For audio engineers and music enthusiasts, open back headphones are basically the ultimate tool to get high-end audio. Yes, even the best open back headphones can’t offer any noise cancellation or active noise cancellation. But it’s not actually what they are designed for.
Instead, the open back nature of these headphones is meant to let the air pass through the earcups. This eventually results in a natural and much clearer sound that eliminates the resonance or low-end build-up. In other words, the audio from the open back headphones never sounds muddy.
Also, the open back headphones are best known for better stereo production and open sound. You’ll feel like you’re in the same room as the musicians.
However, not all open back headphones offer the best possible open audio experience. There are some that are better than the others. And if you keep on reading, you can learn all about them.
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X – Best Overall Open Back Headphones
The Pro X range of headphones from Beyerdynamic is all about enhancing the regular Pro lineup. So, in that sense, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is basically an enhanced version of the regular DT 900 Pro.
But the question is, how good is this pair of open back headphones in terms of audio? For the Pro X version, Beyerdynamic has integrated the brand-new STELLAR.45 transducer. This transducer offers improved performance and gives the headset a radically new look.
However, that is not the only reason the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X made it to the top of this best open back headphones list. The headset offers 48 ohms of impedance, making the drivers sound reasonably loud and punchy. And when you hook it up with a studio headphone amp, the sound experience gets even better.
Main Highlights of Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
- Comes with a new and advanced driver setup
- Features a comfort-forward design
- Delivers excellent sound
- Boasts a durable build
Philips SHP9500 – Best Budget Open Back Headphones
It’s really hard to find a pair of affordable open back headphones that’s easy to recommend. While trying to keep the price low, manufacturers skimp out on the build materials and design. But, while the Philips SHP9500 is made of cheaper materials, the build quality is really decent.
What’s more important is that this pair of open back headphones feature a good amount of padding. Also, the ear cups of the headset are quite roomy. That contributes to better comfort during prolonged listening sessions.
But the sound quality is actually what makes the Philips SHP9500 a great pick as one of the best open back headphones. This over-ear headset can offer a passive soundstage that feels open and reasonably spacious.
However, the headset lacks low bass, which it compensates by bumping up the high bass. The mid-range is also quite flat and reasonably well-balanced. So, you are sure to hear detailed vocals and clear lead instruments.
Gizchina News of the week
Main Highlights of Philips SPH9500
- Delivers neutral and spacious sound
- Has a reasonably comfortable design
- The mid-range is very flat
- Affordable and offers superior value
Focal Utopia – Best Premium Open Back Headphones
The Focal Utopia is a perfect pick for professionals and music fanatics who are ready to invest big. At first glance, you might think, why would anyone even consider purchasing it? Well, it made it to this list of the best open back headphones for a reason.
Originally launched back in 2016 and later re-released in 2022, the Focal Utopia comes with a luxurious build. It has a genuine leather headband, lambskin memory foam earpads, and recycled carbon yokes. Each pair comes with a black faux leather case and high-fidelity cables.
In terms of sound performance, the open back headphones come with angled 40mm drivers. With a pure Beryllium ‘M’-shaped dome and superior voice coil, these drivers can offer natural sound production. To be exact, the sound of these headphones is spacious and incredibly detailed.
Main Highlights of Focal Utopia
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable and premium build quality
- Bundles with high-end accessories
- Luxurious outlooks
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x – Also A Great Pick
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is a pair of flagship headphones that offer the right balance of comfort and sound quality. These feature specially designed drivers that are paired with acoustically transparent aluminum honeycomb mesh housing. The mesh housing isn’t just there for looks, though.
It makes the open back headphones capable of offering a natural sound. If you’re a professional, you will greatly appreciate the impedance rating of the headset. It’s at 470 ohms, so you can use it with a beefed-up headphone amp. As a matter of fact, it’s recommended to use a high-end amp. With it, the headset performs the best.
Audio-Technica has also incorporated a unique ‘3D wing’ headband design. This design helps this pair of open back headphones offer superior comfort. And for the lightweight build, you can keep this headset on for hours on end without facing any comfort issues.
Main Highlights of Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
- Offers class-leading sound performance
- Has great stereo separation
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Best with professional headphone amp
