems for minimum harmonic and inter modulation distortion
High power neodymium magnets deliver maximum efficiency
Lightweight aluminum voice coils for very fast transient response
#TOP 5

Sennheiser HD 599 Headphones

508697
Black/White
Tamaño Único
Sennheiser HD 599 Headphones Cover
Sennheiser HD 599 - Open Headphones, Special Edition, Black, Wired

The Sennheiser HD 599 offers an exceptional listening experience with its open-back design, which enhances sound quality by allowing air and sound to pass through the ear cups. This feature creates a natural and spacious audio environment, making it perfect for immersive listening. The ergonomic acoustic refinement directs audio precisely to your ears, ensuring clarity in every note. With large, soft, and replaceable ear pads, you can enjoy long listening sessions without discomfort. Additionally, the headphones feature a sound pressure level of 106 dBSPL, providing powerful audio that can fill any space.

What We Like
Comfortable ear pads
Natural sound quality
Ergonomic design
High sound pressure level
#TOP 6

Philips Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Headphone

Philips Audio
X2HR/00
Black
Philips Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Headphone Cover
PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR Over The Ear Open Back Wired Headphone 50mm Drivers- Black Professional Studio Monitor Headphones with Detachable Cable

The Philips Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Headphone is Hi-res Audio Certified with extended response frequencies. It features engineered double layered ear-shells with pre-tilted speaker plates, 50 mm high definition neodymium drivers with LMC diaphragm, and acoustic open-back architecture. The headphone also has replaceable deluxe memory foam ear-pads with breathable velour finishing, lightweight self-adjustable hammock with 3D mesh and genuine leather outer headband, and 3.5mm detachable oxygen-free cable (3m) 3 5 mm to 6 3 mm adapter and cable management clip included. It is designed as an over-ear headphone with wired connectivity.

What We Like
Hi-res Audio Certified
Replaceable deluxe memory foam ear-pads
Lightweight self-adjustable hammock
Acoustic open-back architecture
Wired connectivity
#TOP 7

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Headphones

700286
Black
Adjustable
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Headphones Cover
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones offer an open-back design that creates an expansive sound stage, allowing you to experience music as if you are in the studio with the artists. You'll enjoy a natural and dynamic audio experience thanks to their uncolored frequency response, which ensures that every note is accurately represented. These headphones are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring washable and replaceable ear pads, along with eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, they come with the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin, enhancing your digital audio workstation (DAW) with advanced spatial audio technology for a more immersive mixing experience.

What We Like
Wide sound stage
Accurate audio reproduction
Sustainable materials
Includes advanced audio plugin
#TOP 8

HIFIMAN Edition XS Over-Ear Headphones

Edition XS
Black
HIFIMAN Edition XS Over-Ear Headphones Cover
HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black

The HIFIMAN Edition XS headphones are a major upgrade from its predecessor, featuring Stealth Magnet Technology and the company's NEO supernano Diaphragm for a wide, natural soundstage. The acoustically invisible Stealth Magnet reduces distortion for pure sonic output, and the light weight, ergonomically accurate headband offers maximum comfort for hours of listening pleasure. The cable is user changeable and replaceable.

What We Like
Stealth Magnet Technology reduces distortion for pure sonic output
NEO supernano Diaphragm for detailed imaging with lush, full range sonics
Light weight, ergonomically accurate headband for maximum comfort
User changeable and replaceable cable
Wide, natural soundstage puts the listener in the best seat in the house
#TOP 9

Philips Fidelio X3 Over-Ear Headphones

X3/00
Black
One size fits all
Philips Fidelio X3 Over-Ear Headphones Cover
PHILIPS Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing

The Philips Fidelio X3 Over-Ear Headphones feature exquisitely tuned 50mm multi-layer polymer diaphragms, Hi-Res Audio certification, and an open-back design for a wide, natural soundstage. The premium finishing includes responsibly sourced materials such as black Muirhead Scottish leather for the headband. It also comes with balanced and unbalanced inputs, detachable oxygen-free cables, and a 3.5-6.3mm adapter with cable clip.

What We Like
Exquisitely detailed highs, full and smooth midrange, and impactful bass
Hi-Res Audio certified for a lifelike performance
Open-back design for an immersive and spacious sound
Premium finishing with responsibly sourced materials
Detachable oxygen-free cables and 3.5-6.3mm adapter included
#TOP 10

Superlux HD681 Air Headphones

HD681-AIR Edition
Black
HD681AIR
Superlux HD681 Air Headphones Cover
Superlux HD681 Air Professional Monitoring Semi-Open Back Headphones with AIR Cushion Earpads, Wired Over-Ear with High-Resolution Sound, 3.5 & 6.3mm Adapters for Casual Listening Recording DJ Gaming

The Superlux HD681 Headphones offer a unique listening experience with their AIR-cushion earpads, which provide subtle vibrations and minimize bass leakage, enhancing your audio depth. For those long listening sessions, the lightweight design ensures comfort, even if you wear glasses. With powerful 50mm drivers, these headphones deliver high-resolution sound across a wide frequency range, allowing you to enjoy every note clearly. Additionally, their professional specifications ensure rich audio quality, making them perfect for mixing, monitoring, or simply enjoying your favorite music at home.

What We Like
Comfortable for long use
High-resolution sound quality
Flexible connectivity options
Unique earpad choices
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 157,952 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 $257.05.

The open back headphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of open back headphones, including Sennheiser, Sennheiser Consumer Audio, Philips Audio, HIFIMAN, PHILIPS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.