There is no feeling like losing yourself in the soul of your favorite music. Closed-back headphones provide you a chance to shut out the world and find some peace if you need it. These bring you a personal musical space where you can laugh, cry, sulk or celebrate with your favourite artists.
Closed-back headphones are unfortunately dime a dozen. So it could be hard to pick the good ones. Equipped with our expertise in sporting, breaking and testing enough headphones, we chose out the 11 finest closed-back headphones for you.
These are spread over a wide price range and audio signatures. So there’s something for everyone here.
Best Closed Back Headphones
Take a look at my top picks in this class and familiarize yourself with that which makes the closed back design therefore unique.
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Benefits of the closed-back headset. Together with the best active racket (ANC) from the world, these really do help split out your private space. The powerful wireless connectivity and the ultra-comfortable fitment make a solid case for its top place in the very best closed-back headphones list.
They might even look a bit basic in their black or gray hues. However, the upside is that they look good on everyone for many purposes. Despite all the doodads, they’re just 8.25 ounce. The earcups can fold flat and slip inwards for storage. Regardless of the plastic build, we did not hear any ominous creaking or possess them break on us. The clamp and fitment are ideal for hours of air travel. The light weight also helps their light grip.
These closed-back headphones triumph the version1 of the QC35. The major distinction is the Google Assistant button to the right earcup. While this functionality could have been packaged into the multi-functional button of the left earcup, this dedicated Google Assistant button will longer. It tells you that the time, reads your messages and notifications to you and you may dictate the reply. The volume/track navigation buttons and multi-functional button are on the left earcup.
You can download the free program to control them from the phone. The Google Assistant button will be re-programmable through this app. You can also change the degree of ANC to low, off or full. This is a blessing for those who don’t like the pressure on ears in the ANC circuit.
The battery lasts 20 hours on Bluetooth style and 40 hours on wired mode. You may turn off the ANC and use these in the passive mode.
These are outfitted with a very sensitive mic which filters out the surrounding noise.
The ANC is a major USP of those Bose QC35 II closed-back Headset. Bose has ever designed freakishly silent ANC cans and with all the QC35, its lights out after ANC is switched on. The lower frequencies of surrounding sound are completely canceled. The edge of the higher frequencies are dulled. When no sound plays, you’ll be lulled into nothingness by the ANC. You are still able to hear high-pitched noises like sirens though.
There’s always some digital voodoo involved with ANC headphones that sculpts the sound bit in the ANC style. This happens with QC35 II too. The audio sounds lively and alive with the ANC on. The audio signature is very flexible, they sound great even with bad formats.
The bass is punchy and has carries its weight. It doesn’t bleed to the mids through. The midrange is smooth and decently detailed. It’s not as open and transparent as Beyerdynamic 770 though. The treble is detailed but don’t have any bite.
The sound is relaxing and not as lively as the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0. The upside is, it flatters all genres and supply materials. But no additional headset gives the same blend of relaxation, ANC and usability.
In the non-ANC manner, the sound sounds complete less lively though still stays as clear as in the ANC manner.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
They’re equipped with plush cushioning which lessens the total amount of ear strain. However, the amount of comfort is only one thing which makes them good while on the go. The ATH-M50x will also be foldable headset.
The ATH-M50x has an intriguing soundstage. They have exceptional definition in high frequencies. This makes them perfect for classical music. Nevertheless, the vocal definition can also be striking. The mids are loud and comprehensive and might occasionally even escape the boundaries of your own headset.
The bass is great at this price range. The low frequencies are apparent but not over-emphasized, which some might predict accurate and neutral. If you are a purist and hear a broad selection of genres, then this attribute should attract one of the most. There’s such a thing as a lot of bass unless you are simply listening to the newest and hottest club combinations.
The cans do not seem too shabby either. They are fairly trendy. The swiveling ear cups also aid with one-ear tracking, making them more versatile. In the long run, the balance between sound quality and relaxation is spot-on, which for a few folks can be all that matters.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The DT 770 Pro headphones come in three unique impedances: 32, 80, and 250ohm. With that being said, that the 250ohm model is one of the best audiophile headphones and that is the one I’d suggest to serious listeners.
The projected noise is quite balanced. But, there are certain nuances which you simply can’t overlook. The highs frequencies are vibrant and crisp while the midrange frequencies seem very detailed. The bass has amazing definition, but the richness of the overall tone isn’t reliant on the low frequencies.
This means the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro offers arguably most bang for your buck. The noise cancellation is quite good in the two directions. The soundstage is fine-tuned for office work. The degree of thickness lets you nitpick recordings of any genre with ease.
But there is also something to be said about the amount of relaxation. Thick padding is used on both cups and covered in a very slick material. The ear pressure is all but unnoticeable even after hours of using the headphones.
4. Sennheiser HD 569
The HD 569 headphones are extremely different from the original Sennheiser HD 500 string of cans such as the 598. In addition to that, the level of comfort is very impressive at this price range.
The fabric round the ear pads is quite soft and rather dense, making the headphones very comfortable to wear for long amounts of time. The padding on the headband is simple, but because the headphones are light, there’s no requirement for any accessories. The quality of the leather, stitching, and total design point more towards a pair of luxury audiophile headphones compared to a mid-range pair.
The ear pads are also very big, making the HD 569 headphones an easy fit. Concerning sound, the headphones excel at moderate and high frequencies.
The headphones sound great when plugged to your PC, monitor, TV, or even a smartphone, thanks to its reduced 23 Ω impedance. The soundstage is well-balanced and gives you a greater spatial awareness. This is a result of this E.A.R transducer configuration which can be found in all Sennheiser HD 500 series of cans.
The standard cable is accompanied by an inline microphone, which is a wonderful bonus.
5. Sony MDR7506
If you’re expecting a great deal of recording and mixing projects on your future then a set of heavy-duty cans could be the ideal selection for you.
Starting with relaxation, the frame is made entirely of plastic. Working long hours should not be a problem. This is surprising since there isn’t a great deal of high-end padding to speak of.
Too many studio headphones emphasize low frequencies more than they should. The MDR7506 do it right by offering more definition in the mid range and high frequencies. This produces a rich and organic tone even though the lower frequencies may seem rather flat.
Compared to most similarly priced studio cans, the MDR7506 headphones have a fantastic history and versatility when it comes to coping with a wide range of musical genres. If you’re looking for something that allows you to listen to the nuances in every recording, you truly can’t do any better in this price range.
6. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (New Model)
Concerning fancy contemporary features, the newest HD 280 Pro doesn’t have a lot to reveal. On the other hand, the advancements made in the audio department as well as relaxation are tough to miss. This set of cans has a medium impedance.
This extends their usefulness beyond that of the intended design as a pair of studio headphones. The noise is as balanced as it can be. The bass is clean however less competitive so that it blends well in the mixture.
The definition is tremendously detailed. The soundstage is organic and wide and presents good separation between right and left speakers. The noise isolation is really great also given the budget-friendly nature of the cans.
The new headband design adds a lot of relaxation. There is no longer head pressure like using the original itteration of the HD 280 Pro headphones. The padding looks and feels exactly the exact same but the ear cups are slightly larger which should make them a much better fit for a wide range of users.
7. Edifier H840 Over Ear Headphones
If you’d like quality audio but you can’t go out of your way to purchase even a pair of entry-level headphones from the major brands, then the Edifier H840 may be an alternative worth considering. There are not that many compromises made to lower the price tag, except the place of manufacture, and for general use, the H840 performs well above its price point.
Comfort is not a problem as these are over-ear headphones. They weigh 7oz that is practically nothing. This also suggests that the workforce is greatly reduced, making them great for travel and long listening sessions. The cushioning is minimal on the headband and onto the ear cups, but the large ear cups balance things out.
The H840 has an impedance of 32 Ohm. Not exactly ideal for the smartphone, tabletcomputer, personal computer, or gaming console if you play loudly, in which case you might have to put money into an outboard amplifier. The 40mm drivers are powerful enough for a wide range of styles and preferences.
The frequency response range is 20Hz to 20kHz, which is the human hearing range, and also the sound is surprisingly dynamic. The midrange frequencies don’t overpower the bass or the other way round, however you can listen to the nuances of complex musical genres.
8. V-Moda Crossfade M-100
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 isn’t the cheapest closed back headphones I have reviewed but they’re one of the most interesting ones, to say the least. What is even more astonishing is that the level of overall quality coming from such a small label.
The 50mm drivers are responsible for creating a great separation between the bass and the greater frequencies. The responsiveness is very great on the low end. The mids and highs are crisp and clear, which helps enhance vocals.
At medium levels, it’s easy to tune out everything in the outside world. And, if you flip them up even higher, they might just be the best headphones you can wear in case you’re a regular flyer.
The build quality is equally as durable as it receives. The appearance is also trendy if you take into account the overused rounded ear cup design.
The Crossfade M-100 is a set of, for want of a better expression, military-grade consumer headphones. While they may not be among the best closed back headphones for audiophiles concerning audio quality alone, casual listeners would be hard-pressed to find something better and more dependable in the long term.
9. Status Audio CB-1
The Status Audio CB-1 cans are outfitted with 50mm drivers. They’re capable of delivering a neutral audio touch, and at a reasonable price at the. There are some noise cancelation properties to the CB-1 cans, sufficient to keep you comfy and let you keep to yourself.
But some audio may still blend with the mixture, which could just offer a more live quality to whatever song you are listening to. With that in mind, I find you could squeeze more from this CB-1 if you utilize them as recording cans.
Mainly in part as a result of very comfortable and large ear pads. While the build quality is not anything overly impressive, it is important to note that the cans include detachable cables that have a twist-lock function. This almost ensures that the longevity of this jack port.
If you are considering taking the headphones on the highway with you, the foldable design should attract you since it considerably reduces their footprint whilst also giving them a bit of extra protection.
10. LyxPro HAS-30
The LyxPro HAS-30 is a sterile pair of closed back headphones that’s cheap too. The design is reminiscent of most professional recording headphones, and that’s why I also enjoy them as DJ or studio monitoring cans.
These aren’t as bass heavy as you might believe, although there is adequate extension on the lower register to cater to all up and coming DJs. Perhaps best-suited for home amusement, the HAS-30 headphones are also quite comfortable to wear.
There ought to be a limited amount of head pressure to worry about, just enough to prevent some external noise from mixing together with the audio.
Some of those technical specifications include 50mm drivers, 15Hz to 26KHz frequency response range, and 100dB sensitivity. This translates into a wealthy and clean sound signature even at higher levels. Also nice to see is the inclusion of 2 detachable cables, one coiled and one straight.
11. Shure SRH440 Studio Headphones
Another fantastic pair of closed back headphones is your Shure SRH440. These headphones offer good noise cancelation properties for your money and come with exceptional build reliability courtesy of Shure’s expertise in manufacturing audio gear.
Are these cans something which you would need to wear while visiting school or chilling on the beach? — Not precisely. However, for listening to music in the home, tuning out colleagues at work, and performing amateur studio blending, they’re quite good.
The cushioning is rather thick and plush to the ear cups although the whole framework is quite stiff. On the flip side, this indicates that the frame is sturdy and will handle long-term abuse.
When it comes to noise, the mid and high frequencies take center stage. The degree of detail is very gratifying. The definition on the low end isn’t bad but the bass is flat and not as emphasized. Nonetheless, if you’re searching for treble detail and improved vocals, SRH440 delivers more than it’s to be expected at this price.
The sound isolation is quite good both ways. The headphones cancel out interference in loud environments while also leaking a minimum amount of noise in enclosed spaces at medium to high volume settings.
Open Back vs. Closed Back Headphones?
Closed back headphones are about sound isolation and noise cancellation. They’re intended to block out most of the outside interference. They also stop noise from leaking out and disturbing the people around you.
As you can tell by now, closed back headphones are not solely for outdoor usage. In a workplace environment, classroom, or in a dorm room, they allow you to keep yourself. And, let’s not overlook that audio production wouldn’t be what it is today with no closed back design.
Open headset allegedly prefer a more natural sound. That is because outside sound blends in with the mixture. But, there is a frequent misconception that closed back headphones favor heavy bass definition.
That’s not necessarily the situation. The majority of musical genres really favor medium and high frequencies due to the assortment of instruments used.
There is no wrong or right answer . Each design has its own benefits and drawbacks. It finally comes down to your personal preference in regards to audio.
Benefits of Closed-back cans
This is the single most important parameter in which the closed-back headphones beat the open-back headset. The former snare the sound waves seeking to push into the earcups and shield against ambient sound. This creates a quieter background for you to listen to and enjoy the music in. Having outside noises minimized also allows you to hear the minute sonic details on the paths. These are better choices for everyday use during commutes or if you require isolation and peace and also don’t want to disturb the people around you.
are fairly transparent and allow sound in and out with no restrictions. You want a quiet area to really enjoy these. But they are also silent useful if you go jogging/running or even on the job. You have to be aware of your environment and these relay the sounds that you need to hear. Do note that not all of closed-back headphones have stellar noise-isolation or very low leakage.
Closed back headphones generally restrict the quantity of audio leaking out of their earcups too. This way your playlist remains private throughout the sail or in a public location. It also does not cause a nuisance. Open-back cans are much more leaky and they end up disturbing the people around you. In the event you want to see a movie at night with someone sleeping close by, closed-back cans are the decision.
The shut back of those headphones creates the sound waves reflect back into the closed area. The lower frequencies bounce off the backplates and accumulate. This makes the bass sound more impactful and strong even in neutral headset. Open-back headphones tend to have diffused bass due to the open motion of the waves. Not many open-back headphones sound lacking in bass, it depends on their sound signature also. But they do sound more lucid and simple.
Since closed-back headphones are more in demand and also have a wider audience, you get more options spread over a broader budget range compared to open-back headphones. The latter look to cater to audiophiles and thus need to satisfy a great deal more strict criteria. Closed-back headphones also provide a bigger range of audio signatures when compared with open-back cans.
Many closed-back cans have been in a position to expand their soundstage to match that of their open-back cans. However, this remains work in progress. But if this becomes a trend, the closed-back headphones may completely out-do the open-back ones.
Most of the added features like Bluetooth, ANC, Foldability, multiple cables etc. are found in closed-back headphones more frequently than open-back one.
Who Are the Closed-Back Headphones Ideal For?
Closed-back headphones are ideal for everyday use in most common situations such as the commute, at work, whenever you want to dial down or if you want to watch something without bothering the others. You also have lots of studio-grade and audiophile closed-back cans. They may not sound as expansive as the open-back headphones at precisely the exact same price. But they meet the staunchest of critics.
The availability of closed-back cans at different price points allows everyone to be able to manage them too, not only the music fans.
Key Features of High Quality Closed-Back Headphones
We dug deep and contrasted sound feverishly to find the 15 best closed-back headphones predicated on:
We cautioned the sound of the best closed-back headphones. We selected different popular sound signatures, since tastes can differ. We gave more taste to balance audio since they are easier to equalize from portable devices. We avoided headphones with clear sonic drawbacks such as boomy bass, harsh highs or muddy audio.
Closed-back headphones tend to become hot on the ears. So we checked that these could settle on the ears for at least 2-3 hours without causing too much distress. We also assessed the kind of earpads, the amount of headband padding and the clamp strain of the group.
as this is the best advantage of closed-back headphones on open-back headphones, we assessed that they delivered on this promise. We also tested whether they flow audio at normal volume levels. The clarity and detailing of this sound shines better with sound isolation.
Some of these best closed-back headphones provide extra perks like Active Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth connectivity, touch controls, Foldability, removable wires etc..
We picked these headphones out of over a large price range. They have been compared based on their value for the money.
