Best Open-Back Headphones
Top open-back headphones ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Sennheiser HD 600
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Legendary neutral reference sound
- Replaceable cable and pads
- 25+ years of proven excellence
Cons
- 300 ohms needs a headphone amp
- Plastic build feels fragile
Don't buy this if…
- These 300-ohm headphones require a headphone amplifier and will sound thin and quiet from a phone or laptop headphone jack.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Easy to drive at 48 ohms
- Replaceable mini-XLR cable
- Extremely comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Treble can be fatiguing for some
- Open design leaks all sound
Don't buy this if…
- The detailed treble response may be fatiguing during very long listening sessions for those sensitive to bright sound signatures.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Planar magnetic driver delivers exceptional detail and instrument separation
- Planar magnetic bass quality
- Wide, expansive soundstage perfect for classical and jazz
Cons
- Requires a dedicated headphone amp to reach full potential
- Build quality concerns over time
- Open-back design leaks sound — not for commutes or offices
Don't buy this if…
- HiFiMAN's QC has been inconsistent — inspect carefully on arrival; return window matters
- HIFIMAN headband adjustment mechanisms have been reported to loosen over time so handle the adjustments gently.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Wide accurate soundstage
- Self-adjusting headband
- Hand-selected matched drivers
Cons
- 62 ohms still benefits from an amp
- Large ear cups may feel oversized
Don't buy this if…
- The elastic headband suspension stretches over time which can reduce clamping force and affect the seal for bass response.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight 210g design
- Exceptional detail at 470 ohms
- Professional reference accuracy
Cons
- 470 ohms demands a strong amplifier
- Non-removable cable
Don't buy this if…
- At 470 ohms these absolutely require a headphone amplifier and will be essentially silent from portable devices.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Outstanding value for money
- Easy to drive from any source
- Detachable standard 3.5mm cable
Cons
- Lean bass response
- Loose clamping force out of box
Don't buy this if…
- The light clamping force that makes them comfortable also means they can slide off during head movement.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Analytical revealing sound
- Comfortable for extended sessions
- Accessible entry to audiophile sound
Cons
- Can sound thin on bass-light tracks
- 120 ohms benefits from an amp
Don't buy this if…
- The revealing analytical nature means poorly recorded or compressed music will sound noticeably worse than on forgiving headphones.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Energetic engaging sound signature
- Handcrafted in Brooklyn
- Legendary midrange quality
Cons
- On-ear pads cause discomfort over time
- Non-detachable cable
Don't buy this if…
- The on-ear foam pads press directly against your ears and can cause discomfort and heat buildup during sessions over an hour.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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