Shortlist

Open-back headphones under $500

Open-back headphones for a quiet room — the most speaker-like way to listen — at a list price of $500 or less.

Ordered by how well each pair's design fits the job, then by owners' scores once enough owners have rated — never by who pays. Prices are the makers' list prices. Adjust it in the finder →

1. 
   01  Audeze · List $399MM-100

   • An easy first step: plays straight from your phone
   • Planar magnetic drivers
   • Plays straight from a phone

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2. 
   02  Beyerdynamic · List $320DT 900 PRO X

   • An easy first step: plays straight from your phone
   • Plays straight from a phone

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3. 
   03  Sennheiser · List $500HD 600

   • The lightest here, at 260 g
   • Wants a proper headphone amp

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4. 
   04  Austrian Audio · List $499Hi-X65

   • Open-back: the most speaker-like sound, for a quiet room

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5. 
   05  Grado Labs · List $495Hemp Classic

   • Open-back: the most speaker-like sound, for a quiet room

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6. 
   06  Grado Labs · List $350SR325

   • Wants a small dongle DAC/amp from a phone

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7. 
   07  HIFIMAN · List $269Edition XS

   • Planar magnetic drivers
   • Wants a small dongle DAC/amp from a phone

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8. 
   08  Sennheiser · List $429HD 490 PRO

   • Wants a small dongle DAC/amp from a phone

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9. 
   09  Sennheiser · List $280HD 560S

   • Wants a small dongle DAC/amp from a phone

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10. 
    10  Beyerdynamic · List $250DT 880 PRO

    • The lowest list price of these picks
    • Wants a proper headphone amp

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