The 9 Best Closed Back Headphones - Winter 2020
Reviews

The best closed-back headphones for casual use that we've reviewed so far are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These wireless headphones are one of the most comfortable ones we've tested and they offer a well-balanced sound profile. Additionally, they're also one of the best noise cancelling headphones. They have a great 20-hour battery life that you can use throughout a few days, making them quite versatile for everywhere you go.

Their well-balanced audio reproduction lends itself well to most music genres, making them an even more versatile option. These Bluetooth headphones can also connect via NFC for a quicker and easier pairing procedure and people who like to work with headphones will love their multi-device pairing feature. You're able to connect to two devices simultaneously, like your phone and desktop, and easily switch between both. You can also use them wired with the included audio cable, even if the battery is dead, which is quite convenient. 

While these headphones used to have industry-leading noise cancelling, a recent firmware update (4.5.2) considerably worsened the ANC performance of our unit, especially in the bass and mid ranges. Consider the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 if you prefer stronger noise cancelling, but they’re more expensive and may not provide added value for everyone. Although those who like to be able to customize the way their headphones sound will be disappointed by their lack of customization options, if you’re looking for headphones with a simple, ergonomic design that deliver a well-rounded performance straight out of the box, then the QC 35 II are the way to go.

The best closed-back headphones under $200 are the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. They’re well-built, comfortable wireless over-ears with active noise cancelling. They have ergonomic physical controls, which makes them easy-to-use, and the SE version even comes with a nice hard carrying case. They sound good, have an excellent battery, and provide very good value overall.

These headphones have an exciting, bass-rich sound profile that brings out the thump and rumble of bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop but is still balanced enough for vocals and lead instruments to sound present and detailed. Their 30-hour battery life is outstanding, and they have a bunch of power-saving features to help it last even longer, meaning you won't have to charge them often.

On the downside, their noise isolation isn’t as good as that of some of the more premium noise cancelling headphones we’ve reviewed, like the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless. If you’re looking for better ANC in this price range, consider the Bose QuietComfort 25/QC25, but they’re wired and use AAA batteries. The Plantronics have better controls, leak less sound, and can be paired to two devices simultaneously which, along with their comfortable design and exciting sound, makes them the best headphones under $200 we’ve tested so far.

If sound quality is what matters most for you and you also want a pair of audiophile-level headphones that you can also use outdoors, get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, the best audiophile closed-back headphones. They're one of the better options if you're looking for headphones just for listening to music, but they have the added noise reduction of a closed-back design so you can use them outside with your phone.

These headphones have a well-balanced sound that packs a good and exciting bass, a well-balanced mid-range, and a good reproduction of higher frequencies that's not too sharp or recessed. They have a durable build that should last you years of regular use, and they're comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions.

If you decide to go for these wired headphones, you won't have the freedom and convenience of a pair of Bluetooth headphones like the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016. They also don't focus on noise isolation even if they're closed-back, as they lack any active noise cancelling feature. You can also check out Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO for even better-built headphones, although they don't have a detachable cable and some people find them to be a bit sharp and piercing.

The best closed-back headphones for gaming that we’ve tested so far are the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. These gaming headphones are extremely versatile as they can be used in various ways. They come with a base transmitter for very low wireless latency, but they can also be used wired or even with a phone via Bluetooth. Their design is quite comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions and you're more than likely never going to run out of battery thanks to their dual-battery system, as long as you keep putting one in the charging dock.

Their audio quality is also great, which some may be surprised by considering it's labeled as a gaming headset. It has a very good audio reproduction performance, which is great for video game sound effects and soundtracks, but will also be suitable for everyday music. On top of being one of the more neutral-sounding gaming headphones, they have a very good microphone for online voice chat with friends and teammates. You can also easily mix your game audio and chat audio and the dock provides a good amount of customization and control over the headphones.

On the downside, these headphones aren’t entirely wirelessly compatible with the Xbox One and don’t have mic level controls, which can be disappointing for some gamers. Their ski-goggle inspired fit can also be a bit uncomfortable for those with larger heads. The Astro A50 Wireless are a great alternative thanks to their compatibility with Xbox One, great microphone customization options, and more ergonomic fit.

The best budget closed-back headphones that we’ve tested so far are the Mixcder E9. While they're primarily made out of plastic, they're reinforced by a thin metal plate giving them a surprisingly decent build-quality and making them feel slightly more premium than other options at this price point. They have an easy to use control scheme and even include a nice hard carrying case, which is a welcome addition for a pair of budget headphones.

When it comes to sound, these headphones are one of the better neutral-sounding options at this price point. They have a very neural bass with adequate thump and rumble, but vocals might feel a bit recessed with a bit of detail lacking in the low-treble range. They're also surprisingly comfortable for budget headphones, with thick and plushy padding, on top of having fairly deep ear cups. They also have a decent noise cancelling feature and their 18-hour battery should be more than enough for most.

Unfortunately, their ANC is only decent, though it does a good job blocking bass frequencies like the rumble of engines, making them a decent option for blocking out bus noise during your daily commute. The mid-range performance of the ANC is a little weaker, though it should be able to block out some background chatter in the office. Those looking for the best noise cancellation they can get in the budget range should consider the Mpow H10 Wireless, though they feel considerably cheaper.