Open back headphones are easy to misunderstand. Their grilles let sound escape, so they are a poor fit for a noisy commute or a shared office, but that same openness can make music feel less trapped inside your head. The real challenge is finding a pair that combines a convincing soundstage with sensible comfort and a connection your equipment can drive properly.
Our Best open back headphones guide covers classic studio models, newer reference designs, and relaxed home listening options. The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm is our top pick, while the other eight cover lighter designs, easier-to-drive headphones, and more specialized mixing tools.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Impedance | Cable and connection | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm | Best overall | 250 ohms | 3 m coiled cable | 0.84 lb | Critical listening and home hi-fi |
| 2 | Sennheiser HD 599 Ivory | Best for comfort | Not specified | Detachable 3 m and 1.2 m cables | 1.56 lb | Long, relaxed listening |
| 3 | Sennheiser HD 599 SE | Best easygoing sound | Not specified | Detachable 3 m and 1.2 m cables | 0.57 lb | Music, gaming, and general listening |
| 4 | Audio-Technica ATH-R50X | Best lightweight reference pair | Not specified | Detachable 3 m and 1.2 m cables | 207 g | Portable studio work |
| 5 | Philips SHP9600 | Best for TV and PC | Not specified | 3 m cable, 3.5 mm adapter | 0.73 lb | Home listening and podcasts |
| 6 | beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X | Best modern studio design | 48 ohms | Detachable 3 m cable, mini-XLR | 0.86 lb | Mixing and critical listening |
| 7 | Philips Hi-Fi 50mm | Best for spacious home sound | Not specified | Detachable cable | 1.19 lb | Music, films, and gaming |
| 8 | Sennheiser HD 490 PRO | Best for professional mixing | Not specified | Detachable cable with left and right jacks | 0.44 lb | Detailed production work |
| 9 | beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm | Best classic studio alternative | 80 ohms | 3 m straight cable | 0.75 lb | Studio and home audio |
1. beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm: Best Overall
Pros
- Natural, spacious presentation
- Replaceable circumaural velour pads
- Strong fit for critical listening
- German-built, serviceable design
Cons
- 250 ohms demands suitable amplification
- Fixed 3 m coiled cable is not especially convenient
- Open design leaks sound in both directions
Best for: listeners with a headphone amp, hi-fi system, or studio interface who want a revealing wired pair.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm is the pair we would keep for serious listening when the rest of the setup is ready for it. It has the unmistakable feel of a studio tool, with a firm but comfortable headband and soft, replaceable velour pads that sit around the ears rather than pressing directly on them. The open construction gives recordings room to breathe, so orchestral sections, guitar layers, and positional details do not collapse into a narrow blob.
The important qualification is the 250 ohm impedance. That figure is a useful match for a dedicated headphone amplifier, a studio interface, or a capable home hi-fi output, but it is not a guarantee of good results from every laptop or phone. A weak source may produce a quieter, less confident presentation. If your listening setup is built around portable devices, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE is a simpler choice because its specifications do not create the same amplification question.
This model is designed for critical listening and professional editing, and its wide soundstage makes subtle placement differences easier to hear. The 3 m coiled cable gives a studio desk plenty of reach, though it adds weight and can tug more than a short straight lead. At about 0.84 lb, it is not unusually heavy for an around-ear studio headphone, but the generous construction is more at home beside a desk than in a travel bag.
The DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm is not the right pick for a quiet library, a shared room, or anyone who wants wireless convenience. It also has a more purposeful fit than the softer Sennheiser HD 599 Ivory. Choose it when you want an established reference design, replaceable pads, and a sound that exposes recording details rather than smoothing them away. For readers comparing open designs with closed studio alternatives, how much sound headphones let in and out is an important distinction before buying.
2. Sennheiser HD 599 Ivory: Best for Comfort
Pros
- Plush velour ear pads
- Padded headband for long sessions
- Two detachable cables included
- Open, natural presentation
Cons
- Large physical footprint
- Ivory finish shows handling more readily
- No isolation from outside noise
Best for: listeners who want a comfortable home headphone for albums, films, and long sessions.
The Sennheiser HD 599 Ivory is the least demanding recommendation in this group from a comfort perspective. The padded headband and velour-covered ear pads create a soft, relaxed contact with the head, and the around-ear shape leaves room for the ears. That makes it easy to settle in with a long album or a film without the concentrated pressure that some firmer studio headphones create.
Sennheiser includes both a 3 m cable terminated in a 6.3 mm jack and a shorter 1.2 m cable with a 3.5 mm jack. That is a genuinely useful pairing. The long lead suits a stereo receiver or desk setup, while the shorter one is less awkward with a computer or another compact source. Both cables detach, so replacing a damaged lead does not mean replacing the headphone.
Its aluminum voice coil transducers are intended to provide high efficiency, strong dynamics, and low distortion. The result is a broad, inviting presentation rather than an aggressively analytical one. The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm is more explicit about studio scrutiny, while the HD 599 makes a stronger case for simply enjoying a varied music library. Readers who also need a closed option should consider the comfort and fit differences between over-ear designs before settling on an open frame.
The weakness is practical rather than dramatic. The HD 599 is a large headphone, and its open cups offer no meaningful barrier against conversation, fans, or nearby television audio. The ivory finish and matte details also give it a more distinctive look than the black HD 599 SE. Pick this version for a stationary listening chair or desk, especially if soft pads and easy cable swapping matter more than compact storage.
3. Sennheiser HD 599 SE: Best Easygoing Sound
Pros
- Spacious, balanced sound
- Lightweight 0.57 lb construction
- Plush velour pads
- Two detachable cable lengths
Cons
- Open cups leak sound
- No microphone or wireless connection
- Cable setup is still primarily for home use
Best for: people who want a light, comfortable wired headphone for music, gaming, and everyday listening.
The Sennheiser HD 599 SE takes the same broad idea as the ivory HD 599 and gives it a more understated black finish. Its strongest quality is balance. The sound is described as natural and spacious, with clear highs, rich mids, and controlled bass, so acoustic instruments and vocals remain intelligible without turning every recording into a forensic exercise.
At roughly 0.57 lb, this is one of the lighter options here. The difference is noticeable during long sessions because the headband and ear pads have less mass to keep supported. The plush velour pads help maintain that relaxed feel, while the around-ear design keeps the drivers away from the ear itself. It is a particularly sensible shape for desktop gaming, podcasts, and mixed music libraries.
The connection arrangement is flexible. A detachable 3 m cable with a 6.3 mm plug suits an amplifier or home stereo, and a 1.2 m cable with a 3.5 mm plug works more naturally with a computer, tablet, or compatible phone. The product is wired, with no battery or wireless mode to manage. That simplicity is useful, but it also means a listener expecting a headset microphone or a portable Bluetooth design should look elsewhere.
Compared with the Sennheiser HD 599 Ivory, the main difference is presentation and finish rather than a radically different purpose. The ivory model has a more decorative look, while the SE is easier to blend into a desk. Compared with the Audio-Technica ATH-R50X, the HD 599 SE is less focused on production language and more forgiving for casual listening. Skip it if you need isolation, and choose it if comfort and a relaxed soundstage are the priority.
4. Audio-Technica ATH-R50X: Best Lightweight Reference Pair
Pros
- Lightweight 207 g construction
- Fully open design reduces internal resonance
- Two detachable cables
- 3.5 mm plug and 6.3 mm adapter included
Cons
- Open design provides no isolation
- Reference tuning may sound less relaxed
- No impedance specification is provided here
Best for: editors and music makers who want a light reference headphone with practical cable choices.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R50X stands out as the lightest clearly specified design in this roundup, at 207 g. That makes it appealing for work that involves repeated listening, editing, or moving between a desk and another room. The new headband design is intended to support that low weight without turning the fit into a fragile afterthought.
Audio-Technica uses a fully open back structure to let air move freely and reduce internal resonance. In practical terms, that architecture is aimed at quick transient response and a wide, realistic soundstage. The tuning combines extended bass with an accurate midrange, a useful mix for production because low-end presence is available without making vocal and instrument decisions unnecessarily vague.
The ATH-R50X arrives with two detachable cables, one measuring 3 m and the other 1.2 m. Each uses a 2.5 mm twist-lock connector at the left earcup, and the package includes a 3.5 mm stereo mini-plug plus a 6.3 mm adapter. That gives it a better day-to-day setup than a single permanently attached studio lead. A carrying pouch is also included, which supports moving it between workspaces, though the open cups still make it a poor outdoor headphone.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm feels more substantial and has a more established studio character, but it also needs more careful source matching. The ATH-R50X is the more agile choice when weight and cable flexibility matter. It is not the obvious pick for someone seeking a soft, lush home sound, and the available data does not specify its impedance, so buyers should confirm source compatibility for their particular setup. For anyone deciding between open headphones and earbuds, how much room a headphone needs around the ear helps clarify why this design is built for stationary listening.
5. Philips SHP9600: Best for TV and PC
Pros
- Large 50 mm drivers
- Adjustable padded headband
- Breathable over-ear cushions
- Long 3 m cable and adapter
- Works with TV, stereo, PC, and phone
Cons
- No isolation from room noise
- Fixed long cable can be cumbersome
- Less specialized for critical studio work
Best for: home listeners who need a straightforward wired connection to a TV, PC, stereo, or phone.
The Philips SHP9600 is built around convenience without abandoning the main appeal of an open back headphone. Its adjustable padded headband and breathable cushions are designed for long sessions, and the ear cups follow the ear's natural shape. That combination makes sense for someone watching television from a chair, listening to podcasts at a desk, or playing music through a home stereo.
The 50 mm drivers are tuned for deep bass, a balanced midrange, and clear high frequencies. Driver size alone does not determine sound quality, but these details point to a general-purpose presentation rather than a narrow professional tool. Compared with the Audio-Technica ATH-R50X, the Philips is easier to position as an all-purpose home pair. The Audio-Technica has a clearer reference identity, while the SHP9600 is more immediately practical for mixed content.
Connectivity is one of its strongest features. The 3 m cable gives useful reach from a television or stereo, and the included 3.5 mm gold-plated adapter makes the same headphone easier to connect to a computer, phone, or other compatible device. The cable arrangement is not detachable in the listed features, so it is less convenient to replace than the Sennheiser and newer beyerdynamic alternatives.
The Philips is not the choice for a professional mix engineer who needs the most exacting spatial decisions. It also leaks audio into the room, and the long cable can become untidy at a small desk. Choose it when device compatibility, generous cable length, and soft home comfort matter more than a highly specialized reference signature.
6. beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X: Best Modern Studio Design
Pros
- Easier 48 ohm impedance
- Detachable locking mini-XLR cable
- Replaceable velour ear pads
- Serviceable parts
- Wide, precise spatial imaging
Cons
- Long 3 m cable is desk-oriented
- Still leaks sound extensively
- More revealing than some casual listeners want
Best for: creators who want a modern studio headphone that works across interfaces, computers, and hi-fi equipment.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X keeps the wide open presentation associated with the DT 990 line but changes the ownership experience in meaningful ways. Its 48 ohm impedance is easier to pair with computers, studio interfaces, headphone amplifiers, and hi-fi systems than the 250 ohm DT 990 PRO. That does not make every source equally powerful, but it removes one of the main compatibility hurdles from the classic model.
The Stellar.45 driver is specified for a 5 to 40, 000 Hz frequency response and low distortion. Those figures matter less as isolated claims than as an indication of the headphone's role. It is intended to make subtle mix imperfections, clipping, noise, and spatial placement easier to identify. The presentation is deliberately revealing, so it can expose weaknesses in recordings as readily as it highlights detail.
Comfort remains a major part of the design. The circumaural velour pads are replaceable, the headband pressure is described as snug but relaxed, and the listed weight is about 0.64 lb. The 3 m cable detaches through a locking mini-XLR connector, and the package includes both 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm connection options. Serviceable parts make the headphone more suitable for sustained studio ownership than a sealed unit with no replaceable wear components.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm remains the more traditional choice for a dedicated amplifier, while the DT 990 Pro X is easier to integrate into a mixed setup. The newer model is not compact, wireless, or quiet for the people around you. It earns this spot for listeners who want classic open studio spaciousness with a more flexible impedance and a detachable cable.
7. Philips Hi-Fi 50mm: Best for Spacious Home Sound
Pros
- 50 mm neodymium drivers
- Wide, natural soundstage
- Breathable over-ear cushions
- Low clamping force
- Detachable cable
Cons
- Heavier than the lightest choices
- No listed cable length
- No room isolation
Best for: home listeners who want a broad presentation for music, films, and games.
The Philips Hi-Fi 50mm is aimed squarely at relaxed home listening. Its open acoustic structure is designed to create a natural, spacious soundstage, and the low clamping force helps the headphone sit gently during longer sessions. That combination suits music, films, and games where a sense of width matters more than strict studio neutrality.
The 50 mm neodymium drivers are described as producing crisp highs, detailed mids, and controlled bass. This is the kind of tuning that can make a large orchestral recording feel more spread out and give game environments extra air around individual sounds. The Philips SHP9600 is the more obvious TV and PC utility pick because its 3 m cable and adapter are specified clearly, while this model has a more home-audio-focused feature set.
The headband has a sturdy structure, and the ear cushions are breathable and designed to fit around the ear. At 1.19 lb, it is heavier than the Sennheiser HD 599 SE and the Audio-Technica ATH-R50X, so the low clamp does some of the comfort work that a lighter chassis would otherwise provide. The detachable cable is helpful for storage and eventual replacement, though the available information does not give its length or plug arrangement.
The limitation is that the broad soundstage comes with the usual open back trade-off. People nearby will hear what you are playing, and outside sounds will remain present. The Philips Hi-Fi 50mm makes sense for a home listener who wants a spacious, comfortable presentation and does not need the detailed production controls of the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO.
8. Sennheiser HD 490 PRO: Best for Professional Mixing
Pros
- Extremely wide, dimensional soundstage
- Uncolored 5 to 36, 000 Hz response
- Two sets of ear pads
- Washable and replaceable pads
- Detachable cable with left and right jacks
Cons
- Studio focus may be excessive for casual listening
- Open design offers no isolation
- Cable configuration is more specialized
Best for: producers and mixers who need a highly precise, fatigue-conscious reference headphone.
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is the most specialized tool in this list. Its open back architecture is built around an extremely wide, dimensional soundstage and precise localization. That is useful when a mix depends on placing instruments accurately, judging depth, or hearing small shifts that a narrower presentation can hide.
Sennheiser specifies an uncolored 5 to 36, 000 Hz frequency response and a low-frequency cylinder system intended to keep the low end full, accurate, and clearly defined. The open-frame architecture is designed to reduce resonance and total harmonic distortion. Those design choices point toward honest monitoring rather than a deliberately flattering sound. It is the headphone to reach for when you need to make decisions, not simply add warmth to a familiar playlist.
The HD 490 PRO includes two sets of ear pads for producing and mixing. That is more useful than a cosmetic extra because pad choice can affect both comfort and the way the headphone presents sound. The pads are washable and replaceable, and the cable can connect at either the left or right ear jack. Its patented coil structure is intended to reduce cable-borne noise, another detail that matters in a quiet production environment.
Compared with the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X, the HD 490 PRO is more purpose-built around professional mixing flexibility. The beyerdynamic has a more conventional single-sided cable arrangement and a familiar studio profile, while the Sennheiser offers a broader set of wear and connection options. Casual listeners should skip the HD 490 PRO if they want a forgiving, uncomplicated home headphone. For people building a serious desk setup, the features that matter when headphones are used for studio work are exactly where this model earns its place.
9. beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm: Best Classic Studio Alternative
Pros
- More accessible 80 ohm impedance
- Replaceable circumaural pads
- Detailed open soundstage
- Serviceable construction
- Long 3 m straight cable
Cons
- Straight cable is permanently attached
- No isolation
- Less suitable for small portable setups than lighter designs
Best for: listeners who like the DT 990 character but need an 80 ohm version for broader equipment compatibility.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm is the straightforward alternative to the 250 ohm version at the top of this list. It retains the open studio design, soft replaceable circumaural pads, and spacious presentation that make the DT 990 family so recognizable. The 80 ohm impedance is a more flexible match for a wider range of studio outputs and home audio equipment.
Its listed frequency response is 5 to 35, 000 Hz, and the headphone is designed to reveal subtle details and imperfections during editing, mixing, and mastering. The open soundstage can make spatial relationships easier to follow, while the firm but comfortable fit keeps the headphone secure during desk work. It weighs about 0.75 lb, so it is lighter than the 250 ohm version listed here but still clearly a full-size studio model.
The 3 m straight cable ends in a threaded 6.3 mm adapter for 3.5 mm jacks. That length is useful around a studio workstation or home stereo, though the cable is not detachable. The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X improves on that arrangement with a detachable locking mini-XLR cable and a 48 ohm design, but the older 80 ohm model remains appealing for someone who wants the established DT 990 format without committing to the highest impedance version.
This is not a travel headphone, and its open cups make it unsuitable for shared spaces. It is also less forgiving of poor recordings than the Sennheiser HD 599 SE. Choose it when you want a classic, durable studio headphone with replaceable pads and a more approachable impedance than the 250 ohm model.
How to choose best open back headphones
The right open back headphone depends on where you listen, what equipment you connect, and whether you want relaxed enjoyment or precise production feedback.
Open back construction
Open cups allow air to move around the driver and reduce the enclosed sensation common to sealed headphones. That can create a wider, more natural presentation, but it also lets your music out and room noise in. The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm and Sennheiser HD 490 PRO make strong use of this design for spatial work, while the Philips models apply it to home listening.
Open back headphones are for quiet rooms and deliberate listening, not for blocking out the world.
Impedance and source matching
Impedance affects how demanding a headphone can be for the connected source. The 250 ohm DT 990 PRO is best paired with a studio interface, dedicated amplifier, or capable hi-fi output. The DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm is easier to integrate, and the DT 990 Pro X uses 48 ohms for broader compatibility. Do not assume a phone or laptop will drive every high-impedance design equally well.
Soundstage and tuning
A wide soundstage can help with orchestral music, games, film ambience, and mix placement. A reference tuning, such as the one described for the ATH-R50X and HD 490 PRO, aims to expose detail and balance. A more relaxed tuning, such as the one associated with the HD 599 models, is often easier for varied music and long casual sessions.
Comfort and weight
Look for around-ear pads, a headband that distributes pressure, and a weight you can tolerate for the length of your listening sessions. The ATH-R50X is specified at 207 g, the HD 599 SE at about 0.57 lb, and the HD 490 PRO at about 0.44 lb. Weight is only part of the equation because pad material, clamp, and headband shape can matter just as much.
Cables and connectors
A detachable cable is easier to store and replace, while a fixed cable can still be perfectly practical at a permanent desk. The HD 599 models include both 3 m and 1.2 m detachable leads. The ATH-R50X also gives you two lengths, while the Philips SHP9600 uses a 3 m cable and a 3.5 mm adapter for broad home connectivity. Check the plug and cable length against your amplifier, PC, TV, or stereo before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Are open back headphones good for everyday listening?
They can be excellent for home listening because the presentation often feels spacious and less enclosed. They are not suitable for noisy public spaces or rooms where another person needs quiet. Sound leakage is part of the design, not a defect that can be switched off.
Do open back headphones need an amplifier?
Not always. The 48 ohm beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X is designed for use with computers, interfaces, DACs, and hi-fi systems, while the 250 ohm DT 990 PRO is a more demanding match. Check the output capability of your source if you are choosing a high-impedance model.
Which open back headphones are most comfortable?
The Sennheiser HD 599 Ivory and Sennheiser HD 599 SE are strong comfort choices because they use padded headbands and velour-covered ear pads. The Audio-Technica ATH-R50X and Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are lighter on paper. Fit still depends on head shape and how firmly the headphone clamps.
Can open back headphones be used for gaming?
Yes. Their spacious presentation can help with environmental cues and positional audio, especially in a quiet room. None of the products here lists a built-in microphone, so chat may require a separate microphone or another communication device.
Are detachable cables important?
A detachable cable makes storage easier and allows replacement if the lead becomes damaged. The Sennheiser HD 599 models, Audio-Technica ATH-R50X, DT 990 Pro X, Philips Hi-Fi 50mm, and HD 490 PRO all list detachable cable features. The DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm and Philips SHP9600 use their listed fixed cable arrangements.
Can other people hear open back headphones?
Yes. The open cups allow music to escape, and nearby conversations or household sounds can remain audible to the wearer. Use them in a private room when leakage would be distracting.
The bottom line
The Best open back headphones pick is the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohm for listeners with a suitable amplifier or studio interface. It combines a spacious, detailed presentation with replaceable velour pads and a durable studio-focused build. The Sennheiser HD 599 SE is the easier recommendation for relaxed home listening, comfort, and simple connection to everyday devices.
Choose the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X if you want a newer, more flexible studio design with 48 ohms and a detachable cable. Choose the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO for production work where localization, pad options, and an uncolored response matter more than casual convenience.
If you are undecided, choose the HD 599 SE for comfort or the DT 990 Pro X for a more serious desk setup.
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