We’ve spent 12 hours of thorough testing and researching, including customer reviews and feedback to compile the list of the top 10 leading closed-back headphones on the market.
Considering all the crucial headphone features like battery life, sound quality, comfort, and price, we’ve concluded that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT are the best closed back headphones for most users.
There are definitely over-ear or on-ear headphones that are superior in certain aspects that may be more important to you, so check below for our recommendations and detailed comparison to find a high quality pair
of closed-back cans that fits your needs.
- Frequency: 15 - 28000 Hz
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Driver: 45 mm
We understand that in-depth research is crucial when selecting a perfect pair of closed back headphones for professional or casual use, hence we’ve assessed their sound performance, comfortability, design, durability, and noise cancellation as primary factors. Battery life, power usage, aesthetics, materials, and clamping force are also considered secondary, but important nevertheless.
The closed-back headphones market is relatively wide, but it has a number of key players with long-term reputation and credibility. At the same time, identifying the most optimal fit for you can be challenging if you don’t exactly know what to look for. Keep reading to have a better understanding of how we’ve picked 10 of the best closed-back headphones you can buy today.
1. Best Overall – Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT are the most versatile closed-back headphones on the market, as you can use them for professional audio production and casual everyday listening.
Closed-back ear cups flip ninety degrees in all directions. The arms articulate perfectly, allowing the ATH-M50xBT2 to fold and be placed in its protective vinyl-clinched bag easily.
The ear pads have 45mm, dynamic drivers, guaranteeing a deeper bass. Its clamping force is secure but comfortable, allowing you to wear them over long listening sessions.
Although the ATH-M50x headsets do not feature active noise cancellation, they have passive isolation to reduce the intensity of external noise reaching your ears, which works well.
ATH-M50x reduce ear fatigue considerably thanks to their lack of low-end oomph. They have a low emphasis or prominence between 300 and 400 Hertz. A low volume below a hundred Hertz produces a flat curve similar to most classic studio headphones.
A fifty hours battery life makes the ATH headset reliable when working on long, hectic audio editing and mixing projects. In case its charge depletes mid-work, you can fast charge it and get back to work; ten minutes of charge guarantee three hours of playtime. Alternatively, you can always attach a cable that also comes in the box.
Dual mics technology provides the ultimate voice pickup. The two mics maintain a distance between them, whereby one is closer to the mouth than the other. One mic picks up your voice, while the other picks up the surrounding noise, delivering clear phone calls.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Audio Technica ATH-M50x deliver the most value for every dollar spent, offer exquisite sound quality, and have several handy features like rotating ear cups and a detachable cable. |
8.8/10
- Design & Build 80%
- Comfort 80%
- Sound 80%
- Value 100%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
 | Rotating ear cups |
| Good sound |
| Removable cable |
| Convenient foldable design |
| Dual mic technology |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Heat build-up |
| Slightly noise leaky |
| Uncomfortable with glasses |
2. Best Noise Cancelling – Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 appearance may not be much different from its predecessor 1000MX3s. However, their advanced features and noise cancellation performance made them one of the best-selling closed-back headphones recently.
With advanced noise canceling, 1000XM4s can block out both mid-range and the highest frequency external sound. Each earcup has a microphone that captures all ambient noises and sends them to the noise-canceling processor. The processor blocks all noises, depending on the sound frequency.
1000XM4s feature an ambient noise canceling button, allowing you to switch from ambient sound to noise-canceling modes and run the Noise canceling optimizer.
Sturdy structures ensure a pretty long lifespan. Plastic covers around the sliders and ear cups prevent direct damage from surface scratches. Minimum space between the cups and hangar reduces the chances of and increases the general sound quality.
The ear cups’ thin design and soft, large pads make the Sony WH-100XM4 pretty comfortable on your ears. Slim head cushions make these headsets light, allowing you to use them for prolonged periods.
XM4s are compact; you can easily carry them around in your bag or pocket.
XM4s are perfect when traveling, especially when flying, as they optimize the noise canceling depending on the air pressure, guaranteeing an exquisite experience, regardless of where you are. The GPS feature allows to identify and track the headphone location automatically.
The stand-out ‘speak to chat’ feature allows you to talk without removing the sets by automatically identifying when you are talking, cutting playback, and switching to the ambient sound state.
A ‘Multipoint’ feature allows your Sony WH-1000XM4 to connect to multiple devices. You can also easily switch between two or more Bluetooth-connected devices.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Aside from being wireless, Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones feature the most effective ANC on the market making it the top choice for noisy environments. They are extremely travel friendly and are perfect for on-the-go listening using your mobile device. |
8.3/10
- Design & Build 90%
- Comfort 80%
- Sound 80%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Rich and dynamic sound |
| Unparalleled at blocking external sound |
| Light, travel-friendly |
| Great for casual listening |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| No Aptx support |
| Lack of IP rating |
3. Best Wireless – Sennheiser Momentum 3
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless come in three colors; white, black, and grey, giving them a subtle, sophisticated look. Aside from fitting perfectly, these earpieces come with three pairs of bands to adjust the grip and comfort levels.
With 7mm dynamic drivers, these headphones deliver frequencies ranging between 5 Hz and 21KHz.
Momentum 3 wireless earphones are Bluetooth 5.2 compatible and support a wide range of Bluetooth codecs like AptX, SBC, and AAC. This makes it easy when transferring content from one device to another.
You can swiftly control the Momentum 3 earpieces via the capacitative outer panels on both earpieces. Simply tapping on the earpieces allows you to control playback, adjust volume, toggle noise canceling, enable voice assistant, and answer calls.
IPX4 rating allows the ear pieces to survive mist and light sprays from all sides. This makes them ideal if you sweat a lot, enjoy working out while listening to something, and light rain.
Sennheisers feature charging systems with cloth-covered exteriors, compact footprints, and wireless charging supports. You could also charge them using a USB port situated at the earpieces’ back. These headphones come with USB-C to USB-A cables.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 earpiece batteries can stay up to seven hours of use with the casing adding another twenty-one hours worth of charge, meaning you can have the pieces outdoors all day.
Although their noise cancellation is pretty impressive, it is inferior to the outstanding Sony 1000 MX4s.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones have a sophisticated design, offer amazing sound quality and efficient active noise cancellation. Their intuitive button interface guarantees you reliable and fuss-free use. |
8.8/10
- Design & Build 90%
- Comfort 90%
- Sound 90%
- Value 70%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Rich audio performance |
| Efficient Active Noise Cancellation |
| Wireless charging |
| AptX codec support |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Few EQ settings |
4. Best Budget – Edifier H840
Despite being the most affordable headphones, Edifier H840s are a worthy mention on our list. They deliver an involving and enjoyable sound with a beautiful deep base.
40mm drivers with approximately 32 ohms give the H480s high sensitivity. Despite having a low-output media player, they can still drive to normal sound levels ranging between 75 dB and 136 dB.
H840s have small ear cups and thin padding, making them lightweight. However, you should note that these headphones do not fold, despite the ear cups’ ability to swivel.
Plastic-built headphones may appear flimsy, but H840s have a sturdy feel. On the downside, H840s do not come with a case, increasing their chances of getting damaged when traveling.
Featuring a two-meter-long undetachable cable, they are not made for outdoor use. Using them in a desk setup is best to avoid breaking the cable during movement. You should go for wireless headphones if you enjoy listening to music on the go.
Headphones do not feature active noise cancellation, which is not expected for budget headphones at this price point, but they are doing a good job at isolating passive noise to prevent excessive sound leaks and external noise.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Edifier H840 headphones are ideal for budget-cautious music lovers who like their music rich with low-level frequencies. They deliver audio performance that is seen in closed-back cans two or three times the price. |
8/10
- Design & Build 60%
- Comfort 80%
- Sound 80%
- Value 100%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Excellent value |
| Punchy bass |
| Lightweight |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Non-removable cable |
| Lack accessories |
5. Best Under $100 – Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are designed for the professional sound industry with affordability in mind.
Despite plastic being predominantly used, the robust construction and modular design put them among the most robust and durable headsets on the market.
An above-average clamping force prevents sound leaking, promising a great sound experience. It is great if you move a lot when listening to music, as they have zero chances of slipping.
However, they may cause ear fatigue if you use them for prolonged periods. Use these headsets at intervals for a more comfortable experience.
HD 280s feature thick, ample padding that guarantees comfort for shorter listening sessions. In fact, you can also wear them with glasses without much discomfort.
Sennheiser HD 280 headsets do not have the active noise cancellation feature. However, their decent, tight seals ensure that minimum noise sieves to your ears.
Featuring coiled cables instead of the common straight ones, these headsets’ solder points hardly spoil when stressed. The coils reduce the force on these points.
Despite their large size, HD 280 headphones are quite portable. Their sides articulate, and their earcups swivel, reducing their size to fit the smallest space. They do not come with a case, however, making them susceptible to damage when commuting.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pros do not over-emphasize any notes and are thus ideal for monitoring recordings and mixing. At the same time, anything below 20 Hz is not prominent enough, hence low frequencies remain somewhat unrepresented.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are the best budget-conscious closed-back headphones under $100. They have all the basic, mandatory features for a balanced sound and long, reliable use. |
- Design & Build 90%
- Comfort 100%
- Sound 100%
- Value 90%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Minimal sound leaks |
| Comfortable with glasses |
| Affordable, delivering lots of value |
| Balanced, neutral sound |
| Coiled cable |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Heat build-up |
| Dated looks |
| No travel case |
6. Best Under $200 – Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
With over thirty years in the market and an undeniable passion for sound and audio technology, Beyerdynamic has produced some of the most notable closed back headphones in the industry.
Arguably, they might have outdone themselves with the DT 770 Pro line, popular for their sturdy metal frames, capable of surviving the most terrible drops.
Featuring a soft padding fabric, 770 Pro headsets are gentle on the skin.
A tight fitting reduces their chances of slipping and is thus ideal if you have a small head.
Velour padding ear pads are ideal if you have glasses as they do not squeak when you move your head, unlike the commonly used leatherette. It also hardly traps heat, allowing you to use them for longer periods.
Featuring a three meters long cable, the Beyerdynamic is not ideal for home settings or travel. However, if you must use it indoors, consider tying the cable with some zip ties to ensure its safety. The cable is not removable and can snag with excess force.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headsets’ noise cancellation is pretty mediocre. Although the ear cups block out some unwanted noise passively, these headphones can’t block any bass sounds. They offer a 13dB reduction for midrange frequencies and about 30dB reduction for the treble range.
DT 770s have an emphasis on high notes. Although this may be entertaining initially, it can lead to ear fatigue after prolonged use.
You should expect some lack of ‘bass’ when using the 770 Pro headsets, focusing more on neutral sound response. They are not the best when listening to the 00s and 90s mixes, as the sound comes off as somewhat wonky, yet they have come out on top in our headphones for mixing top 10 shootout!
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| The Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones are built for studio recording, professional users and are admired by many sound engineers. Although they may not be ideal for traveling due to their long cables, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro work magic for studio mixing thanks to their accurate and detailed audio reproduction and over-the-top comfort. |
8.5/10
- Design & Build 90%
- Comfort 90%
- Sound 80%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Fantastic sound quality |
| Durable |
| Very soft and comfortable |
| Replaceable ear pads |
| Great for studio recording |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Not portable with a long cable |
| Not for bass lovers |
7. Best Under $500 – Shure SRH1540
Shure SRH1540 headphones are the most expensive model in the entire SRH lineup due to their exquisite features and exceptionally natural frequency response.
The mid tones are warm and full, while the highs are crisp, sharp, and tight. The low tones are well-rounded and may even be lacking, hence not exactly made for bass lovers.
At the same time, SRH 1540s fit nicely most heads and are among the most comfortable headset in our review.
Slow recovery foam ear pads cover the neodymium drivers, resulting in an inviting, pleasant fit covering the whole ear.
Ear caps have high breathability, reducing heat retention or build-up, which is common with most closed-back headphones. If compact transportation is a priority, these headphones are not ideal for you. They are not foldable, as their ear cups cannot swivel.
The build quality is solid, using premium and long-life materials, making them durable and delivering a great tactile feel appreciated by many studio professionals.
The steel driver frame has a vented pole, eliminating internal resonance and improving linearity, resulting in a consistent performance at all sound levels.
A tough, robust case protects the high-end headphones from damage if they bump into surfaces when traveling.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Shure SRH1540 reference headphones deliver a premium sound experience with accuracy and clarity. They provide crisp but heavy mids, bright highs, and slightly underwhelming lows. Slow recovery foam ear pads and superior accessories available are a cherry on the cake. |
8.8/10
- Design & Build 90%
- Comfort 90%
- Sound 90%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Premium sound with neutral sound profile |
| Lots of accessories |
| Comfortable |
| Good looks and quality materials |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Insufficient bass |
8. Best Under $1000 – Focal Celestee
Focal is known for making some of the most exquisite audiophile headphones and other premium gear with high-tech features, and the Focal Celestee follows the trend.
Aside from offering a high midrange and clear vocals, headphones have an impressive bass extension. They are ideal if you enjoy bass-rich music like hip-hop and EDM.
Featuring ‘F’ logos with little grilles on the ear cups, the Focal Celestee headphones allow air onto the housing to interact with the drivers.
This makes the instruments sound more naturally placed and alive.
With an impedance of thirty-two ohms, Celestees are easy to drive and require little power compared to other Focal headphones like Clear and Elear.
Focal Celestees are pretty durable. They are built with stainless steel and microfibre leather, reducing their chances of breaking. These materials also give them a sleek, beautiful look. Another feature contributing to these headphones’ general appearance is the dot pattern that radiates through the metal logo.
Celestees’ yokes are aluminum-built and robust, meaning they will take a while before malfunctioning. They are also perfectly molded to the head for greater comfort and excellent grip.
Focal Celestees are fabulous for home studios and the outdoors, as they feature a short, 1.2m black and silver detachable cable.
The main setback with the Celestee cable is that it is stiff, meaning traveling with it in your backpack can be difficult.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Aside from their striking design, Focal Celestees are made from long-lasting, high-quality materials and have the finest mid-range sound. The construction is solid and the design is sleek, allowing you to enjoy an immersive listening session wherever you are. With their short cable and durable build quality, they are ideal for home studios and outdoor use. |
8.5/10
- Design & Build 90%
- Comfort 90%
- Sound 90%
- Value 70%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Fancy design |
| Quality and durable materials |
| A true high-resolution audio |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Lacks precise timing a little |
9. Best Premium – Focal Stellia
Focal Stellia audiophile headphones are covered with brown leather giving them an exquisite, stylish look.
The heavyweight emanates a feeling of luxury and worth, justifying these headphones’ high price point.
The rubber-coated cables are impressively crafted, delivering top quality feel and a posh look. Although stiff and thin, the material quality is second to none suggesting a long life.
Focal Stellias are featuring a luxurious ‘cognac and mocha’ color pallet with a brushed aluminum frame that has a well-padded leather headband as well as delightfully soft ear pads for comfort.
To combat heat buildup, which is unavoidable with the leather material, these headphones have fabric strips along the interior and holes at the bottom of the headband to increase breathability and temperature control.
Improved, high-quality transducers enable Stellias to maintain clarity even when using them at low volume levels. These headphones also feature a wide soundstage that will make you feel like you are in the same room as the singers. Music lovers can listen to all song genres where lower tones are warm and deep while the high strings are clear and sweet.
The highlight of Stellias is, however, the replication of the vocals, be they individual or choral. The reproduction is resonant, delicate, and precise to the point where it feels more natural than the natural voice.
Listening to the songs that we think we know well has uncovered a whole array of new sounds and details you’ve never noticed before. Stellias’ exquisitely precise separation of the frequency range is hard to get used to, which is an amazing thing.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Focal Stellia is a work of art, hand craftsmanship, and unrivaled build quality. They have an outstanding sound stage producing mind-blowing, energetic sound with all the details you can think of. The sense of space is exquisite, unlike any other closed-back headphones we’ve experienced. |
8.5/10
- Design & Build 100%
- Comfort 100%
- Sound 90%
- Value 60%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Authoritative bass blended with detailed sound |
| Comfortable to wear |
| Stylish looks |
| Unparalleled material quality |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Stiff cable |
| Very expensive |
10. Best Retro Style – Meze 99 Classics
Unlike most brands with common industrial designs, the Meze 99 Classics come with distinct premium aesthetics and a retro feel.
The body features walnut-coated earcups with silver or gold metal accents that both look expensive and visually appealing. These ear pads are made with medium-density memory foam for optimum noise isolation.
The flimsy-looking frame may fool you into thinking that the 99 Classics are weak, yet the materials are rigid and sturdy.
The Meze 99 Classics are comfortable to use even with glasses on. You can have them on for hours, making them ideal for professional music mixers and sound editors.
Hardshell cases prevent Classics from suffering external damages when traveling or strolling with them. These headphones also come with handy, large pouches, allowing you to carry the 6.33mm adapters, the three-meter cables to connect to the home system, and one-meter detachable cables featuring in-line remotes.
The sound comes with full-bodied clarity and lusciousness, whereas mid-range sounds have a natural warmth. The bass-rich music feels particularly good with these headphones, as their low strings are well-defined and deep.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Meze 99 Classics offer addictive, engaging sounds, thanks to their added emphasis on low tones. Their luxurious look stands out among other headphones in the market. |
8/10
- Design & Build 80%
- Comfort 80%
- Sound 80%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Smooth and clear sound |
| Great retro design |
| Deep bass |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Minimal features |
| Expensive |
Top Rated Closed Back Headphones – Specification Comparison
| Freq. range | Impedance | THD | Driver size | Max input power | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | 15 - 28000 Hz | 38 ohms | 0.02% | 45 mm | 1600 mW |
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | 5 - 35000 Hz | 32-250 ohms | 0.2% | 45 mm | 100 mW |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | 4 - 40000 Hz | 150 ohms | 0,04% | 40 mm | 1000 mW |
| Sennheiser Momentum 3 | 6 - 22000 Hz | 100 ohms | 0.2% | 42 mm | N/A |
| Sennheiser HD 280 Pro | 8 - 25000 Hz | 64 ohms | 0.1% | N/A | 500 mW |
| Edifier H840 | 20 - 20000 kHz | 32 ohms | 0.3% | 40 mm | N/A |
| Shure SRH1540 | 5 – 25000 Hz | 46 ohms | 0.2 % | 40 mm | 1000 mW |
| Focal Elegia | 5 - 23000 Hz | 35 ohms | 0.1% | 40 mm | 1000 mW |
| Focal Stellia | 5 - 40000 kHz | 35 ohm | 0.1% | 40 mm | 1000 mW |
| Meze 99 Classics | 15 - 25000 Hz | 32 ohm | N/A | 40 mm | 1000 mW |
How To Choose The Best Closed-Back Headphones? – Buyers Guide
Closed-back headphones may not be as popular as their open back counterparts, but they offer several benefits that the latter don’t. For one, closed-back headphones are great at isolating sound. This means you won’t be distracted by background noise, and you can focus more on your music or movie.
That said, the following are factors to consider when choosing the best closed-back headphones.
Comfort
Closed-back headphones are synonymous with long hours of listening. You should look for a pair that’s comfortable to wear and won’t hurt your ears after a few hours. Look for headphones with large earpads and adjustable headbands. Additionally, if you plan to use the headphones for a long time, look for light models that won’t put much pressure on your head.
Sound quality
You cannot afford to compromise on sound quality when it comes to selecting the best closed-back headphones. Look for a pair that has a rich and clear sound with minimal distortion. You can determine sound quality by checking the sensitivity, frequency response range, and impedance of the headphones.
Noise isolation/cancellation
Look for closed-back headphones that offer active noise cancellation or isolation features to ensure you don’t hear any external noise while listening. These features will be especially helpful if you plan to use the headphones in a noisy environment.
Design and durability
Closed-back headphones are known for their durability. Look for a pair that has been designed with strong materials like steel, plastic, or aluminum. You may want to invest in headphones with detachable cables for easy replacements and storage. Additionally, look for headphones that have swivel earcups for comfort.
Price range
The best closed-back headphones come at a variety of price points to suit different budgets. While you may be tempted to go for the cheaper options, ensure you don’t compromise sound quality for a low price. You may have to spend more to get the best closed-back headphones that will last you years. However, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. With proper research, you can still find affordable and quality headphones that offer great sound.
Do You Need Wired or Wireless Closed-back Headphones?
Whether closed or open back, both are over-ear headphones that come have wired and wireless models.
When it comes to high-quality audio, wired headphones have been proven to offer better sound clarity than their wireless counterparts. Additionally, wired models are known for their reliability and durability. They are ideal for high-intensity activities such as gaming or music production.
Wireless options, on the other hand, come with freedom of movement. You don’t have to worry about cords getting in your way while you listen. These make them ideal for sports, travel, and other such activities.
When it comes to choosing between the two types of closed-back headphones, it all boils down to your preference and needs. If you find wired options cumbersome, then you may opt for wireless models. However, if sound quality and reliability are important to you, then wired closed-back headphones are the way to go.
Studio Headphones vs. Regular Headphones – What is the Difference?
At face value, you may be tempted to think studio headphones and regular headphones are the same. However, upon closer inspection, you will realize that there are several key differences between them as the studio environment differs from everything else.
The main difference between studio headphones and regular headphones is their sound quality. Studio headphones are designed to be used in professional recording studios and offer a crystal clear, flat response, which is essential for mixing and mastering audio correctly. Regular headphones, on the other hand, typically provide an exaggerated bass or treble response, which is great for listening pleasure but not suitable for critical listening.
On matters of comfort, studio headphones are usually lighter and less bulky compared to regular headphones. This is because they don’t need additional features like active noise cancellation, which can add weight to the design. Additionally, studio headphones often come with rotatable earcups for better sound isolation.
What Frequency Response Do You Need?
When it comes to choosing the right closed-back headphones, frequency response is an important factor to consider. Frequency response refers to the range of sound frequencies a set of headphones can accurately reproduce. For example, if a pair of headphones have a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, then it means they are capable of reproducing sounds from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Generally speaking, the wider the frequency range a set of headphones can reproduce, the more sounds they can deliver. Most closed-back headphones come with a frequency response range between 10 Hz – 23 kHz, which is more than enough for listening pleasure. However, if you’re looking for studio-grade sound quality, then you may want to consider models with an even wider frequency response range, such as 20 Hz – 40 kHz.
Conclusion
The best closed-back headphones vary from one individual to another, depending on their preferences. However, for the best value headphones, we settle for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2s. These have top-notch features, from a unique outward appearance to perfect sound.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones follow closely as the second best, thanks to their well-built structures.
If you are looking for the most effective and reliable wireless headphones with an outstanding active noise-canceling feature, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best option.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 wireless is ideal if you enjoy innovative technology. They feature an intuitive button that will satisfy your love for tech and gadgets.
If you are not ready to compromise the quality but are working with a tight budget, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pros are perfect. On the other hand, if you are not a headphone enthusiast and simply want a reliable earpiece, the Edifier H840 is a good option.
For maximum comfort and high-quality sound, we highly recommend the Shure SRH1540. If you prefer high-end for their durability assurance but do not want to break your budget, Focal Celestee is perfect.
Focal Stellia is the best audiophile headphones we’ve tested. They have the most style and high-end performance we’ve seen, while the Meze 99 Classics have the most outstanding sounds, ideal for professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the point of closed-back headphones?Unlike open-back headphones, closed-back headphones are designed to provide a more immersive listening experience by limiting sound leakage. This makes them great for activities such as gaming, music production, or critical listening, where you don’t want the sound to escape your ears and distract others.
- Are closed-back headphones the same as noise canceling?No, closed-back and noise-canceling headphones cannot be used interchangeably. While all noise-canceling headphones may be closed-back, not all closed-back headphones are noise-canceling. The technology features an active noise cancellation that reacts to the ambient noise from the outside and suppresses it.
- Is it better to mix with open-back or closed-back headphones?Both are on-ear headphones, but closed-back headphones tend to be better for mixing because they allow the user to hear their own sound without interference from outside noise, resulting in a more accurate mix. However, open-back headphones offer a wider soundstage, which can benefit certain mixing and mastering activities. Ultimately, it all boils down to your preference and the type of sound you want.
- Do closed-back headphones leak?Closed-back headphones leak a lot less than their open counterparts. Closed-back headphones feature ear cups with tight-fitting, sealing around the ears and reducing sound leakage into and out of the headphones.
- Do closed-back headphones have more bass?Closed-back headphones have a deeper and wider bass range than open ones. This is mainly because they do a good job in noise isolation. As a result, closed-back design is typically preferred by bass lovers.
The ATH-M50xBT2 is a second-generation, organic evolution of the old favorite, critically acclaimed M-Series wireless over-ear headphones. They allow you a full breadth of applications from your smartphone to your studio, all with ease, efficiency, and top-notch sound. The detachable cable and a 10-minute quick charge take ATH-M50xBT2 to a whole new level where even on-the-go listening is fully endorsed!
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT are really universal, you can do pretty much anything you want with them… the most flexible pair of closed back cans I have ever had, highly recommended!
Fully agree, they do deliver an amazing amount of value for a very reasonable price tag!