The 5 Best Closed-Back Headphones - Winter 2021 Reviews

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are the best closed-back headphones with a wireless connection that we've tested. They're comfortable, well-built, and have a versatile overall performance that ranks them among the best headphones we've tested. Their 37.7-hour continuous battery life is longer than the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless, making them suitable for long days on the go.

Overall, they have a bass-heavy sound profile that adds an extra thump and punch to the mix. If you prefer a different sound, there's a graphic EQ and presets available in the Sony | Headphones Connect app. They also have an outstanding noise isolation performance, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes during your commute or while working in a noisy office without distractions.

Unfortunately, as with many wireless headphones, they don't have the best microphone recording quality, so they may not be the ideal choice for making phone calls on-the-go. They're also a bit bulky and not quite stable enough to wear during more intense workouts. However, if you're looking for a versatile, customizable pair of closed-back headphones, they're a solid choice.

The best closed-back headphones under $200 that we've tested are the Razer Opus Wireless. These sleek over-ears have an excellent active noise cancelling (ANC) performance, which helps block out noise like bus or train engines as well as ambient chatter. They also have a great build quality and are comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

Right out-of-the-box, they have a very balanced and neutral sound profile that's versatile enough for most audio content. That said, if you prefer to tweak their sound to your liking, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets. They also have a continuous battery life of over 32 hours, and they have an auto-off feature that helps conserve battery life when they're not in use. They've got good controls that are easy-to-use too, and they come with a hard case so that you can protect your headphones when on-the-go.

Unfortunately, while their integrated microphone does an alright job of recording your voice, it struggles a lot to separate it from ambient noise around you, making them less-than-suitable for taking calls in loud or noisy environments. They also don't support multi-device pairing, so it can be a bit of a hassle if you want to quickly switch between your computer and smartphone. That said, these headphones offer a well-balanced sound and a sturdy build quality. Their ANC also outperforms most other competitors at this price point.

The best closed-back headphones for audiophiles that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These popular wired over-ears are very well-known amongst audio enthusiasts and sound engineers and are the best studio headphones we've tested. They're comfortable thanks to their large ear cups that easily accommodate any ear size, and they don't feel too tight on the head. They're made from dense plastic and look and feel very durable and premium, with a detachable audio cable that can easily be replaced if damaged.

Their sound profile is expertly tuned and is well-balanced and natural, but with a tiny amount of extra kick. Their response consistency is decent, though they may need some readjusting to experience their treble response the same way every time. Their soundstage isn't nearly as open and wide as open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee, though this is expected. On the plus side, this makes them much more versatile and more suitable for use during your daily commute or in the office.

As they're more designed for use in a studio or while at home, they lack many active features in comparison to the most popular Bluetooth options. Their audio cable doesn't feature a microphone or in-line remote, so they don't have any controls or the ability to take phone calls. On the bright side, their wired design means you don't have to worry about battery or latency issues, though you may need an adapter to use them with newer phones without a headphone jack.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless is the best closed-back headphones at the budget-level that we've tested. They offer over 24 hours of continuous playback time, which is impressive. They also have a fairly well-balanced and neutral sound profile, which makes them suitable for a variety of audio content.

They have thick and soft padding on the earcups and headband. Although their build can creak while you're moving them around your head, they still feel decently dense and sturdy. They can also be paired with up to two devices at a time, which is great if you like to move between your smartphone and laptop. Although their companion app doesn't offer a lot of customization features, it has two EQ presets. You can also adjust the level of active noise cancelling (ANC) to your preferences.

Unfortunately, while their ANC does an okay overall job of isolating noise around you, it does a poor job of cutting down bass-range sound like bus or plane engines, which can be annoying during your daily commute or on long trips. Their integrated microphone also does a passable job overall, and it can struggle to capture your voice in moderately noisy environments. Still, if you're trying to keep your expenses down, they offer a balanced sound at a budget-friendly price point.