Best Closed Back Headphones – Top 10 Picks

Best Closed Back Headphones

Best closed back headphones are good for casual listening, listening at the office, for use when commuting, and recording/mixing audio. The primary benefit of closed headphones is their noise isolation. They are also good when you want to listen to music without bothering those around you. In this post, we have rounded up our best closed-back headphones.

 

HEADPHONESIMPEDANCESENSITIVITYDRIVERSDRIVER TYPEWEIGHT
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO250 ohms98 dB45 mmDynamic10.05 oz.
Meze 99 Classics35 ohms103 dB40 mmDynamic9.2 oz.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro64 ohms102 dBDynamic7.84 oz.
Sony WH-1000XM347 ohms104.5 dB /101 dB40 mmDynamic8.99 oz.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x38 ohms99 dB45 mmDynamic10 oz.
Sony MDR-750664 ohms106 dB40 mmDynamic8 oz.
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR735 ohms100 dB45 mmDynamic10.22 oz.
Shure SRH154046 ohms99 dB40 mmDynamic10.1 oz.
V-MODA Crossfade M-10032 ohms103 dB50 mmDynamic9.87 oz.
Status Audio CB-132 ohms97 dB +/- 3 dB50 mmDynamic13.2 oz

1. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO – Our Best Closed-Back Headphone

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 250 ohms
Sensitivity: 98 dB

PROS: Build quality and fit, deep and tight bass response, isolation, soundstage, very comfortable
CONS: Non-removable cable, slightly recessed midrange

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is one of our most suggested headphones here at Sound Gear Lab. However these are in no way, shape, or form the ideal headphones, their value, construct quality, and in general strong create them perhaps the best earphone you can purchase costing this much. This short audit covers the DT 770 Pro 250 ohms. On the off chance that you have a decent source to draw out their maximum capacity, this merit each penny.

The form of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is great, and you can perceive they are totally solid. If we somehow managed to give star evaluations on the form, the DT 770 Pro would get every one of them. It is made of plastic and metal. The earcups are plastic which is thick and has a top-notch “crash” sound when you hit them. The earcups are connected to the headband but metal burdens can be changed up or down. The headband is made of metal strips covered by calfskin that can be eliminated. Aside from the headphones link and perhaps the drivers, each part is malleable.

Being a closed back headphones with great soundstage, the DT 770 Pro gets warm, yet never to the point that you believe you are perspiring. The earcups are tremendous and the cushioning is incredible and abundant. They fit above and beyond the ear without causing uneasiness. In any event, for somebody with glasses, this is an agreeable earphone. The headband likewise has adequate cushioning and can be changed in accordance with fit most head sizes. The clipping power is felt a little particularly when the earphone is new. In any case, it decreases over the long haul.

The DT 770 Pro has great seclusion without forfeiting the form and solace of the earphone. They offer great seclusion considering you get breathable velour cushions that aren’t exceptionally confining. They additionally don’t spill out strongly to the climate. In the event that you are searching for both solace and disconnection, these ought to be top at the forefront of your thoughts.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is enjoyable to pay attention to. The bass is profound, has a tight reaction, and is all around broadened. The high pitch sounds fine and there is no smidgen of sibilance. The midrange is somewhat recessed, however with an exquisite detachment of instruments. The earphone is extremely melodic and does an excellent occupation of duplicating music. The soundstage isn’t extremely wide, yet the music doesn’t appear as though it’s exuding from your head.

Everything starting from the build to the sound quality, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro does generally excellent work. In light of everything, you improve esteem with the DT 770 Pro. It sure has a few inadequacies, be that as it may, at the cost, don’t allow the cons to hinder you from this astonishing earphone

2. Meze 99 Classics – For Home and Portable Use

 

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 35 ohms
Sensitivity: 103 dB

PROS: Serviceable build, lightweight, comfortable. fun to listen
CONS: Earpads can get a little warm

The 99 Classics are perhaps the best earphones Meze brings to the table. A ton has been said about the Meze 99 Classics. In this little audit, we will attempt to not zero in on how great they are and uncover different parts of the earphone that an expected client or purchaser can consider prior to spending his/her well-deserved cash.

In the first place, we should begin with the form quality. Wood and metal elements are unmistakably in the plan of the earphone. The earcups are pecan wood. They are made by a CNC machine and have an all-around cleaned and smooth completion. A spring steel band appends the earcups to the headband and elements a basic yet compelling headband with a swing component, that permits changes for a simpler fit. The headband is wide and works really hard of adjusting the earphone on the head. The earpads are rich and covered by poly-urethane engineered calfskin, which feels better and has characteristics of genuine cowhide. The best thing about the Classics is the way that everything can be dismantled and supplanted would it be a good idea for anything to turn out badly.

As far as solace and fit, the 9 Classics are entirely agreeable. A self-changing headband that conveys the weight impeccably and a general load of best soundstage closed headphones are likewise low. The earpads are rich and delicate. The, generally speaking, clipping power is bare to the point of holding the headphones set up without crushing on your sanctuaries. The earpads are not enormous that they wrap your ears. Nonetheless, they sit impeccably and we had no solace gives other than the earphone getting a little warm later long meetings.

Disengagement is likewise very great on the 99 Classics. They are bad similar to IEMs, however, they are about normal. They in all actuality do shut out a lot of outside clamors, which ought to be reasonable for most circumstances including home or office use. They don’t release much either making them great where closed back headphones with great soundstage earphones are required.

The main thing separated from the solace and looks is the sound quality. The Meze 99 Classics doesn’t disillusion, they sound great and definite. Beginning with the bass, it is light and not overwhelming. by and large, it feels great characterized and controlled. The mids have an exceptionally normal propagation with vocals sounding somewhat forward. The high pitch has incredible subtleties with great expansion while never being sibilant or unforgiving. For a closed-back earphone, they have a great soundstage that gives vivid profundity and the imaging is additionally wonderful.

Generally, the Mexe Classics 99 are appealing, lightweight, compact, agreeable, and are pleasant to pay attention to. They are amusing to pay attention to and will likewise give you subtleties. They are not difficult to drive and sound great from a cell phone, which works on their general compactness. Possibly the Meze group knew these had a unique spot in the earphone local area when they named them the Classics. They basically have turned into that by their own doing.

3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro – Best for Studio Use

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 64 ohms
Sensitivity: 102 dB

PROS: Lightweight, transparent sound, isolation, good studio headphones
CONS: clamp is strong, non-removable cable

If you are looking for a headphone that fits most of a home studio needs, a closed-back headphone is a good option to start with. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is one such headphone. These were made primarily for the studio and have a very classic look to them.

The headphone is built from only plastics. From the earcups to the headband, nothing is fancy about them. However, we’ve been using these headphones for a while now and can attest to their durability. The headphone is huge but also fold to a very compact size. The earcups are big and fit well around the ears. Both the headband and earcups are covered with pleather which is of low quality. Over time, we’ve noticed it starts to peel off which sucks.

These are light best soundstage closed headphones, but with a strong clamp. You can use them for like one hour before they start getting uncomfortable. Taking short breaks between sessions should work well, especially during long sessions. The headband is padded at the point where it rests on the head, which is not thick, but adds to the comfort. The earcups are fit well over the ears and are deep enough that the ears do not touch the headphone drivers.

Isolation is one of the best qualities of the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. Even when not playing music, you will appreciate how they block out ambient noise. This is probably dues to the clamp of the headphone, which is quite strong. Pleather earcups also help in creating an airtight seal around the ears.

Now for the most important part, how do they sound? The HD 280 Pro has a good bass response where the bass is present. They do not boost the bass in any way, which is good if you want to get an accurate presentation. The midrange is present, but it is not the main factor of the sound signature. The treble goes high, it is clear and with good separation. However, the overall sound is just not exciting.

If you are looking for good studio headphones, the HD 280 Pro is a good choice. They also offer good isolation than most headphones on this list. If you are looking for fun headphones to listen to music, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro or the Audio Technica ATH-M50x will be good for you.

4. Sony WH-1000XM3 – Best Wireless Option

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 47 ohms
Sensitivity: 104.5 dB /101 dB

PROS: Good enough sound for most people, great carrying case, battery life, comfort
CONS: Equaliser reduces sound quality, could be built better

The Sony WH-1000XM3 are good headphones for most uses, but largely best for travel and commute. Their excellent battery performance, noise-canceling, and overall sleek design make them one of the best wireless best soundstages closed headphones you can get for yourself. The features packed in the WH-1000XM3 make them easy to customize according to user preferences. Let’s get into the review.

The first thing about the Sony WH-1000XM3 is its weight. Regarding all the technology Sony has stuffed in this headphone, you will be surprised by its low weight. Though they are lightweight, they do not feel fragile. The headphone is all plastic and faux leather, which could have been improved in this price range. However, they do not look cheap at all. The earcups are big and fit well over the ears. The padding is thick enough to prevent the ears from touching the drivers.

In the category of comfort, The WH-1000XM3 earns some good points. The headband and earpads are soft and also well padded. The headband fits well around the head, while the earcups have large earpads that envelope the ears. The headphone is also light, which makes them comfortable to wear longer. Our comparison of the XM3 to the Bose QC35II gives the Bose an upper hand on comfort, but Sony is also quite comfortable.

Without active noise cancellation, isolation of the Sony WH-1000XM3 is not one of its strongholds. Sony has a bass boost function to countermeasure this, however, it does not help much. to properly block out noise, you have to turn on active noise cancellation. Sony’s active noise cancellation works well with noise from engines, HVAC systems, and other persistent sounds. However, you will still be able to hear people speaking especially if they are near you.

The sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM3 is V-shaped and is aimed towards most consumers. The bass and treble are boosted while the mids take a back seat. This sound character makes the headphone suitable for electronic music and hip hop genres. The headphone is more focused on easy and fun listening than on hi-fi grade performance. An equalizer that comes with the headphone’s application gives a user better customization of the sound.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is good for casual listening and offer a good sound quality for the general population. Commuters and travelers will like the battery capacity and active noise cancellation offered by these headphones. At the price, the Sony WH-1000XM3 does well in terms of comfort, usability, and noise canceling.

 

5. Audio Technica ATH-M50x – Fun & Engaging

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB

PROS: Punchy bass, cable selection, better than average portability. consumer-friendly sound signature
CONS: earpads may be too small for larger ears, a little lacking in clarity

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x and the ATH-M50 before it have for quite some time been a go-to suggestion in the under $200 earphone class. It has not taken some time before we saw the reason why this was the situation. The plan, convey ability, and fun sound of these best closed-back studio headphones make them a worth buy for the vast majority. We should dig into the audit underneath.

For the ATH-M50x, Audio Technica went with a straightforward plan. The M50x is for the most part made of plastic, yet a couple of metal parts in the rocker and headband should be visible. The earphone squeaks a little in the pivots now and again. The cushions on the earcups are delicate and made of protein cowhide, which like best closed back studio headphones we have attempted will probably corrupt after some time. Nonetheless, they are client-replaceable and you can get substitution cushions on the web. The M50x has likewise moved up to a removable link, which was a hotly anticipated element.

The solace of the ATH-M50x at first isn’t great, particularly on the grounds that the clasp is high and the earphone pushes on the sanctuaries. Notwithstanding, following a couple of long periods of wearing them for longer periods, they appear to be entirely agreeable. The earpads are disappointing and somewhat more cushioning might have turned out better for the solace. They are somewhat slender and not breathable, yet delicate. They get hot later extended periods and might cause perspiring and get awkward. The headband has decent changes and stretches out to fit most head sizes. It likewise needs thick cushioning and requires standard acclimation to keep it from diving into your head.

The ATH-M50x has better than expected commotion detachment. They shut out and furthermore don’t release a lot. They are great for use in boisterous conditions, yet you will require a nice measure of volume to appropriately confine. Getting a legitimate fit over-the-ears will likewise influence how well they separate surrounding commotion.

The Audio Technica sound is fun and locking in. This is a long way from the ‘studio screen’ name that they bear. The bass is punchy and is additionally great for going around. Works incredible with bass-arranged types, however, individuals with various melodic preferences may feel it is overwhelming. The mids are laid back, and albeit the clearness is reclaimed, these ought to be charming for long meetings in the event that the solace permits. The high pitch is available yet inferior. They are all around separated like the bass however solid counterfeit and get somewhat uncontrolled. The imaging is not all that much, yet it’s fairly outside your head.

By and large, we would prescribe the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x to anybody searching for the best closed-back headphones that function admirably with bass-driven music. They are not the ideal sounding headphones, but rather they are pleasant to pay attention to, and they are additionally a tremendous advance from most “buyer” headphones that have overwhelmed the market.

6. Sony MDR-7506 – Suitable For Live Sound Applications

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 63 ohms
Sensitivity: 106 dB

PROS: Good build quality, decent sound performance, good for live sound monitoring
CONS: non-removable cable, exposed wires

There is a reason the Sony MDR-7506 can be found in most studios and professional live sound use. They are affordable, have a flat response, isolate well and they are probably one of the best in this price range. We would recommend the 7506 for live sound professional use, but they are also good for musical enjoyment.

Durability is a crucial aspect of any headphone. With the Sony MDR-7506, the build quality of one of their best aspect. We can say without hesitation, these are built to last. Their design is simple and features metal, plastic, and leather. The headband and overall frame are metal that easily flexes. The earcups are big, but the earpads are not very thick or wide, which affects the overall comfort. The earpads are covered with leather, which has started to peel off after a few years of use. They are replaceable. The best closed back studio headphones cable is long and coiled, but cannot be replaced.

The comfort of the MDR-7506 is ok. The headband is good, not heavily padded, but does a good job of balancing the headphone on top of the head. The earpads are not also heavily padded and are shallow. The design of this headphone, though over-ear, tends to lean a little bit on the on-ear side. The earpads sit on the ear instead of covering them. The clamp is good, which helps especially if the headphone sits on the ear. The 7506 is lightweight and does well when using them for long sessions with small breaks. The overall comfort seems ok, with no praise to point out.

These are good for use as isolating best closed-back headphones as long the volume is at a reasonable level. Getting a better fit will also help in getting better isolation. Overall, We would say they have decent noise isolation.

The bass is detailed and tight. it is also not overwhelming, which gives an accurate representation of other frequencies. The midrange is balanced and most of all wonderful. It does not sound congested and is not affected by the bass. The treble is decent but slightly emphasized, which emphasizes vocals and lead instruments. The soundstage is small, but imaging is good

The Sony MDR-7506 has a strong set of features that can appeal to both audiophilic, and professional users alike. For us, here at Soundgearlab, the MDR-7506 ticks most boxes, minus comfort, for live sound applications. They should withstand daily abuse with their solid build.

7. Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 35 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB

PROS: Excellent refined sound, well-controlled and good bass quantity, cables, build quality
CONS: Forward treble and mid can be fatiguing for some, the headband can be a little uncomfortable

Sound quality isn’t consistently about the bass. Assuming you are searching for undistorted sound, extraordinary bass that doesn’t overwhelm different frequencies in a closed-back earphone, the ATH-MSR7 is a strong decision. A decent and less expensive option of the ATH-MSR7 is the ATH-M40x. Notwithstanding, the M40x is awkward, which makes the MSR7 a balanced earphone. Peruse more underneath.

The form nature of the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 is durable and the earphone feels extremely premium. The best closed-back headphones highlight plastic, metal, and cowhide in their fabricate. The earcups have aluminum backs, which help in the general sound quality. The earpads are rich and very much cushioned. They have respectable openings that should fit most ears out there. The headband is cushioned yet might have been exceptional with more cushioning to assist with solace issues. The earphone includes a removable link and Audio Technica supplies three links in the bundle.

The cinching strain of the earphone is high from the get-go. be that as it may, with rehashed use, it diminishes The headband gets awkward later in long meetings, however moving it or enjoying reprieves should help. The earcups opening is great and fits above and beyond the ears. The headband changes are additionally great and should fit most heads.

Huge earcups, metal lodging, and a high brace, all make the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 better than expected on clamor disconnection. They suppress outside commotion and the spillage isn’t a lot. They are obviously superior to the Sony WH-1000XM3. We feel the clamor detachment might have been something more, particularly thinking about the clasp and size of the earphone.

The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 is, generally speaking, a splendid sound earphone. These are not the best closed-back wired headphones for bass-heads all things considered. notwithstanding, assuming you are searching for bass quality, the MSR7 dominates at this. The bass is very much controlled and precisely created, yet the earphone comes up short on the bass-weighty rushes you get with different headphones like the M50X. The mids are clear, while the high pitch is forward, which gives the earphone a splendid sound mark. The sound soundstage isn’t extraordinary, however, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 works really hard in imaging, which provides the sound with a reasonable internal compass.

In general, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 offers the best worth as far as the form quality and by and large strong. They are light on bass, however, the high pitch can be a lot for certain individuals. In the event that you are available for an itemized, precise, and even earphone,

Your decision of going for an open-back or closed-back earphone will rely upon a few elements. Headphones arrive in an assortment of plans, sizes, and various advances. Notwithstanding, one thing that influences the sound propagation in headphones is the plan of the earcup. Open or Closed headphones are the most famous best closed-back wired headphones earcup plans on the lookout. A lesser-known plan, semi-open-back, attempts to bring the best of both closed and open headphones plans. We have a top to bottom perspective on closed versus open headphones on this site. Be that as it may, how about we go over some fast action item focuses you ought to consider.

ATH-M50x Headphones in SL-HP-01 Case

Open-back headphones have an open earcup design. They are usually vented or have holes or perforations which allow sound and air to pass through. Because of the open design, they have a different sound signature compared to closed headphones. They sound more natural, have a wider/deeper soundstage, and are open/airy. These qualities make listening to music via open-back headphones seem more immersive and realistic.

Open-back headphones are good if you want an accurate and immersive representation of audio. However, because they are open, they lack the hard-hitting bass usually associated with closed-back best closed back headphones. Other than the bass, they will also leak sound and will also not isolate against any noise. Because of this, they are best used indoors or in isolated environments.

Closed-back headphones are have sealed earcups that prevent sound from leaking out or noise from seeping into the headphone. They are a common headphone design and one that most people own or buy. The main advantage of closed headphones is sound isolation. You can use them outside or in busy places such as shopping malls, bus stops, airports, etc without distractions from outside noise. because they also do not leak, they are great to use without disturbing people around you.

Meze 99 Classics Closed-Back Headphones

Soundwise, closed-back headphones tend to like enhancement in the lower frequencies. The bass is punchy because the sound and pressure are contained and have nowhere to go. The music of closed-back headphones also may seem colored because of sound waves reflecting off the earcups. The use of anti-resonant materials by some manufacturers tries to minimize this effect, which can work against the accuracy/clarity of sound reproduced.

If you want a versatile headphones, which can be used outdoors and indoors, closed headphones are the best pick. They have better isolation and some like the Sony WH-1000XM3 have active noise cancellation which enhances their noise blocking abilities.

Over-ear headphones have bigger earcup cushions that completely cover the ears. In this article, practically each of the headphones are over-ear models. Over-ear headphones are great assuming that you need an agreeable earphone you can invest energy with. However they are agreeable, some may appear to be weighty, yet the plan is normally to fault assuming they get awkward. A portion of the weighty Audeze planar headphones are truly agreeable to wear due to their headband and by and large earphone plan. Over-the-ear headphones will likewise give better segregation on the off chance that they are closed-back. The compactness of over-ear headphones can be an ill defined situation. Some can be collapsed into reduced plans that make extraordinary travel best closed back wired headphones while others are enormous and just really great for use at home.

Beyerdynamic DT-770 250 ohms

On-ear headphones sit on the ear and truth be told, they don’t enjoy numerous upper hands over both over-ear and in-ear headphones. Nonetheless, saying this doesn’t imply that they are an awful decision. Assuming that you are searching for a conservative earphone really great for moving around, on-ear headphones are a decent decision. They are really great for working out and furthermore for voyaging. The solace of on-ear headphones is abstract and a question of individual inclination. The sound nature of on-ear headphones we have found is to a great extent subject to the item. Notwithstanding, most on-ear headphones offer disappointing sound.

Sony MDR-7506 folds into a compact design
Sony MDR-7506 folds into a compact design

In-ear headphones can be alluded to as headphones, earbuds, IEMs, and even CIEMs. They are a typical sort of earphone and have the littlest structure factor. As a result of their size, they are entirely compact and can without much of a stretch fit into a pocket. Assuming that you would rather avoid something staying into your ear, the solace of in-ear headphones won’t be really great for you. We’ve discovered some can be entirely agreeable while others will become agonizing following a couple of moments. The Seclusion of in-ear headphones is great however will change contingent upon the sort you pick. The sound of in-ear best closed back headphones will likewise differ contingent upon the drivers, value range, and the brand. See our best IEMs.

Read our in-depth article on in-ear vs on-ear vs over-ear headphones, or our guide on IEMs vs Earbuds, or Headphones vs Earbuds.

Dynamic clamor cancellation or ANC is an innovation that involves an additional hardware and amplifier in an earphone to drop background commotion. The amplifier gets commotion and other undesirable sounds. The sounds are gone through the ANC hardware that dissects and creates a contrary wave that counteracts the commotion.

Clamor isolation is otherwise called inactive commotion wiping out and will be reliant upon the earphone’s capacity to shut out clamor. The Materials and plan of an earphone will impact how compelling an earphone will shut out encompassing commotion

.

Status Audio CB-1
Status Audio CB-1

Both ANC and commotion detachment headphones will have their advantages and disadvantages. In the first place, the plan and versatility of the earphone are impacted. ANC headphones will be heavier in addition to they will rely upon a battery to control the ANC hardware. The consequences for sound quality are noticeable, particularly in modest ANC headphones. You can hear a murmuring clamor that is weak when utilizing the earphone. The disadvantage of commotion disconnecting best closed back headphones is the brace. To get an ideal seal, it should push on the sides of your head, which after some time corrupts the solace.

You May Also Like: 10 Most Expensive Gaming Headset Options in 2021

Wired and wireless headphones are always being compared, and we have a post dedicated to this topic (Wired vs wireless headphones). However, let’s touch on the elephant in the room, the sound quality. Wireless headphones have long been considered to have inferior sound reproduction. However, with technology evolving, the sound quality of wireless headphones has also improved.

SONY Wireless Noise Canceling WH-1000XM3
SONY Wireless Noise Canceling WH-1000XM3

The likes of the Sony WH-1000XM3 in this list sound good and can be compared to the best headphones in the wired world. However, the price range also plays a big part in the quality of wireless headphones. Cheaper-priced models have a poor sound quality and cannot be even compared to similar priced wired headphones. Overall, the sound quality of wireless headphones will improve as you go higher the price ladder.

If you are looking for a pair of studio headphones, and your budget is tight, a closed-back headphone offers better versatility compared to an open-back headphone. In this list, the Sennheiser HD 280, which is also our best studio headphones, is a headphone we recommend you get. You can also not go wrong by getting the Sony MDR-7506 or the Status Audio CB-1, which is a very budget-friendly studio headphone.

Hope You Like It: Best Closed Back Headphones 2021 – Top 10

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *