When it comes to mixing, the right headphones can make all the difference in your sound production. In 2025, several open-back models stand out for their exceptional audio quality and comfort. From the spacious soundstage of the Sennheiser HD 599 SE to the transparent response of the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, there’s much to contemplate. Let’s explore these top contenders and what makes them essential for your mixing toolkit.
Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone – Black
The Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone is the perfect choice for audiophiles and mixing professionals who demand exceptional sound quality. Weighing just 9.2 ounces, these headphones offer a lightweight, comfortable design with velour-covered ear pads that make long sessions enjoyable. The dynamic drivers deliver a warm, balanced sound, perfect for various genres, especially vocals and classical music. With a frequency range of 12 Hz to 38,500 Hz, you’ll appreciate the audio clarity. Plus, their flexible connectivity options guarantee compatibility with most devices, making them a valuable investment for anyone serious about sound quality.
Best For: The Sennheiser HD 599 SE headphones are best for audiophiles and mixing professionals who prioritize exceptional sound quality and comfort during long listening sessions.
Pros:
- Outstanding sound quality with a warm, balanced profile, making them ideal for various music genres.
- Extremely comfortable design with velour-covered ear pads and lightweight construction, suitable for extended wear.
- Flexible connectivity options with both 3.5mm and 6.3mm detachable cables, ensuring compatibility with multiple devices.
Cons:
- Retail price of $250 may be considered high for some users, though many find better deals around $120.
- Wired connectivity limits mobility compared to wireless options.
- Open-back design may not be suitable for noisy environments as they do not isolate sound effectively.
PHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones (SHP9600)
For anyone serious about mixing and producing music, the PHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones (SHP9600) stand out as an exceptional choice. Their open-back design creates a spacious sound, making your mixes feel alive. With perfectly tuned 50 mm drivers, you’ll experience crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies. Comfort is key, as these headphones are engineered to fit your ears’ natural geometry, allowing for extended listening sessions without fatigue. Whether you’re recording, podcasting, or DJing, the SHP9600 guarantees no detail gets lost, blending performance and quality seamlessly for both home and professional use.
Best For: Musicians, podcasters, and DJs looking for high-quality sound and comfort during long sessions.
Pros:
- Spacious sound due to the open-back design, enhancing the audio experience.
- Comfortable fit engineered for extended listening without fatigue.
- Perfectly tuned 50 mm drivers that deliver crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies.
Cons:
- Open-back design may leak sound, making them less suitable for noisy environments.
- Wired design with a detachable audio jack may limit mobility compared to wireless options.
- Not ideal for isolating external noise, which could be a drawback for some users.
Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones
Designed with audiophiles in mind, the Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Headphones deliver a natural and accurate sound signature that makes them an exceptional choice for mixing in 2025. With a frequency range of 6 Hz to 38 kHz and a lightweight design, these headphones guarantee comfort during long mixing sessions. The extended bass performance shines when paired with a dedicated amplifier, allowing for superb audio control. While the open-back design limits sound isolation, the lifelike depth enhances your critical listening experience. Overall, the HD 560 S offers incredible value, making it a must-have for any serious audio enthusiast.
Best For: The Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones are best for audiophiles and serious audio enthusiasts seeking natural sound accuracy and comfort during extended listening sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with a natural and accurate reference sound signature.
- Comfortable design with soft velour ear pads for prolonged use.
- Great value for money, making them an ideal choice for entry-level audiophiles.
Cons:
- Open-back design limits sound isolation, allowing audio to escape and be heard by others.
- No carrying case included, which may affect portability.
- Some users report concerns over long-term durability, despite generally good build quality.
Back Bay Audio ClearCall 70 Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone
With its impressive AI noise-cancelling microphone, the Back Bay Audio ClearCall 70 Bluetooth Headphones are perfect for professionals who need to communicate clearly in noisy environments. These headphones seamlessly shift from work to leisure, featuring a removable boom mic and luxurious over-ear cups for all-day comfort. Enjoy an immersive sound experience with a 45-hour battery life, ensuring you stay connected throughout your busy week. Compatible with various devices, including PC, Mac, and smartphones, the ClearCall 70 offers effective noise cancellation and easy Bluetooth connectivity. Just keep in mind some users report microphone clarity issues, so test it out.
Best For: Professionals who need versatile headphones for both work calls and leisure listening in noisy environments.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit with large ear openings and good padding.
- Effective noise cancellation with an AI microphone cutting out background noise.
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity with a long battery life of 45 hours.
Cons:
- Microphone length may be inadequate for optimal sound quality on calls.
- Some users report issues with microphone clarity and background noise amplification.
- Concerns about the durability of plastic components, particularly the bridge.
Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones stand out for their exceptional sound quality, making them an ideal choice for audiophiles and music professionals who demand accuracy in their audio monitoring. With a frequency range of 6 Hz to 38 kHz and a natural sound signature, these headphones deliver lifelike depth and realism. Weighing just 240 grams, they’re comfortable for extended listening sessions. To get the best performance, pair them with a dedicated DAC or headphone amplifier. While their open-back design offers limited sound isolation, their excellent build quality and value make them a top choice for entry-level audiophiles.
Best For: Audiophiles and music professionals seeking accurate audio monitoring with a comfortable design for extended listening sessions.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with a natural, accurate reference sound.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft ear pads and moderate clamping force.
- Excellent build quality and value, making them a top choice for entry-level audiophiles.
Cons:
- Open-back design limits sound isolation, allowing others to hear audio at higher volumes.
- Some users may find the bulkiness compared to lighter models less convenient for non-music activities.
- No carrying case included, and ear pads may accumulate grime over time.
Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone – Black
For audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank, the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphones are a standout choice. Weighing just 9.2 ounces, these headphones feature a lightweight design and velour-covered ear pads that guarantee comfort during long sessions. You’ll appreciate their warm, balanced sound, which excels in vocals and classical music. With a frequency range of 12 Hz to 38,500 Hz, the audio quality is impressive, revealing differences between MP3 and FLAC formats. Plus, their detachable cables and compatibility with various devices make them a versatile investment for any music lover.
Best For: Audiophiles looking for high-quality sound performance in a comfortable and affordable headphone option.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with a warm and balanced profile, ideal for vocals and classical music.
- Comfortable design featuring lightweight materials and velour-covered ear pads, suitable for long listening sessions.
- Versatile connectivity with detachable cables and compatibility with various devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.
Cons:
- Higher retail price of $250 may be considered steep by some users.
- Wired connectivity may be less convenient for those preferring wireless options.
- Open-back design may leak sound, making them less suitable for noisy environments.
beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Headphones
Offering an impressive frequency response of up to 40,000 Hz, the beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Headphones are perfect for those who prioritize accuracy in sound when mixing and mastering. With STELLAR.45 drivers and a sensitivity of 100 dB, you’ll enjoy high-performance audio across various devices thanks to their 48-ohm impedance. Their open-back design promotes natural sound, ideal for critical listening and sound editing. Although they may feel tight at first, the deep ear cups enhance comfort. Weighing just 345 grams, they’re a solid choice for anyone serious about music production and recording.
Best For: The beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Headphones are best for audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity sound for mixing, mastering, and critical listening.
Pros:
- Exceptional frequency response up to 40,000 Hz for accurate audio reproduction.
- Lightweight design at 345 grams enhances comfort during extended use.
- Open-back design allows for a natural sound experience, ideal for sound editing.
Cons:
- Initial clamp pressure may cause discomfort until the headphones are broken in.
- Open-back design lacks noise isolation, which may not be suitable for all environments.
- Reported issues with the leatherette headband wrapping coming undone.
beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones (80 Ohm, Black)
Renowned for their transparent sound quality, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones (80 Ohm, Black) are a top choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. With an open-back design, these headphones deliver a spacious soundstage, making them perfect for mixing and mastering. Their soft, replaceable velour ear pads guarantee comfort during long sessions, while the durable construction stands up to daily use. Enjoy a frequency range from 5 Hz to 35 kHz, allowing for excellent clarity. Whether you’re monitoring audio or gaming, these headphones provide high-fidelity experiences that elevate your listening pleasure.
Best For: Audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity sound for mixing, mastering, and critical listening.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with a spacious soundstage and strong bass and treble.
- Comfortable for extended use with soft, replaceable velour ear pads.
- Durable construction, made in Germany, ensuring longevity.
Cons:
- Initial fatigue from highs may occur before the burn-in period of ~300 hours.
- Not water-resistant, requiring careful handling during use.
- May not suit genres like hip-hop due to its precision sound signature.
Philips Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones (SHP9600)
The Philips Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones (SHP9600) stand out with their open-back design, creating a spacious soundstage that’s perfect for professional use in recording and DJing. Engineered to fit your ears’ natural geometry, they prioritize comfort for those long sessions. With perfectly tuned 50 mm drivers, you’ll enjoy crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies, making them ideal for everyday music listening. Whether you’re podcasting, playing piano, or mixing tracks, these headphones blend performance, comfort, and quality seamlessly, ensuring no detail is lost in your audio experience. Enjoy clarity and depth with the SHP9600!
Best For: The Philips Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones (SHP9600) are best for musicians, podcasters, and DJs seeking high-quality sound and comfort during extended listening sessions.
Pros:
- Open-back design provides a spacious soundstage for an immersive audio experience.
- Comfort-focused design engineered to fit the natural geometry of your ears, perfect for long usage.
- Perfectly tuned 50 mm drivers deliver crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies.
Cons:
- Wired design may limit mobility compared to wireless options.
- Open-back design may allow sound leakage, which can be distracting in noisy environments.
- Not ideal for outdoor use due to their design and potential exposure to external noise.
Samson SR850 Professional Semi-Open Studio Reference Monitoring Headphones
If you’re a musician or audio engineer on a budget, the Samson SR850 Professional Semi-Open Studio Reference Monitoring Headphones are an excellent choice for mixing and mastering. With 50mm drivers, they deliver exceptional sound quality across a wide frequency range (10Hz-30kHz), ensuring you hear clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. The lightweight design and velour cushioning provide comfort for long sessions, while the self-adjusting headband offers a secure fit. Plus, the semi-open design enhances situational awareness. At under $40, they’re highly rated for performance, making them a smart investment for anyone needing reliable studio headphones.
Best For: Budget-conscious musicians, audio engineers, and audiophiles seeking quality studio headphones for mixing and mastering.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass.
- Lightweight and comfortable design, ideal for extended listening sessions.
- Highly rated for performance relative to price, making them a great value.
Cons:
- Build quality may feel less premium due to lightweight plastic construction.
- Headband may apply pressure on the head during long use.
- Non-replaceable cable could be a drawback for some users.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Open Back Headphones for Mixing
When choosing open-back headphones for mixing, you need to take into account several key factors. Sound quality is essential, but comfort for long sessions can’t be overlooked either. Additionally, think about driver types, impedance, and the benefits of the open-back design to guarantee you make the best choice.
Sound Quality Importance
Choosing open-back headphones for mixing hinges on sound quality, which plays a vital role in achieving professional results. These headphones provide a natural and spacious soundstage, creating an immersive listening experience that mimics real-world acoustics. You’ll want a wide frequency response range, ideally from 5 Hz to 40 kHz, to capture essential low and high-end nuances. Dynamic drivers in open-back designs deliver a warmer, fuller sound while maintaining balance, helping you discern subtle audio details. Accurate sound reproduction is essential; headphones should offer clear bass, balanced midrange, and pristine highs to identify mix imbalances. While sound isolation is limited, this allows you to stay aware of your environment without sacrificing audio fidelity, making it easier to focus on your mix.
Comfort for Long Sessions
Comfort is key during long mixing sessions, and open-back headphones excel in this area. Their soft ear pads and lightweight design let you wear them for hours without discomfort. Look for deep and swiveling ear cups, as these features enhance fit and accommodate different head shapes, reducing pressure on your ears. An ergonomic design that aligns with your ear’s natural geometry makes a big difference, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. Balance is vital; too much clamping force from the headband can lead to discomfort, while too little support may feel loose. Don’t forget to take regular breaks and make adjustments to mitigate any initial discomfort, especially with heavier models that might feel bulkier over time.
Driver Type Considerations
Long mixing sessions require not only comfort but also the right sound reproduction, making driver type an important consideration. When you’re choosing open-back headphones, think about dynamic versus planar magnetic drivers. Dynamic drivers deliver a warm, fuller sound, while planar magnetic drivers offer detailed and accurate audio representation. The size of the drivers also matters; larger drivers, like 50 mm, typically provide better bass response. Look for a wide frequency response range, such as 5 Hz to 40 kHz, to guarantee all frequencies are captured. Additionally, consider the sensitivity rating; higher sensitivity around 100 dB means louder volumes with less power, which can be essential for mixing. Selecting the right driver type can greatly enhance your mixing experience.
Impedance and Compatibility
When you’re mixing, understanding impedance and compatibility is fundamental for achieving the finest sound quality. Lower impedance headphones, around 32 ohms, work well with portable devices like smartphones. In contrast, higher impedance models, typically between 80 to 250 ohms, require dedicated amplifiers to perform at their best. This is essential in professional settings where sound quality matters. Ideally, the output impedance of your source device should be lower than your headphones’ impedance to guarantee efficient power transfer. If you opt for high-impedance headphones, compatibility with headphone amplifiers or DACs is imperative to avoid distortion and deliver rich audio. Be certain you consider these factors to get the most out of your mixing experience.
Open-Back Design Benefits
Open-back headphones offer significant advantages for mixing, making them a popular choice among audio professionals. Their design allows sound to flow through the ear cups, creating a natural and spacious listening environment that closely resembles real-life sound. This enhances your auditory perception, providing a wider soundstage that helps you accurately place instruments and vocals in your mix. You’ll find that they reduce ear fatigue during long sessions, allowing for comfortable, extended use. Open-back headphones typically deliver transparent sound reproduction, resulting in clearer highs and balanced mids and lows, essential for critical listening. Plus, they’re often lighter and more comfortable than closed-back models, promoting prolonged use without discomfort.