Best Open-Back Headphones

Product Strengths

• Well-balanced, clear, and detailed sound suitable for a wide range of music genres
• Exceptional micro and macro-dynamic performance
• Bass response has a quick, impactful 'slam' and is technically impressive
• Comfortable for long listening sessions due to quality materials and design
• Substantial build quality, using high-quality materials like aluminum and Alcantara

Product Considerations

• Treble can be a bit blunted and dark in the stock tuning, potentially requiring EQ adjustment for some listeners
• Click-stops on the headband adjustment could be firmer for a high-end product
• Headband fit may not be ideal for all head sizes
• Recessed HD800 connector may limit aftermarket cable options

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: Solitaire P has more bass and a wider soundstage, but the Susvara is slightly more detailed and comfortable
• Vs Abyss 1266TC: Solitaire P's bass is similar, though not exactly the same, with detail levels close, though trailing slightly behind—Solitaire P is more comfortable
• Vs Meze ELITE: Solitaire P is more detailed and technically accomplished, though the Meze has more treble presence and is more comfortable

Takeaway: The T+A Solitaire P offers high-end sound quality, comfortable wear for extended listening, and exceptional detail and dynamics. With its balanced sound signature and impressive build, it's a top-tier choice for serious audiophiles.

Product Strengths

• Beautiful design and excellent build quality with premium materials, giving a luxurious feel
• Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft velour earpads, a well-balanced headband design, and relatively light weight
• Balanced, natural sound signature with good bass extension and detailed treble, making them suitable for various music genres
• Easy to drive, performing well even with low-powered sources like smartphones and dongle DACs
• Good detail retrieval and a believable soundstage that expands with reference recordings

Product Considerations

• Cable connections to the cups can be problematic with aftermarket cables, as some may not fit in the recessed area
• Some reviewers found the treble slightly emphasized, which may require pairing with warmer electronics or EQ adjustments
• Caliper pressure is a little too high for some users
• The stock cable is pretty basic
• Bass impact may not satisfy bass enthusiasts

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth Edition, the 109 Pro offers better bass extension and layering, but the Ananda has more energetic sound
• Vs Sennheiser HD660S2, the 109 Pro is noticeably better built and finished, and more comfortable to wear

Takeaway: The Meze 109 Pro is a well-built and comfortable headphone that offers a balanced and enjoyable sound signature. It's versatile enough for various listening scenarios and music genres, making it a great all-around choice for those seeking a high-quality audio experience.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional soundstage, providing a wide, spacious, and immersive listening experience.
• Excellent detail retrieval and clarity, making it suitable for critical listening and analyzing musical nuances.
• Generally considered a very comfortable headphone due to its lightweight design and spacious earcups.
• Well-tuned midrange, providing a natural and transparent sound.
• Treble response is improved compared to the original HD800, with the implementation of an absorber to reduce harshness.

Product Considerations

• Bass response is often described as lacking in quantity and impact, with a roll-off in the sub-bass region.
• The plastic construction, while contributing to the lightweight design, may not feel as premium as some other high-end headphones.
• The connector sockets for the detachable cable can be fragile and prone to breakage if not handled carefully.
• Treble, while improved, can still be perceived as bright or fatiguing by some listeners, especially at around 6kHz.
• Soundstage depth may be lacking, some reviewers find that vocals can sound like they are coming from inside the listener's head.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Clear Mg: The HD800S is better at resolving details and has a wider soundstage, while the Clear Mg has stronger dynamics and a thicker timbre.
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000se: Both have a sparkly top end and clear midrange, but the HE1000se is more colored in the bass and mids, the HD800S has a more robust build.
• Vs Audeze MM-500: The MM-500 is more musical, while the HD800S is more analytical, the MM-500 has more slam, and the HD800S is more relaxed.
• Vs Focal Utopia: The Utopia has more treble and midrange presence, punchier bass, and more precise imaging, the HD800S has a wider soundstage and feels more ethereal.
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000v2: The HE1000v2 has a warmer tonality and more bass presence, while the HD800S has a more detailed treble and sometimes just as spacious soundstage.

Takeaway: The HD 800 S is a top-tier headphone known for its expansive soundstage and exceptional detail, making it great for analyzing music. It is a comfortable choice that can bring out the best in well-recorded tracks.

Product Strengths

• Excellent resolution and detail retrieval, making it a clear step up from mid-fi headphones
• Wide and open soundstage with nuanced imaging, as well as excellent instrument separation
• Comfortable design, with well-distributed weight, large earcups, and comfortable earpads
• The Arya Organic is easier to drive than previous Arya versions and sounds better with various equipment, responding well to a decent system
• Balanced and neutral sound signature, though some find the treble slightly bright

Product Considerations

• Noted to lack dynamic weight and bass slam, which might disappoint bass enthusiasts
• Treble response can be fatiguing depending on the music and is somewhat peaky
• The 5kHz hump stretches vocals and make them timbrally thin at times
• Some reviewers express concern about the delicacy of the headphones and caution against dropping them
• The open-back design makes them unsuitable for noisy environments or situations where sound leakage is a concern

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Arya is sharper, clearer, and better resolved than the HiFiMan Ananda, with a more open soundstage, but the Ananda has more bass grunt
• Both have large soundstages and effortless resolution, but the Arya has a more excited tuning while the Sennheiser HD800S is smoother
• The Arya has a larger soundstage, but the Focal Clear has better punch and slam

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Arya is a technically impressive headphone that provides excellent sound clarity, a wide soundstage, and a comfortable listening experience. If you appreciate a neutral sound with great detail and aren't looking for heavy bass, the Arya could be a good choice.

Product Strengths

• Excellent resolution and imaging capabilities
• Features a nanometer thickness diaphragm and Stealth Magnet design that improves transient response and lowers harmonic distortion
• Easy to drive, it is among the most efficient open-back planar magnetic headphones on the market right now
• Features a tight, textured, and clean bass response
• Good detail retrieval and vocal clarity

Product Considerations

• Treble might be too much for some listeners
• May not be the most lively in macro-dynamics
• Reviewers note a slightly dry timbre
• Lean, slightly cold mid-range
• The included 3-meter cable is not useful for desktop use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Similar to the Meze 109, but a planar
• Sounded a little bit more hifi than the Austrian Audio Hi-X 65
• Has a more warm, natural feel than the original Ananda
• Easiest to drive when compared to the Edition XS
• Superior in technical performance when compared to the Hifiman Sundara

Takeaway: The Ananda Nano is a well-tuned headphone with superior resolution and marvelous timbre, particularly good for electronic music and those who care about vocal clarity. It's a planar alternative that’s incredibly fast and detailed, with excellent imaging and soundstage.

Product Strengths

• Beautifully made with real wooden cups, nice metallic flourishes, and a nice adjustment system
• Very easy to drive from any device due to its 32 ohm impedance and 103 dB sensitivity
• The included hard case is of good quality and protective
• Comfortable to wear for extended sessions due to its light weight (296g) and well-designed headband
• Good soundstage width and overall space, with well-defined instrument separation

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers with larger ears may find the earcups to be too small, causing discomfort
• Lack of extra treble detail and energy means that some percussion misses its snap and shimmer
• The headband size is pretty small, so if your head is on the large side, it might not fit
• Stock earpads are too shallow for some users, causing their ears to touch the inside of the cups
• The midrange can sound stuffy and veiled, lacking clarity and detail compared to some competitors

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Monolith M1060 V2: The Phoenix has better quality treble, but the M1060 has a better quantity of treble and a more neutral sound
• Vs Sennheiser HD560S: The HD560S is a reference headphone designed to be analytical and neutral, while the Phoenix is colored, engaging, rich, and warm
• Vs Sennheiser HD600: The Phoenix is warmer, has deeper sub-bass extension, and a wider soundstage, but the HD600 is more intimate, clear, and detailed in the mids and vocals
• Vs beyerdynamic DT880: The DT880 has a midbass bump and clearer mids, while the Phoenix has better treble extension
• Vs HarmonicDyne Zeus: The Zeus is a warmer set, but the Phoenix is better implemented
• Vs Austrian Audio Hi-X55: The Phoenix has a more environmental feel when it comes to its sub-bass response and a wider soundstage, but the Hi-X55 has a sweeter vocal presentation

Takeaway: The Phoenix offers a warm, rich, and punchy sound signature in a beautifully designed and comfortable package that is easy to drive. It could be a great option for those who enjoy a bass-emphasized sound and listen to genres where extra bass is beneficial.

Product Strengths

• The HD 560S delivers a flat sound profile that should suit most musical genres
• Very comfortable, with a relatively lightweight design and plenty of plush padding
• Soundstage is exemplary
• Lightweight and provide a nimble feel
• Excels in delivering both vocals and instruments with a remarkable level of clarity and precision

Product Considerations

• Some users might find it a bit dull over time due to its conservative sound signature
• Can be a bit intense at times in the lower treble
• The plastic construction does not scream luxury
• Some loss of texture in the mid-bass, with bass notes of different instruments often sounding the same

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs AKG K702: 560S' sound is going to feel a bit closer, but it may not always be a good thing when trying to hear what is farther off in the distance, for gaming
• Vs Sennheiser HD58X: The 560S is cleaner and more accurate sounding than the HD58X
• Vs Sennheiser HD600: The 560S is more intimate and livelier sounding than the darker HD600
• Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: Compared to the more expensive Hifiman Sundara, the 560S sounds like it lacks detail across the frequency spectrum, except in the sub bass region where the Sundara does not seem to dig as deep

Takeaway: The Sennheiser HD560S is a comfortable headphone with a well-balanced sound, making it a solid choice for both gamers and music enthusiasts looking for neutrality and clarity. It is a versatile headphone for various genres and applications.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional sound quality and performance with planar magnetic drivers
• Comfortable for long listening sessions, due to features like the leather suspension strap, soft ear pads, and weight distribution
• Good imaging and soundstage, contributing to an enjoyable listening experience
• Versatile for mixing, general listening, high-res listening, and game audio

Product Considerations

• Some note a roll-off in the sub-bass frequencies, which may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
• The stock cable is frequently criticized for being of low quality
• Multiple reviews mention potential quality control issues, particularly with the headband extension and overall construction

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Sundara has a more pronounced bass presence, while the beyerdynamic DT 990 has a flatter soundstage
• The Sundara wins in terms of overall sound quality, compared to the AirPods Max
• Sounds fuller with more depth in the bass, compared to the HiFiMan HE400se
• Has better clarity, while the Sennheiser HD600 has a smoother sound and more natural tone

Takeaway: The Sundara is a great entry into planar magnetic headphones. With its good sound and comfortable design, it works well for many different uses.

Product Strengths

• Good build quality for the price
• Comfortable, especially with the updated headband design
• Decent detail retrieval and resolution throughout the frequency range
• A good entry point for trying planar drivers
• Good imaging and instrument separation

Product Considerations

• Stock cable is of very low quality and microphonic, replacement is recommended
• Sub-bass is lacking, and the bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
• Treble can get fatiguing with potential peaks
• Pads flatten out quickly
• An amplifier is needed to shine

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: HE400se has a brighter sound, while the Sundara is smoother with a warmer quality, and the Sundara is significantly better overall and worth the upgrade
• Vs HIFIMAN HD560S: HE400se has a smoother treble presentation

Takeaway: The HE400se provides a taste of planar sound at an affordable price and is great for those wanting to experiment with modifications. The HE400se is definitely worth it for anyone looking for open back headphones with great sound.

Product Strengths

• Top-notch build quality, with premium materials and a comfortable design
• Excellent sound quality with a balanced presentation—no outstanding weaknesses across the frequency spectrum
• Two sets of earpads are included (Duo and Alcantara) for sound customization
• The design has a strong aesthetic, and the magnetic pad swapping system is easy to use
• Wider soundstage and more three-dimensional imaging

Product Considerations

• Sensitivity has dropped compared to the original Empyrean and Elites, requiring slightly more power to drive
• There might be a little bit of extra emphasis around the three to four kilohertz mark, which can make them a little bit fatiguing—a little bit bitey in the treble
• Not the largest soundstage that can be experienced at this price point
• The open design leaks sound and doesn't offer much in the way of isolation
• Those particularly sensitive might hear some spikiness in the lower treble region

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Original Meze Empyrean: Empyrean II has a more neutral tuning, is more defined, and has better detail separation
• Vs Meze Elite: Empyrean II offers stronger bass extension and more of the engaging emotional delivery
• Vs Meze Elite: The Elite seems more expansive than Empyrean 2, though not by a lot
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE: The HE1000SE sound is more spacious, the bass is snappier, and the amount of detail is slightly above the Elite and Empyrean

Takeaway: The Empyrean II is an enjoyable headphone, improving on the original with a more accurate and versatile sound that maintains the core Empyrean identity. The comfort, build quality, and well-balanced sound make it a great choice for a high-end listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
• Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
• Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
• Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
• Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging

Product Considerations

• The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
• The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
• Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
• Sound staging isn't the widest

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
• Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
• Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
• Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
• Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better

Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Stunning aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship with various wood options and grill designs available
• Creates a wonderful sense of space with a great spherical soundstage and natural depth
• Has an amazing ability to be both smooth and detailed at the same time
• Provides a deep reaching and encompassing bass sound with a punchy and impactful profile
• Natural and lifelike tonal quality with vibrant midrange and textured vocals

Product Considerations

• Not ideal for those seeking maximum detail retrieval or a reference-level sound
• May not be the best choice for music that relies heavily on aggressive, distorted electric guitars due to potential mid-range harshness
• Bass extension may not reach as deep as some planar headphones
• The stock cable has shape memory, and some may prefer aftermarket options
• It's a heavier headphone, so comfort may be a concern for some users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs ZMF Verite: The Atrium sits alongside it, and is a significant step above the Auteur, in the sense that it is competing absolutely with the Verite, whereas the Auteur doesn't quite reach the heights of the Verite
• Vs Sennheiser HD650: The Atrium overall tuning is very reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 650, where it is still fairly neutral, but it tends towards a little bit of warmth
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: The HE1000 V2 has a bigger soundstage, but the imaging and the separation handle spatial reproduction much better than the Atrium does

Takeaway: The ZMF Atrium offers a beautiful design and a unique sound signature that combines smoothness and detail, making it a very enjoyable listening experience across many genres. Its ability to create a lifelike and engaging soundstage makes it a worthwhile option for those looking for something special.

Product Strengths

• Comfortable design, especially with velour ear pads, making them suitable for long listening sessions
• Solid and sturdy build quality, often using metal components
• Balanced and neutral sound with a decent soundstage, making them appropriate for mixing
• Good stereo reproduction and detailed tonal depth
• Wide frequency response allows for hearing details in mixes and spacious sound

Product Considerations

• Open-back design leads to sound leakage and poor noise isolation
• High impedance (250 ohms) may require an amplifier to achieve sufficient volume and optimal performance
• Non-detachable cable can be a point of failure and inconvenience for replacement
• Can sound harsh due to boosted treble frequencies
• Coiled cable can be heavy and pull on devices

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• DT 990 PRO has a more immersive soundstage but less bass emphasis and poor noise isolation, compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
• DT 990 PRO has a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser HD 560S has a more even top-end
• DT 990 PRO has more balanced mid and treble, but the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X has wider soundstage and can play loud sound without distortion
• DT 990 PRO is better built with a wider soundstage, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provides passive noise isolation and emphasized bass
• DT 990 PRO offers better value with excellent build and better bass extension, while the Sennheiser HD 600 has a slightly more spacious soundstage
• Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO has better bass response but sharper treble, the DT 990 PRO is still a great option for professionals

Takeaway: The DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones with great sound, suitable for studio use in quiet environments or for gamers who want to hear all the details. They may need an amp, but will allow users to work confidently on their music.

Product Strengths

• Unique octagonal design made of quality materials, with a rugged, serviceable build quality featuring exposed nuts and bolts.
• Surprising amount of bass for an open-back, on-ear headphone, that is solid, tangible, present, well balanced and well tuned.
• The silver-plated OCC copper cable is lightweight, pliable, ergonomic and does not remain bent after staying still.
• Comfortable on-ear headphone, especially considering it's an on-ear design, with thick, soft pads and a comfortable headband.
• Easy to drive with portable devices like dongles or smartphones.

Product Considerations

• Being an on-ear design, the Thalia can become uncomfortable after extended listening sessions (45 minutes or longer) due to pressure on the ears.
• Not the most compact headphone, and does not fold up, limiting its portability somewhat.
• The open-back design results in sound leakage, making it less suitable for noisy environments or situations where discretion is required.
• The height adjustment mechanism, while providing fine control, is a bit fiddly and not easily adjustable on the fly.
• Its lower-midrange will be too full for some.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Thalia is far superior to the Koss Porta Pro and sets a new standard for portable on-ear headphones, but it is inspired by the Porta Pro.
• Compared to the Grado RS2x, the Thalia is more durable, comfortable, and more enjoyable overall, and is more bassy and thicker in the midrange.
• The Thalia has a faster pace and a better driver control, and offers a lot more in the top-octave than the Sennheiser Momentum 2/3.

Takeaway: The Thalia is a uniquely designed, portable on-ear headphone that delivers great sound and is built to last. It is a good option for those who want a distinctive headphone that is fun to listen to.

Product Strengths

• Highly regarded for a long time as having some of the best performance at their price point, the HD 600 is considered a reference headphone for transparent and accurate sound reproduction
• Praised for their rich, natural, and organic midrange, the HD 600's midrange is considered exceptional, with present vocals
• Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
• Durable and serviceable, with replaceable parts like ear pads and cables
• Excellent frequency response consistency

Product Considerations

• Deficiency in sub-bass frequencies
• Soundstage can be somewhat narrow or intimate compared to other open-back headphones
• Stock cable feels light and cheap and may be prone to tangling
• Requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to perform at its best due to its 300-ohm impedance
• Primarily made of plastic, which affects the perceived build quality

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HD 650: The HD 650 is more comfortable, but the HD 600 offers better value for budget-conscious audiophiles due to similar sound profiles
• Vs HD 599: The HD 599 is more comfortable and delivers audio more consistently, but the HD 600 feels better built and more stable
• Vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: The DT 990 PRO offers better build quality, bass extension, and a balanced sound profile, whereas the HD 600 is not as sharp on bright tracks
• Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: The HIFIMAN Sundara is more comfortable, doesn't need an amp, has more bass, but the HD 600 has a flatter midrange, brighter treble, and traps less heat
• Vs HD 6XX: The HD 6XX has more warmth, body, and fullness, as well as a more intimate soundstage than the HD 600
• Vs HD 620S: The HD 620S sibling offers a much better defined focus/tightness on bass

Takeaway: The Sennheiser HD 600 is a classic headphone prized for its accurate, neutral sound and exceptional midrange, making it a versatile choice for critical listening and enjoying a wide range of music genres. Its comfortable design and durable build ensure years of listening pleasure.

Product Strengths

• Excellent soundstage and imaging, creating a spacious listening experience
• Detailed and clear sound reproduction, especially for a headphone in its price range
• Good bass presence and depth
• Comfortable design with improved headband compared to older HiFiMan models, though this is disputed
• Generally easy to drive, though it may benefit from a dedicated amp

Product Considerations

• Headband comfort can be subjective; some find the padding insufficient or experience pressure points
• Build quality, specifically the plastic parts, may feel cheap or less premium
• Upper treble can be bright, potentially causing fatigue or sibilance for some listeners, though others dispute this
• Open-back design is not suitable for all listening situations due to sound leakage
• Some find the midrange to be recessed or lacking warmth, this may depend on the source and amp pairing

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HiFiMan Sundara: Edition XS has better bass and soundstaging
• Vs HiFiMan Ananda: Edition XS offers similar performance for a lower price, but Ananda has better balanced upper mids and treble
• Vs Audeze LCD-X: Edition XS is cooler in the midrange, while LCD-X is warmer
• Vs Sennheiser HD660S2: Edition XS has a far superior soundstage, imaging, and detail level
• Vs FiiO FT3: The Edition XS is more precise and detailed, with a more neutral sound signature
• Vs Focal Elex/Elear: Edition XS excels at soundstage and imaging, but Elex excels in dynamics

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Edition XS offers great sound quality, particularly its spacious soundstage and imaging, at an attractive price. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking a detailed and open listening experience.