For sound engineers and music enthusiasts, open-back headphones are essentially the perfect tool for high-quality sound. Yes, even the best open-back headphones can't offer noise cancellation or active noise cancellation. But that's not really what they're meant for.
Instead, the open design of these headphones allows air to pass through the ear cups. This ultimately results in a natural and much cleaner sound that eliminates resonance or low frequency build-up. In other words, the sound from open-back headphones never sounds muddy.
In addition, open-back headphones are known for better stereo reproduction and an open sound. You will feel as if you are in the same room with the musicians.
However, not all open-back headphones offer the best possible open-back sound experience. Some are better than others. And if you continue reading further, you can learn all about them.
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X are the best open-back headphones
The Pro X line of headphones from Beyerdynamic is an improvement on the regular Pro line. So, in that sense, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is essentially an upgraded version of the regular DT 900 Pro.
But the question is, how good is this pair of open-back headphones in terms of sound? Beyerdynamic has integrated the brand new STELLAR.45 emitter into the Pro X version. This converter provides improved performance and gives the headset a radically new look.
However, this is not the only reason why the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X topped the list of the best open back headphones. The headset has an impedance of 48 ohms, thanks to which the speakers sound quite loud and assertive. And if you connect it to a studio amplifier for headphones, the sound will become even better.
Main features of Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
- Comes with new and improved driver setup
- It has a convenient design, focused on comfort
- Provides excellent sound
- Strong construction
Philips SHP9500 - the best budget open headphones
It's really hard to find a pair of inexpensive open-back headphones that you can recommend. Trying to keep the price low, manufacturers save on materials and design. But even though the Philips SHP9500 is made of cheaper materials, the build quality is really decent.
More importantly, this pair of open-back headphones has a good amount of cushioning. In addition, the ear pads of the headset are quite roomy. This contributes to better comfort during long listening sessions.
But the sound quality is what makes the Philips SHP9500 a great choice as one of the best open-back headphones out there. This on-ear headset can offer a passive soundstage that feels open and quite spacious.
However, the headset lacks low bass, which it compensates for by boosting high frequencies. The mids are also fairly even and fairly well balanced. So, you will definitely hear detailed vocals and clear sound of leading instruments.
The main advantages of the Philips SPH9500
- They provide a neutral and spacious sound
- They have a fairly convenient design
- The midrange is very flat
- Affordable and great value for money
Focal Utopia is the best premium open headphones
Focal Utopia is an ideal choice for professionals and music fans who are ready to invest significant funds. At first glance, you might think why would anyone buy them at all? Well, they made this list of the best open back headphones for a reason.
First released in 2016 and later re-released in 2022, the Focal Utopias feature a luxurious design. Genuine leather headband, memory foam ear cushions and recycled carbon temples. Each pair comes with a black faux leather case and high quality cables.
As for sound performance, the open-back headphones feature angled 40mm drivers. With an M-shaped pure beryllium dome and a superior voice coil, these speakers deliver natural sound. To be precise, the sound of these headphones is spacious and incredibly detailed.
The main advantages of Focal Utopia
- Excellent sound quality
- Convenient and premium build quality
- Sets with high-quality accessories
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is also a great choice
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are a pair of flagship headphones that offer the right balance of comfort and sound quality. They are equipped with specially designed speakers combined with an acoustically transparent aluminum mesh enclosure. However, the mesh body isn't just for looks.
They provide the natural sound of headphones with an open back. If you are a professional, you will appreciate the impedance of the headset. It is 470 ohms, so you can use it with a powerful headphone amplifier. Strictly speaking, it is recommended to use a high-end amplifier. The headset will sound the best with it.
Audio-Technica has also created a unique "3D-wing" headband design. This design helps this pair of open-back headphones provide excellent comfort. And thanks to the lightweight design, you can wear this headset for hours without experiencing any comfort issues.
The main advantages of Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
- They provide best-in-class sound quality
- They have excellent stereo separation
- Light and comfortable to wear
- They sound best with a professional headphone amplifier
