![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Best-Open-Back-Headphones-Speakers-Reviewed-2-1.webp)
Best Open-Back Headphones
You may have noticed that open-back headphones are becoming a lot more popular lately. You’ll find them in many high-end studios as well as on the heads of audiophiles all over the world. In addition to providing better sound quality, open-back headphones allow for greater noise isolation and provide a more natural listening experience. But what exactly are open-back headphones? What is the difference between open-back vs closed-back headphones? And how do semi-open back alternatives compare?
In this guide, we will answer all of these questions for you as well as review 10 of the best open-back headphones currently available on the market so you can pick one that suits your needs!
- Best Open-Back Headphones
- Meet the Winners!
- What are open-back headphones?
- Our Selection of the 10 Best Open-Back Headphones
- 1. Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Headphone
- 2. Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO
- 3. Sennheiser HD 599 SE
- 4. Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
- 5. GRADO SR80e Prestige Series
- 6. AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO
- 7. Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones
- 8. Samson SR850 Semi Open-Back Headphones
- 9. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR
- 10. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
- Features to Consider When Buying Open-Back Headphones
- Open-Back Headphones FAQ
- Best for Listening to Music
- Best for Mixing
- Best for Gaming
- Best Under $200
- Best Under $100
- Best Under $50
- Best Open-Back Headphone (Best Overall)
The Philips Fidelio X2HR Open Back Headphones deliver audio that is smooth and warm, vocals are textured, the bass is round and low. With 3-D soundstage technology for a wide spectrum of sounds to come at you from every angle in your headphones; it’s no wonder they’re considered the best open-back headphones for listening to music.
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO headphones are great for mixing, as they reproduce an accurate sound quality and spaciousness that will let you hear every detail in the music. They come with a treble range that is emphasized to bring out instruments, bass, and vocals-making them perfect if you want clarity without sacrificing on other frequencies.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR open back headphones are designed for immersive gaming. They deliver smooth and warm audio that is textured with vocals, and the bass is round and low.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones might be the best open-back headphones under 200 dollars that you will find. They offer a richer sound than other brands for an unbeatable price!
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X headphones offer superb versatility and quality for the price, perfect for beginners. These open-back headphones are a great option at under 100 dollars with exceptional soundstage performance to boot.
The Samson SR850 Semi-Open Back Studio Reference Headphones are the best of both worlds. They offer an open-back design for audiophiles that can’t afford to spend a ton but crave studio-quality sound, and they’re affordable enough for just about anyone on any budget!
The Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones are the best open-back headphones on the market. They offer a well-balanced sound that excels in the midrange and offers excellent clarity for vocals and instruments while not compromising bass or high tones.
What are open-back headphones?
They’re a type of headphone that has an open back, which means that sound waves can pass through the open space and into your ears. The difference between open-back headphones and closed-back (or sealed) headphones is that open-backs allow for more air to flow in and out of the speaker drivers.
This leads to a different listening experience where you will be able to hear more detail in the music than with closed-backs as well as outside sounds such as people talking or walking by. The sound is more immersive and open – as if the musicians are all sitting around you in an intimate setting. Open-back headphones also typically have less bass response than their closed counterparts due to this design feature.
Open-back headphones are often thought to be less durable than closed-back models. They can become damaged more easily by moisture and thus, they have a shorter lifespan when compared to their counterparts with a tighter seal around the ear cups preventing any foreign objects from entering inside the electronics housing or damaging them in other ways.
Open-back headphones are a great choice for people who love to listen at home, want an immersive sound experience, and enjoy high-quality audio files. Open-back headphones are not a good choice for commuting if you want to block out external sound. They’re also more likely than closed-backed varieties to pick up other sounds from the environment that may be undesirable when recording sessions or listening in public spaces like coffee shops and airports.
Our Selection of the 10 Best Open-Back Headphones
Listen up, music lovers! With so many options to choose from you may not even know where to start. To help you decide the best one for your needs we’ve put together a list of top open-back headphones currently available and included two great semi-open back selections if looking for the best of both worlds.
1. Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Headphone
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Sennheiser-Pro-Audio-HD-600-Best-Open-Back-Headphones-2-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 97 dB |
Impedance | 300 ohms |
Frequency Response | 12Hz – 39kHz |
Weight | 9.1 oz |
In 1996 when the HD600 was released, it received critical reception. Nobody could deny that these headphones sounded absolutely outstanding in comparison to anything else on the market at the time- but some features left consumers feeling a little bit unsure of what they were buying. But now this headphone has become a standard by which all modern headphones are measured and there is no doubt about how great its sound quality really is!
Build Quality & Durability
The Sennheiser HD600 is a premium headphone that feels solid and durable. They are made mostly of plastic but this doesn’t mean it’s cheap or flimsy in any way. Just the opposite, they feel more like high-quality than competitors with metal articulation between the ear cups and headband for long-lasting durability. The drivers for these headphones are protected by external grills whereas the ear pads can be removed and replaced with new ones. This is great because after a few years of usage, you’ll have brand-new feeling headphones again!
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a model of headphone that has stood the test of time. Its durability factor really shines as you can easily find replacements for any part and it will work like new with no problem at all! The headphones have been manufactured for over 20 years now, so if you lose or break anything on your headset, there are always spares to be found online – some users even claim they still use their original pair from 1990s!
Comfort
The Sennheiser HD600 are the perfect headphones for those who enjoy all-day listening sessions. Unlike many other brands, these cans offer a consistent and comfortable fit that you can wear without any problems for hours on end.
The HD600 are the perfect headphones for those who want their ears to be comfortable with some extra padding. Your ear pads will thank you during long summer sessions due to how thick and soft they are, while also being oval-shaped so that your larger than average ears won’t feel squished by them!
The headband is made of sturdy foam which provides support without feeling too heavy on your head or uncomfortable when wearing it over an extended period of time. Lastly, these lightweight beauties weigh less than 10 ounces making them ideal for carrying around everywhere because if there’s one thing better than having a great soundtrack wherever you go, it’s not even noticing its weight at all as well now can we?
Headphone Cable
The Sennheiser HD600 has a detachable Kevlar oxygen-free copper cable. It is connected via 3.5mm and comes included with a 1/4” adapter, though the stock cable feels cheap for such an expensive pair of headphones. They’re rather fragile and seem like they can become defective over time – but don’t fret!
The cables are replaceable, as there are three other models that share compatibility including; the HD580, 600 or 650; which means if you have one spare set around your house then you can swap them out whenever needed to keep these high quality earphones looking fresh in every situation!
Sound Quality
If you’re an audiophile looking for a pair of headphones that will give your music the best possible sound, it may be worth investing in high impedance (300 ohms) capable products like Sennheiser HD600s. These headphones are able to handle higher degrees of amplification than their lower-impedance counterparts and can provide the listener with some very accurate sounds.
The downside is that not all amps or playback devices have enough power to drive these types of phones at full capacity; this means they won’t get as much out of them when using low-powered equipment such as smartphones which typically output 20 milliamps per channel max on most models.
The Sennheiser HD600 are the most natural and neutral headphones you will find. They’re very well-balanced and have a nice bass to treble alignment, which makes them perfect for any genre of music.
The HD600’s have a full-range sound quality, with soft and mellow highs that are perfect for listening to acoustic guitar. The bass is surprisingly loud considering the price tag of these headphones; however, it can leave listeners craving more if they prefer heavier music like hip hop or dubstep which has more subwoofer content in their tracks.
The midrange is well balanced to string instruments and vocals, but high-density genres can be too piercing. The HD600 headphones offer a balanced sound signature with little to no harshness, an impressively wide frequency response range of 12Hz-39kHz, and accurate spatial imaging which makes the listening experience immersive.
What’s in the box?
- Sennheiser HD600 Open-Back Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Detachable cable
- Instruction manual
2. Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Beyerdynamic-459038-DT-990-PRO-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 96 dB |
Impedance | 250 ohms |
Frequency Response | 5Hz – 35kHz |
Weight | 8.8 oz |
The DT 990 Pro by Sennheiser is the perfect pair of headphones for studio mixing, editing, and mastering. The transparent soundscape ensures that you will never have to compromise your audio quality while they provide a comfortable fit with their strong bass response and treble clarity. With a classic retro design which many other producers enjoy as well, it could be what’s missing from your home studio!
Build Quality & Durability
At first glance, you’ll notice the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro has a very solid build that feels sturdy on your head. Unlike larger headphones which may feel too light for your head due to their size, these are stable and won’t slip off when active as they’re designed more for passive listening sessions.
The DT990 PRO has a metal frame to ensure it won’t break if you bend them, but we wouldn’t recommend putting too much physical stress on the headband. The ear cups are made of plastic and should survive an occasional drop or two, so go ahead and pick up this durable headset!
Comfort
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro’s ear cups are well padded and large, ensuring comfortability with listeners of every ear size. The only comfort problem most users experience is the headband, which can be a little too tight if not properly adjusted.
The coiled 3ft cable may also feel heavy but this should not affect your listening when connected to an amplifier or computer as opposed to a phone where it might pull down on them enough for you to notice its weight.
Headphone Cable
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro has a 3.5mm coiled cable that is around three and a half feet long, but if you’re planning on using the headphones with higher-end gear then there’s an included 1/4″ adapter for this specific purpose.
Sound Quality
These headphones have a 250-ohm impedance, so if you’re listening to music without an amp, having one will help them sound better. You won’t need to max out the volume on your smartphone either!
The sound quality of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is out-of-this-world! You won’t be disappointed by these headphones. The lows are powerful, but not overly so and they’re balanced with a just-right amount of bass to make your experience perfect for whatever type you listen to (pop music, rock n roll).
When you purchase your headphones, the most important thing to look for is clarity and distortion. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro has great sound quality in both those areas which led us to our decision. We found that it was able to keep bass well-contained without disturbing vocals so we had a clear listening experience no matter what type of music we were listening to!
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones offer a rich sound at an affordable price, but they have some drawbacks that come with being on a budget. The open-back design is not ideal for everyday use as there will be leakage present which may interrupt your listening experience and make these poor if you’re in public areas where people can hear what you are doing.
Leakage also means the earphones won’t block out noise from other sources and do not provide any isolation below 1KHz making them less effective when traveling or around sounds of loud volume such as fans or air conditioning units due to their lack of insulation. When journeying above 1Khz though these great-sounding headphones will suffer from 4dB/octave roll-off.
These headphones have the potential to change your listening game. The sound quality is immersive and crisp, with instruments being well-balanced across a spacious audio field that has clarity at its core.
What’s in the box?
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Open-Back Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Fabric carry pouch
- Warranty card and user manual
3. Sennheiser HD 599 SE
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sennheiser-HD-599-SE-Open-Back-Headphones-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 106 dB |
Impedance | 50 ohms |
Frequency Response | 12Hz – 38kHz |
Weight | 9.12 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The HD 599 is made from plastic and weighs under 10 ounces, but don’t let that fool you. These headphones are durable enough to take what life throws at them. Not only will they last a long time because of their build quality, but the flexible design also makes these earphones perfect for people who live busy lives.
Comfort
The sleek, padded headband makes for a comfortable wear while the luxurious ear pads and open-back design provide an immersive listening experience. Whether you’re someone who wears glasses or not this headphone won’t make your ears hurt with minimal clamping force as it stays true to its nature delivering an open spatial presentation that will enhance your enjoyment of music.
Headphone Cable
The HD 599 SE is the perfect pair of headphones for all your devices. With two cables, one 9.8ft long cable with a 6.3mm jack that can be used in homes and entertainment systems, as well as a 4 ft shorter cord with a 3.5 mm jack to use on phones, tablets, laptops, computers, or anything else you need!
Sound Quality
The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are designed to deliver great audio quality and clarity. They have a colorful midrange, extended treble, and reasonable bass that can be adjusted according to your preference thanks to the propriety 38mm 50-ohm transducers which provide you with impressive detail in every note of music.
These headphones have the potential to change your listening game. The sound quality is immersive and crisp, with instruments being well-balanced across a spacious audio field that has clarity at its core.
When looking at the frequency, they have a response of up to 12-38,500 Hertz. They are impressively open and wide which makes them an excellent performer for those who want competitive videogames or music with detail in the corners that you usually wouldn’t hear on other headphones.
Upon hearing these headphones you’ll notice more details happening than usual because it eliminates all outside noise from getting inside your ears giving everything around you real clarity so when playing games like Fortnite where sound is massively important this will give players an advantage over others by allowing them to pinpoint their enemy’s position better without any interference between being able to listen out for footsteps etc
The mids are somewhat neutral. They have a little less energy in the upper mid-range, but more of it in the lower ranges which gives vocals and acoustic soundtracks an effortless quality to them that make listening all day easy. The treble is restrained but has tremendous detail; this makes for no piercing sounds or superfluous harshness!
What’s in the box?
- Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphones
- ¼” to ⅛” adapter
- Detachable ¼” cable
- User manual
4. Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audio-Technica-ATH-AD500X-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 100 dB |
Impedance | 48 ohms |
Frequency Response | 5Hz – 25kHz |
Weight | 8.32 oz |
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X headphones are a great investment for the gamer. The precise positioning and soundstage will make you feel like you’re in an immersive world while having access to clear quality audio. With its comfortable build and excellent clarity of vocals and instruments, these could be all that any beginner audiophile needs!
Build Quality & Durability
Audio-Technica’s ATH-AD500X is one of the lightest, most well constructed and durable headphones on the market. It stands out for its 53 mm drivers that are housed in high-end, open-air cans to conform pleasantly around your ears with a lot of room to spare. It also features soft fabric earpads so you can enjoy it comfortably for hours at a time without any sense of fatigue!
Comfort
The ATH-AD500X headphones are remarkably light. The breathable padding on the earcups keeps your ears cool for hours of listening, and they’re so comfortable you’ll barely notice them sitting there on your head. Plus, their fabric is superior to what’s typically found in more expensive models—no sweaty discomfort from hot climates! The 2-rod headband combines a self-adjusting wing system for exceptional fit and user customization.
Headphone Cable
The permanently attached cable is a gold-plated 3.5mm plug with an additional ¼ adapter for amplifiers that will be invaluable to professional musicians and sound engineers alike who need the 9ft length of cable specifically designed for monitoring purposes on stage or in studio settings.
Sound Quality
The ATH-AD500X is equipped with a dynamic driver that’s capable of delivering 48 ohms impedance, which makes them just about any 3.5mm port compatible for powering these headphones in most situations!
If you’re looking for a headphone that provides warm mids and crisp vocals, then the ATH-AD500X headphones might be perfect for you. The audio quality of these sleek black cans is better than many more expensive alternatives out there so when it comes to sound fidelity, they are definitely worth checking out!
The bass is still there, but not to the point of drowning out other parts. The sound signature gives space for vocals and instruments in the mid-range while remaining neutral. While listening to all genres of music we found that highs were never too sharp or overpowering – perfect if you don’t like treble spikes!
Open-back headphones are a great option for gamers looking to get the most out of their audio while playing games. When you’re trying to pinpoint enemy footsteps and movement, open-back headphone sound separation is an excellent help with improving your gameplay.
What’s in the box?
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- User manual
5. GRADO SR80e Prestige Series
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GRADO-SR80e-Prestige-Series-2-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 99.8 dB |
Impedance | 32 ohms |
Frequency Response | 2Hz – 20kHz |
Weight | 8.2 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The GRADO SR80e headphones are a throwback to the good old days. With an open-back design, they combine both vintage style and modern features for what is definitely an innovative product. You won’t find more aesthetically pleasing headphones on the market today!
The GRADO SR80e is a perfect throwback to the 80s. The aesthetics are on point, but it’s not just about how they look; these headphones can take some beating as well! Sturdy ear cups surround your ears with soft foam padding for ultimate comfort and sound quality that will have you feeling like Tom Cruise in Risky Business every time you strap them on.
Grado’s foam earpads are a lot thicker and more durable than your average pair. They keep you cool in hot environments, they won’t rip as easily when accidents happen (though that doesn’t seem to be common), but if it does Grado offers replacements or third-party options that can save the day.
The headphones are perfect for any ear size, as they have a cable that can be adjusted. The wire grille protects the drivers and allows you to see them up close. Finally, it has a faux-leather headband with metal prongs that give off a radio headset feel!
Comfort
The GRADO SR80e headphones are made for the on-ear listener. Unlike most other models, these ones don’t wrap around your ears but rather sit over them with a metal headband that conforms to fit you easily and securely when needed. They have all of the great sound quality that comes from their big brother model, yet they will be lighter in weight which is perfect if it is not just music listening you need them for!
Headphone Cable
The GRADO SR80e earbuds come with a durable rubber cable that measures about 7ft long. The straight jack features tough strain relief, while the Y-splitter shows pinching around its plastic casing–the weak point of these headphones is easily found at this spot! It should be noted that each headphone has cables connecting to it and they’re not too long so as to get in your way on a daily basis. They are more for sitting by your desk than commuting because their length means you won’t have any problem managing them.
Sound Quality
The GRADO SR80e is a great pair of open-back headphones that excel in pop, rap, and even classical songs. With EDM however they fall short with the lack of bass punch on these records. Whereas dynamic songs without much bass place like Radiohead’s Creep sound fantastic through these cans; you can distinctly hear the guitar and male vocals shine brightly from within them for an amazing listening experience at any given time!
The GRADO SR80e headphones produce a sound that’s rich and full-bodied, with strong bass notes. The most impressive aspect of the sounds is when you reach higher frequencies — which are crisp and clear without any distortion! These high-quality highs may be attributed to their foam pad design – these pads give your ears breathing room while still providing excellent noise isolation from outside distractions.
When it comes to sound isolation and leakage, the GRADO SR80e is a dangerous beauty. These open-back headphones reveal any noise around you like an eavesdropper on private conversations while letting all ambient sounds through with ease. When deciding what music or podcast will best suit your needs for today’s commute to work, picking the right setting for background ambiance is going to be critical in order to get that perfect mix of tunes without distractions from outside traffic.
What’s in the box?
- GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Product manual & warranty card
6. AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AKG-Pro-Audio-K240-STUDIO-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 104 dB |
Impedance | 55 ohms |
Frequency Response | 15Hz – 25kHz |
Weight | 8.5 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are one of the most iconic products from this brand, and it’s no wonder why. These 40-plus-year-old workhorses have stood the test of time against all odds to remain relevant in today’s modern market with their stylish black & gold color scheme and sleek decals that look fresh despite being decades old!
The K240 Studios are a set of headphones that have been designed with the utmost care and precision. The headband tubes, adjustment mechanisms, and metallic-looking rings are all made out of plastic which is not so bad because there’s a lot to be said for lightness and flexibility when it comes to such materials. The ear cups rotate easily without any noticeable break in quality or structure–a testament perhaps more than anything else as to how much time was spent designing these particular items (and you can tell).
Comfort
The K240 Studios are not the most comfortable headphones out there, but they offer a surprisingly pleasant experience. The lack of padding offers no cushioning and can be uncomfortable for some people while wearing them for long periods of time – fortunately, it doesn’t seem to affect everyone that way! The build is still interesting enough to make these earmuffs worth considering despite their shortcomings in comfort.
Headphone Cable
AKG’s open-back K240 Studio headphones come with a 10-foot detachable mini XLR to 3.5mm cable and 6.3mm adapter, so you can replace the original cord if it ever snaps or breaks without having to go out of your way for another input device! The AKG copper cabling is also 99% oxygen-free and has gold plated plugs on both ends that are designed specifically for maximum signal transfer which means less static when listening in high fidelity sound quality!
Sound Quality
The K240 Studios are the perfect headphones for vocalists and musicians alike. The vocals sound incredibly detailed, while cymbals, guitars, wind instruments all come out with certain qualities that make them shine. They also have a semi-open design which gives some back to your music by providing great imaging as well as a better sense of space around you when listening in stereo mode or playing games on PC/console platforms where spatial awareness is key.
The K240 Studio Headphones give you a range of different sound possibilities that are perfect for those who crave crisp, detailed music. They work well with rock and acoustic genres as well! For other more bass-heavy genres like EDM or Hip Hop, these headphones may not be the best match; if this is your preferred genre then we recommend looking elsewhere to find what suits you better.
The K240 Studio headphones are a powerful force in the headphone market. They have an impedance of 55 ohms, which is higher than most other models out there on the shelf but they provide crisp and detailed sound to any listener with their bright audio signature that can take you through all genres of music from pop to electronica without sacrificing quality or volume control.
For the price, you’re getting top-tier sound that’s unmatchable to other semi-open headphones in this category. However, they are still open and do let some noise leak through with music playing at a medium volume. But if your expectations for thumping bass or perfect isolation aren’t high these will be an affordable option worthy of consideration among their peers who sell for double the cost!
What’s in the box?
- AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Product manual & warranty card
One of the most well-liked headphones on Amazon is the SENSO Activbuds S-250, which has nearly 30,000 ratings, 76% of which are 4 and 5-star evaluations. These many favorable reviews are uncommon for headphones—or any other kind of equipment, for that matter. This speaks a lot about the SENSO Activbuds S-250 noise-canceling headset considering how subjective sound is.
7. Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Philips-SHP9500-Open-Back-Headphones-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 101 dB |
Impedance | 32 ohms |
Frequency Response | 12Hz – 35kHz |
Weight | 11.29 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The Philips SHP9500 is a premium, sleek set of headphones that won’t break the bank. They have an understated design with subtle branding and come in black or white to match whatever mood you’re looking for on any given day. The built-in padding is comfortable without being too bulky while still providing excellent sound isolation so your music can be heard loud and clear!
Comfort
The Philips SHP9500 headphones are comfortable and durable with a double layer of padding for the headband, breathable ear cushions that can be worn for long periods of time, and an open-back design. The pads on these quality headphones cannot be replaced but we doubt they will tear before they stop working themselves because they seem to hold up pretty well against stressors like bending them or pulling at their cord.
Headphone Cable
The Philips SHP9500 headphone includes a 10-foot gold plated cable which is removable. The 3.5mm jack also allows for easy removal of the cable to add a microphone (not included) or switch sources, and it comes with detachable cords so you can use them anywhere without worrying about tangles!
Sound Quality
The Philips SHP9500 provides great sound quality for neutral listening, delivered by a large 50mm driver. It may be slightly midrange focused but this doesn’t mean the headphones don’t cope well on highs and lows. Unlike many open-back headphones on this list, there is some bass present which gives these headphones an advantage over others in terms of clarity with just enough punch to deliver all-rounder performance that’s perfect for people looking into both high-end sound accuracy as well as functionality under different genres or styles of music.
If you’re planning on using these headphones for home instrument practice, including drums or piano, then the ATH-M50x is perfect. You’ll be able to hear every single nuance of your music and they will never compromise their performance with unnecessary sounds. Vocalists sound crisp without being fatigued in any way while treble is bright but not too abrasive – a balance that makes it perfect for anyone who wants accurate audio at an affordable price point!
The Philips SHP9500 headphones are for those who want a good sound without worrying about others around them hearing what they’re listening to. These great quality, open-back cans have no isolation and can leak up to 96dB of audio from the outside world into your ears if you don’t crank down on that volume knob! So if privacy is important we recommend these as in-home headphones only.
With the Philips SHP9500, you get to enjoy a spacious soundstage for an immersive listening experience while being treated to bass that is well balanced with mids and treble. Their large ear cups also provide excellent insulation from ambient noise so they are perfect if you want some peace of mind when trying not to be bothered by your surroundings!
What’s in the box?
- Philips SHP9500 Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Detachable cable
- Fabric mesh pouch
8. Samson SR850 Semi Open-Back Headphones
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Samson-SR850-Semi-Open-Back-Headphones-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 98 dB |
Impedance | 32 ohms |
Frequency Response | 10Hz – 30kHz |
Weight | 9.5 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The Samson SR850 is a budget-friendly AKG K240 clone. Unlike the expensive model, it has thin plastic and an open ear design which aids in ambient listening while refining stereo imaging with its wider soundstage. It also includes 50mm drivers to provide great audio quality for those who want all of their money on features rather than aesthetics
Comfort
The self-adjusting headband and headphones provide a comfortable fit with no adjustments needed, so you will have all the time in the world to enjoy your music without distraction. The durable plastic construction ensures that these stereo cans last for many years of use! The Samson SR850 is a solid choice for anyone who needs great sound quality but doesn’t want to spend too much on headphones. The fabric pads are breathable, so your ears will never get hot and stuffy while wearing them in the heat of summer!
Headphone Cable
The design of the Samson SR850 is a standard that I have seen with other manufacturers. The 1.8” cable is gold plated and 8.2″ long, which includes an ¼” adapter for use in different situations where headphones are needed! If you’re on a budget but need some quality listening experience, then this should be your go-to option
Sound Quality
With the Samson SR850, you can get a great sound for half the price of competitors. The drivers are smooth and hold up to all forms of pressure- meaning they’ll last longer than other models on the market! You have 200 hours before these headphones officially “break-in,” so it may be worth waiting until then if you love bass (which is something that most people will enjoy with this model). After breaking them in properly though? Expect some nice low sounds that many listeners find appealing.
The Samson SR850s are the most impressive headphones on this list. Their tight fit prevents sound from leaking to the mids during lows and allows for vocals that have been hailed as crisp, clean, and well-balanced. The highs of these cans may be their nicest quality–being impressively detailed with transparency few can match at such an affordable price point! The design of these speakers also changes the sound quality. The semi-open design gave a spacious feel to your music as if you were listening in an outdoor amphitheater but still felt up close and personal with it all.
Additionally, we can say that these headphones provide an immersive gaming experience. If your options are limited, the SR850 puts you right in the action and lets sound leakage depend on how loud you’re playing your music. They have a semi-open design which means they should be able to stay private when listening at mid-range levels of volume even if people around could still hear some small sounds from outside if maxing out their volumes. This makes them perfect for public use as long as it’s just below maximum level without having any worries about hearing anything but game audio from someone else nearby while trying to enjoy themselves!
The Samson SR850 is a great option for those looking to buy an affordable, high-quality pair of headphones. But the best part? The price point!
What’s in the box?
- Samson SR850 Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Product manual
- Warranty card
9. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Philips-Audio-Fidelio-X2HR-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 100 dB |
Impedance | 30 ohms |
Frequency Response | 5Hz – 40kHz |
Weight | 14.6 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones are a perfect choice for any audiophile. The headband is constructed of steel tubes covered in genuine leather, while the self-adjusting hammock ensures that these high-end open-back headphones fit comfortably and securely on your ears. For anyone who enjoys listening to their music at its best quality possible, look no further than our new Phillips Fidelio X2HR!
Comfort
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is your ticket to blissful listening. Though the weight might be a little hefty, it’s worth every ounce of investment with its equal distribution across each earpiece and premium sound quality that will never put you in danger of hearing loss again.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR open-back headphones have thick earpads that are made of memory foam, so they’re comfortable to wear for longer periods. The outside diameter is 4.25 inches while the inside pad is 2.25 inches in size; this means there’s a lot more room around your ears and less friction when you use these during long listening sessions because they don’t touch them at all!
Headphone Cable
With a 10-foot braided cable and an adapter for your 6.3mm audio devices, the Fidelio X2HR is multifunctional! This set of headphones can be used with mic to enjoy gaming as well from time to time! There’s no difference in sound quality but you’ll want the microphone if you’re going after high volume levels – it will pick up any leakage noise caused by this stylish pair of cans.
Sound Quality
The Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones will immerse you in a world of emotional, high-quality audio. The bass sounds round and low while vocals are textured for an immersive experience that is perfect for EDM or Hip Hop music lovers alike!
Fidelio X2HR headphones are a perfect mix between highs, mids, and lows. They never sound harsh or piercing even after long periods of listening because they’re not open-back like many other models out there. The bass is really something to be appreciated in these Fidelios – it’s relaxing without being too overwhelming at the same time!
Words alone cannot describe the Fidelio X2HR open-back headphones. These are not only perfect for gaming but also have a deep soundstage that makes big games more immersive and single-player titles, lifelike! With booming sounds coming from these bad boys you will be on your feet in no time due to an adrenaline spiking soundtrack! The only downside is that the leakage at above 60% volume can be heard by those nearby.
If you’re looking for a headphone that can function as both your listening and gaming headset, the Fidelio X2HR is worth every penny. It has an excellent price point at just under $150 which will save you hundreds of dollars from other headphones in their range (at around 200-400). If this sounds like something up your alley check it out!
What’s in the box?
- Philips Fidelio X2HR Headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Detachable cable
- Product manual
- Warranty card
10. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
![](https://speakersreviewed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Audio-Technica-ATH-AD700X-1.webp)
Specs & Features
Sensitivity | 100 dB |
Impedance | 38 ohms |
Frequency Response | 5Hz – 30kHz |
Weight | 19.2 oz |
Build Quality & Durability
The ATH-AD700X is a beautiful pair of headphones, they feature unique self-adjusting 3D wing support. For the entirety of these beauties, their size and generous circular ear cups make them perfect for big ears. The open-back design allows sound to flow uninterrupted which produces a fuller audio experience while also reducing background noise levels. The aesthetics aren’t quite as attractive as some higher-priced alternatives, although I wouldn’t necessarily call them “budget” when compared to others in its price range.
The ATH-AD700X does have some letdowns in the build quality and stability department though. Even though the headphones are well-built, their unique headband design has a lot of small moving parts that we can see will wear down with daily use. On the other hand, the ear cups do feel quite solid so they’re likely to take a few falls before wearing out completely as long as you handle them carefully when not being used or transported while hooked up by cable.
Comfort
These headphones are perfect for anyone looking to get that ‘extra comfortable’ sensation. The ear cups of these products are large and will easily accommodate any size head without feeling too tight or giving the wearer a headache because they feel like they’re being squished against their skull. They may be heavier than other similar models, but it’s distributed evenly so there is just enough pressure on your head.
Headphone Cable
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X has a gold-plated stereo 1.8” connector, which is compatible with most devices and amps or add-ons you might need for your headphones to sound their best – not that they don’t already sound great! The 9ft cable may be wired but it still feels durable.
Sound Quality
ATH-AD700X headphones are a fairly novel take on the open-back headphone market. With 53 mm drivers, and 5 to 30 000 Hz frequency range there’s potential for some excellent sound quality, but Audio-Technica needs to work more on their bass response if they really want this product line of theirs all about that beat! A simple fix to this is the EQ settings – you’ll be able to increase your bass range, but at a small cost. If that’s not enough for you, try getting yourself a headphone amp and focus on your mids and highs while strengthening your lows!
Imagine sitting down with your favorite set of headphones and suddenly, you notice something that has never been there before. You hear a small detail in the background or an instrument that was not audible before. The experience is thrilling as music once again becomes new to you; it’s just like discovering how much more depth this song had than what first meets the ear.
For those who require crisp, clear sound quality with little to no distortion and treble that is not too harsh- these headphones are perfect for you. You will be able to enjoy music at its best when listening through ATH-AD700X Headphones. Open-back headphones are perfect for those who want to be aware of their surroundings while enjoying music.
The sound leakage is not a disadvantage and they provide an immersive listening experience that can also be enjoyed by others, making them great if you’re looking for detailed headphones or need something versatile with multiple uses such as casual gaming sessions at home.
What’s in the box?
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X headphones
- ¼” adapter
- Product manual
- Warranty card
Features to Consider When Buying Open-Back Headphones
One of the most essential pieces in any music lover’s arsenal is their headphones. The quality and features on different models can vary drastically, so it becomes important to know what you’re looking for when making your purchase. With that said, these are some key factors to consider before buying open-back headphones. Let’s take a look!
Noise Isolation
Open-back headphones are a great alternative to closed-back headsets. They can offer an immersive listening experience, and they don’t require the sound isolation that is common with their close cousins. However, open backs also tend to leak more ambient noise than other types of headphone designs because there’s no seal around your ears like you’ll find in full or semi-open back models. If this doesn’t bother you much but silence isn’t what you’re after either then consider buying a pair of these high-quality audiophile favorites!
Frequency Response
Sound quality is one of the factors to consider when purchasing a new pair of headphones, and open-back models have been shown to offer superior sound. The frequency response for these types is typically between 5kHz – 30 kHz, which helps produce powerful bass without compromising on clarity or detail in high frequencies.
Open-back headphones also allow listeners more freedom by allowing air circulation inside their ear cups rather than trapping it all within its closed space like traditional sealed cup designs do; this design means that your music won’t suffer from interference caused by ambient noise.
Ear Fatigue
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing open-back headphones is ear fatigue. Open back models typically produce less ear fatigue than closed because your ears are able to breathe rather than being boxed in by a solid cup that blocks all sound from entering or exiting through its opening unless you’re listening at an extremely loud volume – which can lead one’s hearing sensitivity over time and may be considered unhealthy for some individuals who have sensitive eardrums. So if you want better long-term protection against hearing damage while also enjoying freedom with audio selection, then invest in high-quality open-back headphones!
Sensitivity
What features should you consider when buying open-back headphones? Consider the sensitivity of your potential purchase. Open back models typically have a higher level of sensitivity than closed ones, which means that they’re capable of reproducing more sound per watt – making them great for music lovers who like to turn it up!
Durability
Choosing open-back headphones can be a difficult decision. Durability is one of the biggest considerations, as these types are more likely to break or become damaged due to their open design which lets sound in and out freely. These drawbacks should not discourage you from choosing this type over other styles; all things considered, they provide amazing audio quality that few others do!
Bass Response
Open-back headphones are a great alternative for those who want to enjoy their music with the most immersive soundstage possible. When you’re listening to your favorite tunes, the open design ensures that every note can be heard as if it’s coming from all around you – not just straight ahead of you like in closed-back models. One drawback is these types of cans may struggle when tasked with reproducing low bass notes which means they might disappoint fans of EDM and other “bass-heavy” genres (though this won’t apply universally).
Price
As open-back headphones are typically more expensive than closed, the consideration of their price is very important. Open models provide a better sound quality but may not suit those who want to listen in silence or isolate themselves from external noise.
Drivers Size
When you’re looking for headphones, there are a lot of features to consider. One feature that’s important is how big the drivers inside them are. The size of these components affects what kind of sounds they produce and how much power it takes to make those sound waves move around in your ears. Bigger sizes have bigger speakers which can create more bass tones or higher treble notes than smaller ones do!
Soundstage
Open-back headphones are a popular choice among audiophiles because they provide an expansive soundstage that is normally found in large speakers. In fact, the design of open-backed headsets mimics what you would find at any concert hall and provides excellent imaging for music reproduction.
Open-backs also ensure deep bass response on all types of recordings while still producing quality highs and mids; this makes them more versatile than closed-back designs which typically excel only with particular genres like classical or jazz where vocals need to be clearly heard without being overpowered by other instruments.
Sound Leakage
It’s not unheard of for open-back headphones to leak sound, so this is something you should consider before making your purchase. If the volume on open-back headphones gets too high then the noise can be heard by people around you -something that could lead to awkward situations or even complaints.
Open-Back Headphones FAQ
What are closed-back headphones?
Closed-back headphones, also referred to as sealed or semi-open back alternatives, are designed with closed backs that block the sound waves from entering and escaping. They’re typically less expensive than open-backs but they do offer a more consistent listening experience which is why they are preferred by DJs for mixing tracks in their DJ booth when there’s a lot of noise in the room.
What is the difference between open-back vs closed-back headphones?
The open-back design allows for more air to flow through, which leads to a wider soundstage and better detail than sealed headphones provide. This can also lead to less bass response due to all that space being taken up by open-air
What are semi-open back headphones?
As the open-back design leads to open-air, this leaves open space for sound waves to escape and not enter your ear. This can lead to less bass response as the open-back design choose space over bass. But what are semi-open-back headphones? These are a type of headphones that feature the best of both worlds. They are open-backed but feature a closed-back that is only open on one side. This allows for the open design and more bass response without sacrificing noise isolation as you would get with an open-back headphone.
Are open-back headphones good for tracking?
Open-back headphones are not recommended for tracking. They have a tendency to let the backing track bleed into your microphone, which will ultimately end up producing an awful recording that is full of unwanted noise and distortion.