Best Open-back Headphones in 2023 – Some of Our Ultimate Choices

If you are an audiophile or music-lover, then you would definitely love to use the open-back headphones. These models come infused with excellent features & specifications that are suitable for listening to crisp tones, sounds, and audio quality.

The sound performance from these headphones is top-notch and comes with intense audio-providing abilities. It is not surprising to note that the headphones are commonly found in recording studios and used by song artists.

When you put them on, you can hear a lot of detail and separation in comparison to the closed-back headphone models. As the name implies, they are different from the closed-back as they come open at the back.

This causes sound leakage, but the clarity of the audio performance is second to none. Besides, you have nice ventilation provided to you as well. There are no restrictions on the movement as well.

They are ideal for listening to a wide range of music genres including jazz, classical, and rock. As we said, when you are a music lover, then you might want to consider using one of the models. How you choose the best open-back headphones in 2023 is what we will be discussing in this write-up.

Best open-back headphones

The open-back headphones can provide you with natural staging and a more elegant presentation. It is not surprising to note that some users prefer open-back headphones compared to traditional models.

Sometimes, even the most evenly balanced headphones do not come with the best imaging or soundstage. The top-end models may require expensive amplifiers. We have decided on the list after careful scrutiny of the critically acclaimed headphones in the market.

1. HIFIMAN SUNDARA Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic HiFi Stereo Wired Headphones

Our first model on the list of the best open-back headphones in 2023 is the HIFIMAN SUNDARA Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic HiFi Stereo Wired Headphones. That is correct. HIFIMAN has been producing amazing models over the years.

They are no strangers in this segment of the market. Some of their open-back headphones are popularly used among a global audience. Let us read and find out why this model is so popular. It comes infused with a newly developed diaphragm that is 80% thinner than the HE400 series. This provides you with a wider frequency response, and faster and more detailed sound quality. Besides, the weight-spreading strap gives you sublime comfort when wearing the headphones for a lengthy period.

When you want a stylish look, then this model can provide you with a slick and matte black finish. It is an all-metal headband the unit can withstand anything that is placed in front of it. So, you do not have to worry about the durability of the headphones.

There is a new 3.5mm headphone connector that we were highly impressed with. The slimline SuperMini is perfect on this unit. It has an abundance of audio power output and the specification on this unit suits them.

Sadly, the headphones are very expensive. You have to be willing to pay for what you want, is it not? The unit comes with extraordinary features that make it one of the best on the market today.

PROS

  • It has an elegant design.
  • The unit has a robust build quality.
  • A newly developed diaphragm.
  • It comes with excellent features.
  • The sound performance is good.

CONS

  • It is very expensive.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA
  • Brand: HIFIMAN
  • Model Name: Sundara
  • Color: Black
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired

 

2. Sennheiser HD 650

Our next product on the list of the best open-back headphones in 2023 is the Sennheiser HD 650. Sennheiser is no stranger to this market either. They have been in this business for several decades now and are a Titan in this segment.

Most of their models come with immense features & specifications making them one-of-a-kind. The specially designed acoustic silk provides precision damping over the entire frequency range.

It helps to reduce THD to an incredible 0.05%. The model comes with improved frequency response at 10 39,500 Hertz (10 dB). There are also hand-selected matched driver elements and highly optimized magnet systems.
These can be used for minimum harmonic and inter-modulation distortion. The high-power neodymium magnets provide maximum efficiency, and you will find the 3.5mm jack plug pretty useful.

The frequency response of the headphones is 10 41000 Hz. It is produced from lightweight aluminum voice coils for a very fast transient response. They have offered you with a good cable length of 118”.

PROS

  • Beautifully designed.
  • It is quite lightweight.
  • A specially designed acoustic silk.
  • Improved frequency response.
  • A lengthy cable.

CONS

  • It is costly.
Sennheiser HD 650
  • Brand: Sennheiser Consumer Audio
  • Model Name: HD 650
  • Color: Titan
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired

 

3. Focal Clear MG Open-Back High-Fidelity Over-Ear Headphones

The Focal Clear MG Open-Back High-Fidelity Over-Ear Headphones is our next product on the list of the best open-back headphones in 2023. This clear Mg high-fidelity model comes with the new technology of a speaker driver.

The R & D team has come up with the magnesium dome for the Clear Mg speaker drivers after four years of research and development. This is combined with an ‘M’-shaped dome, and the material is light for rigidity and damping.

There is an ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome. That means, the headphones are quite lightweight and boast a significant damping factor. It can provide you with great dynamics and sound detail across the full sound spectrum.

It is also able to offer you with a neutral and balanced signature. We liked the design of the headphones, making them stand out from the usual models. This product is made in France and is comfortable and ergonomic.

There is also a low impedance (55 Ohms) to offer good performance with a portable player. There is a solid aluminum yoke that is able to present itself on the face with the leather. You can also find a microfiber-covered headband with a smooth curve.

The headphones are extremely comfortable to wear for a lengthy period of time. All in all, this model is a stupendous headphone coming with excellent features and specifications. The pricing is also good, unlike the other models.

PROS

  • ‘M’-shaped grille.
  • Slick design.
  • Perforated microfiber earpads.
  • Headband is covered with leather and microfiber.
  • Solid aluminum yoke.

CONS

  • Sound leakage is high.
Focal Clear MG
  • Brand: Focal
  • Model Name: Focal Clear Mg Open-Back High-End Headphones
  • Color: Copper
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired

 

4. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones

Our final product is the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones. Beyerdynamic as you know is a German brand. It is on par with the Sennheiser and other popular German makers of headphones.

The Beyerdynamic models are usually open-back and come with decent features in them. They are also affordable, unlike most of the brand names that you may come across in this market segment.

So, what is so special about the DT 990 PRO? Let us read to find out. The model is ideal for professional artists, who specialize in mixing, mastering, and editing. You could also use it for listening at home or in the studio.

The wide stereo comes balanced, and the transparent sound makes the model most suitable for studio use. It comes as no surprise that many producers and audio engineers consider using it.

The model has a spacious sound with massive depth that complements any room’s surroundings. You can hear the controlled bass and enhanced treble for detailed frequency response. We may add that the low frequencies are powerful.

The headband is produced from steel which makes it stable and fit. They also help with wearing comfortably for extended periods. The cable is able to accommodate frequent adjustments with entanglement.

Please note that the unit has 250 ohms which mandate an amp. We loved the construction of the model as it is extremely good and solid. Though the earcups are made from plastic, they are thick and sturdy.

The materials seem to be of great quality for the price. The model comes infused with velour ear pads that offer you with intense ventilation. This is something that you may not get when you use closed-back headphones.

Besides, it depends on the size of your head as well. Those of you who have large heads might find it difficult to wear them for a longer period of time. We liked the clamping force of the headphones.

The sound stage is just about average. You can’t expect more for the pricing. It has a V-shaped sound profile. The sound is good and there is an emphasis on both lows (bass) and highs (treble). That is a good thing because it provides you with what you want to actually listen to.

We highly recommend this model for solo listening. If you are somebody who likes to spend some time in solitude, then these headphones are meant for you. We are not sure whether this unit will do good in competitive gaming, so you may decide accordingly.

PROS

  • Solid construction.
  • Perfect for studio applications.
  • Replaceable velour earpads are comfortable.
  • Robust workmanship.
  • Unmatched quality in sound reproduction.

CONS

  • They cannot be folded.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
  • Brand: beyerdynamic
  • Model Name: DT 990 PRO
  • Color: Gray
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Wired

Conclusion

This is it. We have concluded our discussion on the best open-back headphones in 2023. We hope that you enjoyed reading the post, just as we had fun writing it. If you haven’t made up your mind, then we suggest that you read the post again.

We have provided you with the product description, pros & cons, and the buying guide as well. The data can surely help make your choice. We highly recommend the HIFIMAN SUNDARA Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic HiFi Stereo Wired Headphones.

It comes infused with stupendous features including a new diaphragm that is 80% thinner. The features enable the headphones for a wider frequency response that is faster and more detailed.

You can’t go wrong with it. Besides, the other models provided on the list come with their own abilities. Did we miss out on your favorite model? Then please let us know your thoughts and feelings about the open-back headphones by writing to us in the comment section.

We would be delighted to hear from you.

Are open-back headphones worth buying?

You can consider buying open-back headphones. They come infused with several features in them. Besides, they can provide you with more intense accuracy than closed-back headphones. However, most of them may not come with a neutral response that is ideal for mixing.

Are open-back headphones that much better?

There is no denying the fact that open-back headphones come with better audio performance than closed-back. It is not surprising that they are commonly found and used in recording studios, and by artists as well.

How bad are open-back headphones leaking?

You will want to know that the open-back headphones come with a 30dB increase in sound leakage. This is in comparison to closed-back headphones. You may be aware that the open-back headphones let the air pass through the earcups to improve the listening experience.

Are open headphones safer?

Yes, open headphones are safer than most of traditional earphones and headphones. These models do not cause a lot of damage to the ears. The low frequency of sound waves ensures that open-ear headphones are a safer option than traditional ones.

Do open-back headphones get hot?

The open-back headphones do not get hot as the closed-back headphones. That is possible because of the earcup material that is used. They are usually designed from breathable materials, and not leather.

Moreover, the open design of the headphones allows you to breathe better than the closed-back headphone model. You may want to know that the headphone breathes better when you make use of the fan, as the air can move around through the driver into your ears.

James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.