A good pair of headphones can enhance your audio experience exponentially. Among the various types, closed back headphones are famous for excellent comfort and solid sound performance thanks to the closed-padded design. In this blog, we have discussed the ten best closed back headphones.
What are closed back headphones?
Closed back headphones have their backside stretched to the airflow. This design creates a closed housing structure. Due to this, these headphones ensure minimum leakage of any sort. Closed back headphones are the best for sound isolation and excellent bass response.
Features to keep in mind while finding the best closed back headphones
The best closed back headphones have some common traits like good sound quality, top comfort, and overall sturdy design. To help you navigate properly in search of the best option, we have developed the following buying guide.
Sound Quality: Sound performance is crucial for headphones. Closed back headphones are preferred primarily because of the minimal sound leakage and top-notch sound isolation features. We suggest you check these features while buying closed back headphones for your setup. Also, if you are looking for ways to enhance your audio experience, check out the best sound enhancer apps.
Comfort: A comfortable pair of headphones lets you use them for hours. Good closed back headphones come with great comfort thanks to the paddings. Closed back headphones give out an overall comfortable experience. Aside from this, you should check the sizings of the earcups too.
Build Quality: A well-built pair of headphones ensure smooth usage for a prolonged period. Good quality closed back headphones have strong earcups with a rigid closed design. That is why you must look for the materials used to make the headphones. A headset with good build quality can enhance your audio experience, which makes this an important feature to look for.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Sony MDR7506
Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
AKG Pro Audio K371BT
KRK KNS 8400
Focal Elegia
SENNHEISER HD 569
The best closed back headphones | Top 10 picks
After thoroughly studying closed back headphones, we have picked our top choices for your convenience. We have compiled this list based on the features mentioned in our buying guide.
List of the best closed back headphones
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Sony MDR7506
- Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
- AKG Pro Audio K371BT
- KRK KNS 8400
- Focal Elegia
- SENNHEISER HD 569
Sony WH-1000XM4
Connectivity: Wireless
If you are looking for closed back wireless headphones, then Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best choice. With a battery life of 30 hours in one instance, this headset can be your audio partner for long-distance trips.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphone Official Review
Sony WH-1000XM4 is unbeatable when it comes to superb-sounding features. These headphones are equipped with Edge A.I. technology, a Sony exclusive that ensures a personalized audio performance. Also, this pair of headphones have fantastic noise cancelation ability, ensuring top sound quality and isolation.
Pros:
- Superb sound isolation ability
- Built-in microphone for enhanced performance
- Solid battery life
Cons:
- Slightly pricy
Sony WH-1000XM4 is a fan favorite primarily due to its outstanding audio performance and other unique features. That is why this headset tops our list and is undoubtedly one of the market’s best closed back headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:9.5/10
- Design:9.5/10
- Fit:9/10
- Sound Quality:9.5/10
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Connectivity: Wired
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a trusted headset for professional audiophiles and studio mixers. Thanks to the velour padding, this pair of headphones ensure great comfort that eases the long studio sessions. It comes in three varieties: the 250-ohm variant is overall the best for studio mixing.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Product Review
This headset has no competition regarding sound isolation, thanks to its design. Moreover, these headphones are durable, making them appropriate for use for an extensive period. That is why these headphones are undoubtedly one of the best closed back headphones for mixing.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable to use
- It comes in three variants
Cons:
- It has a non-detachable cable
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO assures you of a rich, clean audio experience and comfortable usage. All these features at a fairly reasonable price make this headset one of the best closed back headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:9/10
- Design:9/10
- Fit:9/10
- Sound Quality:9.5/10
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Connectivity: Wired
Audio Technica ATH-M50X is a hot favorite among audiophiles for its consistent sound performance. This headset has powerful 45 mm aperture drivers that ensure a smooth listening experience for the users. Additionally, these powerful drivers give out an accurate bass response.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Product Review
If you are looking for closed back headphones with the best overall build quality, Audio Technica ATH-M50X is your option. It has a sturdy design and is very comfortable to use. Moreover, it has a detachable cable that makes it more convenient to use
Pros:
- Well-built
- Consistent sound
- Has a detachable cable
Cons:
- Some users might feel the fitting tight
Audio-Technica is a top brand, and ATH-M50X is undoubtedly one of the best products they offer to audio enthusiasts. Hence, if you are searching for the best closed back headphones, Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is surely one of the top choices.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:9/10
- Design:9/10
- Fit:8.5/10
- Sound Quality:9.5/10
Sony MDR7506
Connectivity: Wired
Sony MDR7506 is a suitable choice for you, especially if you are looking for studio closed back headphones. This pair of headphones with high-powered 40 mm drivers ensures clear and crispy sound. The ear cups are cushioned to give you a soft and comfy fit. Due to these, Sony MDR7506 is one of the best closed back headphones for recording.
Sony MDR7506 does not disappoint its users regarding unparalleled sounding performance. Its large diaphragm makes sure you listen to your audio distinctly. And its sound separation feature makes this listening experience more magical.
Pros:
- Suitable for recording &mixing
- Foldable design
- Affordable
Cons:
- The cable is lengthy
Sony MDR7506 is a jackpot for audio enthusiasts. Due to its various features, it is a great value for money. That is why these headphones deserve one of the top spots in our list of the best closed back headphones in the market.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:9/10
- Design:9/10
- Fit:8.5/10
- Sound Quality:9/10
Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO
Connectivity: Wired
Sennheiser has varieties of closed back headphones in its arsenal, but 280 PRO tops the list if you want durability and value. It offers unparalleled sound production with a decent bass response. Also, the soft padding ensures you get the utmost comfort while working for hours.
Sound leakage is a matter of concern for audiophiles, and Sennheiser 280 Pro solves it brilliantly with its top-notch built design. Hence, this headset is an excellent choice if you are looking for closed back studio headphones.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable to use
- Good sound production
Cons:
- The outlook could be better
Given the reasonably low price, Sennheiser Professional HD 280 Pro gives a stellar performance, be it crisp and clear sound or usage comfort. That is why we think this headset is one of the best closed back headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:9.5/10
- Design:8/10
- Fit:8.5/10
- Sound Quality:8.5/10
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
Connectivity: Wired
Audio-Technica has gifted us superb headphones for years, making them a trusted brand among users. The ATH-M20X is yet another good-quality headset that gives out a fair deal. With decent sound production, this pair of headphones is undoubtedly an excellent option if you are looking for quality at a significantly lower price.
These headphones provide good audio quality, along with other notable features. However, due to the low price, it lacks the top-notch sounding and solid build quality the other Audio-Technica headphones offer.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Above-average audio quality
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- The sound staging could improve
ATH-M20X caters to users looking for a headset primarily for personal use. Moreover, it is cheaper than the other versions of the M-series. So if you are looking for an option that you can easily afford, go for this headset.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:8/10
- Design:8/10
- Fit:8.5/10
- Sound Quality:8/10
AKG Pro Audio K371BT
Connectivity: Wireless
AKG K371BT does not disappoint at all for its hefty price. Firstly, it has an incredible sonic performance. Secondly, these stylish headphones have a built-in microphone that makes them suitable for teleconference and gaming.
Furthermore, this pair of headphones has a solid battery life of 40 hours. This makes AKG Pro Audio K371BT an excellent option, if you are looking for a wireless, closed back headset.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Good battery performance
- Built-in microphone
Cons:
- Comparatively pricy
With a gleaming design and outstanding audio performance, AKG Pro Audio K371BT is a headset that you can have in your setup. Especially if you are searching for the best closed back gaming headphones, you can go for this headset.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:8/10
- Design:8.5/10
- Fit:8.5/10
- Sound Quality:8/10
KRK KNS 8400
Connectivity: Wired
KRK KNS 8400 is a headset of great versatility. It has a circumaural design that ensures noise cancelation firmly and has an excellent flat frequency response. Due to these features, we recommend this pair of closed back headphones for studio monitoring and mixing.
Moreover, it has a good build quality and fantastic padding for user comfort. Adding to this, this headset has in-line volume control. That is why these headphones are very convenient and comfortable to use.
Pros:
- Great for studio usage
- Portable
- Good build quality
Cons:
- The fitting could be better
If you are looking for a reliable headset that will give you a good studio performance, then KRK KNS 8400 is an excellent option. Due to these features, this headset deserves a spot on the best closed back headphones list.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:8/10
- Design:8/10
- Fit:7.5/10
- Sound Quality:8/10
Focal Elegia
Connectivity: Wired
If you are someone who does not want to miss the crisp audio details, then Focal Elegia is the best choice. This headset is designed to serve you an enhancing listening experience, thanks to its powerful drivers. Additionally, Focal Elegia has a beautiful dotted design on the earcups, making it very visually attractive.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Very detailed sound performance
- Attractive outlook
Cons:
- Price is very high
Also, the headphones’ clamping force is adjusted correctly, making them very comfortable to use for an extended period. So, if you can afford the high price, Focal Elegia is certainly one of the best closed back headphones for your setup.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:7.5/10
- Design:8/10
- Fit:7.5/10
- Sound Quality:8/10
SENNHEISER HD 569
Connectivity: Wired
Sennheiser is a top brand that has given users a few of the best-sounding headphones. The Sennheiser HD 569 is no exception. This headset has a simplistic yet sleek design and a concrete circumaural structure that ensures sound staging at the next level. This pair of headphones is an excellent option for Hi-Fi enthusiasts and home theaters.
Pros:
- Great noise cancelation
- A good option for home theaters
- Good fit
Cons:
- Not a great value for the money
Sennheiser HD 569 assures all the features a user craves at a good deal. However, at the asked price, it can give a better performance. That is why it fails to get a top spot in our list of the best closed back headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Durability:7.5/10
- Design:7.5/10
- Fit:7.5/10
- Sound Quality:8/10
To conclude
Buying the right pair of headphones is a great deal for people who love to listen to their audio conveniently. The market is filled with thousands of options with multi-dimensional varieties. So, to help you find the best closed back headphones, we have discussed our top picks in this blog that we believe have helped you to your dream headphones.
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