If you’re looking for the best open back headphones under $200, you’ve come to the right place. In this list, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best options available, all of which offer great sound quality and comfortable designs.
Open-back headphones are perfect for you if you crave a sound stage experience when listening to music. Unlike closed-back headphones, open-back headphones are not designed to isolate you from the outside world.
Related: Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones
With them, you feel as if the music is coming from all around you. The people close to you might even be able to hear it. The open-back design allows them to breathe so that moisture cannot accumulate in the ear cups when you use them for a long time.
Top 3 Picks
8 Best Open Back Headphones Under $200
1. Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 599 is a premium headphone that is designed for comfort. It features an around-ear design that promises impressive sound production. It has a beautiful ivory color that is complemented by the matte metallic detail and the brown headband stitching.
It comes with soft ear pads that are quite comfy. They can be replaced hence you can always have others if you don’t like the ones you already have.
The open-back design guarantees an ‘open’ spatial presentation that massively improves your listening experiences. It also prevents moisture build-up.
The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone has stable cable connectivity. It is accompanied by two detachable cables. The 1.2m cable (with 3.5mm jack) is perfect for use with smartphones, tablets and laptops. The 3m one has a 6.3mm jack and is suitable for home entertainment systems.
It has been designed for comfort. The headband is padded so that you can wear the headphone comfortably. The velour-covered ear cushions are very soft.
The headphone has Sennheiser transducers that come with aluminum voice coils. They ensure that there is little distortion, quality dynamics as well as efficiency.
Pros
- Stable wired connectivity
- Soft ear pads
- Comfortable headband and ear cushions
- Transducers have aluminum voice coils
- Quality sound production and fantastic listening experiences
- Beautiful headphones
Con
- They lack wireless connectivity
2. AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
These are some of the best open-back headphones that you can get. They provide high sound performance as well as comfort so that you don’t get tired when you wear them for many hours. They are very light and are suitable for professional studio applications.
The headphones have patented variation diaphragms. Combined with the quality neodymium drivers and the exceptional flat-wire voice coils, they provide an accurate sound response. Consequently, there are good spatial qualities as well has a wide frequency response.
With only 8.8 ounces, these are lightweight headphones that are extremely comfortable. The 3D earpads are comfortable and can be replaced. You can wear them all day with little fatigue.
It comes with a durable leather band that can last for years. You can adjust it to fit your head size.
The headphones have cable connectivity and they are accompanied by a 1/4” adapter.
Pros
- They are comfortable
- They are lightweight
- They provide an accurate sound response and quality production
- The leather headband is flexible
- They come with an adapter
- Comfy earpads
Cons
- The headphones do not have wireless connectivity
3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Open Studio Headphones
This is the open back stereo headphone that you need. It has a rugged design and is extremely comfortable so that you can listen to your music for as many hours as you want. Its fit is perfect. It is finely built and all the parts are replaceable. They are ideal for musicians as well as sound engineers and gamers.
The headphone promises outstanding sound production. This is due to the small weight that the diaphragm has. The ear cups are also vented so that sound can freely get in and out. This makes them convenient if you support critical thinking.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is the perfect compromise between quality and price. These 250-ohm open-back studio headphones provide soft ear pads and lightweight design for long mixing sessions.
They also come with a 1/4 inch adapter so you can use them in your home or professional recording studios alike!
Pros
- Comfortable headband and ear cushioning
- Noise-canceling capabilities
- Exceptional sound performance
- Has a carriage case
- Has a pop filter
- Comes with cable clips
- Replaceable parts
Con
- The fact that you can hear ambient sounds may be inconvenient for some people
4. AKG Pro Audio K701 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Reference Studio Headphones
These open back headphones are beautiful and they come with quality audio production. They are suitable for use by everyone; from sound engineers to singers and gamers. However, many users have complained that they do not work very well with iPhones.
The headphones are comfortable. They have durable cloth padding. The ear cups are not only comfy but they are also big hence you can use them if you have slightly large ears. With them, you can enjoy listening to music all day long without tiring.
The open-back design enables them to breathe. When you store them, you will never have to worry about the accumulation of moisture.
They make use of revolutionary flat-wire technology. It ensures the production of accurate sound and outstanding imaging.
They also have a long-lasting leather strap to complement their stylish design. It is also firm to provide the perfect fit.
Pros
- Comfortable ear cups
- Accurate sound production
- Durable leather pad and ear cups
- Stylish design
- Breathable
Con
- The ear cups are a bit big and might be too large for some ear sizes
5. SENNHEISER HD 560S SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone
Balanced and outstanding sound quality is what this Sennheiser HD 560S headphone provides. It is luxurious and comfy so that nothing will ever come between you and quality music. It is compatible with various devices hence you are not limited to one. Some of them include stereo components, computers, smartphones as well as tablets.
This audiophile-grade open back headphone comes with two cables. The first one is 3m long and has a 1/4” jack. The other one is 1.2m long and has a 3mm jack that comes with an in-line single-button remote. With its microphone, you can comfortably take calls.
This headphone is created for your comfort. The leatherette headband is padded. The ear pads, which are velour covered, are soft.
The HD 560S transducers have been fine-tuned for precision, allowing you to compare components, mixes, and media formats with confidence. The entire frequency range is accurate, with smooth, deep bass extension that exposes what most nearfield loudspeakers have trouble reproducing.
It uses an ‘Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement’ style that directly channels the audios into your ears to give you amazing listening experiences.
Pros
- They are comfortably
- Comes with two cables for stable cable connectivity
- Quality sound production
- Works well with many devices
- Has a padded headband
- Transducers have aluminum voice calls for efficiency
Cons
- Doesn’t have wireless connectivity
6. Grado Prestige Series SR225x Headphones
You can use the Grado Prestige Series SR225x Headphones to listen to your favorite music. They come with a traditional open-back design that provides excellent listening experiences. It also prevents moisture from accumulating once you have stored them.
The headphones have a rear metal grill. It ensures that there is enhanced airflow into them. This allows you to feel fresh and comfortable, especially in hot climates.
The headphones have closely matched drivers. They ensure the production of a quality soundstage that doesn’t have any coloration. Together with the plastic housing and the cable, they are able to efficiently move air without being affected by temporary distortions.
With them, there is high fidelity sound production that is accompanied by clear spatial placement. They allow you to enjoy a high-quality tonal balance and spread.
The ear cushions are large and comfortable. This makes them ideal even for individuals with larger ears.
They weigh 9.9 ounces. This makes them extremely light; you might even forget that you are wearing them. It enhances your comfort. It also allows you to carry them with ease.
Pros
- They are comfortable
- Provide an intimate soundstage
- High sound quality
- Large and comfy earpads
- They are lightweight
- There is enhanced airflow
Con
- The open back design causes the sound to leak in and out
7. SIVGA SV007 Over Ear Headphones Wooden Open Back Studio Headset with HiFi Stereo
Have you ever tried wood open back headphones? These ones make use of natural wood which gives them one of the most striking looks. They are compatible with various devices and they also provide stable cable connectivity. They come with a rare sound quality that guarantees fantastic listening experiences.
With the open back design, you can enjoy a large sound stage experience. You are also assured that your ears cannot be damaged. You can use them for all types of music including jazz, rock, pop and classical.
They have a comfortable build. The headband that makes use of premium leather can be stretched to fit all head sizes and shapes. The ear pads are unbelievably soft. The ear cups are 180 degrees rotatable hence they are ideal for single-side monitors.
Pros
- They are classic and unique
- They provide excellent audio quality
- They are comfortable
- The ear cups can be adjusted
- The headband is stretchable
- Stable cable connectivity
Con
- Isolated complaints of the overall build
8. Koss UR40 Collapsible Over-Ear Headphones
The best thing about these open-back headphones is that they produce digital-quality sound. They are highly portable hence you can use them anywhere; at home, at work or when traveling. They are comfortable, breathable and convenient for everyone. They have wired connectivity and neodymium iron-boron magnetic structures for quality sound reproduction.
These headphones are ultra-lightweight. It is what makes them ideal for those who love moving around. It ensures that you don’t tire even when you wear them for long.
They come with an airy mesh sling. It provides breathable support so that you can use them if you have a sensitive scalp.
They are also foldable. Whenever you are not using them, all you have to do is fold them and then, you can easily carry or store them.
The headphones come with wide frequency response. The diaphragms have a titanium coating that maximizes elements’ rigidity and eliminates any mechanical distortion for accurate production of sound.
They are comfy because of the adjustable headband that allows them to fit heads of various sizes and shapes. The closed ear cushions (leatherette) create a seal around your ears enabling them to fit perfectly.
Pros
- They are comfortable
- They have an adjustable headband
- They foldable and lightweight
- They fit perfectly
- They provide accurate sound production
Con
- They don’t have wireless connectivity
Related:
Factors to consider when buying open-back headphones
Comfort
Quality open-back headphones must be designed for comfort. If they are not, you might not be able to wear them for a long time. Ensure that they come with quality ear cushioning. The earpads should be soft and of the right size. The headband should have comfy padding.
Durability
What materials have been used to make the headband, the strap, and even the headphone itself? Some of them are prone to quick wear and tear and you might not be able to use them for long. Then, you will have to go back to the market to look for others which can be inconvenient since you might not have the cash or the time.
Sound quality
One of the most crucial features of the best headphones is excellent sound quality. The frequency response should be perfect. Ensure that they produce top-notch mids and highs. The bass and treble should also be impressive. You can do this by manually testing them. It is not recommendable to trust advertisements. Most of them are sales-oriented regardless.
Noise cancellation features
Different open back headphones come with varying noise cancellation capabilities. If you want to be able to concentrate on what you are listening to, you can go for those with minimal sound leakage. However, if you are buying them for studio purposes, sound leaking in and out should not necessarily be an issue.
Additional accessories
Some open-back headphones come with extra accessories while others don’t. You might need some of them later. They include cases, cables, and adapters. If you want the full value for your money, you can choose headphones with those extra features. Then, you will not have to go back to the market to buy them.
Nothing should deter you from getting the open-back headphones that you want. Most of them come with different features and you should evaluate them before making up your mind. A quality open back headphone has exceptional sound production. It is not only comfortable but also durable. You may choose one with wired or wireless connectivity; depending on your tastes and needs. It should be lightweight for enhanced comfort and easy carriage.
FAQs
What is the benefit of open-back headphones?
The benefits of open back headphones include the following:
1. They produce a more natural sound when the sound can move more freely in and out of the ear cups.
2. They tend to reduce fatigue when listening for long periods of time when compared to closed-back headphones.
3. Open back headphones tend to have a wider soundstage and better imaging than closed back headphones.
Do open-back sound better than closed-back headphones?
Yes, open back headphones generally have a more open and accurate sound than closed back headphones, however, this doesn’t mean that they all have a flat response that makes them good for mixing.
Are open back headphones good for mixing?
Open-back headphones can offer a more natural and open sound than closed-back headphones due to their more open back design which allows more airflow can make them better for mixing. However, they also allow more sound to escape from the headphones, which can be distracting to others nearby.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately if you are looking for the best open back headphones under 200 that will provide you with an immersive and open listening experience, then we would recommend the Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphones. The open back design of these headphones allows for breathability and helps prevent moisture buildup.
Last update on 2022-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
