If you've ever used a pair of over-ear or on-ear headphones, chances are they had a closed-back design. Unlike open-back headphones, which try to create a natural listening experience by fully letting noise both in and audio out of the headphones, closed-back headphones keep music close to the ear by blocking background noise and limiting audio leakage. These headphones are more versatile and better suited for commutes, outdoor strolls, and working with others around you. They also tend to have more bass than their open-back counterpart.
We've tested over 860 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best headphones with a closed-back design to buy. For more, check out our recommendations for the best audiophile headphones and the best headphones.
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Best Closed-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.6Frequency Response Consistency5.5See all our test resultsPeaks/Dips7.6The Focal Azurys are the best closed-back headphones that we've tested. These premium over-ears from the French audiophile brand come equipped with aluminum and magnesium drivers for a distortion-free listening experience with great driver-matching. Their sound profile is on the warmer side, with a prominent bass response, balanced mids, and a recessed treble range that helps mitigate ear fatigue over long listening sessions. The frequency response doesn't deviate much from this warm sound profile, but you'll need to be careful when adjusting the fit, as it can be challenging to get consistent audio delivery.
As you'd expect at this price point, the Azurys have a good build quality that utilizes premium metals and soft memory foam padding. The latter contributes to their highly comfortable fit, providing plush padding for your ears that's malleable enough to be comfortable for glasses-wearers. The closed-back design also provides a degree of passive attenuation, which can be handy if you use them to track in a studio environment. Surprisingly, there's also an in-line microphone included, which is relatively uncommon for wired designs. It's far from the best mic we've tested, rendering your voice in a boxy way, but it's still nice to have.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Closed-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.3Frequency Response Consistency5.2See all our test resultsPeaks/Dips7.7The Audeze LCD-S20 are a solid choice if you're looking for high-fidelity over-ears, with some passive isolation from their closed-back enclosure. They're equipped with planar magnetic drivers that contribute to their warm sound profile and low-distortion performance. While they offer a similar bass and mid-range response to the Focal Azurys, they roll off even more high-end, which can dull sibilants like trashy hi-hat splashes. Still, they do a fantastic job of rendering mid-range sonic elements, like resonant violas and chunky rhythm guitars. Our unit exhibits excellent matching between the L/R drivers, too, which is indicative of good quality control and tight tolerances between drivers.
The Audeze suffer from the same primary drawback as the Focal, namely poor frequency response consistency. While their gel-filled ear cups make for a comfortable over-ear fit, their pliability means that the seal can be easily disrupted by long hair or the arms of glasses, causing a drop-off in bass. The Audeze are equally well-built, using an array of high-quality materials like aluminum, leather, and dense plastic. While they don't come with a built-in mic, they do offer slightly more passive isolation than the Focal, which is great if you're drumming in a live band while keeping time with a click.
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Best Mid-Range Closed-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.2Frequency Response Consistency5.1See all our test resultsPeaks/Dips7.9The FIIO FT1 are our pick for the mid-range price point. They stand out from the crowd with their natural wood ear cups, which are available in different shades. FIIO's portable amps and audio players have a reputation for punching above their price tag, and their headphones are no exception. With the FT1, you get a very comfortable fit, a luxurious zip-up case, and a selection of cables to cater to different listening needs. The sound profile serves up a healthy dollop of bass, injecting energy into dance-hall rhythms and techno beats, while the mid and treble ranges align well with our target, making for detailed vocals and nuanced cymbal hits.
Our unit featured well-balanced L/R drivers for an even stereo image, as well as a frequency response that mostly stayed true to the warm sound profile. Unfortunately, they're hampered by disappointing frequency response consistency. Those who wear glasses will be particularly affected by this, as the fussy fit can bring about a drop in the bass response. The FIIO aren't as well-built as our more expensive picks, too: while initial construction issues have been resolved, the swiveling yokes still feel quite stiff. If build quality is a priority, you can check out the evergreen and highly durable Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO instead. They lack a bit of bass compared to the FIIO, though, and the sharp peak in their mid-treble can be fatiguing over long listening sessions.
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Best Budget Closed-Back Headphones
See all our test resultsPeaks/Dips6.6Build quality tends to take a big hit at the budget price point, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are no exception. Their frame feels cheap, especially compared to FIIO FT1. Their exposed audio cable also makes them more prone to damage over time. However, their warm sound profile is worth considering if you want audiophile-grade headphones at a more digestible price.
Although they lack a bit of thump and rumble, their bass range has a bump in the mid to high bass that adds punch and warmth to your mix. That bump doesn't clutter or muddy the mid-range, so vocals and instruments remain clear, present, and detailed in your tracks. A big dip in the treble range means voices are pushed back slightly in the mix, and sibilants and cymbals are dulled. These over-ears also struggle to block background noise, which can be frustrating when listening to audio in a moderately noisy room.
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Best Premium Closed-Back Headphones
See all our test resultsPeaks/Dips7.6The Focal Stellia are the best closed-back headphones we've tested if you want to spare no expense. Their high cost hurts their appeal, but if you're looking for the best, these are it. Thanks to their leather and aluminum design, these luxury cans offer a build quality unmatched by others on this list, including our top pick, the Focal Azurys. Although heavy, the Stellia still feel comfortable enough for long listening sessions.
Their warm sound adds extra boom and punch to their bass. Vocals and instruments come across as clear and present in mixes, and highs don't fatigue your ears. However, their recessed treble diminishes vocal detail. They're also prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and you'll notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses, as this can break the seal the pads have on your head.
However, even though the soundstage feels somewhat natural, it's still narrow, closed-off, and not very immersive, but that's to be expected from closed-back headphones. If you want a better soundstage experience, try the Sennheiser HD 820. They're cheaper (while still being high-end) and can create a wider, out-of-head audio experience. Unfortunately, their sound profile is a bit boxier, and vocals and instruments are harsher.
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Best Wireless Closed-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.0Frequency Response Consistency4.6See all our test resultsPeaks/Dips8.3If you prefer wireless headphones, consider the Sennheiser HDB 630. These high-end over-ears offer an audiophile experience you can take on the go thanks to handy features like active noise cancelling (ANC), multi-device pairing, and a built-in mic. Since they're Bluetooth-compatible, they support aptX Adaptive, a codec designed to stream high-quality audio with low latency. They feature a remarkably balanced default sound profile that delivers tight, punchy kicks, detailed vocals, and a controlled high-end. One of their strong suits is the flexibility you have in customizing the sound: the usual EQ presets are accompanied by graphic and parametric EQs, allowing for incredibly granular tuning.
These comfortable, very well-built cans come with a hard carrying case to protect them from damage. They do a great job of blocking background noise like the rumble of bus engines and ambient chatter. With their ANC on, they last over 54 hours continuously, so they'll rarely need recharging. That said, they suffer from similar frequency response consistency issues to our other picks, meaning you'll need to take plenty of time adjusting the fit to ensure consistent audio delivery.
Notable Mentions
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RØDE NTH-100M:
The RØDE NTH-100M are closed-back headphones with a detachable mic, which is handy if you want to use them for gaming or streaming. Their sound isn't as flat as the FIIO FT1, and they don't feel particularly well-built.
See our review -
AKG K361:
The AKG K361 are lightweight, closed-back headphones with a mid-range price. While they're similarly well-built to the FIIO FT1 and have a similar sound profile, they aren't quite as comfortable and don't come with a carrying case.
See our review -
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless:
For the budget-conscious audiophile on the go, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless have a similar sound profile to the Sennheiser HDB 630. They have a dip in the mids and are lighter on the bass, but you can tweak the EQ with their app. However, their price shows in the comparatively plasticky build, and you don't get any ANC like on the Sennheiser.
See our review -
Sony MDR-7506:
The Sony MDR-7506 are classic closed-back over-ears. They have a brighter sound than the FIIO FT1, which is good for identifying audio artifacts in professional use, but can be fatiguing over time. They're able to deliver audio more consistently than the FIIO, though, regardless of your anatomy.
See our review -
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO:
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO are extremely well-built over-ears that offer solid comfort and a balanced bass and mid-range presentation. Unlike the Focal Azurys, you'll need an amp to drive them, though, which can limit their usability with mobile end devices, like laptops and phones.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 25, 2026:
We've overhauled this article, making major changes to our picks. We've added the Focal Azurys as the top pick, with the Audeze LCD-S20 as our upper mid-range choice. The FIIO FT1 are the new mid-range pick, while we've added the Sennheiser HDB 630 are the 'Best Wireless' option. We've also made changes throughout the text and to the Notable Mentions.
Apr 18, 2025:
We've added the AKG K361 to our Notable Mentions for their balanced sound, but they're not one of our top picks because their lighter clamping force means they don't deliver a consistent sound with each wear, especially if you have long hair or a larger head.
Jan 22, 2025:
We've updated this text to bring it into line with changes made as part of our Test Bench 1.8 update, but we haven't changed our picks.
Oct 25, 2024:
We checked that all our picks are up-to-date and in stock, but haven't changed them.
Aug 01, 2024: We've made our previous top pick, the Focal Stellia, our new Premium pick because the Stellia have few competitors at their price point. Our previous upper mid-range pick, the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO, are now our top pick because their price is more in line with other excellent closed-back headphones on the market. As a result, we've shifted our pick tiers accordingly.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best headphones with a closed-back design to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for closed-back headphones. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.