Best Open Back Over-Ear Headphones of 2026

The DROP PC38X Headset offers a wired connection that ensures you experience zero delay, perfect for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts. Its open-back design delivers clear, natural sound with a wide soundstage, making it easier for you to locate in-game sounds and stay immersed. Tuned specifically for gaming, the audio highlights important details so you never miss critical cues. Plus, its lightweight build, weighing less than 10 ounces, means you can enjoy long gaming sessions comfortably without feeling weighed down. This headset is designed to keep you focused and comfortable during your gameplay.

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE is a premium over-ear headphone with luxurious velour covered ear pads for extreme comfort. It is compatible with virtually every audio device including phones, tablets, and computers. The headphone features two detachable cables (3 meter with 6.3 millimeter jack and 1.2 meter with 3.5 millimeter jack) and is powered by SENNHEISER proprietary transducer technology for truly excellent sound performance. The open back design delivers impressively natural spatial performance, making it a great choice for those wishing to enjoy entertainment with sophisticated sound, design, and build quality.

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.

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.

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.

The SENNHEISER HD 660S2 headphones feature ultra-light aluminum voice coil, vented magnet system, and airflow-optimised 42mm high-performance transducers, which deliver natural, relaxed, and high-fidelity sound with extra sub bass. The open-back design offers exceptional breathability and plush ear cushions deliver maximum comfort for long listening sessions. With a frequency response of 8 Hz - 41,500 Hz and detachable, long cables for comfortable desktop use, these headphones are designed in Germany and made in Ireland.

The Turtle Beach Wireless Open Back Headset, known as Turtle Beach Atlas Air, offers a unique open back design with floating earcups, providing a spacious sound experience. With 40mm drivers delivering high-fidelity 24-bit audio quality, you can immerse yourself in crystal-clear sound while gaming. The detachable broadcast quality mic ensures clear communication with 32kHz high-bandwidth performance. Its lightweight design and memory foam cushions make it comfortable for extended gaming sessions, especially for those wearing glasses.

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.

The Audio-Technica ATH-R50X offers a professional listening experience with its open-back design that enhances airflow, reducing unwanted sound reflections for clearer audio. This means you get precise and detailed sound, especially in the bass and midrange, which is perfect for music production or critical listening. The headphones create a wide and natural soundstage, making you feel like you’re immersed in the music. Plus, they are lightweight and built with a new headband design, ensuring you stay comfortable during long sessions. The ATH-R50X is ideal for anyone who needs reliable, high-quality sound and comfort.

The Skullcandy Crusher Gaming Headset offers an immersive audio experience with its unique multi-sensory bass technology, letting you feel the game’s impact through powerful bass drivers. Its THX Spatial Audio with head tracking creates a 360-degree sound environment, so you can easily locate in-game sounds around you, enhancing your gameplay. You can personalize your sound using the Skullcandy apps, adjusting settings like bass and spatial audio to match your preferences. Plus, the open-back design allows air to flow freely, providing natural sound quality while keeping you cool during long gaming sessions. This headset is built to keep you fully engaged and comfortable while playing.