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 Sennheiser HD 650 headphones offer superb sound quality with a wide frequency response range of 10 Hz to 41,000 Hz, making them ideal for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. The specially designed acoustic silk and high-power neodymium magnets contribute to a precise and highly efficient audio performance, ensuring minimal distortion and a clear, detailed sound.

Comfort is prioritized with their lightweight design at just 9.1 ounces and over-ear form factor, making them suitable for long listening sessions without causing discomfort. The open-back design also enhances the soundstage, providing a more immersive listening experience that is great for critical listening at home. However, this design may not be ideal for noisy environments as it does not isolate external sounds effectively.

The build quality is robust, combining aluminum and plastic, ensuring durability. The cable length of 118 inches provides ample room for movement, though some users might find it a bit cumbersome. The 3.5mm jack plug makes it easy to connect to various devices, though the lack of wireless connectivity might be a drawback for some users. These headphones are best suited for adults who are serious about their audio quality and prefer a wired, home-listening setup.