Best Open Back Studio Headphones: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

In the world of audio production, mixing, and critical listening, the right pair of headphones is not a luxury—it’s an essential tool. The clarity, detail, and spatial accuracy they provide can be the difference between a good mix and a great one. After extensive testing in our studio, we’ve found that for an unparalleled combination of build quality, long-session comfort, and pristine audio fidelity, the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphones stand out as our top pick. While this roundup focuses on the airy, natural sound of open-back designs, the DT 770 PRO’s performance as a studio workhorse is so exceptional it simply can’t be ignored.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Open Back Studio Headphones

#1 beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphones – Ideal for: All-Round Studio Workhorse

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphones have been a mainstay in professional studios for decades, and after putting them through their paces, it’s easy to see why. Despite this being a guide focused on open-back models, the sheer quality and versatility of these closed-back cans earn them our top spot. The build quality is exceptional; the spring steel headband and robust plastic earcups feel like they’re built to withstand years of rigorous daily use. We found the comfort to be a standout feature, particularly for long mixing sessions. The plush, replaceable velour earpads are wonderfully soft and create a great seal without excessive clamping force, a sentiment echoed by countless users who wear them for hours on end. Sonically, the DT 770 PRO delivers a detailed and analytical sound. The bass is tight and well-defined without being overpowering, the mids are clear, and the treble reveals an incredible amount of detail, which is crucial for identifying flaws in a mix. It’s worth noting that at 250 Ohms, these headphones demand a dedicated headphone amplifier to truly shine; plugging them straight into a laptop or phone will result in a disappointingly quiet experience. However, when properly powered, the soundstage is surprisingly wide for a closed-back design, offering excellent instrument separation. They provide fantastic passive noise isolation, making them perfect for tracking vocals or instruments without mic bleed.

#2 Audio-Technica M50x Headphones Black – Perfect for: Monitoring and Casual Listening

The Audio-Technica M50x Headphones Black are another industry icon, celebrated for their robust build and engaging sound profile. In our testing, we immediately understood their popularity. The 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver a powerful and crisp sound with a noticeably enhanced low-end. This makes them less clinically flat than some other studio monitors, but incredibly enjoyable for general listening and fantastic for tracking, especially for bassists and drummers who need that low-end punch. Many users praise their clarity across all frequencies, and we agree; while the bass is prominent, it doesn’t muddy the mids or highs. The build is solid and practical. We particularly liked the collapsible design and the inclusion of three detachable cables (one coiled, two straight), which adds a layer of versatility and longevity that headphones with fixed cables lack. The earcups swivel 90 degrees, making one-ear monitoring effortless. Comfort is good, though we found the faux leather earpads could get a little warm during extended use, and some users with larger ears noted the earcups can feel a bit shallow. For the price, the combination of sound quality, durable construction, and practical features makes the M50x a formidable choice for project studios and DJs alike.

#3 Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones – Suits: Broadcast and Vocal Editing

If you’ve ever looked at a picture of a recording studio or a radio broadcast booth, you’ve likely seen a pair of Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones. These headphones are legendary for one primary reason: honesty. They don’t flatter the audio; they reveal it, warts and all. In our experience, their sound signature has a distinct forwardness in the upper-mids and treble, which is incredibly effective at highlighting sibilance, clicks, and other imperfections in vocal tracks and dialogue. This makes them a go-to tool for podcasting, voiceover work, and broadcast environments. The 40mm drivers deliver a clean, clear sound with a tight bass response. They are remarkably lightweight and feature a convenient foldable design, making them easy to transport. The comfort is decent for shorter sessions, though the clamping force and synthetic earpads might become noticeable over several hours. Our biggest gripe, and a point of frustration for many users, is the non-detachable coiled cable. In 2024, a fixed cable on a professional product feels outdated and is a significant point of failure. Despite this, the MDR-7506 remains a reliable, industry-standard tool that provides uncompromising clarity at a very accessible price point.

#4 beyerdynamic DT990 PRO 250 Ohm Headphones – Ideal for: Critical Mixing and Mastering

For those seeking the quintessential open-back experience, the beyerdynamic DT990 PRO 250 Ohm Headphones are a phenomenal choice. As soon as we put them on, the difference from their closed-back siblings was apparent. The soundstage is vast and immersive, providing an almost speaker-like listening experience with exceptional spatial imaging. This makes them an outstanding tool for critical mixing tasks like placing instruments in the stereo field and judging reverb tails. The sound signature is famously V-shaped, with an assertive, detailed treble and a powerful low-end. We found this brought life and excitement to music, though the prominent treble can be a point of contention. Some users find it borderline sibilant on certain tracks, while we found it to be brilliantly revealing, exposing details that other headphones miss. Comfort and build are classic beyerdynamic: rock-solid construction with the same wonderfully soft velour earpads and sturdy steel headband as the DT 770. Like its 250 Ohm cousin, the DT 990 PRO requires a good headphone amp to be driven properly. These are not headphones for a noisy environment or for tracking with a live mic, as they leak sound freely, but for focused mixing and mastering in a quiet room, their transparency and spaciousness are hard to beat.

#5 Audio-Technica M40x Professional Monitor Headphones – Perfect for: Flat-Response Monitoring on a Budget

The Audio-Technica M40x Professional Monitor Headphones present a compelling case for producers who want a neutral sound without a hefty price tag. Often living in the shadow of the more popular M50x, we found the M40x to be the more accurate of the two for critical monitoring. They are tuned remarkably flat across the frequency spectrum, delivering an honest and uncoloured sound that is vital for making reliable mixing decisions. The bass is present and articulate without the boost found in its bigger sibling, and the mids and highs are clear and balanced. Like the M50x, they feature a durable, collapsible design with swivelling earcups and detachable cables (both coiled and straight are included), which is fantastic at this price point. However, we did notice some trade-offs. The build, while generally solid, has a potential weak point in the plastic hinge and swivel mechanism, an issue some long-term users have reported. Comfort is adequate, but the earpads are slightly smaller and firmer than on higher-end models, which could be a factor during marathon sessions. For producers, podcasters, and musicians starting out, the M40x offers a fantastically neutral reference point that punches well above its weight class.

#6 Sennheiser HD 560S Over Ear Headphones – Suits: Analytical Listening and Audiophiles

The Sennheiser HD 560S Over Ear Headphones are designed for one thing: pure, unadulterated audio analysis. In our tests, these open-back headphones delivered one of the most natural and linear sound reproductions we’ve heard in this price range. They don’t add warmth or excitement; they simply present the music as it was recorded. The bass is fast, tight, and extends deep, but it’s not for “bass heads.” This was a sentiment confirmed by users who appreciate accuracy over impact. The clarity in the vocals and midrange is exceptional, and the treble is detailed without being harsh. The angled transducers, part of Sennheiser’s Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology, create an impressive soundstage that mimics the listening position of a good pair of studio monitors. The build is lightweight plastic, which doesn’t feel as premium as a beyerdynamic but contributes to their incredible comfort. We barely noticed them on our heads, even after hours of listening. The clamping force is gentle yet secure. For audiophiles who want to dissect their favourite tracks or producers who need a reliable, flat reference for their mixes, the HD 560S is a truly sublime and revealing tool.

#7 beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Limited Edition Headphones – Ideal for: Recording and General Studio Use

This 80 Ohm version of the venerable beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Limited Edition Headphones strikes a perfect balance between professional performance and user convenience. During our evaluation, we found this model to be the sweet spot in the DT 770 lineup for many project studios. The 80 Ohm impedance means they can be driven effectively by a wider range of equipment, including most audio interfaces, laptops, and even some mobile devices, without absolutely requiring a dedicated high-power amplifier. The sound signature is very similar to the 250 Ohm version, offering superb clarity and a detailed, balanced frequency response. We did notice a slightly more pronounced bass response compared to its higher-impedance sibling, which makes them very satisfying for tracking and general listening without sacrificing too much neutrality for mixing. The build quality and comfort are, as expected from beyerdynamic, top-tier. The velour earpads and robust steel headband ensure they remain comfortable through long recording sessions. Our experience was confirmed by many users who praised their transition to these headphones, noting they began to hear details in music they had never noticed before. For a versatile, comfortable, and easy-to-drive studio headphone, this 80 Ohm version is an outstanding choice.

#8 AKG K712PRO Open-Back Studio Headphones – Perfect for: Sound Design and Immersive Gaming

The AKG K712PRO Open-Back Studio Headphones are all about space. From the moment we started listening, we were struck by the incredibly wide and precise soundstage. These headphones excel at creating a sense of depth and separation between instruments that is almost holographic. This makes them a dream for sound designers, orchestral composers, and gamers who rely on accurate positional audio. The revolutionary flat-wire voice coils contribute to a crisp and responsive sound, with a detailed treble and clear, articulate mids. AKG also added a 3dB boost to the low end compared to previous models, which gives the bass more presence and authority without becoming muddy. Comfort is another major strength. The huge, soft velour earpads completely envelop the ears, and the self-adjusting leather headband distributes weight evenly, making them feel almost weightless during long sessions. We did find they benefit from a “burn-in” period, as they can sound a bit harsh straight out of the box, a sentiment some users also noted. To get the best out of the K712PRO, a decent headphone amplifier is a must. For those who prioritize spatial accuracy and an immersive soundscape, these are a premium and highly rewarding choice.

#9 beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm Headphones – Suits: Mobile Production and Monitoring on the Go

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 32 Ohm Headphones are specifically engineered for versatility and mobile use, and in our testing, they delivered on that promise admirably. This is the version to get if you primarily work on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone without an external audio interface or amplifier. The low 32 Ohm impedance allows these devices to power the headphones to a comfortable volume with ease. Sonically, they retain the core character of the DT 770 family: clear, detailed, and dynamic. The bass is punchy and well-controlled, making them enjoyable for a wide range of genres. The main difference from the other versions is the use of softskin (pleather) earpads instead of velour. We found that these provide slightly better noise isolation, which is a plus for use in less-than-silent environments. However, the trade-off is that they are less breathable and can cause your ears to get warm more quickly than their velour counterparts. The build remains as tank-like as ever, ensuring they can handle the rigours of being used on the move. For producers, musicians, or content creators who need a reliable, great-sounding monitoring solution that works anywhere, the 32 Ohm DT 770 PRO is the perfect travel companion.

#10 beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition 250 Ohm Headphones – Ideal for: Analytical Mixing and Hi-Fi Listening

The beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition 250 Ohm Headphones represent a fascinating middle ground in the headphone world. Their semi-open back design aims to provide the best of both worlds: the natural, airy sound of an open-back with a touch more isolation and bass presence than a fully open design. In our listening tests, we found them to be exceptionally neutral and balanced. They don’t have the V-shaped signature of the DT 990; instead, they offer a very linear and analytical presentation that is fantastic for critical mixing and mastering. The bass is accurate and tight, the mids are beautifully transparent, and the treble is clear and detailed without the aggressive sparkle of the DT 990. This makes them less fatiguing for long listening sessions. Comfort is absolutely top-notch, sharing the same plush velour pads and robust frame as other premium beyerdynamic models. We found them to be one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve ever tested. As with other 250 Ohm models, a good amplifier is essential to unlock their full potential. For the discerning listener or producer who craves a neutral, transparent, and incredibly comfortable listening experience, the DT 880 is a true classic.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Open-Back vs. Closed-Back: This is the most critical decision. Open-back headphones (like the DT 990 PRO) allow air and sound to pass through the earcups. This creates a wider, more natural “soundstage” but leaks sound and provides no isolation. Closed-back headphones (like the DT 770 PRO) isolate you from outside noise and prevent sound from leaking out, making them essential for recording vocals.
• Impedance (Ohms): Impedance is a measure of electrical resistance. Low-impedance headphones (e.g., 32 Ohms) are easy to power and work well with laptops and mobile devices. High-impedance headphones (e.g., 250 Ohms) require more power from a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their full potential.
• Comfort and Build Quality: For studio use, you’ll be wearing headphones for hours. Look for models with plush, breathable earpads (velour is excellent), a comfortable headband, and low clamping force. A robust build with replaceable parts will ensure your investment lasts for years.
• Sound Signature: “Flat” or “neutral” headphones aim to reproduce audio as accurately as possible, which is ideal for mixing. Other headphones might have a “V-shaped” signature (boosted bass and treble) which can be more fun for listening but less accurate for production.

Understanding Soundstage and Imaging

Soundstage refers to the perceived three-dimensional space created by the headphones. A wide soundstage makes you feel like you’re in the room with the musicians, with sounds coming from different directions. Imaging is the ability of the headphones to place individual instruments precisely within that soundstage. Open-back headphones excel at both because sound waves can escape the earcup rather than reflecting inside it, creating a more realistic and less “in your head” experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Open-Backs for Recording: Never use open-back headphones to record vocals or acoustic instruments with a microphone. The sound will leak out and be picked up by the mic, creating “bleed” and ruining your recording.
• Ignoring Power Needs: Buying a high-impedance (250+ Ohm) pair of headphones without a proper amplifier is a common error. You won’t hear their true quality and they will sound quiet and lifeless.
• Choosing Based on Looks: While aesthetics matter, performance is key. A “gaming” headset might look flashy, but a pair of proper studio headphones will almost always provide superior sound quality for the same price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do producers prefer open back headphones for critical listening?

Producers prefer open-back headphones for critical listening, mixing, and mastering because they offer a more natural and accurate sound representation. The open design prevents pressure buildup and sound reflections inside the earcup, resulting in a wider, more speaker-like soundstage and reduced listening fatigue during long sessions.

What is a ‘soundstage’ and why is it better on open back headphones?

A ‘soundstage’ is the perceived three-dimensional space and atmosphere of the audio, determining where instruments and sounds seem to be located around you. It’s better on open-back headphones because they allow sound to escape and interact with the environment naturally, which prevents the “in-your-head” feeling of closed-back models and creates a more spacious and realistic listening experience.

Will people around me be able to hear my audio with open back headphones?

Yes, absolutely. Open-back headphones are designed to let sound pass freely through the earcups. This means that anyone nearby will be able to hear what you’re listening to, especially at moderate to high volumes. They are not suitable for use in quiet public spaces like libraries, offices, or on public transport.

Are open back headphones suitable for recording vocals or instruments?

No, open-back headphones are not suitable for recording with a microphone. The sound leakage from the headphones will be picked up by the sensitive microphone, a phenomenon known as ‘headphone bleed’. This will result in a faint, distracting copy of the backing track being recorded along with your vocals or instrument, which is very difficult to remove.

Do open back headphones need more power from an amplifier?

Not necessarily because of their open-back design, but many high-fidelity open-back models are also high-impedance (e.g., 250 or 600 Ohms). These high-impedance models do require a dedicated headphone amplifier to provide enough power to drive them correctly and achieve optimal sound quality and volume.

How does the bass sound on open back headphones compared to closed back?

The bass on open-back headphones is generally described as more natural, accurate, and detailed. However, because air pressure can escape, it often has less physical impact, punch, or “thump” compared to closed-back headphones, which trap the pressure and can create a more powerful and pronounced low-end response.

Can I use open back headphones in a noisy environment?

It is not recommended. Open-back headphones offer virtually no passive noise isolation. You will hear everything happening around you, and you will likely have to turn the volume up to dangerous levels to drown out the external noise, which can damage your hearing and defeat the purpose of their detailed sound.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

Navigating the world of studio headphones can be complex, with each design offering unique strengths. While this guide champions the spacious, natural sound of open-back models for mixing and critical listening, our extensive testing led us to a clear overall winner for the modern studio. We award our top recommendation to the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphones. Although a closed-back design, its unparalleled combination of rugged, German-engineered build quality, exceptional long-session comfort from its velour earpads, and a brilliantly detailed sound signature make it the most versatile and reliable workhorse on our list. It provides the isolation needed for perfect tracking and a sound that is analytical enough for demanding mixing tasks. It’s a true industry standard for a reason.