[Product Comparison] Top 5 Recommended Open-Back Headphones!

Open-back headphones are popular for their expansive sound and immersive experience, making it feel like you're listening to a live performance. They are well-known not only for listening to music, but also as monitoring headphones in recording and music production. In this guide, I will introduce representative models of open-back headphones from various popular brands. I will also explain their structure, selection criteria, and features, so be sure to use this as a reference for choosing your headphones.

Contents

1. What Are Open-Back Headphones?
2. Differences Between Open-Back and Closed-Back Headphones
3. How to Choose Open-Back Headphones
4. Top 5 Recommended Open-Back Headphones

What Are Open-Back Headphones?

Open-back headphones, also known as open-type or open-air headphones, are characterized by their mesh-like housing structure. This design allows the sound produced by the driver units to pass through the housing without obstruction, resulting in an open and spacious soundstage with natural and clear sound quality. However, due to their design, they do leak sound, so they are suitable for use indoors, such as at home or in a studio. It’s important to avoid using them in public places like trains, airplanes, libraries, or restaurants, where they might disturb others.

Differences Between Open-Back and Closed-Back Headphones

As mentioned above, the main feature of open-back headphones is their mesh-like housing. This design allows for a spacious and detailed sound experience. However, because they leak sound, they tend to have a more modest bass sound. They generally provide better sound quality for genres like pop, classical, jazz, and vocal music, rather than for dance music or hard rock.

Closed-back headphones have a sealed housing that minimizes sound leakage. While they may not match open-back headphones in terms of spatial representation, sound clarity, and immersive experience, they excel in providing strong sound pressure, rich bass, and detailed sound information. Rather than one being superior to the other, each type has its own characteristics. It’s best to choose based on your intended use and the environment in which you'll be using them.

How to Choose Open-Back Headphones

Even though they are all open-back headphones, there are various shapes, sound qualities, and specifications. While it’s not possible to generalize, here are some key points to consider when choosing one.

Comfort

Open-back headphones are often used for focused listening indoors, so comfort is as important as sound quality. When it comes to ear pad types, there are mainly two options: the on-ear type, which rests on the ears, and the over-ear type, which fully covers the ears.

On-ear headphones are often found in lower-end or portable models. They tend to rest on the ears, which can lead to discomfort or heat buildup, and may cause ear fatigue more easily.

If you want to listen comfortably for extended periods, the over-ear type is recommended. For those who wear glasses, it's important to consider how the glasses will interact with the ear pads.

Cable

The arch-nemesis of headphones is cable damage. Even with careful use, the cable insulation can wear out or become damaged, and the connection at the base of the plug can deteriorate from minor mishaps. This might be an experience many headphone users are familiar with.

Choosing headphones with a detachable cable can significantly reduce the worry of cable damage. If the cable does become damaged, you can simply replace it to restore functionality. Additionally, upgrading to a third-party cable can potentially improve sound quality and make carrying and storing the headphones easier. Detachable cables offer various benefits and advantages.

Sound Quality

Even within open-back headphones, there are various sound characteristics. Although it was previously mentioned that open-back headphones often struggle with low-end reproduction, there are indeed models that offer robust bass performance. Additionally, some models excel in high-frequency detail, while others are particularly good at reproducing vocals. Despite being open-back, the sound quality can vary widely.

It’s best to consult user reviews, shop reviews, and blogs available online, and if possible, to listen to the headphones before making a decision.

Top 5 Recommended Open-Back Headphones

I have discussed the features and how to choose open-back headphones, so now I will introduce some popular or personally recommended open-back headphones from Sound House's selection.

1. AKG / K712PRO

First is AKG, a renowned name in open-back headphones. Founded in Vienna, Austria, AKG is a top brand for professional microphones and headphones, popular among professional musicians, studio engineers, and audiophiles.
The K712 PRO is a reference model in AKG's line of open-back headphones and represents the brand’s flagship open-back model. With a sleek black base color accented by striking orange details, these headphones are not only stylish but also visually appealing.
The ear pads are circular, over-ear type, which fully covers the ears. The lightweight body and comfortable fit make these headphones easy to wear without feeling heavy, even during extended use.
The sound quality is characteristically high-resolution, offering an abundance of detail and excellent reproduction of mid and high frequencies. The K712 PRO excels in delivering the nuanced textures of strings, the breathiness of vocals, and a spacious soundstage with remarkable accuracy.

2. SENNHEISER / HD490PRO

Sennhiser, founded in 1945 in Germany, is a renowned manufacturer of audio equipment. Known for its high-quality professional microphones and headphones, Sennhiser is credited with releasing the first open-back headphones. Their pioneering model, the HD414, was famously used by the Japanese techno music group YMO, making it a notable piece of audio history.
The latest open-back monitor headphones from Sennhiser are the HD490 PRO. There is also a version called the HD490 PRO PLUS, which includes additional cables and ear pads.
The HD490 PRO features large, oval ear pads and a lightweight design, allowing for excellent coverage and a superb fit. The sound quality is impressive with rich bass that is uncommon in open-back designs. Despite the bass sound, the midrange is prominent and the high frequencies are very natural and clear. The resolution and detail of the sound are exceptional, offering a balanced audio experience. If you're looking for open-back headphones with a spacious sound and substantial bass, the HD490 PRO might be your perfect choice.

3. beyerdynamic / DT900PRO X

beyerdynamic, another German audio equipment brand like Sennhiser, is well-regarded in Europe and the Americas. While it may not be as widely known globally, it is increasingly featured in specialized magazines and musician videos.
The DT900 PRO X is a mid-range monitor headphone from beyerdynamic. It uses their unique Tesla Driver, which inherits the sound quality of their higher-end models, offering clear, distortion-free audio. The strength of the DT900 PRO X lies in its high fidelity to the original sound.
In terms of comfort, the fit is somewhat firm. Initially, you might find the clamping force tight, but it tends to become more comfortable over time. The ear pads are designed with a 3D cut to conform closely to the side of your head, ensuring that the sound is transmitted effectively and allowing you to hear detailed nuances and expressions of the original sound.
The sound signature of the DT900 PRO X is typical of a monitor headphone, with clear contours and fine sound details. Unlike AKG and Sennheiser models, it has a more defined and slightly rigid character. If you are looking for a headphone that excels in capturing the balance and nuances of a piece of music, the DT900 PRO X could be a great choice.

4. SONY / MDR-MV1

When it comes to SONY, many people are familiar with the MDR-CD900ST. The MDR-MV1 is SONY's first open-back monitor headphone, designed with a focus on spatial representation and supporting SONY's 360 Reality Audio. This model provides an immersive experience with sound that feels as though it surrounds you in 360 degrees, offering a new level of musical enjoyment that almost transcends traditional headphone listening.
With a weight of just 223 grams, the MDR-MV1 is extremely lightweight. The ear pads are made from a suede-like, comfortable material, and the design echoes elements of the MDR-CD900ST and MDR-7506 models, which is a great option for those who have been using the MDR-CD900ST for a long time. The MDR-MV1 is not only suitable for music production, but also performs excellently for music and movie enjoyment.

5. Austrian Audio / Hi-X65

Austrian Audio is an audio brand founded in Vienna, Austria, in 2017. Vienna is also home to AKG, and that’s no coincidence. Austrian Audio was established by former AKG members. However, despite its origins, Austrian Audio offers a design and sound profile that are distinct from AKG, showcasing its own unique character.
The Hi-X65 is a high-end model in Austrian Audio’s open-back headphone lineup. It features a design that feels both robust and modern, yet is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably around your head. The ear pads use memory foam, providing a plush and comfortable touch. The headband is made from lightweight metal, ensuring durability for intense studio work. This makes it a reliable choice for those who need a headphone that can handle rigorous use.
In terms of sound quality, the Hi-X65 delivers a neutral and accurate representation of the original audio. It offers high resolution, capturing the subtle details of acoustic guitar touches and the reverberations of cymbals and bass drums with remarkable fidelity.
While the design might be polarizing, the build quality and premium feel of this high-end model are evident. It’s an excellent choice for those who want something unique and different from the mainstream options.

How was it?
There are many other excellent headphones available beyond the ones I introduced, so be sure to explore and find the best one for your needs. I hope this guide would be helpful in your search for the perfect open-back headphones!