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Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.5
Reviewed Jun 24, 2016 at 11:53 am
Latest change: Test bench update Jun 29, 2021 at 10:36 am
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Picture
8.1
Neutral Sound
4.0
Commute/Travel
5.6
Sports/Fitness
4.7
Office
4.5
Wireless Gaming
6.5
Wired Gaming
1.7
Phone Calls

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are sturdy critical listening headphones. They deliver an excellent audio reproduction but their open-back design is not ideal for everyday casual use. They will leak a lot, even at low volumes and don't block any ambient noise. They're also a bit tight on the head.

Our Verdict

8.1 Neutral Sound

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are excellent neutral listing headphones. They reproduce a lot of detail in high-resolution tracks and have a clear and crisp sound quality with a spacious soundstage. They may sound a bit sharp at times, as the treble range is slightly too emphasized, but bass, instruments, and vocals are well-balanced and reproduced with high-fidelity.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable build.
  • Great, open audio reproduction.
  • Stable and well-padded.
Cons
  • Loud leakage, by design.
  • No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
  • Slightly tight on the head.
4.0 Commute/Travel

Not designed for commuting. The open back design of the Beyerdynamic DT990 intentionally does not isolate.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable build.
  • Great, open audio reproduction.
  • Stable and well-padded.
Cons
  • Loud leakage, by design.
  • No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
  • Slightly tight on the head.
5.6 Sports/Fitness

No meant for sports use. They're stable but too cumbersome.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable build.
  • Great, open audio reproduction.
  • Stable and well-padded.
Cons
  • Loud leakage, by design.
  • No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
  • Slightly tight on the head.
4.7 Office

Not designed for office use. Unless you work in an isolated environment.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable build.
  • Great, open audio reproduction.
  • Stable and well-padded.
Cons
  • Loud leakage, by design.
  • No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
  • Slightly tight on the head.
6.5 Wired Gaming

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable build.
  • Great, open audio reproduction.
  • Stable and well-padded.
Cons
  • Loud leakage, by design.
  • No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
  • Slightly tight on the head.
1.7 Phone Calls
  • 8.1 Neutral Sound
  • 4.0 Commute/Travel
  • 5.6 Sports/Fitness
  • 4.7 Office
  • 4.5 Wireless Gaming
  • 6.5 Wired Gaming
  • 1.7 Phone Calls
  1. Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
  2. Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
  3. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
  4. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
  5. Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
  6. Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  7. Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  8. Updated Jun 24, 2016: Review published.

Compared To Other Headphones

Sennheiser HD 560S

The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The Sennheiser are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, and have a better passive soundstage performance. However, the Beyerdynamic feel better built.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are slightly better critical listening headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO thanks to their open-back design. Both headphones are similarly built and are comfortable. They are practically the same headphones, but the 990 are open and the 770 are closed-backs.

Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

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 neutral. They also use a coiled audio cable, but it isn't detachable.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO are a more premium model than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, but both headphones are fairly similar. The main differences are that the DT 1990 PRO come with an extra pair of ear pads and another audio cable. This also means that the DT 1990 PRO have detachable and replaceable cables, which makes them more durable. They also come with a hard, but very bulky, case to protect the headphones. The DT 1990 PRO also doesn’t have a bass roll-off like the DT 990 and will be able to reproduce deeper frequencies down to 10Hz.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are better headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, especially if you listen in a quiet room where you can take advantage of their open-back design. The Beyerdynamic are also better-built and feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. On the other hand, if you need good critical listening headphones for your commute or if you like to listen to music in quiet environments like a library, the closed-back Audio-Technica will be a better option since they isolate more and leak less, thanks to their closed-backs.

Sennheiser HD 600

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 great audio reproduction. They feel a lot more durable than the Sennheiser and have a slightly better sound that packs more bass. However, the Sennheiser have a slightly better representation of instruments and vocals in the mid-range and do not sound as sharp as the Beyerdynamic on bright tracks. They also have a slightly more spacious soundstage than the Beyerdynamic and come with detachable cables.

Philips Fidelio X2HR

The Philips Fidelio X2HR are slightly better open-back headphones for neutral sound listening than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The Philips are more comfortable, have a less over-emphasized bass range, and a much 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.

HiFiMan Sundara 2020

The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are better for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. Both pairs have very neutral sound profiles, but the HiFiMan are more comfortable and have a more accurate treble response, which some listeners may prefer. They also have a much better passive soundstage performance and deliver audio more consistently. However, the Beyerdynamic are better-built, more breathable, and come with a pouch that should protect the headphones from minor scratches and splashes.

Philips SHP9500

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9500 are both very good audiophile headphones if you like a neutral sound, but they have different sound profiles. The Beyerdynamic get more bass, but they also sound fairly sharp and even piercing to some people. The Philips have a significant bass roll-off, but their treble is much better-balanced and they have a more natural soundstage. They're also less fatiguing to wear for long listening sessions since they fit less tightly than the Beyerdynamic.

Sennheiser HD 6XX

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are both open-back headphones, but the Sennheiser are a bit better for neutral sound. The Sennheiser have a more consistent audio delivery and a better soundstage. Also, their sound profile is more balanced and neutral. However, the Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better-built, and they also come with a pouch to help protect the headphones.

AKG K702

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the AKG K702 are both great headphones for critical listeners and have very little difference in performance. Sound-wise, the AKG might lack a bit of sub-bass when compared to the Beyerdynamic and could sound a bit sharper on higher frequencies. On the other hand, the AKG don't feel as tight as the Beyerdynamic, which is more comfortable for long listening sessions. However, the AKG are well-built but don’t feel as durable since they don’t have a full metal frame like the Beyerdynamic. The AKG are also a bit more open-sounding, and they come with a very long and detachable cable while the Beyerdynamic have a short, coiled cable.

Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee

The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are two very good critical listening open-back headphones but shine in different categories. If you care more about comfort and build quality, the Beyerdynamic will be a better option. On the other hand, sound-wise, the Sennheiser are slightly better and have less harmonic distortion, but this might not be audible for most. If you’re looking for a good mid-range critical listening open-back headphones, both the Sennheiser and the Beyerdynamic are great options.

Sennheiser HD 598

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 like the Sennheiser do. 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.

Sennheiser HD 599

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 599 are both great headphones for neutral sound, but 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.

Sennheiser HD 650

The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are both very good open-back headphones for neutral listening. While the Beyerdynamic get more bass, they also sound a bit sharp and piercing. The Sennheiser have a smoother sound with less sharpness in the treble but lack bass.

AKG K712 PRO

The AKG K712 PRO are slightly better open-back headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The AKG are more comfortable, have a much wider soundstage, and are much more consistent among users. The Beyerdynamic are also a bit less bass-heavy, though the AKG are a bit brighter sounding.

HyperX Cloud Alpha

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are designed with different uses in mind: the Beyerdynamic for critical 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.

Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019

The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are better for most uses 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 have a somewhat more neutral sound profile, with much better treble accuracy than the Astro's default sound profile. 

SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC

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.

Beyerdynamic DT 880

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO are both very good headphones for critical listening, 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 sound boomier. Both headphones also sound rather sharp, but the intensity depends on how sensitive you are to the higher frequencies.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are much better audiophile headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, although they require quite the investment. With the right setup, the Sennheiser have a remarkably well-balanced sound signature with a spacious, natural soundstage. They need a powerful amplifier, though, and lack a bit of bass. The Beyerdynamic don't sound quite as immersive, but they get more bass and are a lot more affordable.

Drop + Sennheiser PC38X

While the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X are both great choices for neutral sound, the Drop are a better choice for wired gaming. The Drop have a boom mic to record your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments. They're also more comfortable and have a mic as well as volume controls. However, the Beyerdynamic are better built. 

HiFiMan HE-400i

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. They have a much more immersive soundstage as well. 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.

Philips SHP9600

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9600 are both open-back headphones that are good for neutral sound, 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, and their audio delivery is more consistent.

AKG Q701

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are slightly better headphones than the AKG Q701. The Beyerdynamic sound quality is excellent, and their bass is surprising for open-backs. They also have a better build than the AKG and feel sturdier. However, the Beyerdynamic are tight on the head, which also means they are more stable, but some may feel discomfort and fatigue after a while. The AKG have a better soundstage and come with an extra-long cable that is detachable, unlike the Beyerdynamic's coiled cable. Overall, the cheaper price of the Beyerdynamic makes them a better selection.

RØDE NTH-100

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are better headphones for neutral sound than the RØDE NTH-100. The Beyerdynamic are open-back headphones, so they can create a more immersive audio experience as sound can leave the ear cups and interact with the environment around you. They also have a flatter, more accurate sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their build quality is higher. However, you may still want to consider the RØDE if you're looking for closed-back professional headphones. They're able to block out a bit more ambient noise than the Beyerdynamic, although it may not be enough if you're in a very noisy environment, and they leak less audio at high volumes. They also have a detachable audio cable.

Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017

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 critical listeners 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. 

Beats Solo Pro Wireless

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beats Solo Pro have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The Beyerdynamic are over-ears designed for audiophiles. They're more comfortable and have a more immersive passive soundstage. However, the Beats are better for casual use. They have an ANC system and can significantly block out more background noise. They also have a wireless design and have an H1 chip, so you can pair them with other devices in your Apple ecosystem.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Open-Back
Wireless No
Transducer Dynamic

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 are decent-looking reference headphones. They have a relatively compact and utilitarian design. However, the materials used in their build gives them a little more flare and high-end appeal. The ear cups are covered in a suede-like fabric. The headband is completely made out of metal and has a stylish and detachable padding cover.

7.5
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.6 lbs
Clamping Force
1.4 lbs

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones but a bit tight on your head. They have well-padded and large 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.

0
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
No Controls
Ease Of Use No Controls
Feedback No Controls
Call/Music Control No
Volume Control No
Microphone Control No
Channel Mixing
No
Noise Cancelling Control No
Talk-Through
No
Additional Controls No
7.4
Design
Breathability
Avg.Temp.Difference 3.3 °C
5.8
Design
Portability
L 7.6" (19.3 cm)
W 5.5" (14.0 cm)
H 3.3" (8.4 cm)
Volume 137.00 in³ (2,245.02 cm³)
Transmitter Required No

Like the DT 770 and the DT 880, the Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO are not designed to be highly portable. They're big and bulky and do not fold into a more compact format or have swiveling ear cups that lay flat to take up less storage space. They are on the larger side for over-ear headphones and would only fit in a bag or a big purse.

6.5
Design
Case
Type Pouch
L N/A
W N/A
H N/A
Volume N/A

These headphones come with a soft pouch that doesn't add much bulk but also does not 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.

8.0
Design
Build Quality

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 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. The open-back ear cups are, unfortunately, made of plastic which makes them less durable compared to the rest of their build, but they are dense enough, to not get damaged from a couple of drops.

7.0
Design
Stability

The Beyerdynamic DT990 headphones are moderately stable on your head. They are not 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.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones
  • 1/8" to 1/4" Adapter
  • Manual
  • Carrying pouch

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Bass Amount
-0.66 dB
Treble Amount
-0.08 dB
7.2
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.57 dB
Sound
Raw Frequency Response
8.0
Sound
Bass Accuracy
Std. Err.
2.89 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
28.7 Hz
Low-Bass
-1.59 dB
Mid-Bass
2.47 dB
High-Bass
4.39 dB
9.1
Sound
Mid Accuracy
Std. Err.
1.18 dB
Low-Mid
1.58 dB
Mid-Mid
-0.19 dB
High-Mid
0.01 dB
7.9
Sound
Treble Accuracy
Std. Err.
3.14 dB
Low-Treble
-0.02 dB
Mid-Treble
3.67 dB
High-Treble
-0.79 dB
7.7
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
1.49 dB
Dips
1.05 dB
8.7
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.17
Weighted Phase Mismatch
1.95
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.79
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.86
6.9
Sound
Passive Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
2.35 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
1.4 dB
PRTF Distance
8.49 dB
Openness
9.4
Acoustic Space Excitation
8.1

For open-back headphones with a better passive soundstage performance, check out the Sennheiser HD 6XX.

0
Sound
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
No
Speaker Modeling
No
Room Ambience
No
Head Tracking
No
Virtual Surround
No App
8.4
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.070
WHD @ 100
0.153
Sound
Test Settings
Firmware
No Firmware
Power
Passive
Connection
Wired
Codec
PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
EQ
No EQ
ANC
No ANC
Tip/Pad
Default
Microphone
No Microphone
Isolation
1.6
Isolation
Noise Isolation
Isolation Audio
Overall Attenuation
-5.01 dB
Noise Cancelling No
Bass
0.12 dB
Mid
0.4 dB
Treble
-15.25 dB

Poor isolation. Due to their open-back design, these headphones don't offer any isolation below 1KHz. Above 1KHz, there is a 4dB/Octave roll-off present, which will have a minimal impact of blocking outside noise.

2.6
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
59.71 dB

Poor leakage. Although the profile of the leakage is quite broad, wider than K702, the general level is lower than most open headphones we have measured. Yet, these headphones still qualify as very open and not suitable where privacy is needed.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
No
In-Line
No
Boom
No
Detachable Boom
No
Mic No
0
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
N/A
LFE
N/A
FR Std. Dev.
N/A
HFE
N/A
Weighted THD
N/A
Gain
N/A
0
Microphone
Noise Handling
SpNR
N/A
Noise Gate
No
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
N/A
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample N/A
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
N/A
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample N/A
Active Features
0
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
No Battery
Continuous Battery Life
N/A
Additional Charges
N/A
Total Battery Life
N/A
Charge Time
N/A
Power-Saving Feature
No
Audio While Charging
No
Passive Playback
Passive Headphone
Charging Port None
0
Active Features
App Support
App Name No App
iOS No
Android No
macOS No
Windows No
Equalizer
No
ANC Control
No
Mic Control No
Room Effects
No
Playback Control
No
Button Mapping No
Surround Support
No

No compatible app.

Connectivity
0
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
No Bluetooth
Multi-Device Pairing
No
NFC Pairing
No
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
PC Latency (SBC)
N/A
PC Latency (aptX)
N/A
PC Latency (aptX HD)
N/A
PC Latency (aptX-LL)
N/A
iOS Latency
N/A
Android Latency
N/A
0
Connectivity
Non-Bluetooth Wireless
Non-BT Line Of Sight Range
N/A
Non-BT Latency
N/A
9.0
Connectivity
Wired
Analog Audio
Yes
USB Audio
No
Detachable No
Length 3.77 ft (1.15 m)
Connection
1/8" TRS
Analog/USB Audio Latency
0 ms
Connectivity
PC Compatibility
Analog
Audio Only
Wired USB
No
Non-BT Wireless
No
Connectivity
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
Audio Only
PS4 Wired USB
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
No
PS5 Analog
Audio Only
PS5 Wired USB
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
No
Connectivity
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio Only
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
No
Xbox Series X|S Analog
Audio Only
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No
0
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
No Base/Dock
USB Input
No
Line In
No
Line Out
No
Optical Input
No
RCA Input
No
Dock Charging
No
Power Supply
No Base/Dock

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