11 Best Open Back Headphones of 2023

While open back headphones have been around for a while, the last decade or so has seen an uptick in demand.

In comparison to the conventional closed back headphones, which most of us are used to, the open-back kind provides a unique listening experience.

If you’re looking for a new pair of open back headphones then you’ve found the perfect article if you’re seeking recommendations on the top open-back headphones on the market right now.

Here, we break down our top picks across multiple price points so you can make an informed purchase. 

In a hurry? Here’s the Overview Table:

11 Best Open Back Headphones of 2023

Best Overall Open Back Headphones

1. Sennheiser HD 800 S

Headset Features:

• 56mm Dynamic Transducers
• Open-Back Construction
• 4 Hz to 51 kHz Frequency Response
• Sound Absorber Design Preserves High End
• Earcups Provide Realistic Spatiality
• 1/4″ and Balanced 4.4mm Connections

The Sennheiser HD 800S are without a doubt the best headphones on the market.

Sennheiser got the HD 800 S’s frequency response just perfectly.

There are no peaks or valleys that would induce sibilance or distortion. Although dynamic drivers have some inherent drawbacks, this is the most effective use of them in headphones.

The extreme lack of coloration in their tone makes them suitable for a wide variety of musical styles.

Due to their open back, they don’t have a tonne of low bass, but they make up for it with some extra high bass.

They have a spot-on mid-range that makes both instrumental and vocal sounds crisp and distinct. 

These open back headphones have an excellent build quality overall, with a sturdy plastic body, sturdy metal cups, and detachable cables. In the right hands, these can serve you for quite some time.

Lastly, these headphones have been around for quite some time, yet they continue to set the bar high for what excellent audio reproduction should sound like through headphones.

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2. Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

Headset Features:

• Detailed, spacious, and transparent sound.
• Wide range of applications on all devices thanks to STELLAR.45 driver with an impedance of 48 ohms.
• Superb wearing comfort.
• Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship.

The open-back Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is ideal if you’re the kind of listener who spends hours on end with headphones on.

With just the right amount of padding for your head and ears, these headphones won’t weigh you down. This was a fine line to walk, and Beyerdynamic walked it perfectly.

Beyer stepped up their game by rebranding the PRO Line as the PROX.

The new STELLAR.45 transducer is responsible for the enhanced performance, and the headphones have been given a fresh new style with matt plastic and thicker versions of the iconic velour ear pads.

3. Philips Fidelio X2HR

Headset Features:

• Pristine Response between 5 Hz & 40 kHz
• Natural Soundstage
• Earcups Minimize Unwanted Reflection
• Includes Detachable Cable
• Includes 3.5mm to 1/4″ Adapter

While open-back headphones typically have weak bass, Philips managed to remedy that with their offering.

These earbuds are soft and relaxing to wear. Their spacious, well-padded ear cups and adjustable, padded headband make these headphones a pleasure to wear for long periods of time.

Fortunately, the midrange and treble remain remarkably detailed despite the presence of lower frequencies. In addition, the soundstage is adequately rendered, making these headphones an excellent choice for video games.

The craftsmanship is satisfactory. They’re primarily plastic, but they’re really heavy and sturdy because of the metal reinforcements.

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4. HiFiMan Ananda

Headset Features:

• Specially Shaped Invisible Stealth Magnets.
• HIFIMAN Ananda Headphones High-Sensitivity.
• New and Improved Neo Supernano Diaphragm (NsD)

Hifiman made sure that the sound quality of their Ananda headphones was never compromised in the name of style or repairability. Even though they’re pricey, the headphones’ cords are removable, so you can quickly replace them when they wear out.

Like previous headphones by HiFiMAN, the Ananda stands out for its unique and stylish appearance.

The grilles on the earcups are silver, while the headphones themselves are coated totally black. The Ananda is constructed almost entirely out of plastic, with the exception of the gimbals and the headband, both of which are made of metal.

You could listen to Ananda’s warm and rich midrange for hours without getting bored, and the deep and powerful bass works in harmony with the midrange while maintaining a neutral balance.

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5. Sennheiser HD 600 

Headset Features:

• Circumaural Audiophile Design
• Computer Optimized Magnets
• Aluminum Voice Coils

As an audiophile staple, the Sennheiser HD600 needs no introduction.

They may be the most well-known open-back headphones ever.

The Sennheiser HD600 provides one of the clearest and most realistic-sounding presentations available. The bass and treble are evenly distributed and contribute to a sense of overall neutrality.

The Sennheiser HD600s are predominantly plastic, however, the material used is high-grade which gives the headphones a more expensive impression.

The metal joint connecting the headband to the ear cups makes for a highly sturdy product.

They manage to maintain a pretty steady tone while making it seem easy. The HD600 sounds nearly neutral to us, with consistent bass and clear highs.

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6. HiFiMan Arya

Headset Features:

• Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet.
• Nanometre-thick Diaphragm.
• “Window Shade” System Patent.
• Asymmetrically Shaped Ear Cups.

As far as open-back headphones go, the HiFiMan Arya are without peer in the upper midrange.

These are not your typical over-ear headphones because they use planar magnetic transducers instead of dynamic ones. Their soundstage is enhanced and the low bass is reproduced more faithfully thanks to this design.

The craftsmanship of these cans is outstanding. Their headband and frame are made entirely of metal, making them seem and feel expensive and long-lasting.

By virtue of its use of industry-standard 3.5mm connectors, the Arya stealth’s original cable can be swapped out for a fancier aftermarket option or one of Hifiman’s balanced cables with relative ease.

Additionally, Hifiman’s renowned nanoscale thickness diaphragm is incorporated into the Arya Stealth drivers, Hifiman’s ground-breaking, first-of-its-kind core technology for headphones.

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7. AKG Pro K712

Headset Features:

• Over-Ear, Open Back Design
• Flat Wire Voice Coil
• Leather Headband
• Velour Earpads

The K712 open-back headphones by AKG are another popular choice for professional audio applications due to their reasonable price and excellent sound quality for critical listening and audio production.

The AKG K712 open-back headphones provide a mostly accurate reproduction of sound, albeit the high end is a little shaky. The bass end is solid, the middle is warm and tight, and the upper register is smooth.

The listener’s head will feel almost no extra strain from the headband, and they’re gorgeous to boot.

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8. Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X

Headset Features:

• Open-Back Design
• 53mm Drivers with Rare Earth Magnets
• 5Hz to 35kHz Frequency Response
• Cushioned Earpads
• Adjustable Housing
• 3m Cable
• Included 1/4″ Adapter

While Audio-Technica may be best known for its M50x model, these headphones seem remarkably similar to other models from the same company. These headphones have the most interesting design of the bunch. This 3D self-adjusting wing system may look fragile, but it’s holding the AD900X in check.

While they might use a little more low-end, the quality of the midrange and highs more than makeup for it.

Most people use them for gaming because you can hear attackers much before you see them, thanks to their excellent resolution at those frequencies.

They have plush velour earpads and large, circular earcups that rest comfortably over your ears. The ear cups are roomy enough that they comfortably encircle the listener’s ears.

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9. Sennheiser HD 400 Pro

Headset Features:

• Circumaural, Open-Back Design
• Neutral Sound Reproduction
• Padded Headset for Prolonged Listening
• 6 Hz to 38 kHz Frequency Response

The new open-back offerings from Sennheiser in the professional studio category maintain the company’s preference for large, egg-shaped earcups, but have won over critics and consumers with their lightweight, contemporary design, neutral and open sound, and the ability to deliver mixes that translate well to other playback environments.

Using your DAW and headphones in tandem with dearVR MIX, which is compatible with the HD 400 Pros, you can create a virtual stereo mix room leaving the precise acoustic calculations for the HD 400 Pro to do.

And because they are open, your lugholes will receive massive gusts of cool air, which is a nice bonus.

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10. Sennheiser HD 6XX

Headset Features:

• Circumaural Audiophile Design
• Computer Optimized Magnets
• Aluminum Voice Coils

It is surprising how these legendary headphones can only be occupied on a tight budget of 500 dollars. 

Since the Sennheiser HD6XX open-back headphones do not provide much in the way of isolation, they are best suited for use in more isolated settings.

With their plush velour cushioning, roomy ear cups, and featherweight design, these headphones are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any kind of heat buildup or headaches. 

The headphones’ source end is equipped with a 3.5mm or 1/8th inch cable, making them compatible with virtually any device; a TRS adaptor can be easily screwed into the end for use with studio gear.

These cans are best used with a computer, and an external DAC is recommended for the finest possible sound.

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11. HiFiMan Edition XS

Headset Features:

• Frequency response: 8Hz – 50,000Hz.
• Impedance: 18Ω
• Sensitivity: 92dB.
• Weight: 14.28oz (405g)

If you’re on a tight budget but still value a planar magnetic design, these over-ears are a good option.

The vocals and lead instruments are both prominent and clear, creating a well-rounded sound.

They have a less pronounced high end, so sibilants like hi-hats sound bright rather than piercing. The passive soundstage they generate is large, open, and realistic.

A solid build quality distinguishes these earbuds. They are built primarily out of metal and have silver grilles. The headband and ear cups are cushioned with synthetic leather.

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Final Thoughts

Through its distinctive design and crisp sound open-back headphones provide an immersive listening experience.

We hope you find a new pair of headphones that is right for you and enjoyed our list of the top open back headphones in 2023.

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