The 6 Best Open-Back Headphones of 2025

The best open-back headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These premium dynamic driver headphones are the best for sound but are definitely an investment. Aside from the cost of the headphones, you'll need a powerful amp or audio interface to use them, which is an extra expense if you don't already have one. However, if you want the best, these create an outstanding sense of depth and width to your audio, and really lend your audio some of the qualities of angled reference monitors. They also have an excellent build quality and a very comfortable fit for most people, so you can listen for hours without experiencing much fatigue.

Although they lack a thumpy low bass due to their open-back design, they have a bit of extra high bass to add warmth to the mix. Instruments and vocals sound clear and natural. Their balanced sound profile is suitable for all types of audio content. However, if you want to hear kick drums with a bit more thump, consider the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version. The HiFiMan are a little easier to drive than the Sennheiser, so you don't need a dedicated amp or DAC. That said, they're not as comfortable or well-built as our pick, and they can't match the Sennheiser for lending your audio a sense of width and depth.

If you want to save some cash, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are worth checking out for a dynamic driver design that won't destroy your bank account. They aren't as well-built as our top pick, the Sennheiser HD 800 S, but the HD 490 PRO are still an excellent choice for listeners who enjoy a balanced sound. They put out noticeably more bass than the HD 800 S, but vocals and instruments are still present, detailed, and clear. They're also easier to drive than the HD 800 S, so you likely won't need a headphone amp with most devices.

The HD 490 PRO have consistent audio delivery, so you don't need to worry too much about their sound changing depending on the headphones' fit and positioning on your head. They also have a second set of earpads that change the sound signature a bit, meaning you have access to some extra physical customizability. Plus, if you wear glasses, the earpads have contours meant to fit around them without negatively affecting the bass response.

The best mid-range open-back headphones we've tested are the HiFiMan Sundara 2020. These are a pair of planar magnetic headphones with a comfortable, sturdy design. They're quite a bit cheaper than the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, but the tradeoff is that they underdeliver in low- and mid-bass, so your audio lacks rumble and punch compared to the previous pick. That said, their high-bass response ensures your audio has warmth and fullness, and the rest of the frequency range is very well-balanced, with detailed, bright instruments that don't sound piercing. Their flat sound signature is great for analytical listening, too, making these a good choice for mixing or mastering tasks.

Some listeners may prefer their stretchy headband design, which can make them quite comfortable, but they clamp harder and weigh more than the HD 490 PRO. Their accompanying accessories are also a bit more sparse, which can add up as extra costs, too; unlike the Sennheiser, you only get a single set of earpads, and the Y-cable is less convenient than the locking cable on the HD 490 PRO.

Audiophile headphones tend to take a hit in performance once you get into the lower mid-range price point, but the Sennheiser HD 560S avoid that pitfall. These have a decent, albeit more plasticky, build quality and use dynamic drivers, which is typical at this price point and helps keep them fairly lightweight compared to the chunkier HiFiMan Sundara 2020. That said, the Sennheiser are more stable on the head, so if you're an active listener, that's a bonus, and they feel comfortable for long sessions.

Like most open-back headphones, their sound lacks a little low-bass thump, but their balanced sound is great for everything from podcasts to pop music. Instruments sound true-to-life, and vocals have enough clarity to cut through dense mixes. Their treble range closely follows our target curve, but if you want a slightly warmer sound, the HiFiMan might be a better pick.

If you want to dip your toes into the world of open-backs without investing too much, try the Superlux HD 681. These entry-level over-ears are semi-open-back headphones. This design means they leak less audio than their fully open counterparts, like the Sennheiser HD 560S, and block out slightly more ambient sound, although you'll still hear most noise around you. At the same time, they can create a more open, wide, and immersive soundstage than closed-back headphones.

These comfortable headphones reproduce similar amounts of low bass as other picks on this list, though they're certainly considerably brighter overall than the Sennheiser HD 560S. While vocals and instruments are clear and natural, sibilants like hi-hats are relatively piercing. As you'd expect from budget-level cans, their build quality isn't very good, and they feel somewhat flimsy and plasticky. For more durable headphones, it's worth considering the Philips SHP9500, which are better built and fully open-back but cost a bit more.

While you can use any of the previous picks for gaming, none come with a microphone, so if you don't have a standalone mic and want headphones with one built in, it's worth considering the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X instead. Their great boom mic makes your voice clear and natural over team chat. They can also create a greater sense of width and depth than most closed-back gaming headsets, which can be helpful when it comes to locating where enemy footsteps are coming from.

They're very comfortable and come with a choice of microfiber or velour ear cup padding, which is nice if you have a preference. Their flat sound profile suits dialogue and game soundtracks alike, with an accurate mid-range for easily parsing out dialogue. However, they lack low bass like most open-backs, and the treble is a bit dull. Like all the other headphones on this list, they're wired-only and lack companion software with sound customization features like an EQ. If you like to fine-tune your audio using an app and value gamer-centric features like more extensive on-ear controls, consider the Turtle Beach Atlas Air. These open-backs can be used wirelessly as well as wired, which adds to their flexibility. They also have a better mic than the Drop + Sennheiser. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach aren't quite as comfortable as our pick.