The 6 Best Open-Back Headphones of 2025

The best open-back headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These premium dynamic driver headphones are the best for sound but are definitely an investment. Aside from the cost of the headphones, you'll need a powerful amp or audio interface to use them, which is an extra expense if you don't already have one. However, if you want the best, these create an outstanding passive soundstage that's natural, spacious, and open. They offer an excellent build quality and a very comfortable fit for most people, so you can listen for hours without experiencing much fatigue.

Although they lack a thumpy low-bass due to their open-back design, they have a bit of extra high-bass to add warmth to the mix. Instruments and vocals sound clear and natural. Overall, they have a neutral sound profile that's suitable for a variety of genres. However, if you want more bass extension, you might want headphones with planar magnetic drivers, like the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version. Their design allows them to reproduce low-bass more accurately and improves their soundstage. The complex design of planar magnetic drivers means performance is more likely to vary between units, and they're heavier, which can feel tiresome over a long session compared to the Sennheiser.

If you want to save some cash, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are worth checking out for a dynamic driver design that won't destroy your bank account. They aren't as well-built as our top pick, the Sennheiser HD 800 S, but the HD 490 PRO are still an excellent choice for listeners who prefer a balanced sound. They have a bit more bass than the HD 800 S and a slightly different tuning in the treble range, but vocals and instruments are still present, detailed, and clear. They're easier to drive than the HD 800 S, so you likely won't need a headphone amp with most devices.

They have consistent audio delivery, so you don't need to worry too much about their sound changing depending on the headphones' fit and positioning on your head. They also have a second set of earpads that change the sound signature a bit, meaning you have access to some extra physical customizability. Plus, if you wear glasses, the ear pads have contours meant to fit around them without negatively affecting the bass response.

The best mid-range open-back headphones we've tested are the HiFiMan Sundara 2020. These are a pair of planar magnetic headphones with a comfortable, sturdy design. They're quite a bit cheaper than the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, but the tradeoff is that they underdeliver in low- and mid-bass, so your audio lacks rumble and punch compared to the previous pick. That said, their high-bass response ensures your audio has warmth and fullness, and the rest of the frequency range is very well-balanced, with detailed, bright instruments that don't sound piercing.

Some listeners may prefer their stretchy headband design, which can make them quite comfortable, but they clamp harder and weigh more than the HD 490 PRO. Their accompanying accessories are a bit more sparse which can add up as extra costs, too; you only get a single set of ear pads, and the Y-cable is less convenient than the locking cable on the HD 490 PRO.

Audiophile headphones tend to take a hit in performance once you get into the lower mid-range price point, but the Sennheiser HD 560S avoid that pitfall. These have a decent, albeit more plasticky, build quality and use dynamic drivers, which is typical at this price point and helps keep them fairly lightweight compared to the chunkier HiFiMan Sundara 2020. That said, the Sennheiser are more stable, so if you're an active listener, that's a bonus, and they feel comfortable for long sessions.

Like most open-back headphones, their sound lacks a little low-bass thump, but there's a bit of emphasis in the mid- to high-bass range that adds some extra warmth and boom to kick drums. The overall response is balanced though, so voices and instruments are reproduced accurately. Even so, if you prefer a slightly warmer top-end, the HiFiMan might be preferable.

If you want to dip your toes into the world of open-backs without investing too much, try the Superlux HD 681. These entry-level over-ears are semi-open-back headphones. This design means they leak less audio than their fully open counterparts, like the Sennheiser HD 560S, and block out slightly more ambient sound, although you'll still hear most noise around you. At the same time, they can create a more open, wide, and immersive soundstage than closed-back headphones.

These comfortable headphones reproduce similar amounts of low-bass as other picks on this list, though they're certainly considerably brighter overall than the Sennheiser HD 560S. While vocals and instruments are clear and natural, sibilants like hi-hats are relatively piercing. As you'd expect from budget-level cans, their build quality isn't very good, and they feel somewhat flimsy and plasticky. For more durable headphones, it's worth considering the Philips SHP9500, which are better built and fully open-back but cost a bit more.

While you can use any of the previous picks for gaming, none come with a microphone, so if you don't have a standalone mic and want headphones with one built in, it's worth considering the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X instead. Their great boom mic makes your voice clear and natural over team chat. They can also create a wider and more spacious-seeming passive soundstage than most closed-back gaming headsets.

They're very comfortable and come with a choice of microfiber or velour ear cup padding, which is nice if you have a preference. Their sound profile is well-balanced, with an accurate mid-range for easily parsing out dialogue. However, they lack low-bass like most open-backs, and the treble is a bit dull. Like the wired-only headphones on this list, they lack companion software with sound customization features like an EQ. If you like to fine-tune your audio using an app and value gamer-centric features like more extensive on-ear controls, consider the Turtle Beach Atlas Air. These open-backs can be used wirelessly as well as wired, which adds to their flexibility. They also have a better mic than the Drop + Sennheiser. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach aren't quite as comfortable as our pick.