10 Best Open Back Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Focal Utopia High-Fidelity Over-Ear Open-Back Headphones excel in sound quality, offering an impressive frequency range from 5 Hz to over 50 kHz, which captures both deep bass and crisp highs. The ‘M’-shaped grille design enhances the linearity of high frequencies, making them ideal for audiophiles who appreciate detailed and rich soundscapes.

The headphones also have a spacious soundstage, giving listeners an immersive experience that is characteristic of high-end open-back models. Comfort is another strong point. The memory foam ear pads made of perforated lambskin provide a soft touch that molds to your ears, allowing for long listening sessions without discomfort. The forged, recycled carbon yokes add to the comfort by ensuring a snug fit.

On the downside, the Focal Utopia headphones do come with some challenges. At nearly 6 pounds, they are somewhat heavier than many competing models, which might contribute to fatigue during extended use. Additionally, their impedance of 80 Ohm means you’ll need a decent audio source or amplifier to fully unleash their potential. Build quality is commendable, with a sturdy design that feels premium. However, they are not water-resistant, making them less suitable for outdoor use or in environments where moisture is a concern.

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones are a solid choice for studio professionals and audio enthusiasts alike, particularly for mixing, mastering, and editing tasks. These open-back headphones offer a transparent and spacious soundstage, which is essential for those who need to distinguish between subtle audio elements. With a frequency response range from 5 to 35,000 Hz, they provide a wide spectrum of sound that captures both strong bass and crisp treble frequencies effectively.

Comfort is another standout feature, thanks to the soft, velour ear pads which are replaceable, making them suitable for extended wear during long studio sessions. This, together with their over-ear design, ensures a snug fit that doesn't compromise on wearability.

In terms of build quality, the DT 990 PRO is robust and durable, crafted in Germany to withstand the rigors of frequent use. This makes them not only a reliable choice but also a long-lasting investment for anyone in need of dependable headphones. However, with an impedance of 80 Ohms, they may require a dedicated amplifier to reach optimal sound levels, which could be a consideration for those using them primarily with low-powered devices. The wired connectivity, while ensuring consistent audio quality, might not appeal to those seeking wireless flexibility.

These headphones do not feature active noise cancellation, so they are best used in quieter environments where external noise is minimal. Additionally, their open-back design means sound leakage can occur, which is typical for this category but something to keep in mind if you need to keep external sound disturbance low. The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is best suited for professional and home studio use, and for those who prioritize sound quality and comfort over portability and noise isolation.

The beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII headphones are a solid choice for professional audio engineers and music enthusiasts who value sound precision. With a focus on mixing, mastering, and editing, these open-back headphones excel in delivering superior sound quality, attributed to the high-performance TESLA.45 driver system. This provides a broad frequency response from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, ensuring detailed and accurate audio reproduction. The open-back design is essential for creating a realistic soundstage, allowing for a more spacious and natural listening experience, which is ideal when distinguishing subtle audio nuances.

Comfort is another strong aspect, as these headphones are designed with over-ear placement and come with interchangeable ear cushions, ensuring prolonged use without discomfort. This makes them suitable for long studio sessions. Additionally, the premium German build quality signifies durability, with excellent craftsmanship evident in the robust construction and quality materials used.

However, due to the 30-ohm impedance, they are versatile enough to work efficiently with various devices, from laptops to gaming consoles, without requiring an external amplifier. Yet, users should note that the wired connectivity, using a mini-XLR jack, limits mobility compared to wireless options. Also, their lack of water resistance means they should be kept away from environments where they might be exposed to moisture. While their high price point may be a consideration, the DT 1990 PRO MKII's performance justifies the investment for those needing reliable and high-quality headphones for precise audio work. They are best suited for individuals in professional audio settings or audiophiles seeking an immersive auditory experience with a wide soundstage.