Best Open Back Studio Headphones (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
For the best open back studio headphones, the PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR leads with 50mm drivers and a 30 ohm impedance. Its detachable 3m cable and 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter cover common studio connections, and the box holds a cable management clip.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Users who want 50mm drivers and a detachable cable: PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR Over The Ear Open See pick 1
- Users who want two detachable cables in the box: Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones See pick 2
- Users who want swappable ear pads for mixing and producing: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone Open-back See pick 3More picks: Best Studio Headphones for Producing
- Users who want a 120 ohm impedance: Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Over-Ear Wired Audiophile See pick 4
- Users who want a 50mm dynamic driver: Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva Hi-Fi 50mm Dynamic See pick 5
Want the full range? Best Mixing Headphones ranks the top studio headphones for every buyer, or browse all 49 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR Over The Ear Open
- Driver size: 50 mm
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 30 ohm
- Design: Open Back
- One year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 50mm drivers, a 30 ohm impedance and a detachable 3m cable.
Who it suits
- Users who want 50mm drivers and a detachable cable
- Users who want memory foam ear pads with velour
Skip it if
- You need an impedance above 30 ohm
- You want two cable lengths in the box
The box holds the headphones, a detachable 3m cable, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter and a cable management clip. The headphones use 50mm drivers with a 30 ohm impedance and a 5 to 40,000 Hz frequency range. The ear pads use memory foam with velour finishing, and the headband uses a self-adjustable hammock design with a leather outer layer. The headphones weigh 0.8 lb.
2Runner-Up
Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones
- Driver size not stated in the listing
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 50 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It holds Runner-Up with two detachable cables, a 50 ohm impedance and a carrying pouch.
Who it suits
- Users who want two detachable cables in the box
- Users who want a carrying pouch included
Skip it if
- You need an impedance above 50 ohm
- You want a 130 ohm impedance
The box holds the headphones, two detachable cables of 3.0m and 1.2m, a 6.3mm adapter and a carrying pouch. The headphones use a 50 ohm impedance and weigh 0.5 lb. The cables use a 2.5mm twist-lock connector at the left earcup and a 3.5mm gold-plated stereo mini-plug.
3Also Great
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone Open-back
- Driver size not stated in the listing
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 130 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with two swappable ear pad sets and a 130 ohm impedance.
Who it suits
- Users who want swappable ear pads for mixing and producing
- Users who want a 130 ohm impedance
Skip it if
- You need an impedance below 130 ohm
- You want a cable longer than 1.8m
The box holds the headphones, a 1.8m cable, an adapter and two sets of ear pads. The headphones use a 130 ohm impedance and weigh 0.4 lb, with a 5 to 36,000 Hz frequency range. The ear pads are washable and replaceable, and the headphones use right and left ear jacks with a detachable cable.
4Also Great
Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Over-Ear Wired Audiophile
- Driver size not stated in the listing
- Detachable cable not stated in the listing
- Impedance: 120 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with a 120 ohm impedance and a wired 1/4-inch connector.
Who it suits
- Users who want a 120 ohm impedance
- Users who want a wired 1/4-inch connector
Skip it if
- You need an impedance above 120 ohm
- You want a 50mm driver
The box holds the headphones, a cable and an owners manual. The headphones use a 120 ohm impedance and weigh 1.3 lb, with a 6 Hz to 38 kHz frequency range. The connector is 1/4-inch, and the box holds a 6.3mm jack with a 3.5 adapter.
5Also Great
Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva Hi-Fi 50mm Dynamic
- Driver size: 50 mm
- Detachable cable not stated in the listing
- Impedance: 32 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 1-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with a 50mm dynamic driver and a 32 ohm impedance.
Who it suits
- Users who want a 50mm dynamic driver
- Users who want dual 3.5mm wired connections
Skip it if
- You need an impedance above 32 ohm
- You want a 130 ohm impedance
The box holds the headphones and a cable. The headphones use a 50mm dynamic driver with a 32 ohm impedance and a 98 dB sensitivity. The design uses dual 3.5mm wired connections, and the build uses PVD-coated steel, wood and vegan leather.
Side by side
| Product | Driver size | Detachable cable | Low-frequency reach (Hz) | Impedance | Design | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR Over The Ear Open | 50 mm | Yes | Not stated | 30 ohm | Open Back | 0.8 lb | one year |
| Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 50 ohm | Open-Back | 0.5 lb | 2-year |
| Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone Open-back | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 130 ohm | Open-Back | 0.4 lb | 2-year |
| Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Over-Ear Wired Audiophile | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 120 ohm | Open-Back | 1.3 lb | 2-year |
| Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva Hi-Fi 50mm Dynamic | 50 mm | Not stated | Not stated | 32 ohm | Open-Back | Not stated | 1-year |
How we ranked these studio headphones
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Driver size weight 2
- Detachable cable weight 2
- Low-frequency reach (Hz) weight 1
Buying advice: open back studio headphones
Match impedance to your source gear
Impedance differs across these five sets. The PHILIPS uses 30 ohm, the Altruva uses 32 ohm, the ATH-R50X uses 50 ohm, the HD 560S uses 120 ohm and the HD 490 PRO uses 130 ohm. Higher impedance headphones need a source that can drive them, so check your interface or headphone output against the impedance figure before you order.
Check the cable and connectors in the box
Cable length and connectors differ here. The PHILIPS box holds a 3m detachable cable with a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. The ATH-R50X box holds 3.0m and 1.2m cables with a 6.3mm adapter. The HD 490 PRO box holds a 1.8m cable with an adapter. Check the cable length and the adapter against your setup before you order.
Compare ear pads and weight
Ear pads and weight differ across these five sets. The PHILIPS uses memory foam ear pads with velour finishing and weighs 0.8 lb. The ATH-R50X weighs 0.5 lb. The HD 490 PRO uses washable, replaceable pads and weighs 0.4 lb. The HD 560S weighs 1.3 lb. Compare the pad material and the weight figure against what you want for daily use.
Frequently asked questions
What does open-back mean on studio headphones
Open-back means the earcups allow airflow through the back of the cup, as on the PHILIPS acoustic open-back architecture and the ATH-R50X fully open-back design. All five sets here use an open-back design.
Do I need a headphone amplifier for high impedance headphones
It depends on the impedance figure and your source gear. The HD 490 PRO uses 130 ohm and the HD 560S uses 120 ohm, while the PHILIPS uses 30 ohm. Check your source output against the impedance figure before you order.
Are detachable cables better than fixed cables
Neither type wins on its own. The PHILIPS, ATH-R50X and HD 490 PRO boxes hold detachable cables, and the HD 560S specs list a detachable cable. A detachable cable can be replaced on its own without replacing the headphones.
Can I swap ear pads on open-back headphones
It depends on the set. The HD 490 PRO box holds two sets of ear pads, and the PHILIPS uses replaceable memory foam ear pads. Check the box contents for spare pads before you order.
Gear that goes with it
Best Headphone AmpTop pick: Fosi Audio K7 DAC Headphone Amp
Best Headphone Stand under DeskTop pick: cozoo Desk Headphone Holder Hook Headset Watch
Best Audio InterfaceTop pick: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C AudioMore studio headphones guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.