Best Open Back Over-Ear Headphones of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Open back over-ear headphones are a popular choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who value sound quality and comfort. These headphones feature an open design that allows air to flow through the ear cups, resulting in a more natural and spacious sound. They also tend to be more comfortable for extended listening sessions, as they don't create as much pressure on the ears. The open back design does, however, mean that sound leaks out of the headphones and can be heard by those around you. Overall, open back over-ear headphones are a great choice for those who prioritize sound quality and comfort over noise isolation.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Philips Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Headphone Cover #TOP 1
Philips Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Headphone
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone Cover #TOP 2
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Headphone Cover #TOP 3
Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Headphone
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Open Back Over-Ear Headphones

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 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

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 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

HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones

He400SE
Silver,Black
HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones Cover
HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version Over-Ear Open-Back Full-Size Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones for Audiophiles/Studio, Great-Sounding, Stereo, High Sensitivity, Comfortable, Sliver

The HIFIMAN HE400SE headphones feature planar magnetic technology, resulting in significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones. The acoustically invisible Stealth Magnet design reduces wave diffraction turbulence for accurate and full-range sound. The headphones also come with a durable casing, high-performance cable, and 6.35mm adapter for maximum compatibility. The adjustable lightweight headband ensures comfort for hours of listening pleasure.

What We Like
Planar magnetic technology for lower distortion
Acoustically invisible Stealth Magnet design for accurate and full-range sound
Durable casing, high-performance cable, and 6.35mm adapter for maximum compatibility
Adjustable lightweight headband ensures comfort for extended listening sessions
#TOP 10

beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Open-Back Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones

717886
Black
250 OHM
beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Open-Back Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones Cover
beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Open-Back Over-Ear Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones

The beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Open-Back Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones feature an open-back design that allows background noise to remain discernible, even at higher volumes, producing a wide soundstage that delivers a sense of space, akin to listening to music with loudspeakers. The headphones are handcrafted in Germany with only the finest quality parts, many of which can be exchanged and replaced, ensuring longevity. With distinctive highs and intense bass, the 250-ohm headphones were designed for use at home on a stereo system.

What We Like
Open-back design produces a wide soundstage
Handcrafted in Germany with only the finest quality parts
Distinctive highs and intense bass deliver a perfect richness of sound
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are open back headphones better for your 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.

2. Are there 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.

3. Can people hear you with 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 ear headphones good?

Well, they're good for just about any time you want to listen to music without closing off the world around you, but where they really shine is outdoors as running headphones or workout headphones. Being able to hear your surroundings while exercising outside has some unique advantages.

Editor's Notes

During our open back over-ear headphones research, we found 24 open back over-ear headphones products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 149,854 customer reviews through our big data system to write the open back over-ear headphones list. We found that most customers choose open back over-ear headphones with an average price of $220.18.

The open back over-ear headphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of open back over-ear headphones, including Philips Audio, Sennheiser, Sennheiser Consumer Audio, HIFIMAN, beyerdynamic. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 473 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.