Open-back headphones can make music sound spacious and less closed in than closed-back models, making them appealing for listening at home. However, they let in background noise and leak sound that can disturb others, so they're best suited to relatively quiet spaces. When choosing a pair of open-backs, consider how comfortable they are, your preferred sound signature, and whether your device can drive them to your preferred volume. If you're still not sure if you'd be better off with a pair of open-backs or closed-backs, check out our guide to the key differences between them.
We've tested over 915 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the seven best headphones with an open-back design that you can buy. If you're still looking for more headphones, look at our recommendations for the best audiophile headphones and the best headphones for music. If you need noise isolation for commuting or shared spaces, consider our recommendations for closed-back headphones.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Open-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureFlatThe best open-back headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These premium dynamic-driver headphones deliver impressive sound quality and offer the most spacious-feeling audio of all the headphones in this lineup. But they're expensive. Aside from the cost of the headphones, you may also need a headphone amp if your device can't drive them to your preferred volume, which adds to your overall expenditure. However, if you want headphones that lend your audio the characteristic spaciousness of a pair of speakers in a room, these are the best around. They also have 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, they have a bit of extra high bass to add warmth to the mix. Instruments and vocals sound clear and natural. Their balanced sound profile is suitable for all types of audio content. However, if you prefer a warmer, bassier sound, check out the Audeze LCD-X, which we discuss further down the page. That said, if you've the cash to spend and are after speaker-like immersion and a comfortable, barely-there fit, it's hard to look past the Sennheiser.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Open-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureBrightThe best upper mid-range open-back headphones we've tested are the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version. These planar magnetic headphones have a comfortable, sturdy design. They're also quite a bit cheaper than the Sennheiser HD 800 S, but you have to make a few trade-offs in exchange for those savings. First, the HiFiMan can't produce as immersive or speaker-like a sound as the Sennheiser. Second, they're heavier and less secure on the head, which can make them less comfortable for long listening or mixing sessions. Finally, their construction also feels a bit less sturdy, though that's reasonable given they cost less than half as much.
On the plus side, they also offer a thumpier, punchier low-end than the Sennheiser, which fans of genres like techno may appreciate. The rest of the frequency range is also well balanced, so voices and instruments alike sound true to life. Their treble range is detailed and clear, making it easy to hear details like pick attacks on acoustic guitars. Their slightly bright sound signature also suits listeners who like hearing all the higher-pitched details in their music. Cymbals, for example, sound crisp and clear. If you prefer a slightly warmer sound, check out our next pick, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO.
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Best Mid-Range Open-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureBalancedFor a cheaper alternative to the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version with a slightly smoother sound, consider the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO. They don't feel quite as sturdy as the HiFiMan, but these are still an excellent choice for listeners who enjoy a balanced sound. They put out a similar amount of bass to the HiFiMan (which is still noticeably more than the Sennheiser HD 800 S) but have a slightly smoother sound, which some listeners may prefer. Vocals still have plenty of clarity and detail, but sounds like cymbals are quieter in the mix than they are with the HiFiMan. Whether you prefer that is a matter of taste. It's worth noting that these headphones don't produce as speaker-like a sound as either of our top two picks.
Still, these headphones are pretty easy to drive, so you likely won't need a headphone amp with most devices. Your phone and laptop should work fine. They also offer 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 slightly alter the sound signature, giving you some extra physical customizability. If you wear glasses, the earpads have grooves designed to accommodate the arms of your frames. Glasses can otherwise leave gaps between the pads and your head, which can cause a drop in bass response. However, the groove means that wearing glasses is less likely to leave your music sounding thin.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Open-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureFlatThe Sennheiser HD 560S are a more affordable alternative to the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO for listeners in search of a balanced sound and a lightweight, comfortable fit. The main trade-offs are build quality and bass response. These headphones don't feel as premium as the more expensive picks on this list, but their more plasticky design also keeps them lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods. They're pretty stable on the head, too, so if you're an active listener who likes to headbang to your favorite Haken tunes, these are a good pickup.
Still, their sound lacks a little low-end thump, especially compared to the impressive bass of the HD 490 PRO. But their balanced sound is great for everything from podcasts to pop music. Instruments sound true-to-life, and vocals have enough clarity to cut through dense mixes. If you do prefer more bass at this price point and are set on open-backs, it might be worth taking some time to experiment with EQing your headphones. You might be surprised how much punch you can gain with a simple low-frequency boost, and the side effects are minimal.
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Best Budget Open-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureFlatIf you want to dip your toes into the world of open-backs without investing too much, try the Philips SHP9500. These entry-level over-ears are decently built for the price, but not as stable or durable as the more expensive Sennheiser HD 560S, and the fabric on their earpads can tear over time. The swiveling ear cups also feel a little loose, so they're better suited for relaxed listening than swaying your head to the beat.
On the plus side, their flat, detailed sound is tuned for accuracy, so voices and instruments sound realistic. That makes these cans a great choice for acoustic and vocal-driven music. However, unlike pricier options such as the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, the Philips headphones' lack of low-end punch means fans of genres like techno or deep house might find the groove a little lacking in their favorite tunes. If you want more thump at a similar price point, the Superlux HD 681 are worth considering. They offer a fuller bass range, but they're less comfortable and breathable than the Philips, which also feel significantly better built and have a smoother, less piercing treble range.
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Best Warm Sound Profile Open-Back Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureWarmThe Audeze LCD-X are an audiophile favorite for their thumpy yet controlled low-end and warm, smooth sound. They deliver more punch in the bass than other premium open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, but don't sacrifice much mid-range accuracy to do so. Instruments sound accurate, with plenty of detail and presence. The Sennheiser's brighter treble means they sound a bit more detailed than the Audeze, but many listeners prefer the latter's more laid-back presentation, especially over long listening sessions when ear fatigue can creep in.
The Audeze are noticeably heavier than the Sennheiser headphones, though both pairs offer a premium build quality, which you'd expect given their price. Despite the extra weight, the Audeze remain comfortable enough for long mixing or listening sessions. If there's one downside to the more relaxed tuning, it's that the high-mids and low-treble are a touch subdued. That means voices can sound a bit recessed, especially in dense mixes. If you prefer a slightly flatter, more detailed response in that region, the Audeze MM-500 are a great alternative. However, those are more expensive than the LCD-X and offer a touch less thump in the bass. It's also worth noting that neither Audeze model can quite match the wide, speaker-like soundstage of the Sennheiser HD 800 S, which remain the benchmark for spacious, immersive listening.
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Best Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyPeaks/DipsStereo MismatchSee all our test resultsSound SignatureFlatWhile 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, the ASUS ROG Kithara are a better fit. These open-back gaming headphones were co-developed with HiFiMan and feel more like studio headphones than a typical gaming headset. Their flat tuning keeps dialogue, soundtracks, and small in-game details clear, and their excellent driver matching helps you accurately locate enemy footsteps. Like most open-backs, they don't deliver much low-bass rumble, so explosions and cinematic cutscenes won't feel as thumpy and immersive as they do on bassier gaming headsets, but there's enough high-bass to ensure bassy sound effects don't disappear entirely.
Their boom mic captures your voice naturally and keeps you easy to understand, but it doesn't have dedicated noise reduction and picks up a lot of your surroundings. They're also wired-only and don't have companion software to customize their sound. If you want open-back gaming headphones with more versatile connectivity options, consider the Turtle Beach Atlas Air. You can use the Turtle Beach wirelessly via their low-latency USB dongle or wired with their analog cable, and their companion app gives you access to EQ, game/chat mix, virtual surround, and mic controls. Their mic also handles noise better than the ASUS, but their brighter sound is less flat and can make some dialogue and sound effects, like clashing swords, seem a touch piercing.
Notable Mentions
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Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000:
If you're looking for premium open-back headphones but can't stretch the budget to the Sennheiser HD 800 S, then the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 are well worth considering. Like the Sennheiser, the Audio-Technica have a flat mid-range that reproduces all kinds of audio content well, but they can't match their more expensive rivals for perceived sense of depth and width.
See our review -
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII:
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII are premium open-backs that are a bit more robustly built than the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO. Both headphones include extra earpads and cables, but the Beyerdynamic headphones include a case. Still, their frequency response isn't as smooth as the Sennheiser's, with a brighter sound that some might find a touch piercing.
See our review -
HiFiMan Edition XS:
The HiFiMan Edition XS are a solid alternative to the Sennheiser HD 560S. The HiFiMan offer a thumpier low-end, making them a great choice for modern genres like techno and hip-hop. But the trade-off is a less well-controlled treble, so sounds like cymbals can be rendered a touch piercing at times, and they're not as comfortable for long listening sessions as the Sennheiser.
See our review -
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO:
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are lower mid-range headphones with better build quality than the Sennheiser HD 560S and a fuller-bodied sound, thanks to their added high bass, which some users may prefer for adding thickness to basslines. However, their cable isn't detachable, so replacing it requires a repair rather than simply plugging in a new one.
See our review -
Sennheiser HD 6XX:
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are wired headphones with a more controlled treble than the Sennheiser HD 560S. That said, both pairs have fairly similar sound profiles, with the HD 560S offering a little more bass. The choice may come down to taste or availability, since the HD 560S are more widely available.
See our review -
Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO:
The Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO are passive, open-back, wired gaming headphones like the ASUS ROG Kithara. They have much more bass energy, which can make explosions and soundtracks feel fuller, but that extra bass can also make dialogue sound a bit muddy. The ASUS headphones are also more comfortable and come with extra connector adapters.
See our review
Recent Updates
Sep 11, 2026:
We've clarified some of the tradeoffs you make when moving between pricing tiers.
Jun 18, 2026:
The ASUS ROG Kithara are our new recommendation for gaming-focused open-back headphones because of their flat sound and strong mic performance.
Mar 19, 2026:
We've edited this text for clarity and brevity but haven't changed our picks.
Nov 18, 2025:
Our new upper mid-range pick is the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version for their bright, accurate sound. The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are now our mid-range pick. The Philips SHP9500 replace the Superlux HD 681 as our budget pick since they have a fully open-back design, and we also added the Audeze LCD-X as a new 'Best Warm Sound Profile' pick. Finally, we added the Sennheiser HD 6XX to our Notable Mentions in place of the Philips Fidelio X2HR.
Jul 22, 2025:
We added the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 to our Notable Mentions as a cheaper alternative to the Sennheiser HD 800 S. We also updated this text throughout to align with Test Bench 2.0. Finally, we added a new summary feature to help our readers more easily identify the right headphones for their needs.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best headphones with an open-back design for most people to buy. 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'd like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for open-back headphones. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste and preference will matter more in your selection.