By: Tamara | Last updated November 6, 2020 
If you are reading this article, then you must be aware of the advantages of open-back headphones over closed-back headphones. But just in case you aren’t sure what they’re all about, here it is.
Open-back headphones are the most preferred type by musicians, audiophiles and people working in studios. Based on how the back of their earcups is, headphones divide into closed-back headphones, open-back headphones and semi-open back headphones.
Open-back headphones have the back of their ear cups vented and with grilles, which lets the air pass-through the speakers. That means the back of the earcups is not sealed and the drivers are exposed to the outside.
Closed-back headphones on the other hand are completely sealed, they have a solid backplate and they isolate the sound.
There are also semi-open-back headphones out there as well, which are a combination of the two.
What are the benefits of open-back headphones?
Because of the free ventilation and the fact that they let air pass-through, these headphones sound considerably better than their counterparts. The sound will be much clearer, unmuffled by all the air pressure and it will have a bigger soundstage. The sound is more natural and will give you that sensation that you are at a live gig, rather than in your bedroom. The frequencies are accurately reproduced and the quality of the audio is superior. Another advantage is the fact that your ears won’t heat up and get sweaty as fast as with closed-back headphones, so they are more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
There is a disadvantage with open-back headphones as well and that is the fact that you’ll have sound leakage. Because of the free air flow and the fact that their back is not sealed, the sound from the speakers will leak outside, meaning others around you can hear what you are listening to, especially at higher volumes. That is the reason why these headphones are not great for quiet places such as libraries, offices and so on, as you get no noise isolation with them and others can be disturbed by you.
Which are the best open-back headphones you can buy in 2020?
There’s a plethora or choices when it comes to headphones, including open-back ones. We put in the time and research to find the best brand and model possible: one that doesn’t break the bank but delivers all the above-mentioned qualities. And our winner is Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO.
The DT 990 PRO are professional open-back headphones that are great for mixing and mastering and editing music. Since they are tailored for professional use, they obviously deliver a great sound even just for listening to your favorite tunes. They have a premium design and feel and while they aren’t the most affordable on the market, they are more than fairly priced given what they offer.
Beyerdynamic is a German manufacturer and is renowned for its high-quality products for both home and professional use. They also make headsets, microphones, conference systems and more.
The DT 990 PRO are built like a tank yet are soft and comfortable to wear. The earpads are covered in soft velour that is replaceable. They have a soft, padded headband that is adjustable and they come with a stereo jack adapter (6.3 mm) and a drawstring bag. The cable is coiled and it’s 3 meters long. The headphones weigh around 250 grams (8.8 ounces).
The sound quality is very impressive with the DT 990 PRO. The sound is very clear, transparent, spatial and the bass and treble are balanced.
And for those who want to get more technical, here are the main specs of the DT 990 PRO:
- Nominal impedance headphones: 250 ohms
- Nominal sound pressure level: 96dB
- Frequency response: 5-35,000 Hz
How much do the DT 990 PRO cost?
The DT 990 PRO can be purchased for approximately $130.
