The Superlux HD 681 are budget-friendly, entry-level audiophile headphones. They stand out from the crowd thanks to their semi-open-back design, which helps them create an immersive audio experience. At the same time, they leak less audio than fully open-back headphones, which is handy if you don't want to disturb others around you. However, their build quality reflects their bargain price, so don't expect very durable headphones.
Our Verdict
The Superlux HD 681 are very good for neutral sound. These headphones have a semi-open-back design, allowing audio to escape from the ear cups and interact with your environment, creating a natural and immersive audio experience. While they lack low-bass rumble, their mid-range response has fantastic compliance with our target curve, so vocals and lead instruments sound clear and natural. Their treble range compliance is more inconsistent, though, and sibilants, like cymbals, can sound harsh and overly-bright.
- Natural and open passive soundstage.
- Deliver audio consistently.
- Comfortable fit.
- Non-detachable audio cable.
The Superlux HD 681 aren't intended for commuting or traveling. They have a semi-open-back design designed to leak audio and let in ambient sound. That means that you'll hear everything that's going on around you while passengers can also hear your audio. The headphones aren't very well-built either and have a bulky design that's hard to transport. However, they have a comfortable fit.
- Comfortable fit.
- Disappointing build quality.
- Not intended to block out background noise.
- High leakage, by design.
The Superlux HD 681 aren't a very good choice for sports and fitness. They're audiophile headphones and can easily fall off of your head with moderate movement. Their audio cable can also snag on something and yank them from your head.
- Comfortable fit.
- Can fall off of your head with moderate movement.
- Disappointing build quality.
- Not intended to block out background noise.
The Superlux HD 681 are poor for office use. They leak audio by design, so others around you will hear what you're listening to, and they don't block out background noise, meaning you'll hear all the details of chatty coworkers talking. On the upside, they're comfortable enough for long days at the office.
- Comfortable fit.
- Disappointing build quality.
- Not intended to block out background noise.
- High leakage, by design.
The Superlux HD 681 are wired headphones; you can't use them wirelessly.
The Superlux HD 681 are passable for wired gaming, so long as you don't need mic support or if you have your own standalone mic. They have a comfortable fit, and their neutral sound ensures that dialogue and instruments are accurately reproduced. Thanks to their semi-open-back design, they can also create a wide and natural soundstage, which can immerse you in your gameplay.
- Natural and open passive soundstage.
- Deliver audio consistently.
- Comfortable fit.
- Disappointing build quality.
- Not intended to block out background noise.
- No mic.
The Superlux HD 681 can't be used for phone calls by default since they don't have a mic. However, if you have a separate mic, these headphones have a comfortable fit, and their neutral sound ensures that speech is natural and clear.
Changelog
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Updated Jul 29, 2025:
We've updated the Sound Profile box with a link to a downloadable folder of EQ settings that will help you match these headphones' frequency response to different target curves available in our Graph Tool.
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Updated Dec 09, 2024:
The following test groups have been updated following Test Bench 1.6 and 1.7: Wired Connection, Noise Isolation - Full Range, Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios, and ANC Wind Handling. In addition, several Sound tests have been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Dec 02, 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.
- Updated Nov 27, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.7, which updates our Noise Isolation test. We've also expanded the scope of this test to include Common Scenarios in addition to Voice Handling and Wind Handling.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Superlux HD 681 come in one color variation: 'Black'. Please let us know in the forums if you encounter another variant of these headphones.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
If you're looking to dip your toes into high-res audio without breaking the bank, these cans have a semi-open-back design that helps create an open and natural soundstage that makes for a more immersive audio experience. Their sound profile is also neutral enough for a variety of audio content, although they sound a lot brighter than the Superlux HD 681 HD EVO. They're more comfortable than the Superlux HD 668B, which is good if you want to use them for long listening sessions. However, their plasticky build quality reflects their affordable price.
Check out our recommendations for the best headphones under $50, the best budget wireless headphones, and the best wired headphones.
The Superlux HD 681 are better for neutral sound than the Samson SR850. Both headphones have a similar semi-open design, but the Superlux have a more balanced sound profile, which some may prefer. They're also much more comfortable and breathable. However, the Samson have a significantly better build quality.
The Superlux HD 668B and the Superlux HD 681 are both very good headphones if you like a balanced sound. While they both can sound quite harsh and sharp, the HD 668B feature a slightly bassier default sound. While both have a similarly disappointing build quality, the HD 681 are a fair bit more comfortable to wear.
The Philips SHP9500 are somewhat better for neutral sound than the Superlux HD 681. The Philips are more comfortable, more breathable open-back headphones with a considerably better build. Sound is perceived as much more open and spacious as well. They share a similar sound profile that features balanced and articulate mids at the expense of bass extension and an overly-bright treble range.
While the Superlux HD 681 and the Superlux HD 681 EVO are similarly performing headphones, the HD 681 are better for neutral sound. They have a more balanced sound and a more natural passive soundstage. However, the HD 681 EVO have slightly better build quality and are a bit more stable on your head.
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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