The 5 Best Closed-Back Headphones - Fall 2021 Reviews

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are the best closed-back headphones with a wireless connection that we've tested. These Bluetooth-enabled over-ears have a sturdy-feeling high-grade plastic construction and a comfortable fit, with ample amounts of padding and a lightweight design. They also supply upwards of 37 hours of continuous playback time on a single charge, which should be more than enough for a couple of days of use, though battery consumption can vary depending on your own usage patterns.

They have a bass-heavy sound profile out-of-the-box, which should please fans of EDM or hip-hop but can also muddy vocals and lead instruments. Fortunately, the Sony | Headphones Connect app features a couple of EQ presets as well as a graphic EQ to fine-tune your listening experience. They're also fitted with a highly effective active noise cancelling (ANC) system that allows them to filter out a remarkable amount of ambient noise, from the low-rumble of bus and plane engines to the high-pitched hum of an AC unit, not to mention background chatter from people nearby.

Unfortunately, their integrated mic delivers sub-par recording quality, as it makes your voice sound thin, muffled, and lacking in overall detail. Their bulky design can also make them a bit of a hassle to carry around. Otherwise, their rich feature-set, solid build quality, and superb noise isolation capability help make them some of the best travel headphones that we've tested.

The Razer Opus Wireless are the best closed-back headphones under $200 that we've tested. These over-ear headphones have an ANC system that does an outstanding job of blocking out ambient noise like the low rumble of bus or plane engines and ambient chatter. They also have a very comfortable fit, so you can wear them for long periods of time without feeling too much fatigue.

These well-built headphones have a very well-balanced and neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which makes them versatile enough for a variety of audio content. However, if you prefer a different sound, their companion app has a graphic EQ as well as presets to help you really customize them. They also deliver over 32 hours of continuous playback time, which should get you through long days at the office or on the road without a recharge, and can even be used passively when you've run out of battery life.

Unfortunately, their integrated microphone has some trouble separating your voice from ambient noise around you. They also lack multi-device pairing, so it can be a bit more of a hassle if you want to switch between your laptop and smartphone. However, these headphones deliver a very versatile performance, especially at this price point, and they're even among the best noise cancelling headphones that we've tested.

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 best budget closed-back headphones that we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. Although these headphones are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless' predecessor, they're still available on the market and offer a decent overall performance. They also have an ANC that does a good job of cutting down office chatter as well as the high-pitched hum of an AC unit.

Fans of EDM and hip-hop can really enjoy their excited v-shaped sound profile, which delivers intense thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. Overemphasis in the treble range also makes vocals and lead instruments bright and sparkly. These headphones have over 32 hours of continuous battery life, and you can use them passively via their 1/8" TRS cable if you prefer. Their comfortable, lightweight fit also makes it easy to wear them for long days at the office or on the go without feeling too much fatigue.

Unfortunately, they don't have a companion app and lack sound customization features like an EQ, so you can't adjust their sound to suit your tastes. While they come with a soft pouch to help keep dust from accumulating on them when you're not using them, this pouch won't protect your headphones from impact-related damage. However, if you're looking for wallet-friendly closed-back headphones, their solid ANC performance and comfortable fit make them a suitable choice for most users.