The 30 best open back headphone brands
Sony, Sennheiser and AKG lead our ranking of 30 open back headphone brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Open Back Headphone brands, ranked
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1
Sony
Shortly after World War 2, Masaru Ibuka founded the Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., a telecommunications and engineering corporation. He wanted technology to contribute to Japan’s culture and future. Despite starting small, he never gave up and stressed the importance of doing what had not been done before. As the brand evolved to become what we know as Sony, it has created countless novel products that changed the electronics industry.
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is the future of audio. They believe they can change their users' auditory experience with their exceptional products and top-notch technology. Sound is everywhere, and we live and breathe in it. They aim to shape the future of audio by creating a unique experience for their customers. The company has been thriving in the industry for over 75 years and is still very ambitious. They are driven by a sense of passion and pure love for the sounds of the world.
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 7.4/10
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3
AKG
AKG Acoustics is a well-known maker of microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, and other audio equipment. Since 1947, the firm has been producing professional and consumer-quality headphones and microphones. They have been creating and world manufacturing items for top experts in the music business and customers worldwide since 1947. Their items are designed with a desire for perfection and the best quality. They are known for producing superior microphones, wireless audio systems, and headphones with unrivaled sound quality.
Website: akg.com |Brands like AKG
Popularity 6.1/10
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4
HIFIMAN
HIFIMAN deals with the world of sound. They craft premium earphones, headphones, and amplifiers. The latest technologies are used to enhance the sound experience. HIFIMAN also pays a lot of attention to the looks of the products. A sleek finish and an original design mark the brand of HIFIMAN. They have a collection of products that you can choose from. The consistent quality of its products and several improvements have helped the company stand tall in the market.
Website: hifiman.com |Brands like HIFIMAN
Popularity 5.8/10
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5
Koss
John C. Koss established Koss in 1958. Koss pioneered elevated driver units and rare earth magnets in stereo headphones, which are still popular today from a modest basement workshop. Today, Koss provides consumers worldwide with a complete variety of award-winning portable stereophones, computer headsets, and home entertainment systems. A desire to develop the best quality, comfortable and long-lasting items drive them. They have a variety of headphones available, ranging from sports headphones to easy on-the-go use.
Website: koss.com |Brands like Koss
Popularity 5.3/10
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6
beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic is a more powerful brand in audio technology. Customers appreciate precision, expertise, and experience from the organization. Beyerdynamic's product line includes headphones and headsets with microphones to recreate the sound as perfectly as possible. Whether listening to music, creating a podcast, or recording in the studio, Beyerdynamic headphones and headsets deliver excellent sound. The headphones include great audio, an excellent frequency response, and a steady stereo picture. The headsets have noise-canceling microphones for clear conversation and a comfortable fit even after lengthy usage.
Website: north-america.beyerdynamic.com |Brands like beyerdynamic
Popularity 5.0/10
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7
Skullcandy
SkullCandy is known for its sharp taste in music. They are on a mission to make people believe that music can heal people, and they want to make the experience of music indoors and outdoors magical. The company was founded at the intersection of broad sports and music, so they specialize in making musical products on the go. You can enjoy your favorite music when doing an outdoor activity or sport. All their products are very reliable and durable.
Website: skullcandy.com |Brands like Skullcandy
Popularity 4.3/10
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8
Audeze
Having good audio quality is not only necessary for good communication but also the protection of your ears. Audeze takes care of it and puts forward a collection of next-generation professional headphones with a detachable cable that pairs with virtually all PCs, Macs, and cellphones. The reference series features with the most rigid protection have the most flexibility with single-ended braided OCC Copper cable and stereo adapter, followed by a speakerphone filter series having an AI-based Noise-Rejecting Microphone.
Website: audeze.com |Brands like Audeze
Popularity 4.1/10
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9
Grado
Grado Labs manufactures the world's most enormous headphones and cartridges. They sold different electronics parts and later began selling elevated audio equipment to his New York City clientele. Grado Labs is devoted to achieving a standard of excellence that has...
Website: gradolabs.com |Brands like Grado
Popularity 3.3/10
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10
Stax
Taking care of all your audio needs, Stax brings you high-quality electrostatic audio systems. The audiophile in you will be blown away by the accurate distribution by drivers such as the Stax SRM-D10, Stax SRM-T8000, headsets like Stax SR-003MK2 and...
Website: staxaudio.com |Brands like Stax
Popularity 3.1/10
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11
Focal
Focal is a leading manufacturer of professional speakers and headphones. Each one is handcrafted using only the finest materials in a process that takes place entirely in France under the supervision of its designers, engineers, and expert technicians. Its 'Made...
Website: focal.com |Brands like Focal
Popularity 3.1/10
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12
Philips
Credibility and reliability go connected at the hip with the most innovative health and well-being brand, Philips. There are presumably very few people who have yet not given a shot at this brand, for it has been the most promising...
Website: usa.philips.com |Brands like Philips
Popularity 2.7/10
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13
Kz
The brand KZ is an ode to its founders, but more importantly, it stands for Knowledge Zenith. KZ. Audio offers trendy yet simple earphones in multiple designs and colors. Today's youth carries earphones with style, and KZ fulfills the need...
Website: kz-audio.com |Brands like Kz
Popularity 2.3/10
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14
ULTRASONE
ULTRASONE creates, manufactures, and sells the best quality headphones and headsets. They produce sustainable audio products for the consumers using the best materials and a lot of enthusiasm. They are dedicated to the creation of top-quality headphone products. They only...
Website: ultrasone.com |Brands like ULTRASONE
Popularity 2.3/10
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15
Coby
Coby is a global brand recognized for quality technology and stylish design within its gadgets, accessories, and goods. It's all about connecting people with technology and innovation, and attainability. Mp3/cd portable boombox is well-known for its radio tuner, high contrast...
Website: cobyusa.com |Brands like Coby
Popularity 2.1/10
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16
1more
1more is a brand that expresses itself through headphones. Their expertise is Buds with Noise Canceling Headphones. Buds are manufactured in a range of shapes and sizes. Products such as ComfoBuds Pro, ComfoBuds Z, and Triple Driver In-Ear are well-known....
Website: usa.1more.com |Brands like 1more
Popularity 2.0/10
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17
Cowin
Do you need headphones? Cowin's products are among the best-selling products on amazon. The website is user-friendly and provides detailed information about products, including large-aperture drivers with feedback noise, active noise canceling, and thirty hours of playtime. Cowin has superior...
Website: cowinaudio.com |Brands like Cowin
Popularity 1.9/10
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18
Nakamichi
Nakamichi is a line of solid audio equipment made with the best components and materials to produce precise, sharp sound. They've combined their skills in both analog and digital technologies to develop distinctive yet modernly constructed audio equipment for use...
Website: nakamichihomeaudio.com |Brands like Nakamichi
Popularity 1.9/10
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19
Monoprice
Monoprice is an affordable brand that offers high-quality cables used in PCs and home theatre systems. They also provide other electronic accessories and products like Subwoofers and Electric guitars. The company is primarily known for being very affordable without compromising...
Website: monoprice.com |Brands like Monoprice
Popularity 1.9/10
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20
Insignia
Insignia manufactures a range of electronic products, including TVs and headphones. They also carry other items like home theatre systems and gaming accessories. The brand's products are made using the latest technology and have simple and sleek designs. They are...
Website: insigniaproducts.com |Brands like Insignia
Popularity 1.6/10
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21
AUSDOM
Ausdom is an international audio and video conferencing company founded in 2014. Their products include the well-known audio bases BW01 and BH01. Other video devices include the AW615, AF660, and AF640, which feature new technologies such as voipFence, sight focus,...
Website: ausdom.com |Brands like AUSDOM
Popularity 1.5/10
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22
House of Marley
House of Marley is a premium audio brand with a long history in the industry. They've created various inventions, such as the Marley line, made of environmentally friendly materials like recycled aluminum and carbon fiber. Active Noise Cancellation, a longer...
Website: thehouseofmarley.com |Brands like House of Marley
Popularity 1.3/10
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23
FRESHETECH
Settled in Orlando, FL, in 2013, Freshetech is the primary assembling industry. The organization plans production and sells extraordinary purchaser items with a solid spotlight on gadgets, sound, and the outside. The items are accessible in more than 1,000 retail...
Website: freshetech.com |Brands like FRESHETECH
Popularity 1.3/10
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24
Fostex
Fostex is an electronics firm that produces loudspeakers and audio equipment for other companies or sells them under the "Fostex" brand name. Professional audio, home theatre, sound reinforcement systems, studio monitoring applications, consumer audio hi-fi systems, and automobile stereos all...
Website: fostexinternational.com |Brands like Fostex
Popularity 1.3/10
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25
SoundMAGIC
SoundMAGIC is a company that manufactures high-quality headphones that promise superior sound and a completely immersive experience. Their company's vision is to make professional-grade sound affordable and accessible to all customers. Their range features different types of headphones with unique...
Website: soundmagicheadphones.com |Brands like SoundMAGIC
Popularity 1.3/10
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26
Monolith
Monolith Edition has brought so much for people to become passionate about gaming. You can experience the adventures with Fight monsters, necromancers, or Picts; in the game Conan, you can cooperate to make strategic choices for each side. In mythic-battles...
Website: monolithedition.com |Brands like Monolith
Popularity 1.2/10
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27
Maxell
Maxell is a global leader in world-class energy and storage devices. They were among the first businesses to popularise the lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It searches out and collaborates with prominent professionals worldwide to create practical answers for people's everyday needs....
Website: maxell.eu |Brands like Maxell
Popularity 1.2/10
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28
Jazwares
Jazwares, Inc. is a toy company that creates, manufactures, sells, and licenses a wide variety of toys and accessories for consumers worldwide. Video game controllers, collectible action figures and accessories, fashion, sports, children's plush items, miniature cars, and novelty toys...
Website: jazwares.com |Brands like Jazwares
Popularity 1.2/10
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29
Shure
Shure is a renowned maker of microphones, headphones, and audio equipment for the professional and consumer industries. They are a worldwide audio brand devoted to inventing and supplying more great microphones, headphones, mixers, wireless systems, and accessories. The firm is...
Website: shure.com |Brands like Shure
Popularity 1.0/10
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30
Master & Dynamic
Motivated by what they create, Master & Dynamic strives to create the best possible technologies in order to better their user experience. They constantly push through their limits in order to create a brilliant sound experience that enables you to...
Website: masterdynamic.com |Brands like Master & Dynamic
Popularity 1.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| Sennheiser | en-us.sennheiser.com | /SennheiserUSA | sennheiser | @SennheiserUSA | – |
| AKG | akg.com | /AKG | akgaudio | @AKGaudio | AKGAcoustics |
| HIFIMAN | hifiman.com | /HiFiMANElectronics | – | @hifimanofficial | HiFiManOfficial |
| Koss | koss.com | /Koss | koss | @KossHeadphones | kossstereophones |
| beyerdynamic | north-america.beyerdynamic.com | /beyerdynamic.northamerica | beyerdynamic | @beyerdynamicUSA | – |
| Skullcandy | skullcandy.com | /Skullcandy | skullcandy | @skullcandy | SKULLCANDYTV |
| Audeze | audeze.com | /AudezeLLC | audeze_official | @audeze | audezeofficial1 |
| Grado | gradolabs.com | /GradoLabs | gradolabs | @Grado | – |
| Stax | staxaudio.com | – | – | – | – |
Open Back Headphones Buying Guide
If you’re looking for the best headphones for audio quality and soundstage, open-back headphones are the way to go. They let air flow freely through their back to create a more natural and spacious audio. However, choosing the best open-back headphones for your needs can be a bit tricky since there are so many models available in the market. In this guide, we’ll discuss what to look for when buying open-back headphones and recommend some of the best models out there.
What are Open-Back Headphones?
As the name suggests, open back headphones have open backs. This means that the earcups aren’t sealed which allows air to move freely in and out of them. This results in more natural audio that’s not confined to the space that’s in front of your ears. With open-back headphones, a more extensive and spacious audio experience is obtained.
Open-back headphones are commonly used in environments where there isn’t a lot of background noise to compete with. Since they don’t seal off external noises, they’re best used in quiet rooms or controlled environments where the ambient noise is limited. Some recommended applications for open-back headphones are professional audio production, home stereo listening, and critical listening.
Advantages of Open-Back Headphones
There are several reasons why open-back headphones are a popular choice for many audio enthusiasts. These include:
Better Soundstage
The main benefit of open-back headphones is the natural sound they produce. The lack of a sealed back allows for air movement between the diaphragm and the external environment, resulting in a more spacious soundstage. The soundstage refers to the perception of the dimensions, space, and localization of sound. Open-back headphones are unparalleled when it comes to providing a broad, well-defined soundstage.
Less Ear Fatigue
With open-back headphones, there is less build-up of pressure inside the ear cups, which can cause fatigue and discomfort over long listening sessions. This is mainly due to the free flow of air, which keeps the ear cups at neutral or close-to-neutral pressure. Open-back headphones are also more breathable, which allows your ears to cool off faster during use, and the chance of getting sweaty is lesser.
Better Audio Quality
Open-back headphones tend to produce more balanced and accurate sound than their closed-back counterparts. The natural sound they produce brings out previously unheard details in the reproduced audio, which is helpful when mixing and mastering music or even watching movies. This makes open-back headphones great for critical listening, where accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
Disadvantages of Open-Back Headphones
Like every other product, open-back headphones are not without their drawbacks. Some of these include:
External Noise Interference
Since the earcups of open-back headphones are not sealed, sound can easily leak in and out of them. This makes them not suitable for use in noisy environments or places where external sounds can interfere with the listening experience.
Sensitivity to Feedback
The free flow of air in open-back headphones makes them highly sensitive to feedback noise from surrounding devices like speakers or microphones. This can cause a screeching sound when the headphones are placed close to other electronics.
Less Bass Response
Because open-back headphones aren’t sealed, they have a weaker bass response compared to closed-back headphones. This may be a turnoff for bass lovers who prefer a more robust and thumping bass.
Factors to Consider When Buying Open-Back Headphones
When looking for open-back headphones, several factors need to be taken into consideration to get the best bang for your buck. These include:
Sound Quality
This is probably the most important factor you should consider when getting open-back headphones. Sound quality is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it’s advisable to listen to different pairs of open-back headphones before making your final decision.
Comfort
Since open-back headphones are designed for long listening sessions, comfort is an important factor to consider. You should look for pairs of headphones that have comfortable ear cups and headbands to prevent ear and head fatigue.
Price
Open-back headphones come in different price ranges. Therefore, it’s essential to set a budget before embarking on a hunt for the perfect pair. Don’t forget to factor in add-ons like cables and adaptors, as this can significantly increase the final price of the headphones.
Impedance
The impedance of headphones is an essential factor to consider when getting your open-back headphones. Generally, headphones with low impedance are easier to drive and don’t need external amplification. An optimal impedance range for open-back headphones is 20 to 50 ohms.
Brand Reputation
The brand reputation is also an essential factor to consider when buying open-back headphones. Established brands usually have a better reputation for producing high-quality open-back headphones that stand the test of time. This doesn't mean newer brands do not have good headphones, but established brands have better service when it comes down to warranty and after-sales needs.
Best Open-Back Headphones
Here are our recommendations for the best open-back headphones:
Sennheiser HD 660 S
The Sennheiser HD660 S is a popular open-back headphone that delivers crisp and well-balanced sound. This headphone is optimized for use with high-resolution music files and has a soundstage that’s unmatched in its price range. The earcups are padded with soft foam for comfortable listening sessions, and the headband is adjustable to fit a wide range of head sizes.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is an excellent headphone for mastering, mixing, and critical listening. It has a high-quality Tesla driver that delivers a transparent and precise sound, and the soundstage is exceptional. The ear cups are velour-covered to provide maximum comfort, and the headband is made of soft leather for a comfortable fit.
Audeze LCD-2
The Audeze LCD-2 is a premium open-back headphone with a design that guarantees maximum comfort. It has large planar magnetic drivers that produce a detailed and natural sound, and the design allows for reduced pressure on the scalp and ears. This headphone is perfect for audiophiles who want to enjoy music in a natural and spacious soundstage.
Grado SR325e
The Grado SR325e is a high-end open-back headphone that’s ideal for music lovers who want a crisp and clear sound. It has an aluminum housing that reduces distortion, and the drivers are positioned at a specific angle to achieve a vast and deep soundstage. The earpads are soft and comfortable, and the headphone has a metal headband that’s adjustable to fit different head sizes.
AKG K712 PRO
The AKG K712 PRO is a high-end open-back headphone that’s ideal for music production and critical listening. It has large dynamic drivers that deliver a detailed and transparent sound, and the earcups are padded with soft leather to provide maximum comfort. The headphone also has an adjustable headband and a detachable cable for easy replacement.
Conclusion
Open-back headphones are excellent for audiophiles who want to enjoy natural and spacious audio. When purchasing open-back headphones, you need to consider factors like sound quality, comfort, price, impedance, and brand reputation. Our recommendations for the best open-back headphones include Sennheiser HD 660 S, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, Audeze LCD-2, Grado SR325e, and AKG K712 PRO. Ensure you test-drive different models before making your final purchase.
