If you’re watching an action-packed movie or just a passionate musician creating your own tunes, the one thing you need is quality headphones. But finding an ideal headphone is quite baffling, especially if you’re looking for closed-back ones. The over-ear and on-ear headphones give you a natural listening experience but the external sounds still enter these headphones. However, the closed-back headphones completely block the outside noise and even limit the possibility of audio leakage. Needless to say, the best closed back headphones are perfect for musicians and audiophiles.
Since the market will offer you with tons of options, we tried to ease this burden by compiling a list of the best closed-back headphones that are worth buying in 2020.
Let’s delve more into the top 5 best closed back headphones:
Do you want to do away with all sorts of distractions when listening to your favorite music through your headphones? Well, then the Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphone II is the one for you. With this headphone, you can concentrate completely on music, work, or anything you want to focus on.
These wireless headphones now come with Bose AR-enabled, which is a new addition to this model. Bose AR is the new innovative audio-only representation of augmented reality. In case you’re curious about how it works; it has a multi-directional motion sensor embedded inside. So, Bose AR is controlled via the Bose Connect App.
Besides, it is Alexa-enabled and controls the noise cancellation levels using the app. Now, you no longer need to reach out to your phones to get information or entertainment. Additionally, it has volume-optimized EQ for balanced audio performance irrespective of the volume level, and a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system feature offers clear phone calls. It also has Bluetooth compatibility and a battery life of up to 20 hours; all these features at an affordable price, is definitely a plus point.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete noise cancellation Bose AR and Alexa-enabled Operate via Bose Connect App Volume-optimized EQ and dual-microphone system Affordable | Doesn’t connect with XBOX or PS4 Microphone isn’t best Decent stability |
Sony WH1000XM3, the industry-leading noise cancellation headphones, is truly capable of letting you immerse in your music. Built with Sony proprietary HD noise canceling processor Qn1, this headphone eliminates the external noise around you, so that you can focus on every beat or tune of the sounds.
We are impressed by its battery life that can go up to 30 long hours and with just 10 minutes of quick charging you can listen to anything for at least five hours on this headphone. The noise cancellation feature of Sony WH1000XM3 analyzes the ambient sounds in the background and optimizes it for you.
It also has a smart listening feature offered by Sense Engine, which detects your activity and balances the noise cancellation levels. This makes the headphones quite perfect for commuting through noisy places like trains and buses. Further, it offers Bluetooth connectivity that enables you to make phone calls and stream high-quality music. Above all, the Alexa-enabled feature allows you to hands-free voice access your music library and other controls.
On the whole, Sony WH1000XM3 is the closed-back headphones that offer comfort during extreme gaming sessions and total isolation from background sounds when you travel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete noise cancellation Bose AR and Alexa-enabled Operate via Bose Connect App Volume-optimized EQ and dual-microphone system Affordable | Doesn’t connect with XBOX or PS4 Microphone isn’t best Decent stability |
With Razer Opus Active Wireless Headphones, you can experience pure and intense sounds, completely free from all distractions. It is because of the advanced active noise cancellation technology that cancels all outside noise, which in turn gives proper care to frequency response and low sound distortion.
What we liked in the headphone is that the active noise cancellation feature implies a process known as destructive interference that generates opposing sound waves to waive off the incoming noises. Also, we loved that padded cushioning of plush leatherette memory foam that is extremely comfortable, even for long hours.
Razer Opus Active is compatible with Android and iOS devices and you can control it via the Opus app. Through this app, you can select the EQ presets based on your choice of audio. With long-lasting battery life, it can go play up to 33 hours on a single charge. Lastly, it is one of the best budget-friendly closed-back headphones on the market.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built with advanced active noise cancellation technology Generates opposing sound waves Compatible with Android and iOS devices Plays 33 hours on a single charge Control via Opus app | Doesn’t connect with Xbox or PS4 Average performance for phone calls Uneven treble sounds |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xMG is one of the leading choices of online users, music professionals, and trend followers. If you are looking for something long-lasting and something that can make you fall in love with the sound quality, then ATH M50xMG stands out as the perfect blend of audio and high quality for every discerning listener. To experience an isolated sound, the ATH-M5xMG comes with airtight contoured ear cups to avoid unnecessary noise. Moreover, pro-grade materials are comfortable even for users with large glasses and come with great durability after being used for hours on end.
The ATH-M50 is the finest example of pure professional performance and one of the most approved M-series models used for years. These days, the ATH-M50xMG (limited edition matte grey) comes with the added feature of detachable cables and the coveted sonic signature similar to professional monitor headphones that make it a perfect fit for your everyday routine. With an unmatched combination of sound-isolating ear cups, large-aperture drivers, and strong build, the M50x provides an unforgettable experience for many vital audio professionals. Moreover, these closed-back headphones are also available in white (ATH M50xWH) and black (ATH M50x).
This super quality professional headphone has enough bass but it doesn’t go over the highs and the mids levels like many others in this price range. Unlike, any other closed caps it can get a little hot on the ears if it is used for a longer duration.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Airtight contoured ear cups Great durability Detachable cables and the coveted sonic signature | Bass needs improvement Can get a little hot |
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a closed-back studio headphone, mostly used by music producers, sound technicians in their studio. Made in Germany, and weighing around 9.6 ounces, it is one of the most trusted headphones. Its ability to provide clear sound and its innovative bass reflex system is astounding. The DT 770 PRO is also a favorite among audiophiles and music lovers.
The music clarity is extraordinary due to its brilliant impulse response that it is mostly used for monitoring purposes. It also reduces the ambient noise of your surroundings and provides you with high-resolution sounds. These Beyerdynamic headphones come in different variants as well. This model is a 30 Ohms headphone, which connects easily to your mobile device or laptop and offers you a studio-like experience, regardless of the place. The DT 880 PRO is an 80-Ohm headphone, generally used in studios. Besides, the DT 990 Pro model has a 250-Ohm impedance, which works wonders in mixing sounds in a studio. Even if you use this headphone for a longer period, you don’t have to compromise on comfort due to its soft, reversible ear cups. Its strong and sturdy single-sided cable gives you the freedom to simply put it on and listen to your favorite music on the go. Plus, the extra padding near the head area allows you better contact with the ear cups and also reduces the pressure.
Overall, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is one of the best closed-back headphones available on the market today.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Studio headphone Provide clear sound and innovative bass reflex system Used for monitoring purposes | Non-removable cables Not ideal for smartphones |
Buying Guide
With these reviews of the listed products, it will quite easy for you to select your closed-back headphones. However, there are a few more points that will help you buy the best model. The points to consider are as follows:
- Noise Cancellation: Closed-back headphones come in two variations – active noise canceling and isolating sounds. Usually, the high-end headphones have active noise cancellation that completely cuts-off the external noise. So, before buying do check with this feature.
- Material: Using a closed-back headphone can be uncomfortable if the material isn’t good. Typically, high-quality headphones use padded foam around the entire headpiece, while cheaper one uses hard-plastic ones. Good material makes it breathable and produces less sweat, so check the material used thoroughly.
With this compilation, we concluded that Bose QuietComfort 35 is the best closed-back headphone available on the market. Cutting off all distractions, this Bose AR-enabled wireless headphone enables you to focus on work or entertainment. Though it is a disappointment in gaming, considering its high-end construct and moderate pricing, it would make a great choice for music lovers and audiophiles.
Nevertheless, you can pick any other models if these listed ones don’t cater to your needs.
See related topic:
Best Bluetooth Headsets for Easy and Convenient Phone Calls.
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