Best Closed Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones are over the ears headphones that are characterized with sound isolation so they keep you from hearing the noise outside.

09/15/2023 04:19 am GMT

They also prevent the music from leaking outside of the earphones. This makes them perfect for both professional and personal use.

In this article, we will compare the 5 best closed back headphones in the market.

The Best 5 Closed Back Headphones

We compiled a list of the best headphones in the market based on their features, music quality and budget. The list includes some of the best choices for all types of users.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black, Professional Grade, Critically Acclaimed, with Detachable Cable

These are among the best headphones in the market. They are characterized by their utmost comfort due to their plush padding which reduces the amount of ear pressure. They are also foldable and they have an adjustable headband and rotating ear cups for more comfortable use.

They have excellent soundstage and bass definition. The low frequencies are clear, neutral and accurate. If you’re a purist and listen to a wide range of genres, this feature should appeal to you the most.

They come in Medium price range which makes it perfect for both professionals and leisure users.

Things We Like

• It has interchangeable cables.
• Super definition at high frequencies.
• Ideal for classical music.
• The mid vocals are loud and detailed.
• Comfortable and convenient.
• Their ear cups also have 90 degrees swiveling.
• Good bass definition for this price range.

Things We Don’t

• The bass is a bit high if you are into the hot club mixes.

Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones, Enhanced Frequency Response and Extended Range for Home and Studio Recording, with Detachable Coiled Cable, Carrying Bag and 1/4" Adapter (SRH440)

Another pair of fairly comfortable headphones which are so popular in the market for the best quality of money. These headphones are more budget-friendly than the previous one.

When it comes to sound, the mid and high frequencies take center stage.If you’re looking for enhanced vocals, SRH440 is much better than expected given its price.

These headphones are convenient as they have a collapsible construction and detachable cable.

What We Like

• It also comes with a carrying bag which is an extra benefit.
• Budget-friendly.
• The sound isolation is very good both ways.

What We Don’t

• The definition on the low end is not that bad but the bass is flat and less emphasized.
• When used in medium and high volumes, it might leak some sound.

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

Another exceptional budget-friendly headphones. They offer a high level of comfort as well due to their high-end padding. Compared to other headphones in the same price range they are considered a better choice.

The MDR7506 has a good soundstage performance. It offers more definition in the midrange and high frequencies. This creates a rich and natural tone even though the lower frequencies may sound rather flat.

Many people who used these headphones talk about their durability.

What We Like

• Versatile headphones suitable for different kinds of music.
• Good for midrange and high frequencies.
• Budget-friendly.
• Foldable and comes with a travel bag.

What We Don’t

• The cable isn’t detachable which may seem inconvenient for users on the go.

Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones,Black

Another very popular and highly rated pair of headphones that will not disappoint. This is a very comfortable pair good for long listening hours. It has a medium impedance and is good for its budget.

It is convenient as it has collapsible ear cups and long cords. It also has a good soundstage, it is natural and wide and presents good separation between the left and the right speakers.

What We Like

• The sound is very balanced.
• The bass is clean but not aggressive so it blends well in the mix.
• The noise isolation is very good for such budget-friendly headphones.
• The Earpads, headband padding, and audio cord are easily replaceable.

What We Don’t

• The bass is hard to hear unless you equalize it.
• The volume is not very high.
• Very bulky and a long heavy coiled cord.

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (Matte Black Metal)

This is considered one of the most interesting headphones at a high price compared to others in our list. The most interesting thing about it is the fact that it is a very high-quality product that comes from a small label compared to other top headphones.

It has a very different design as it has hexagonal ear cups that are different from the usual circular ones. It comes with super comfortable foam cushions. Also, the thick padding makes things easier with the different ear cups’ shape.

It has 50mm drivers which are responsible for creating a separation between the bass and the higher frequencies.

What We Like

• The mids and highs are crisp and clear, which helps enhance vocals.
• One of the coolest looking headphones out there with a wide range of colors.
• The noise cancellation is one of the best.

What We Don’t

• Headbands can get uncomfortable after extended use.
• The ear cups might hurt after long hours of listening and need frequent adjusting.

How to Choose the Right Closed Back Headphones

If you are searching for a pair of closed back headphones for personal use, these are some factors that you need to consider.

Budget

First of all, you need to ask yourself how much are you willing to pay for your headphones. Your budget is one of the main criteria that will help you eliminate some options.

For example, if your budget is around 100 USD, you will have to eliminate the ATH-M50x and the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 as they are a bit over budget.

Sound Isolation

Most people choose closed back headphones for sound isolation. The ear cups are designed to cut the listening experience off from the outside world.

This makes sense for the average person on the subway who just wants to listen to their music as well as the sound engineer who wants them for mixing. When it comes to this point of consideration, we might remove the Shure SRH440 Studio from the option as it leaks some sound.

Comfort and Convenience

Usually, people use their headphones for very long periods of time, which is why they should consider the comfort of the ear cups.

Also, features such as foldable headbands, and rugged design elements can play a part in a buyer's decision-making process. As a result, we might remove the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 from the options as it is not the best in this area.

Bass Quality

Closed back headphones usually offer better bass quantity and quality than others.

By trapping the air in a closed space, headphones have the ability to create more impact. This is why if you are choosing your headphones based on this feature, you will prefer the Sony MDR7506. It offers a good range for a wide variety of frequencies.

Conclusion

Based on analyzing some of the best headphones in the market, I would say that Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone are the best pick. They are budget-friendly headphones that are durable, comfortable and with good soundstage in different frequencies.

If you have more money to spare, I would choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black, Professional Grade, Critically Acclaimed, with Detachable Cable as they offer the most comfortable experience with good soundstage as well.

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