The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are sturdy audiophile headphones. They're well-suited to professional applications, but their open-back design isn't ideal for everyday casual use. They feature a sturdy metal frame that can clamp tightly on the head and plastic earcups that won't help block any external noise.
Our Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't meant for sports use. They have a stable fit but are too cumbersome.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't designed for commuting. The open-back design intentionally doesn't isolate.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't designed for office use unless you work in an isolated environment.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are wired-only headphones and can't be used wirelessly.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are passable for wired gaming, so long as you don't need mic support or have your own standalone mic. They have an exciting sound with extra bass that can help emphasize sound effects while dialogue and instruments are crisp and bright. Their open-back design also ensures a somewhat open and spacious sound.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are a very good choice for audio reproduction accuracy. Their frequency response is well-aligned with our target curve, and there's little deviation from their overall bright sound profile. There's a bit of bass roll-off, which is to be expected with open-back headphones, and a boost in the mid-treble helps bring out audio artifacts during editing tasks. Their L/R drivers are generally well-matched, despite a mismatch in the phase that falls outside most people's audibility. They exhibit very little group delay and low levels of harmonic distortion, which is indicative of tight tolerances and solid quality control.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO have an open-back design that purposefully allows external audio in. As a result, they have a terrible noise isolation performance that leaves you at the mercy of pretty much all external noise, whether it's engine rumble or background chit-chat. They also leak a lot audio and aren't well-suited to quiet environments.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are wired headphones that don't have a built-in mic.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO have excellent frequency response consistency. Regardless of your face shape or facial features, you'll be able to achieve consistent audio delivery between reseats, and our frequency response results will be in line with what you experience.
- 6.0 Sports And Fitness
- 5.0 Travel
- 3.5 Office Work
- 4.5 Wireless Gaming (In Development)
- 6.4 Wired Gaming (In Development)
Performance Usages
- 7.9 Audio Reproduction Accuracy
- 2.2 Noise Isolation
- 0 Microphone (In Development)
- 8.5 Frequency Response Consistency
Changelog
-
Updated Apr 28, 2025:
We've updated the review to mention the Beyerdynamic DT1990 PRO MKII in the Wired Connection box.
-
Updated Apr 25, 2025:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests and side-by-sides.
- Updated Apr 25, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.0, which updates our sound tests and adds performance usages. You can read more about this in our changelog.
- Updated Sep 12, 2024: Several Sound tests have been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Sep 12, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.8, which updates our target curve and Sound tests. You can read more about this in our changelog.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO come in two different color variants: 'Black' and 'Gray'. We tested the 'Black' variant but expect other color variants to perform similarly. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are wired open-back headphones that are well-suited to professional audio applications or for audiophile use. They offer a more open sound than their closed-back sibling, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, but this comes at the expense of poor noise isolation, along with loud leakage. There's some roll-off in the bass range that's quite common in open-back designs, so it's worth looking at the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO if you're looking for open-backs with better bass extension.
See our recommendations for the best headphones under $200, the best audiophile headphones, and the best headphones for music.
Both the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 560S share open-backed designs. They also have broadly similar sound profiles, with the Beyerdynamic offering a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser have a more even top-end, but some may prefer the high-frequency sheen on the Beyerdynamic. The Beyerdynamic feel better built and comfortable, though they clamp a bit harder. On the other hand, the Sennheiser have a lighter-feeling fit, so choosing between them may come down to your personal taste.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 600. The Beyerdynamic offer a better value thanks to their excellent build quality and balanced sound profile. They feel a lot more durable than the Sennheiser and have better bass extension. While the two have similarly detailed mid-range responses, the Sennhesier don't sound as sharp as the Beyerdynamic on bright tracks. They also come with detachable cables.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are designed with different use cases and preferences in mind. The Beyerdynamic are better built and feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. Their open-back design gives them a wider, more immersive soundstage at the expense of leaking more audio. On the other hand, if you need headphones that provide some passive noise isolation or if you like to listen to listen to music where basslines and kicks are prominent, like techno and house, the Beyerdynamic are a safer choice.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 599 are both great headphones for audiophile use. The HD 599 are more comfortable for long listening sessions, while the DT 990 PRO are noticeably better-built and feel more durable, but have a tighter fit. Also, while both their sound profiles are very similar, the HD 599 may sound slightly more open than the DT 990 PRO. The DT 990 PRO come with a non-detachable coiled cable while the HD 599 come with two thin and detachable audio cables.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are both very good open-back headphones for neutral sound. While the Beyerdynamic have better bass extension, they also sound a bit sharp and piercing in the treble range. The Sennheiser have a smoother sound, with less sharpness in the treble but can't deliver as much bass as the Beyerdynamic. That said the Beyerdynamic are slightly better-built, while the Sennheiser have a weak point in their construction between the earcups and the metal frame.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 have a flatter sound than the balanced sound profile of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, which is a bit brighter, but you can use either for monitoring. The HiFiMan are a bit more versatile and don't need an amp, and they're more comfortable. However, the Beyerdynamic are better built, with a slightly better consistency between wearers. Plus, they're more breathable, and they include a pouch that protects the headphones from minor scratches and splashes.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are both open-back headphones that are well suited for audiophile use. The Sennheiser have a more consistent audio delivery and a wider, more immersive soundstage. However, the Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better-built, and they also come with a pouch to help protect the headphones. Both headphones lack low-bass and have very detailed mid-range reproduction, which is common among open-back headphones, but they differ in their treble range reproduction. The Sennheiser feature slightly recessed highs that can darken sibilants, whereas the Beyerdynamic are the inverse; with a brighter mid-treble reproduction that can make sibilants sound bright.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the AKG K702 are both great headphones for audiophiles and have very little difference in performance. Sound-wise, the AKG 's bass doesn't extend as low when compared to the Beyerdynamic. On the other hand, the AKG don't feel as tight on the head as the Beyerdynamic, which is more comfortable for long listening sessions. However, the AKG don’t feel as durable since they lack a full metal frame like the Beyerdynamic. The AKG also have a more open, immersive soundstage, and they come with a very long and detachable cable while the Beyerdynamic have a short, coiled cable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9500 are both very good audiophile headphones if you like a balanced sound, but they have slightly different sound profiles. The Beyerdynamic cans have a more robust build meant for professional settings. They also reproduce more bass, but their treble response sounds fairly sharp to some people. The Philips have a significant bass roll-off, but their treble is a bit less sharp, and they have a more open sound. They're also somewhat less fatiguing to wear for long listening sessions since they fit less tightly than the Beyerdynamic.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are two very good audiophile open-back headphones with similar frequency responses. Both feature a slightly tilted bass response and flat mids. That said the Sennheiser lack the Beyerdynamic's peak in the treble response that can render sibilants in a harsh way. The Beyerdynamic will be a better option if you care more about comfort and build quality though.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are slightly better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 598. They are noticeably better-built headphones and feel sturdier. They also don’t lack sub-bass as much sub-bass as the Sennheiser. However, they might sound a bit sharp for some and are a bit tight on the head. Also, the Sennheiser are more comfortable for long listening sessions, thanks to the nice padding and large cups. We’ve also measured that they were more open-sounding than the Beyerdynamic.
The main difference between these headphones is type: the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are open-backs, while the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are closed-backs. Open-backed headphones tend to produce a soundstage that feels a little more immersive, but they also leak more audio. Both of these headphones are well-built and offer fairly similar sound profiles, so choosing between them really comes down to whether you're in the market for open-backs or closed-backs.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X are similarly performing audiophile headphones with different strengths. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the PRO X have a different driver design that's advertised to reproduce loud sound without distortion, whether connected to an amp or a smartphone. They also have a wider and more out-of-head passive soundstage. However, the 990 PRO's mid and treble responses are more balanced, whereas the 900 PRO X features some dips in the low-mid and low-treble ranges that can impact their clarity. They 990 PRO use a coiled audio cable, but it isn't detachable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro are both open-back over-ears designed for analytical listening in the studio. While both headphones exhibit a similar degree of mismatch between the L/R drivers, the Sennheiser deliver your audio more consistently. They're also more comfortable, and you can choose between the two sets of pads provided to alter the sound profile, depending on the task at hand. The Beyerdynamic are better built, though, and their mid-range aligns more closely with our target curve, while the Sennheiser have better bass extension.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR offer slightly better value than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO if you're looking for open-back headphones for audiophile use. The Philips are more comfortable, with a wider and more open soundstage. Their treble range is also a bit more consistent between various users or reseats. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic feel more durable and stable and have less distortion at lower listening volumes.
The Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are over-ear headphones that deliver a balanced sound. Both headphones feature a slightly tilted bass response, with an overemphasis in the high-bass that helps compensate for the lack of low-bass; something that's commonly seen with open-backs. While both have balanced mid-ranges that help bring out the detail in vocals, the Beyerdynamic have a slight peak in the low-the mid-treble that can add sharpness to sibilants, whereas the Sennheiser sound more veiled in this range. The Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better built though, which makes them better suited to extended use.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC each provide better value for different purposes. The SteelSeries are wired gaming headphones that come with a powerful microphone and lots of customization options. The Beyerdynamic are studio headphones designed for mixing and mastering; however, they can be a viable option for gamers who don’t need a mic thanks to their comfortable fit and well-balanced, immersive sound.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO are the more premium version of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The main differences are that the DT 1990 PRO come with an extra pair of ear pads and another audio cable, which makes them more durable. They also come with a hard, but very bulky, case to protect the headphones. The DT 1990 PRO have a more prominent bass response and better bass extension than the DT 990 PRO. They have a much sharper and piercing treble though.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are the stepped-down version of the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII. They're both open-backed headphones and have a similar design. The MKII are built better and come with a hard carrying case and extra ear pads. In terms of sound signature, both headphones produce a well-balanced sound suitable for a variety of genres. The DT 990 PRO have a bit of extra high-bass and fewer fluctuations in the treble.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO are both very good headphones for audiophiles, but they have different sound profiles. Both headphones have a bright and clear treble. However, the DT 880 lack bass compared to the DT 990 PRO, which pack a stronger punch. This makes the DT 880 sound brighter compared to the DT 990, which can sound more balanced overall. Both headphones also sound rather sharp, but the intensity depends on how sensitive you are to the higher frequencies.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are better audiophile headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. Although they require quite an investment, the Sennheiser have a remarkably well-balanced sound signature with a spacious, natural sound, adhering to our target curve well. To get the most out of them, you'll want to consider adding an amp. The Beyerdynamic don't sound quite as immersive, but they can produce more bass and come at a more wallet-friendly price.
The AKG K712 PRO are slightly better open-back headphones overall than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The AKG are more comfortable, have a much wider sound, and deliver audio more consistently. While the two are a similar frequency response, that lacks low-bass but features detailed mids, the AKG have a wider, more immersive soundstage.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are designed with different uses in mind: the Beyerdynamic for analytical listening in the studio and the HyperX for gaming. That said, if you don't need a microphone, the DT 990 PRO can be a viable option for wired gaming thanks to their well-balanced sound profile. The Cloud Alpha have better padding for long gaming sessions, but they lack detail and brightness in the treble range, and some people find the closed-back design more fatiguing to wear over time.
While the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X are both great choices for critical listening, the Drop are a better choice for wired gaming. The Drop have volume controls and a boom mic to record your voice with body and clarity. They're also more comfortable. However, the Beyerdynamic are better built. The Beyerdynamic also have a touch more high-bass, which you might miss from the flatter-sounding Drop.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sony MDR-MV1 are evenly matched open-backs, so you may enjoy either, depending on your preferences. The Beyerdynamic are better-built and have a less harsh treble range. Conversely, the Sony are more comfortable and have a wider soundstage.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9600 are both open-back headphones that are good for audiophiles, and depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. Both have balanced sound profiles with a bit of extra punch in the bass range, but the Beyerdynamic's bass is more extended. The Beyerdynamic are also better-built and have a more stable fit. That said, the Philips are more comfortable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't designed specifically for gaming like the Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO are, but they're still a good choice for wired gaming. They're comfortable and more sturdily built than the Corsair and offer a lower bass extension. However, if you need a microphone to communicate with your teammates, you'll want to opt for the Corsair and their high-quality microphone. That said, if you prefer the sound profile of the Beyerdynamic but need to use a mic, you can always pick up a standalone microphone to pair it with.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are better for gaming than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The Astro are more comfortable and have companion software that offers sound customization features, though some users have reported issues using it. They also have a mic with a great performance and a better passive soundstage. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic are a bit better suited to casually listening to music and audio editing.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Audeze MM-100 are both wired, open-back audiophile headphones with slightly different strengths. The Audeze are better built using more premium materials, and their planar magnetic drivers allow for more interaction with the pinna, which can help create the impression of space. While both headphones have relatively balanced sound profiles, the Beyerdynamic have a more prominent bass that aligns more with our target. That said, the Beyerdynamic's slightly overemphasized treble can be fatiguing to listen to over long periods, which is less of an issue with the Audeze due to their veiled treble response, though the Audeze can sound too dark for some people's tastes.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two wired, over-ear headphones with very different uses. The Beyerdynamic are more suited for audiophiles, as they have a decently consistent frequency response and a more neutral sound profile. However, they don't have a microphone, controls, or companion software, so some may find them very limiting. The Astro, on the other hand, are gaming headphones that have controls so you can tweak your audio on the fly, they're slightly more comfortable, and their boom microphone does an excellent job of capturing your voice clearly, even in noisy environments. Even though they have a more inconsistent bass and treble delivery, they have companion software with a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to find the right sound for your needs. That said, some people have reported issues when trying to use the software.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HiFiMan HE-400i are both good headphones if you like a neutral sound. The HiFiMan have less bass, but they also sound less piercing. However, they feel a lot less durable, and there have been many reports of issues with their build quality. The Beyerdynamic feel much better-built, although their tight fit is less comfortable.
Test Results
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO have a bright sound profile that's well-suited to professional applications and any task that relies on hearing imperfections and small details in audio.
These headphones have excellent frequency response consistency. Regardless of your face shape, of if you have long hair or glasses, you'll experience similar audio delivery. There isn't a lot of deviation between reseats either, so once you find a good fit, you'll experience consistent audio delivery.
These headphones do an excellent job at following our bass compliance target. The bass response is tilted across the whole range, so while there's some underemphasis in the low-bass, the high-bass is boosted somewhat. As a result, EDM and hip-hop tracks that utilize sub-bass elements, like 808s, will lacks boom and rumble. That said, the boosted high-bass means you'll still hear the attack of kick drums and bass guitars clearly.
These headphones do outstandingly well at following our mid-range target, with almost no deviations at all. This means that mid-range elements, including vocals and lead instruments, sound extremely natural and well-balanced in relation to each other.
Their compliance with our treble target is superb. The lower part of this range is well-balanced and renders the upper harmonics of vocals in a detailed, transparent way. There's some over-emphasis in the middle of the range though, that adds some zing to percussion and cymbals.
These headphones have a good peaks and dips performance, meaning the frequency response doesn't deviate much from their bright sound profile. The treble range features a few small peaks that can add brightness to sibilants.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO have very good stereo mismatch performance. The L/R drivers are very well-matched in terms of frequency and amplitude, with neither channel audibly louder than the other in any frequency range. They do exhibit a phase mismatch in the high treble, though. This mismatch occurs in a range that we lose sensitivity to over time, though, so it's unlikely to be audible in everyday content.
The group delay performance is good. Group delay mostly falls under the audibility threshold across the entire range, with only one spike in the mid-bass region. Given these headphones don't reproduce too much low-bass anyway, you're unlikely to be able to hear this. Otherwise, the treble reproduction is transparent and transients in the bass-range are tight and snappy.
These headphones have a disappointing PRTF performance. Their open-back design allows for some interaction between the sound produced and your outer ear, which results in a more open sound. That said, it lacks the width of other open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, so audio seems like it's coming from inside your head rather than from speakers positioned around you.
The harmonic distortion performance is outstanding. There's very little coloration of your audio due to unintended harmonics, even at elevated listening levels, and certainly no audible distortion.
These headphones are only available in a 250-ohm variant, and we'd recommend pairing them with an amp to help drive them. They'll lack bass and volume when connected directly to mobile end devices.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 are decent-looking reference headphones. They have a relatively compact and utilitarian design. However, the materials used in their build give them a little more flare and high-end appeal. The ear cups are covered in a suede-like fabric. The headband is made completely of metal and has a stylish and detachable padding cover.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones but are a bit tight on your head. They have large, well-padded ear cups that fit comfortably around most listeners' ears. However, the headband is a little too rigid, which make the headphones tight enough to become uncomfortable during long listening sessions. If you want open-back headphones that are a bit more comfortable, check out the Philips SHP9600 or the Philips Fidelio X2HR.
Like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 and the Beyerdynamic DT 880, the Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO aren't designed with portability in mind. They're big and bulky and don't fold into a more compact format or have swiveling ear cups that lay flat to take up less storage space. They're on the larger side for over-ear headphones and would only fit in a bag or a big purse.
These headphones come with a soft pouch that doesn't add much bulk but doesn't offer much protection. They would be safe from scratches but not from falls. On the upside, the fabric is somewhat waterproof and will shield the headphones from minor water damage.
They have a solid, sturdy build, just like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X. The headband has a rugged metal frame that can handle a decent amount of physical stress. Unfortunately, the open-back ear cups are made of plastic, which makes them less durable compared to the rest of their build, but they're dense enough not to get damaged from a couple of drops.
These headphones are moderately stable on your head. They aren't designed for sports and will slip off your ears during high-intensity physical activities or while running. However, the tight fit these headphones provide is more than enough to keep the headphones on your head during casual listening sessions.
They have poor noise isolation. Due to their open-back design, these headphones offer no isolation in the bass or mid-range and only a slight amount of passive isolation in the treble range, thanks to their over-ear fit.
These headphones are bad at isolating you against common scenarios. Their open-back design means you're mostly at the mercy of the noise around you, whether this is the rumble of airplane engines, the hustle and bustle of a busy street, or the sounds of a busy office.
These headphones leak a lot of audio. Even if you're listening to audio at moderate volumes, others around you can hear it.
These headphones have a built-in coiled audio cable. It has negligible audio lag, which is good for working with latency-sensitive content. If you're concerned about future repairs or the cable's longevity, check out the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII; they sound very similar to the DT 990 but come with some extras, including two detachable cables.
These headphones have audio compatibility with PCs when plugged into your PC's headphone port. That said, you'll need an external mic if you want to send audio.
These headphones feature audio compatibility with PlayStation family consoles, though you'll need to purchase a standalone mic if you want to communicate with your teammates.
These headphones feature audio compatibility with Xbox family consoles, though you'll need to pick up a separate mic if you want to communicate with your teammates.