The Best Open Back Headphones of 2024
The Best Open Back Headphones of 2024
Your playlist deserves better. Discover open-back headphones that give your music room to breathe and bring every detail to life.
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Our Top Picks
If you’ve been wondering if open-back headphones really worth the hype, this page has all the answers you’re looking for. Open-back headphones are indeed a great option if you’re all about that rich and natural sound. Unlike regular headphones that trap the sound in, open-backs let the music breathe and give you this spacious "live" feel that’s perfect for jamming. These headphones will play a personal concert in your ears without having to worry about the crowd and overpriced drinks. And while these might not be the best for blocking out your noisy roommate, but for pure, clear, unfiltered audio? They’re unbeatable. We’ve scrolled through Amazon’s best options to bring you our top picks, so if you’ve been wanting to upgrade, we’ve got you covered.
1 . Sennheiser Open-Back Headphones
These are where pro-level detail and comfort meet to create a great listening experience. These open-back headphones feature lightweight aluminum voice coils that make every note crisp. This allows you to catch every sound exactly as it’s meant to be. Neodymium magnets amp up the sensitivity, giving you fantastic dynamics that bring your music to life. The sleek open-back design adds a wide soundstage, while the Kevlar-reinforced cable keeps handling noise low for a clean audio experience. Plus, the classic black and gray finish gives it a polished and professional vibe.
Pros
Offers excellent transient response, High sensitivity and dynamic range, High-quality open metal mesh design
Cons
Limited support on cable removal
2 . Beyerdynamic Open-Back Headphones
These open-back headphones deliver a clear and open sound that’s all about detail. It’s designed for the studio and features a strong bass and bright treble. These features make them perfect for mixing and mastering as well as provides the transparency you can trust. The velour ear pads are soft and keep things super comfy even during long sessions. And the single-sided coiled cable makes sure you’re not getting tangled up. As for the overall quality, these headphones are made in Germany and are designed to last and handle the wear and tear of daily studio life.
Pros
Transparent sound with strong bass and treble, Provide a spacious soundstage, Single-sided coiled cable
Cons
Not suitable for noisy recording environments
3 . PHILIPS Open-Back Headphones
These headphones are all about immersive sound with a focus on comfort. They feature hi-res certification and 50mm drivers that bring a bold bass response great for deep and powerful audio experiences. The double-layer ear-shells with pre-tilted speaker plates enhance clarity, while the open-back design keeps the soundstage wide and natural. Plus, the lightweight hammock headband and velour-covered memory foam ear pads make them a pleasure to wear for hours on end. We find these perfect for gaming, movies, and music that needs a little extra bass punch.
Pros
Wide frequency range, Double-layer ear-shells for clear sound, Features acoustic architecture
Cons
May not provide detailed sound when noisy
4 . GRADO Open-Back Headphones
These open-back headphones are lightweight and ready for great sound. No wonder, they’re a great option for bringing a unique listening experience. The 44mm drivers are tuned to offer clear and balanced audio with a nice open-back design that feels natural and spacious. You won’t have to worry about annoying twists and tangles with an upgraded braided cable. And the adjustable and vegan-friendly headband keeps things comfortable for long sessions. They’re easy to drive, so you can plug them into almost any device and enjoy quality sound right away.
Pros
4th-gen drivers for excellent sound quality, Lightweight and comfortable, Adjustable and vegan-friendly padded headband
Cons
Limited strain relief on wires
5 . Audio-Technica Open-Back Headphones
These headphones are all about a natural and open-air experience with zero pressure on your ears. The 53mm drivers offer deep bass and clear vocals, while the lightweight honeycomb aluminum design keeps things comfortable. With the self-adjusting 3D Wing Support, these open-back headphones sit nicely on your head without clamping down or creating a floating sensation. The raised-fabric earpads feel soft and durable, and the high-quality OFC cable resists tangling. Now you can keep your setup hassle-free with these headphones.
Pros
Deliver natural sound with deep bass, Pressure-free listening experience, Lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing
Cons
Limited head support
6 . HIFIMAN Open-Back Headphones
These headphones deliver crystal-clear soundstage in spades. It boasts Stealth Magnet Technology and sound waves that pass through without interference. This gives you that accurate and full-range audio you crave. The ultra-thin supernano diaphragm responds quickly for impressive detail and imaging and makes everything from vocals to bass feel balanced. With these open-back headphones, you will experience comfort as a priority too – thanks to the ergonomic and memory foam headband that’s designed for hours of listening.
Pros
Wide and natural soundstage, Ergonomically designed headband. Detachable cable for easy replacement
Cons
Open-back design leaks sound
FAQ
Q: What exactly is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?
A: Open-back headphones are designed with perforated or open ear cups, allowing air and sound to pass freely through the back of the headphones. This design creates a more spacious, natural sound, almost like you're listening to speakers in a room. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, trap sound inside the ear cups, providing isolation from outside noise and a more focused listening experience. Open-back headphones are ideal for home or studio use where you want a wider soundstage, while closed-back headphones are better for noisy environments.
Q: Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
A: Yes, open-back headphones can be great for gaming, especially if you're into immersive experiences or games that require precise sound positioning. The open-back design gives you a wider, more natural soundstage, which makes it easier to pinpoint sounds like footsteps or environmental cues in games. However, since they don’t block external noise, they might not be ideal if you’re gaming in a loud environment or need full sound isolation.
Q: Do open-back headphones leak sound, and how much?
A: Yes, open-back headphones do leak sound since the open design allows sound to escape from the ear cups. The amount of sound leakage can vary depending on the model and volume level, but generally, others around you can hear what you're listening to, especially in quieter settings. They’re best used in private spaces or areas where noise won’t disturb others, as opposed to public transportation or shared workspaces.
Q: Are open-back headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
A: Open-back headphones are generally very comfortable for extended use because they allow airflow, reducing the heat and pressure that can build up with closed-back designs. Many open-back models also feature lightweight materials, soft padding, and ergonomic headbands, making them a top choice for audiophiles and gamers who enjoy long listening sessions. However, comfort also depends on individual preferences and the specific model you choose.
Q: Why do open-back headphones often have better sound quality than closed-back ones?
A: Open-back headphones often provide better sound quality because they allow air to flow freely through the ear cups, which reduces pressure buildup and helps minimize distortion. This design results in a more natural, open sound that’s ideal for complex audio like live music recordings or studio sessions. The wider soundstage created by open-back headphones enhances spatial audio, letting you hear instrument separation and audio details more clearly.
Article Contributors
Ctech Shopping Team
CTech's Shopping team brings you the latest in tech through carefully crafted reviews and guides, independent of their editorial team. As a reader-supported entity, our tech-savvy writers and editors sometimes incorporate AI in their analyses to verify the precision of product dimensions, availability, and pricing.
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