The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are sturdy audiophile headphones. They're well-suited to professional applications, but their open-back design isn't ideal for everyday casual use. They'll leak a lot of audio, even at low volumes, and won't block any external noise. They're also a bit tight on the head.
Our Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are great for neutral sound. They reproduce a lot of detail in high-resolution tracks and have a clear a reasonably spacious and immersive soundstage. Their treble response deviates from our target in a way that can sound bright, and even harsh. That said, bass, lead instruments, and vocals are well-balanced and reproduced with detail. They're not the best-suited for enjoying bass-heavy genres, like techno and hip-hop though, as these open-backs lack rumble and boom in the low-bass.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Fair passive soundstage performance.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't designed for commuting. The open-back design intentionally doesn't isolate.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Fair passive soundstage performance.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't meant for sports use. They have a stable fit but are too cumbersome.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Fair passive soundstage performance.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't designed for office use unless you work in an isolated environment.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Fair passive soundstage performance.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are wired-only headphones and can't be used wirelessly.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are passable for wired gaming, so long as you don't need mic support or have your own standalone mic. They have an exciting sound with extra bass that can help emphasize sound effects while dialogue and instruments are crisp and bright. Their open-back design also ensures a fairly open and spacious sound.
-
Sturdy and durable build.
-
Fair passive soundstage performance.
-
Stable and well-padded.
-
Loud leakage, by design.
-
No isolation from ambient noise, by design.
-
Slightly tight on the head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO don't have a mic. While you can use them to take calls if you have a standalone mic, they have an open-back design, so they won't block out much background noise.
- 8.2 Neutral Sound
- 4.1 Commute/Travel
- 5.6 Sports/Fitness
- 4.8 Office
- 4.6 Wireless Gaming
- 6.4 Wired Gaming
- 1.8 Phone Calls
- Updated Sep 12, 2024: Several Sound tests have been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Sep 12, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.8, which updates our target curve and Sound tests. You can read more about this in our changelog.
- Updated Jun 27, 2024: The following test groups have been updated following Test Bench 1.7: Noise Isolation - Full Range and Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Jun 26, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.7, which updates our Noise Isolation test. We've also expanded the scope of this test to include Common Scenarios in addition to Voice Handling and Wind Handling.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages, and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Jul 24, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony MDR-MV1 in Passive Soundstage.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jun 24, 2016: Review published.
- Updated Jun 22, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated May 20, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO come in two different color variants: 'Black' and 'Gray'. We tested the 'Black' variant but expect other color variants to perform similarly. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, let us know in the forums and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are wired open-back headphones that are well-suited to professional audio applications or for audiophile use. They offer a more immersive soundstage than their closed-back sibling, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, but this comes at the expense of less emphasized bass response and poor noise isolation.
See our recommendations for the best headphones under $200, the best audiophile headphones, and the best headphones for music.
Both the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and Sennheiser HD 560S share open-backed designs. They also have broadly similar sound profiles, with the Beyerdynamic offering a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser have a more even top-end, but some may prefer the high-frequency sheen on the Beyerdynamic. The Beyerdynamic feel better built and comfortable, though they clamp a bit harder. On the other hand, the Sennheiser have a more open and immersive passive soundstage performance, with a lighter-feeling fit, so choosing between them may come down to your personal taste.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are designed with different use cases and preferences in mind. The Beyerdynamic are better-built and feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. Their open-back design gives them a wider, more immersive soundstage, at the expense of leaking more audio. On the other hand, if you need headphones that provide some passive noise isolation or if you like to listen to listen to music where basslines and kicks are prominent, like techno and house, the Beyerdynamic are a safer choice.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X are similarly performing audiophile headphones with different strengths. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the PRO X have a different driver design that's advertised to reproduce loud sound without distortion, whether connected to an amp or a smartphone. They also have a wider and more out-of-head passive soundstage. However, the 990 PRO's mid and treble responses are more balanced, whereas the 900 PRO X features some dips in the low-mid and low-treble ranges that can impact their clarity. They 990 PRO use a coiled audio cable, but it isn't detachable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 600. The Beyerdynamic offer a better value thanks to their excellent build quality and balanced sound profile. They feel a lot more durable than the Sennheiser and have better bass extension. While the two have similarly detailed mid-range responses, the Sennhesier don't sound as sharp as the Beyerdynamic on bright tracks. They also have a slightly more spacious soundstage than the Beyerdynamic and come with detachable cables.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR are offer slightly better value than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO if you're looking for open-back headphones for audiophile use. The Philips are more comfortable, with a wider and more open soundstage. Their treble range is also a bit more consistent between various users or reseats. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic feel more durable and stable and have less distortion at lower listening volumes.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 599 are both great headphones for audiophile use. The HD 599 are more comfortable for long listening sessions, while the DT 990 PRO are noticeably better-built and feel more durable, but have a tighter fit. Also, while both their sound profiles are very similar, the HD 599 may sound slightly more open than the DT 990 PRO. The DT 990 PRO come with a non-detachable coiled cable while the HD 599 come with two thin and detachable audio cables.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are better for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. Both pairs have balanced sound profiles, but the HiFiMan are more comfortable. They also have a much better passive soundstage performance and deliver audio more consistently. However, the Beyerdynamic are better-built, more breathable, and have a pouch that protects the headphones from minor scratches and splashes.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are both very good open-back headphones for neutral sound. While the Beyerdynamic have better bass extension, they also sound a bit sharp and piercing in the treble range. The Sennheiser have a smoother sound, with less sharpness in the treble but can't deliver as much bass as the Beyerdynamic. That said the Beyerdynamic are slightly better-built, while the Sennheiser have a weak point in their construction between the earcups and the metal frame.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the AKG K702 are both great headphones for audiophiles and have very little difference in performance. Sound-wise, the AKG 's bass doesn't extend as low when compared to the Beyerdynamic. On the other hand, the AKG don't feel as tight on the head as the Beyerdynamic, which is more comfortable for long listening sessions. However, the AKG don’t feel as durable since they lack a full metal frame like the Beyerdynamic. The AKG also have a more open, immersive soundstage, and they come with a very long and detachable cable while the Beyerdynamic have a short, coiled cable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9500 are both very good audiophile headphones if you like a balanced sound, but they have different sound profiles. The Beyerdynamic reproduce more bass, but their treble response sounds fairly sharp and even piercing to some people. The Philips have a significant bass roll-off, but their treble is much better balanced, and they have a more natural-seeming soundstage. They're also less fatiguing to wear for long listening sessions since they fit less tightly than the Beyerdynamic.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are both open-back headphones that are well suited for audiophile use. The Sennheiser have a more consistent audio delivery and a wider, more immersive soundstage. However, the Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better-built, and they also come with a pouch to help protect the headphones. Both headphones lack low-bass and have very detailed mid-range reproduction, which is common among open-back headphones, but they differ in their treble range reproduction. The Sennheiser feature slightly recessed highs that can darken sibilants, whereas the Beyerdynamic are the inverse; with a brighter mid-treble reproduction that can make sibilants sound bright.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are slightly better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 598. They are noticeably better-built headphones and feel sturdier. They also don’t lack sub-bass like the Sennheiser do. However, they might sound a bit sharp for some and are a bit tight on the head. Also, the Sennheiser are more comfortable for long listening sessions, thanks to the nice padding and large cups. We’ve also measured that they were more open-sounding than the Beyerdynamic.
The Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are over-ear headphones that deliver a balanced sound. Both headphones feature a slightly tilted bass response, with an overemphasis in the high-bass that helps compensate for the lack of low-bass; something that's commonly seen with open-backs. While both have balanced mid-ranges that help bring out the detail in vocals, the Beyerdynamic have a slight peak in the low-the mid-treble that can add sharpness to sibilants, whereas the Sennheiser sound more veiled in this range. The Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better built though, which makes them better suited to extended use.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are two very good audiophile open-back headphones with similar frequency responses. Both feature a slightly tilted bass response and flat mids. That said the Sennheiser lack the Beyerdynamic's peak in the treble response that can render sibilants in a harsh way. The Beyerdynamic will be a better option if you care more about comfort and build quality though.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are better for gaming than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The Astro are more comfortable and have companion software that offers sound customization features, though some users have reported issues using it. They also have a mic with a great performance and a better passive soundstage. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic have a less recessed treble response that can err on being overly bright. This can play to your advantage for certain applications though, like mixing or audio editing.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO have a more detailed sound and a more immersive, wide soundstage than the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, thanks to their open-back design. That said, the DT 990 PRO feature a more prominent bass response that's well-suited to bass-centric genres like EDM and hip-hop. They also leak less audio. Both headphones are similarly built and are comfortable; choosing between them really comes down to whether you're in the market for open-back or closed-back headphones.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO are the more premium version of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The main differences are that the DT 1990 PRO come with an extra pair of ear pads and another audio cable, which makes them more durable. They also come with a hard, but very bulky, case to protect the headphones. The DT 1990 PRO have a more prominent bass response and better bass extension than the DT 990 PRO. They have a much sharper and piercing treble though. On the upside, their passive soundstage feels wider and more immersive.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO are both very good headphones for critical listening, but they have different sound profiles. Both headphones have a bright and clear treble. However, the DT 880 lack bass compared to the DT 990 PRO, which pack a stronger punch. This makes the DT 880 sound brighter compared to the DT 990, which can sound more balanced overall. Both headphones also sound rather sharp, but the intensity depends on how sensitive you are to the higher frequencies.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro are both open-back over-ears designed for analytical listening in the studio. While both headphones have a similarly open-sounding soundstage, the Sennheiser deliver your audio more consistently. They're also more comfortable, and you can choose between the two sets of pads provided to alter the sound profile, depending on the task at hand. The Beyerdynamic are better built though, with more metal involved in their construction.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are better audiophile headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, although they require quite an investment. With the right setup, the Sennheiser have a remarkably well-balanced sound signature with a spacious, natural soundstage adhering to our target curve well. To get the most out of them, you'll want to consider adding an amp. The Beyerdynamic don't sound quite as immersive, but they can produce more bass and come at a more wallet-friendly price.
While the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X are both great choices for neutral sound, the Drop are a better choice for wired gaming. The Drop have a boom mic to record your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments. They're also more comfortable and have a mic as well as volume controls. However, the Beyerdynamic are better built.
The AKG K712 PRO are slightly better open-back headphones overall than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The AKG are more comfortable, have a much wider soundstage, and deliver audio more consistently. While the two are a similar frequency response, that lacks low-bass but features detailed mids, the AKG have a wider, more immersive soundstage.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are designed with different uses in mind: the Beyerdynamic for analytical listening in the studio and the HyperX for gaming. That said, if you don't need a microphone, the DT 990 PRO can be a viable option for wired gaming thanks to their well-balanced sound profile. The Cloud Alpha have better padding for long gaming sessions, but they lack detail and brightness in the treble range, and some people find the closed-back design more fatiguing to wear over time.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sony MDR-MV1 are evenly matched open-backs, so you may enjoy either, depending on your preferences. The Beyerdynamic are better-built and have a less harsh treble range. Conversely, the Sony are more comfortable and have a wider soundstage.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO aren't designed specifically for gaming like the Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO are, but they're still a good choice for wired gaming. They're comfortable and more sturdily built than the Corsair and offer a lower bass extension. However, if you need a microphone to communicate with your teammates, you'll want to opt for the Corsair and their high-quality microphone. The Corsair also have a wider, more immersive soundstage. That said, if you prefer the sound profile of the Beyerdynamic but need to use a mic, you can always pick up a standalone microphone to pair it with.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9600 are both open-back headphones that are good for neutral sound, and depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. Both have balanced sound profiles with a bit of extra punch in the bass range, but the Beyerdynamic's bass is more extended. The Beyerdynamic are also better-built and have a more stable fit. That said, the Philips are more comfortable, and their audio delivery is more consistent.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Audeze MM-100 are both wired, open-back audiophile headphones with slightly different strengths. The Audeze are better built using more premium materials, and their planar magnetic drivers help them create a more spacious, immersive soundstage. While both headphones have relatively neutral sound profiles, the Beyerdynamic have a more prominent bass that's more in line with our target. That said, the Beyerdynamic's slightly overemphasized treble can be fatiguing to listen to over long periods, which is less of an issue with the Audeze due to their veiled treble response.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two wired, over-ear headphones with very different uses. The Beyerdynamic are more suited for audiophiles, as they have a decently consistent frequency response and a more neutral sound profile. However, they don't have a microphone, controls, or companion software, so some may find them very limiting. The Astro, on the other hand, are gaming headphones that have controls so you can tweak your audio on the fly, they're slightly more comfortable, and their boom microphone does an excellent job of capturing your voice clearly, even in noisy environments. Even though they have a more inconsistent bass and treble delivery, they have companion software with a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to find the right sound for your needs. That said, some people have reported issues when trying to use the software.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC each provide better value for different purposes. The SteelSeries are wired gaming headphones that come with a powerful microphone and lots of customization options. The Beyerdynamic are studio headphones designed for mixing and mastering; however, they can be a viable option for gamers who don’t need a mic thanks to their comfortable fit and well-balanced, immersive sound.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HiFiMan HE-400i are both good headphones if you like a neutral sound. The HiFiMan have less bass, but they also sound less piercing. They have a much more immersive soundstage as well. However, they feel a lot less durable, and there have been many reports of issues with their build quality. The Beyerdynamic feel much better-built, although their tight fit is less comfortable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Beats Solo Pro have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The Beyerdynamic are over-ears designed for audiophiles. They're more comfortable and have a more immersive passive soundstage. However, the Beats are better for casual use. They have an ANC system and can significantly block out more background noise. They also have a wireless design and have an H1 chip, so you can pair them with other devices in your Apple ecosystem.
Test Results
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 are decent-looking reference headphones. They have a relatively compact and utilitarian design. However, the materials used in their build give them a little more flare and high-end appeal. The ear cups are covered in a suede-like fabric. The headband is made completely of metal and has a stylish and detachable padding cover.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones but are a bit tight on your head. They have large, well-padded ear cups that fit comfortably around most listeners' ears. However, the headband is a little too rigid, which make the headphones tight enough to become uncomfortable during long listening sessions. If you want open-back headphones that are a bit more comfortable, check out the Philips SHP9600 or the Philips Fidelio X2HR.
Like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 and the Beyerdynamic DT 880, the Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO aren't designed with portability in mind. They're big and bulky and don't fold into a more compact format or have swiveling ear cups that lay flat to take up less storage space. They're on the larger side for over-ear headphones and would only fit in a bag or a big purse.
These headphones come with a soft pouch that doesn't add much bulk but doesn't offer much protection. They would be safe from scratches but not from falls. On the upside, the fabric is somewhat waterproof and will shield the headphones from minor water damage.
They have a solid, sturdy build, just like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X. The headband has a rugged metal frame that can handle a decent amount of physical stress. The open-back ear cups are, unfortunately, made of plastic, which makes them less durable compared to the rest of their build, but they're dense enough to not get damaged from a couple of drops.
These headphones are moderately stable on your head. They aren't designed for sports and will slip off your ears during high-intensity physical activities or while running. However, the tight fit these headphones provide is more than enough to keep the headphones on your head during casual listening sessions.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO have sound profile that's well-suited to professional applications and any task that relies on hearing imperfections and small details in audio. As with other open-back audiophile headphones, there's a fair bit of roll-off in the bass range that means lower frequency instruments, like kicks and basslines, lack rumble and boom. There's a slight emphasis in the high-bass that helps bring out the initial attack in these sonic elements though. The mid-range follows our target well, ensuring vocals and lead instruments sound detailed and natural. There's some over-emphasis in the mid-treble though, that can cause sibilants, like cymbals, to sound overly bright and a little harsh.
These headphones have decent frequency response consistency. If you have thick hair or wear glasses, you'll experience some issues with treble delivery, as this can disrupt the seal around your ears. That said, if you take the time to achieve a solid fit, you should be rewarded with consistent audio delivery.
These headphones do a great job at following our bass compliance target. The bass response is tilted across the whole range, so while there's some underemphasis in the low-bass, the high-bass is boosted somewhat. As a result, EDM and hip-hop tracks that utilize sub-bass elements, like 808s, will lacks boom and rumble. That said, the boosted high-bass means you'll still hear the attack of kick drums and bass guitars clearly.
These headphones do outstandingly well at following our mid-range target, with almost no deviations at all. This means that mid-range elements, including vocals and lead instruments, sound extremely natural and well-balanced in relation to each other.
Their compliance with our treble target is very good. The lower part of this range is well-balanced and renders the upper harmonics of vocals in a detailed, transparent way. There's some over-emphasis in the middle of the range though, that can cause cymbals and S and T sounds to be overly bright, bordering on harsh.
These headphones have a good peaks and dips performance, meaning they generally follow their own sound profile well. The treble range features a few small peaks that can add brightness to sibilants.
The imaging performance is excellent, which is indicative of Beyerdynamic's commitment to good quality control and ergonomics in their products. Our unit's L/R drivers are well-matched in terms of group delay, resulting in transparent highs and tight bass. They're also well-matched when it comes to phase, amplitude and frequency too, which helps with the accurate location of audio objects within the stereo field.
These headphones have an okay passive soundstage performance. Their open-back design allow for some interaction between the sound produced and your outer ear, which makes the resulting soundstage quite open. That said, the soundstage lacks the width of other open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, so audio seems like it's coming from inside your head rather than from speakers positioned around you.
The weighted harmonic distortion performance is great. Distortion falls within good limits across the entire range, resulting in clean and clear audio reproduction.
They have poor noise isolation. Due to their open-back design, these headphones offer no isolation in the bass or mid-range and only a slight amount of passive isolation in the treble range, thanks to their over-ear fit.
These headphones are bad at isolating you against common scenarios. Their open-back design means you're mostly at the mercy of the noise around you, whether this is the rumble of airplane engines, the hustle and bustle of a busy street, or the sounds of a busy office.
These headphones leak a lot of audio. Even if you're listening to audio at moderate volumes, others around you can hear it.
These headphones have a coiled audio cable built-in. It has negligible audio lag, which is good for working with latency-sensitive content.
These headphones have audio compatibility with PCs when plugged into your PC's headphone port. That said, you'll need an external mic if you want to send audio.
These headphones feature audio compatibility with PlayStation family consoles, though you'll need to purchase a standalone mic if you want to communicate with your teammates.
These headphones feature audio compatibility with Xbox family consoles, though you'll need to pick up a separate mic if you want to communicate with your teammates.