The 9 Best Closed Back Headphones - Fall 2019
Reviews

The best closed-back headphones for casual use that we’ve tested so far are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. They have a very comfortable design, a well-balanced sound, and a great battery life that help make them a very versatile option, suitable for most uses.

These headphones have great audio reproduction, with a balanced sound profile that lends itself well to music of virtually all genres. They support NFC for easier Bluetooth pairing and can also connect to two devices at the same time, which is great if you often switch between your laptop and smartphone. They have a great 20-hour battery life and also feature an adjustable auto-off timer to help save power.

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.

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.

Since these are wired headphones, they don’t have the convenient wireless range of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016. They also don’t perform as well in loud environments since they aren't noise cancelling headphones. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are also great-sounding critical listening headphones that feel even better-built than the Audio-Technica, but they don’t have a detachable cable and can sound a bit sibilant to some listeners.

The best closed-back headphones for gaming that we’ve tested so far are the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. They’re very versatile headphones that support wireless connections not only with their USB base transmitter but also via Bluetooth as well. They also have a unique dual-battery system that ensures you’re never out of power as long as you always keep one battery charging.

These headphones have outstanding audio reproduction and are well-suited to not only video game soundtracks and effects, but film scores, podcasts, and audiobooks too. Their microphone performance is remarkable and you can mix audio from both wireless sources simultaneously, which is great if you like to chat on your smartphone while gaming.

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.

These headphones aren't too heavy with good, comfortable padding on the ear cups which means you should be able to wear them for extended periods without feeling any fatigue. Their sound profile is decently well-suited for a wide variety of music, though they do favor bass a bit and will perform slightly better with bass-heavy genres. Overall, their sound reproduction is good, especially for the price.

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.