When you start comparison shopping for headphones in this price range, you’re looking for truly high quality ‘cans’ that can give you an audio experience lower budget models never could.
A $200 price range is going to give you a lot of room to explore plenty of headphones options, so you can have fun deciding which is the best for you.
Open back headphones are different than closed back in more ways than just the physical differences. The entire aural experience changes. No longer are you in your own isolated ‘soundbooth’; now, you’re listening in more of a soundstage. You can hear other sounds and noises in addition to what’s coming through the ear cups.
So, you want the absolute best listening environment that takes your audio to a whole new level. Take a look at these best open back headphones under 200, and hear what a difference “professional” can be!
Our Picks:
Best Overall
Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open Back Headphones
Yes, this Sennheiser pair is the best overall open back headphones you can buy for $200 bucks or less. The open back design lets in air and elevates your natural listening.
The ear cushions are incredibly soft, the headband is sturdy and adjustable, and there’s two different audio jacks to fit any amp, computer, laptop, or smartphone. You’ll enjoy using these for listening, professional studio use, or even gaming.Check Price on Amazon
Best On-Ear Open Back Headphones
Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones
If you prefer the experience of having your ear cups sitting directly on your ears, then these are by far the best open back headphones.
The Grado Prestige Series is considered a true luxury item for audiophiles, since they are made in the USA with amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail. These give you an extraordinary high fidelity sound, with some reviewers saying these might be the best the company has ever put out.Check Price on Amazon
Most Comfortable
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Open Studio Headphones
If you’re that person who basically never removes their headphones, then these ultra-soft, ultra-comfortable Beyerdynamic ones are for you.
The velour ear pads feel like pillows on your ears. The headband is padded and rests gently on your head.
While these are large, they are also surprisingly lightweight, so you won’t get headaches. For long-term gaming sessions, listening to five-hour audiobooks, or going through a music marathon, these headphones are the most comfortable.Check Price on Amazon
Best Value
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Audio-Technica headphones give you a professional sound with a heavy duty look, and this brand has an established reputation for their products.
These open back headphones may be less expensive than the others, but they don’t compromise on features. They’re durable, over-ear, and have huge ear cups that instantly transport you to a different audio place – in a good way!
Best $200 Open Back Headphones (Summary Table)
Now, let’s compare the details for each of these open back headphone models. You want to know their ratings, strengths, weaknesses, and what others are saying about using them.
| HEADPHONES | OUR RATING | PRICE | STRENGTH | WEAKNESS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD 598 Open Back Headphones | Check Amazon | Two cables, universal compatibility. | An amp is recommended for use. | |
| Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones | Check Amazon | Soft velour ear pads that you can replace. | Some users have reported the right ear can be defective. | |
| Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones | Check Amazon | Made in the USA and considered a top brand. | Only on-ear cups, not over-ear. | |
| Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones | Check Amazon | Large drivers and really long cable. | Cable does not detach from headphones. |
Benefits of Using $200 Open Back Headphones
If you’ve only used closed back headphones, then open back models are going to introduce you to a whole new way of listening. Many users swear that these are the best style for listening to music, since you feel as if you’re on stage next to the musicians while they’re playing.
They’re also incredible for gaming, since you can hear your own voice, as well as any other sounds in the room, while the game sounds are all around you.
Another incredible benefit of open back headphones is that they allow your ears to ‘breathe,’ reducing headaches, too much heat, and strain. You can even wear these with glasses, and they won’t bother you.
When you’re using open back headphones, you’re experiencing:
- A warm, rich sonic tone.
- Excellent dynamic ranges, from lows to midranges to highs.
- Air circulation around your ears, keeping them cool.
- Large, comfortable ear cups
- Adjustable and sturdy headbands.
- A totally immersive audio experience.
Best $200 Open Back Headphones Review
Read about the following headphones and see which pair is right for you.1.Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open Back Headphones
These excellent audiophile grade over ear, open back headphones give you such a well balanced sound.
They are also very comfortable, with a padded leatherette headband and luxurious velour-covered ear pads. These headphones come with a 3-meter long cable that includes a ¼” jack and a separate 1.2-meter long cable that has a 3.4mm jack.PROS
- Two cables, including one that has an in-line remote with a microphone.
- Low impedance of only 50 Ohms.
- Compatible with all of your devices.
- To use with gaming, you’ll want to also use an amp.
- The sound can come across as static and muffled.
- Can’t use with anything that doesn’t fit the 2.5mm jack.
Summary:
Plenty of happy users have given these professional quality headphones a good star rating on Amazon. The design will last for years, yet is also lightweight enough for long-term listening.Check Price for Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open Back Headphones2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Open Studio Headphones
These strikingly designed and professional headphones are not just open back, they’re over the ear for an immersive sound experience.
They’re great for mixing, mastering, or editing tracks in addition to listening. The experience is transparent and spacious, with a strong bass and treble sound. They’re made in Germany from high-quality engineering.PROS
- Soft and replaceable velour ear pads for comfort.
- Trusted and used by top DJs and music professionals in studios around the world.
- Comes with a 6.35mm jack adapter and a drawstring bag.
- Only comes with one 3 meter coiled cable.
- Has an overemphasized treble response, which results in listener’s fatigue.
- Some users have reported the right-ear speaker is defective.
Summary:
With a great review on Amazon, these excellent Beyerdynamic open back headphones are well made, soft, comfortable, and perfect for either home or studio use.Check Price for Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Open Studio Headphones3. Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones
Grado headphones, made in Brooklyn in the USA, are some of the best you can find in the world. It’s great that you can get this pair for a $200 budget.
These are a handsome pair of headphones, with the traditional open back design, enhanced airflow through the rear metal grill, and excellent high fidelity reproduction.PROS
- Crystal clear spatial placement.
- Large ear cushions and great drivers for a superior sound.
- Reveals more sonic detail than other Grado models.
- Not over-ear headphones. These are on-ear.
- Sound can be treble-heavy, and is not oriented for bass dynamics.
- The ear pads aren’t as comfortable as other models.
Summary:
Listeners of these top quality Grado headphones will hear warm harmonic colors, rich full bodied vocals, a wide dynamic range, and a smooth top-end.Check Price for Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones4. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Large 53mm drivers make these open back headphones excellent for producing a clear treble and midrange dynamics.
These are a pair of full open-air type of headphones. Since they don’t produce any pressure on your ears, you’ll hear such a rich and natural sensation. The aluminum casing is light, with a honeycomb style that filters acoustics perfectly.PROS
- Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils to handle large amounts of power.
- 10-foot cable comes with 3.5mm gold-plated connector and separate 6.3mm adapter.
- Comfortable double headband design with 3D wing supports for custom fit.
- Not as good for studio uses, like mixing and recording.
- Cable does not detach from the headphones.
- Some users have reported a rattling sound.
Summary:
Audio-Technica is a really high quality headphone brand, and this model has earned 4.3/5 stars on Amazon thanks to its sound and overall construction. They truly define the open back experience and give you that ‘soundstage’ audio you’re looking for.Check Price for Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Do You Need $200 Open Back Headphones?
Once you’ve tried open back headphones, you’ll discover what you’ve been missing from every other pair you’ve ever had. It’s like upgrading to a level of luxury, so you might never want to go back!
Despite the sound leak, which is an issue with all open back headphones, satisfied users swear that these are the best pair they’ve ever owned. These are the headphones for all of your listening needs: music, audiobooks, movies, and especially gaming. Don’t even think that inexpensive headphones could ever give you the same audio experience these can!
How to Find Your Ideal $200 Open Back Headphones
These four headphone models seem very similar, especially in design. They’re black with metal accents and they’re all open back. So, how do you distinguish between them and find the right pair for you?
- Are you going to use these in a professional setting? You’ll want ones that are specific for studios?
- Is long-term comfort a priority? Some models have soft ear pads that will see you through hours of music or gaming.
- What length of cable do you need? This matters for gaming headphones, since you want a long length of cable.
- What’s your preferred dynamic range? Are you looking for a crisper sound or warmer harmonic tones?
- Is a lightweight pair important to you? These are large headphones, but they do vary by weight.
- Would you like on-ear or over-ear? Most open back headphones are over-ear, but there are on-ear models, too.
$200 Open Back Headphones Fast Facts
Firstly
Open back headphones are specifically designed that way. The open backs of the ear cups are designed with a speaker-like mesh that’s open to bring in air flow.
Secondly
Open back headphones are ideal for gaming. You’ll not only be able to hear other players, but you’ll be totally aurally immersed in the game thanks to the open back.
Thirdly
Open back headphones distribute sound differently. Closed back headphones beam music directly into your ears. Open back headphones redistribute sound, so that the waves are coming from all directions.
For compatibility, open back headphones come with multiple jacks. This is so that professionals can use them to plug into studio equipment like amps and soundboards.
An Alternative Product
You can find plenty of great open back headphones. These ones from AKG Pro Audio have patented Varimotion diaphragm technology that produces an excellent flat response perfect for studio reference and monitoring.
The sound is balanced and detailed, giving you a full range that goes from a surprising amount of bass all the way up to crisp highs. As a bonus, they’re not prone to harshness or a tinny sound. The ‘sound stage’ feel is more circular than it is wide, so it’s as if music and audio are coming at you from different directions.
Conclusion Best Open Back Headphones Under 200
Open back ear cups allow sound to pass back and forth between your ears and the outside air. This creates a much wider sound stage and makes you feel like you’re in a studio listening to the musicians around you. Even though there is some sound leak, since others can listen in, you’ll be amazed at the difference professional headphones can make.
Whether you’re a DJ, mixer, or just a passionate audiophile, these are the best open back headphones!