The best closed back headphones take you to a different world of sound, allowing you to tune out the world around you and lose yourself in a new audio environment.
These kinds of headphones are great for people who want privacy, to listen to music and movies with the full, rich sound they were designed for, or to focus at work without being distracted by outside noise. Whether you’re looking for closed back headphones for gaming or recording, or you’re looking for budget closed back headphones under 100 dollars, 200 dollars, or 500 dollars…we’ve got you(r ears) covered!
Our Picks
Best Closed Back Headphones (Overall)
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Headphones
The Status Audio CB-1 closed back headphones are designed for professionals who need to do critical listening in an isolated, neutral audio environment.
Most headphones enhance the audio to some degree, but the Status Audio CB-1s are designed to reproduce audio faithfully to the source. The classic, non-branded look, comfortable lightweight design, and easy portability make these a great choice for almost any need.Check Price on Amazon
Best Closed Back Headphones for Gaming (and Movies)
Master & Dynamic MH40 Premium Over-Ear Headphones
Gamers have special considerations for headphones, so see our “best headphones for gaming” recommendation below, but for the best sound experience in games and movies, you need a big, detailed sound space. These Master & Dynamic MH40 premium over-ear headphones have an incredible soundscape, with rich, warm detail and great isolation that lets you have a truly immersive experience.
These headphones are also incredibly stylish, luxurious to wear, and have a lot of convenient features, like iOS compatibility, an omni-directional microphone, and come with a headphone case and cable box.Check Price on Amazon
Best Closed Back Headphones
for Music
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Closed Back Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs headphones are award-winning headphones that create rich, immersive sound experiences in a room-like ambience specifically designed to enhance your enjoyment of music and be comfortable for prolonged listening sessions.
The high-quality materials, advanced Sennheiser technologies, and ergonomic design give your music the richness, depth, and complexity it deserves.Check Price on Amazon
Best Closed Back Headphones for Listening on the Go
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Closed Back Headphones
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 closed back headphones collapse down to an incredibly small size, due to their CliqFold hinges, and come with a stylish carrying case. They also include one cable with a microphone for calling, and another piggyback jack cable for sharing your audio with a friend.
These headphones have incredible sound, a fantastic, flattering style, and are built to withstand high and low temperatures, UV rays, and even salt spray. They are fast becoming the favorite of DJs around the world, and are perfect to take anywhere. For a more affordable option, see our “best portable headphones” below.
What are Closed Back Headphones?
Closed back headphones have a shape that not only completely covers the ear (an over-ear design), but they have a closed construction that seals over the ear, excluding external noises. Open-back headphones look similar in cup shape, but are designed to allow some sound exchange between the headphones and the environment. Closed back headphones are best when you want to completely immerse yourself in your private audio environment, and also when you want to prevent sound “leakage,” where those around you can hear the sound from your headphones.
What to Look for in Closed back Headphones
There are a few key features to consider when shopping for closed back headphones. Here are the most important:
Isolation and Leakage
Isolation is the ability to separate your headphone sound from the world around you. Closed back headphones have an advantage in this respect, because the cup shape holds sound better.
However, cup shape isn’t the only factor that influences the headphones’ ability to isolate sound. The material that the cups are made of is also a big factor in isolation. Foam can have incredible sound isolation properties, but not all foams are created equally, and some foams also retain a lot of heat. Unfortunately, the best way to create sound isolation is with thick, dense material, but ear cups also need to be comfortable and conform naturally to your body. Most manufacturers strike a balance between these two demands, and some do it better than others.
Comfort
Headphones can be surprisingly uncomfortable when worn for extended periods of time. In the desire for sound isolation and perfection, closed back headphones can also become big and heavy, which makes them uncomfortable.
Headphone comfort can be a particular challenge for people with large or small heads, or for those with large ears, and headphones can also make it uncomfortable to wear eyeglasses.
While most closed back headphones have headband and ear cup padding, if you are prone to headphone discomfort, then there are a few things to look for. Split band headbands, adjustable headbands, rotating ear cups, and lightweight materials are all helpful in making headphones more comfortable over long wear.
CablesDetachable cables are also important because, as with so many devices, cables are a weak point that are likely to fail before the headphones do. The ability to quickly and easily change or replace cables helps you get the right headphones whatever your needs are, and get more use of them over time.
Connections
Remember that it is always best to avoid adapters when possible, and simply use cables with the right connections end-to-end, or to use the best quality adapters you can get when they are necessary.
Adapters are likely to affect the integrity of your audio signal, and low-quality adapters are even worse. Often times people think that their headphones are performing poorly or not worth the money, when in fact they have connected high-quality headphones with low-quality cables and adapters.
Your headphones are only as good as the signal they get, so protect the signal whenever possible.
Best Closed Back Headphones Comparison Table
| Image | Category | Price | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best under $100 | $99.85 | Great sound quality Excellent isolation | Not very durable | Buy Now | |
| Best under $200 | $157.01 | • High style • Expansive soundscape • High quality materials and construction | Slightly heavy | Buy Now | |
| Best under $300 | $329.00 | • Fashion-forward, innovative design • Extremely rugged construction • Immersive, detailed sound | May be uncomfortable for some head and ear shapes | Buy Now | |
| Best under $500 | $499.00 | • Fantastic sound clarity and consistency • Rugged materials and construction • Cables built to last | Don’t collapse for portability | Buy Now | |
| Best for gaming | $68.00 | • Great look for gaming • Noise cancelling microphone • Fast, intuitive control | May need tweaking to use with Discord | Buy Now | |
| Best for recording | $59.00 | • Fantastic isolation for detailed monitoring • Comfortable, stylish design | Not very durable | Buy Now | |
| Best over-ear | $295.00 | • Exceptional sound clarity and quality • Compatible with Android SmartKey app for customization • Advanced Sony technologies improve audio performance | App is Android only | Buy Now | |
| Best portable | $84.95 | • Excellent clarity and low distortion • Smoothed midrange prevents listening fatigue | Proprietary cable inputs | Buy Now | |
| Best budget | $39.99 | • Rich, detailed sound • Comes with cables and carrying case | Not great in high frequencies | Buy Now | |
| Best Sennheiser | N/A | • High quality materials and construction reduce distortion • E.A.R technology channels music and creates a spacious environment | Doesn’t collapse for portability | Buy Now |
Amazon.com prices as of 7/9/2021, 2:53:42 PM – details
Closed Back Headphones Reviews
Best Closed Back Headphones Under 100 Dollars
Sennheiser HD280Pro Headphones – New Model
The new model of the Sennheiser HD280Pro headphones have a lot to offer at an affordable price. They are designed for professional audio monitoring, with highly accurate linear sound reproduction that is warm and natural. They offer excellent attenuation of ambient noise, excluding up to 32 dB of external sound. And the compact, collapsible shape, comfortable padding, and durable design give these headphones lasting comfort, value, and portability at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Light weight for extended comfort when wearing for long periods of time
- Long cable for freedom of movement and adaptability to many inputs
- Ear pads, headband padding, and the audio cord are designed to be easily replaceable, for a longer lifespan
- Rotates and folds for easy transport and storage
Cons
- Has slender wires that may break if not handled with care
Summary
Sennheiser is a legendary headphone brand, and these headphones are designed to give you professional audio quality in a compact, lightweight form at an affordable price. They offer fantastic sound for less than $100.Check Price for Sennheiser HD280Pro
Best Closed Back Headphones Under 200 Dollars
Master & Dynamic MH40 Premium Over-Ear Headphones
These Master & Dynamic MH40 premium over-ear headphones have a unique designer look inspired by the legendary Leica camera. They balance high-style aesthetics, lasting comfort, and exceptional sound into one pair of stylish, over the ear headphones.
They have great noise isolation and excellent sound, powered by a custom, high-performance 45 mm neodymium driver. Tuned for warm, rich sound and high detail, they have a natural sound signature and expansive soundscape. They have dual audio ports, an inline microphone, and a mute button. Master & Dynamic has used high-quality materials in every aspect of construction, including oxygen-free copper cables that reduce signal noise. These headphones are made of aluminum for light weight, with stainless steel construction in all high-strain areas for durability.
The interchangeable ear pads have luxury materials, wrapped in soft lambskin. The headband is covered in premium cowhide leather, and they come with a canvas headphone case and luxurious leather cable box.
Pros
- Exceptional style and design for striking aesthetics
- Made of high-quality materials inside and out
- iOS compatible
- Ear pads are removable and replaceable, attached by magnets for quick swapping
- Cord is tangle-free
- Dual audio jacks for shared listening
- Omni-directional microphone for great clarity
- Detachable cables
- Included attractive case and cable box
- Highly rated and reviewed
- On-cup mute button
Cons
- Large number of metal parts adds durability, but also some weight
- Sound is a bit bass-heavy, which may be a drawback for some
Summary
The Master & Dynamic MH40 premium over-ear headphones are made with quality and attention to detail inside and out, from the high-quality and luxurious materials, to the fantastic sound reproduction, to the exceptional aesthetics and sheer style of these headphones. Thoughtful features like the replaceable ear cups, detachable cables, convenient mute button, and included case and cable box make these an all-around crowd pleasing set of headphones. Seamless compatibility with Apple devices is an excellent feature. The sound is a bit bass-heavy, which some people prefer and some don’t; it depends on your usage and audio preferences.Check Price for Master & Dynamic MH40
Best Closed Back Headphones Under 300 Dollars
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 closed back headphones are a favorite of DJs, with fantastic sound and unbeatable style. They have won awards and rave reviews all over the internet. Their patented 50 mm dual-diaphragm drivers provide excellent separation between bass, mid-tones, and highs, for clean, vivid sound throughout the frequency range.
They create deep, immersive 3D sound with minimal leakage and great isolation. They are made of military-grade materials for exceptional durability, and resistant to temperature, salt spray, and UV rays. The cables and plug can be bent over 1 million times with no damage or loss of audio quality, and are detachable for easy replacement.
The unusual design isn’t just a fashion statement; the hexagonal shape is more ergonomic, and the headband and cup shape are designed to comfortably contour the shape of your face and be flattering to wear. Finally, the unique CliqFold hinge system collapses these headphones down to an incredibly small size, making them fantastic for travel. They come with a rugged carrying case.
Pros
- Fantastic sound clarity in all frequency ranges
- Large, dimensional soundscape
- Incredibly compact storage
- Comes with a carrying case
- Excellent noise isolation
- Comes with a phone-friendly cable that has a microphone, and a second cable with a piggy back jack for sharing your audio experience
- V-MODA also offers a range of optional accessories to get more use out of these headphones
Cons
- Some find the unusual ear cup shape and size uncomfortable for prolonged wear
Summary
The Master & Dynamic MH40 premium over-ear headphones are made with quality and attention to detail inside and out, from the high-quality and luxurious materials, to the fantastic sound reproduction, to the exceptional aesthetics and sheer style of these headphones. Thoughtful features like the replaceable ear cups, detachable cables, convenient mute button, and included case and cable box make these an all-around crowd pleasing set of headphones. Seamless compatibility with Apple devices is an excellent feature. The sound is a bit bass-heavy, which some people prefer and some don’t; it depends on your usage and audio preferences.Check Price for V-MODA Crossfade M-100
Best Closed Back Headphones Under 500 Dollars
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed back Headphones
The Shure SRH1540 premium closed back headphones have a 40 mm neodymium driver that delivers clear highs and warm bass, with an expansive soundstage. The steel driver frame improves linearity and minimizes internal resonance for clarity and consistency at every volume level. Oxygen-free copper cables with Kevlar-reinforced jackets are built for endurance and performance. Premium aircraft-grade aluminum and carbon fiber construction ensure rugged durability without adding weight. The dual frame headband is padded and lightweight for hours of comfort, while the replaceable Alcantara ear pads provide great comfort along with sound isolation. Gold-plated connectors are secure and detachable for easy storage or replacement. It comes with an additional cable, replacement ear pads, and a zippered storage case.
Pros
- Premium materials and attention to detail in the construction of these headphones produce incredible sound without adding weight or compromising comfort
- Comfortable over-the-ear design reduces background noise
- Expansive sound stage is great for movies and gaming
- Comes with replacement cable, ear cups, and a storage case
Cons
- Ear cups don’t rotate, making them slightly less compact in travel and storage
Summary
Shure has been producing exceptional audio devices for 85 years, and the Shure SRH1540 premium closed back headphones are a great addition to that tradition. The sound is rich, immersive, and detailed, with clarity and a big sound stage that is ideal for games and movies. These headphones are light in weight and can be worn comfortably for long periods of time, and the included replaceable cables and ear cups mean that you can easily enjoy these headphones for years to come.Check Price for Shure SRH1540
Best Closed Back Headphones for Gaming
The Sennheiser GSP 300 gaming headphones have a lot of thoughtful design improvements and features to make your gaming experience even more immersive without intrusive, fussy controls. These headphones have exceptional sound clarity and bass reproduction, with memory foam ear cups that improve ambient noise isolation. The noise cancelling microphone gives crystal-clear chat, and can be quickly muted by just lifting the boom arm. The padded, split headband is designed for lasting comfort, and volume controls are located on the right ear for easy adjustments as often as needed. The rugged construction is built to last, and the 3.5 mm connector gives excellent compatibility with different audio inputs.
Pros
- Split headband for excellent comfort and fit
- Memory foam ear pads
- Noise-cancelling microphone can be quickly muted by raising the arm
- Volume control on the right ear for quick, intuitive adjustments
- Comes in a choice of distinctive colors
- Discord certified
Cons
- May take some tweaking to work correctly on Discord
Summary
The Sennheiser GSP 300 are excellent entry-level gaming headphones, with a durable, comfortable design, and convenient features that make them work with minimal adjustments, keeping your hands free for the game. They have great style, and provide fantastic clarity and realism for your gaming experience.Check Price for Sennheiser GSP 300
Best Closed Back Headphones for Recording
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Headphones
The Status Audio CB-1 closed back headphones are designed for critical listening, perfect for recording, mixing, mastering, editing, and other crucial audio environments. The 50 mm drivers provide great sound detail and an expansive sound stage, and the padded cups create reliable noise isolation. They have a classic, unbranded visual aesthetic, with high-style gold accents. Memory foam earpads and the padded headband have lasting comfort, and they collapse down to a small size for portability.
Pros
- Clean, polished style
- Excellent noise isolation
- Great sound clarity and dynamic reproduction
- Adjustable padded headband
- Collapses to compact size for storage or travel
Cons
- Not very durable
Summary
The Status Audio CB-1 closed back headphones have exceptional reviews all over the web from professionals and casual users alike. They are great for casual, mobile use when listening to music on the go, or for close monitoring in studio environments. They have a fantastic, stylish look and provide lasting comfort and easy portability.Check Price for Status Audio CB-1
Best Closed Back Over-Ear Headphones
Sony MDR1A Premium Hi-Res Stereo Headphones
The Sony MDR1A Premium Hi-Res stereo headphones have a 4-conductor cable for better signal separation and improved sound quality. The inline remote and microphone make it easy to use hands-free in a variety of environments, and it comes with high-grade audio cables for nearly any input. Advanced smartphone compatibility allows you to use the free SmartKey app to customize your headphone settings. The 100 kHz Sony Sound Reproduction, 40 mm driver units with ALCP, improved Beat Response Control, and wide-frequency response range give these headphones incredible sound quality in any application. And the sleek style, enduring comfort, and optimal fit make these great headphones for a wide range of uses.
Pros
- Ergonomic ear pads and band structure provide lasting comfort and improved acoustic sealing
- High quality cables and connectors ensure excellent sound separation and quality
- Improved bass and transient response with Beat Response Control
- Inline remote and microphone provide hands-free calling
- Smartphone app for customized control and settings
- Comes with carrying pouch
Cons
- SmartKey app is only for Android devices
Summary
The Sony MDR1A Premium Hi-Res stereo headphones are designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and clarity, with Sony sound reproduction and beat response technologies for a great frequency range. They are made with high-quality cables and connectors for improved signal quality and separation. It’s easy to use them hands-free, and adjust with the free Android app. They have a sleek style and come with a carrying pouch for easy transport of the headphones and cables. These headphones are top-rated by C-Net and audio professionals alike.Check Price for Sony MDR1A Premium
Best Portable Closed Back Headphones
Senal SMH-1000 Closed back Professional Monitor Headphones
The Senal SMH-1000 closed back professional monitor headphones have many of the features that audio professionals require in headphones. They have a 40 mm driver, with 10-20 kHz frequency range and 58 ohms impedance, and less than 5% distortion. They have an enhanced low end response and extended high frequency response for improved spatial detail.
The midrange is smoothed to reduce ear fatigue over long listening sessions. They have a padded headband and soft ear cushions designed to block unwanted environmental noise. They come with a coiled cable, a straight cable, and a gold-plated 1/4” adapter. They also collapse for easy transport and storage, and the ear cups are replaceable for a prolonged life at an affordable price.
Pros
- 3-year limited warranty
- Rugged design suitable for studio and field use
- Detachable twist locking cables included
- Refined midrange reduces ear fatigue
- Collapsible for easy transport
- Ear cushions are comfortable and replaceable
- Come with coiled and straight cables for versatility
Cons
- Proprietary cables aren’t standard and easily swappable
Summary
The Senal SMH-1000 closed back professional monitor headphones are designed to deliver exceptional audio quality in the studio and in the field, with frequency responses and ergonomic features to reduce fatigue and provide enduring performance and durability. The included twist-lock cables and high-quality adaptor improve sound quality, and the 3-year warranty ensures lasting value at a great price.Check Price for Senal SMH-1000
Best Budget Closed Back Headphones
LyxPro HAS-15 Studio Headphones
The LyxPro HAS-15 studio headphones have great sound isolation, making them perfect for recording, monitoring, mixing, or casual enjoyment of music, games, and movies. The sound is rich and distortion-free, with 45 mm neodymium magnet drivers. They have excellent sensitivity and frequency response for all audio needs. The comfortable leather ear pads and adjustable, stainless-steel, leather-covered headband provide lasting comfort, and they come with 2 detachable cables and a carrying pouch. The carrying pouch and rotatable cups make these easy to take with you anywhere, for professional audio monitoring or just enjoying your audio with minimal sound leakage and great isolation.
Pros
- Detachable cables are easily replaced if needed
- State-of-the-art drivers for dynamic sound
- Includes a coiled and a straight cable, which are both extra-long for greater reach
- Stainless steel headband is rugged and durable
- Comes with a travel carrying pouch
- Comes with a 1/4” headphone adapter
Cons
- Not very durable
- Don’t have very good high frequency response
Summary
The LyxPro HAS-15 studio headphones are lightweight and come with a carrying pouch for easy transport of the headphones and included cables. The detachable cables are easy to replace, giving these headphones a longer life. They have good dynamic response and audio quality, along with solid isolation and a comfortable, durable design. They don’t have great high frequency response, so may not be ideal for all monitoring needs, but have excellent quality and portability in this price range.Check Price for LyxPro HAS-15
Best Sennheiser Closed Back Headphones
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Closed Back Headphones
The award-winning Sennheiser HD 598 Cs headphones are specifically designed to deliver rich, immersive, spatial sound experiences. The aluminum voice coils deliver high efficiency, excellent dynamics, and low distortion. and these headphones use advanced Sennheiser technologies to enhance the sound experience. E.A.R technology channels audio signals into your ears, creating a room-like audio environment. The padded ear pads and headband pad are plush and comfortable, even over long wear. The included detachable cables include one cable with a 3.5 mm jack for mobile devices and calling, and the other cable has a 6.3 mm jack for home entertainment systems.
Pros
- Clear, rich sound has extremely low distortion
- Light weight construction for prolonged comfort
- High end materials and manufacture for durability and reliability
- Cables are easy to replace if needed
- Highly expandable, adjustable headband
- They come with a 2 year warranty
- Cable has a microphone and one-button remote for use with calls
Cons
- Don’t fold or collapse for portability
Summary
The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs headphones have been a darling of audiophiles since they first appeared on the market. The big, immersive audio is great for any listening experience, but especially shines when listening to music, where excellent dynamics and low distortion are so essential. They are ergonomic and comfortable, and designed to last for years.Check Price for Sennheiser HD 598 Cs
Conclusion Best Closed Back Headphones
These headphones all give you exactly what you need in closed back headphones: fantastic sound, lasting comfort, and great isolation from background noise. Closed back headphones are a great way to separate yourself from the world around you and lose yourself in your favorite music or movie, or to shut out distractions and concentrate on the task at hand.
These closed back headphones will be your partner in workouts, study nights, gaming sessions, movie marathons, long commutes, and more, allowing you to hear audio more clearly and with fewer distractions than ever before. Enjoy your closed back headphones and open yourself to a new world of sound.
