Best Open-Back Headphones Under $100 – Are They Better Than Closed-Back Headphones?
There will always be a debate about buying a cheap open-back headphone or going for the expensive one because everyone’s view on quality cannot be the same. Our perception is bound to be different from that of the next man.
A headphone’s appearance could be the determining factor of an individual, while a headphones design could be what another person sees and considers as quality. You will end up finding objective and subjective users, while some, on the other hand, might get swept away by a headphones price tag.
Depending on headphones, the look is wrong to assess a headphone, and it doesn’t tell you if the headphone is a high-quality one.
What the looks of a headphone tell you is how beautiful or attractive a headphone is. Paying attention to a headphones price tag might be used as a determining factor sometimes, especially when filtering out the cheaper products, but you could still end up being wrong in some instances.
However, taking a look at a headphones specification is a sure way of separating the good headphones from the bad ones, and even though you might not be able to tell a headphone’s sound production ability, they provide an easy way of comparing several other essential components like frequency response, sensitivity, power output, and impedance.
So many things you ought to look forward to in these best open-back headphones under $100, and it will be great if you know that there are lots of open-back headphones with the same price tag. You will stumble on different sizes, types, and shapes, which will leave you wondering what particular product or brand to go for.
If you are a newbie to headphones, you might ask yourself what an open-back headphone is and the differences between a closed-back and open-back headphone.
Content Navigation
What Are Open-Back Headphones?
Most people consider open-back headphones a special type of headphone because it allows the passage or flow of air from the ear cups to the speaker. What the first line here indicates is open-back headphones do not interfere with surrounding noises like in the case of closed-back headphones, ensuring that users enjoy an immersive headphone experience.
People who use open-back headphones are likely to enjoy listening to natural sounds, which is because open-back headphones do not encourage pressure build-up.
An open-back headphone can’t leak sounds or anyone sitting around you to listen to what you are listening to. People who used to use closed-back headphones might not find this headphone type appealing, but the benefits of using an open-back headphone are found in the quality listening experience you will get.
In the case of a closed-back headphone, you might feel like you are confined to a particular studio space, but it feels like musicians are surrounding you when using an open-back headphone. The open-back headphones are highly recommended if you are looking to get the best out of a headphone.
In terms of durability, people consider open-back headphones as fragile ones, and they are moisture-susceptible products. It will be a good idea if you leave your open-back headphones at home or in the studio because of their ability to provide natural and exceptional sounds for more detailed vocals and instruments.
5 Open-Back Headphones Under $100 Reviews
1. GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
The Grado SR80e is the first product of this interesting review. If you have been following the market in recent years, you will agree that the Grado brand has been particular about making high-quality and reliable products. This headphone from Grado comes with four-conductor cables, and the combination of a large ear cushion delivers an impressive stage-sounding experience.
An interesting feature about this headphone is its new polymer used in dampening resonant distortion, and this helps eliminate transient distortions for your sound pleasure. There will be sound reproduction in its frequency spectrum’s lower and upper ranges.
However, purchasing an amplifier for this headphone isn’t needed, meaning you are staring at a headphone with the ability to work with low voltage devices. What’s more, you could still grab an amplifier if you feel you haven’t reached that sound level you desire yet. Some crucial specifications like impedance and sensitivity should not be left out when discussing the Grado SR80e open-back headphone.
Specifications
- Brand – Grado
- Item Weight – 8.2 Ounces
- Color – Black
Key Features
- On-ear, open-back
- Improved bass resonance
- 6.5mm adapter
What We Like
- This is an excellent headphone built to exceed expectations
- It produces stunning sounds
- Grado headphones offer a signature sound
What We Don’t Like
- None
2. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X headphone is a full-sized over-the-ear headphone built using a lightweight aluminum material and combining with a well-cushioned flexible earpad to offer users durability and comfort.
You will find it interesting that this headphone is its OFC-sided cord that doesn’t tangle, while it’s 6.5mm and 3.5mm adapter connectors make connection easy. Interestingly, this headphone boasts a good frequency range, meaning it will capture audible sounds within the human hearing range.
Its frequency range doesn’t tell you all there is about this headphone’s specification, but its impedance and sensitivity do.
Using this headphone with a variety of devices is possible, thanks to its fairly low impedance design. There are times you might feel like you haven’t hit that sound level you want yet. Getting an amplifier will do the trick, but I doubt if you will need an amplifier while using the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X open-back headphone.
Specifications
- Brand – Audio Technica
- Item Weight – I Pound
- Color – Black
Key Features
- Over-ear, open-back
- 55mm drivers
- Self-adjusting 3D wing support
What We Like
- This headphone is super comfortable.
- It is very articulate.
- It offers accurate bass and proves to be the best for directional audio.
What We Don’t Like
- This headphone is a costly one.
3. Sennheiser HD 559 Open Back Headphone
The Sennheiser brand has been in the business of making top-quality and reliable headphones for years. This tells you the brand is also particular about producing headphones that will meet user expectations like the Audio-Technica brand. This headphone is powered using the Sennheiser engineered transducers that offer high-quality sounds with minimal distortion.
We find remarkable about this headphone is its Acoustic Refinement Technology used in sending audio to the ears, ensuring that you enjoy an ‘inside room’ audio experience. If you are particular about open-back headphones, you will understand what it means to feel the inside room experience when listening to your favorite song.
Using this headphone from Sennheiser feels like witnessing a live stage concert or listening to natural sounds. A notable feature of this headphone is that it allows other devices, meaning you can connect with your phones, audio players, and laptops. Finally, it comes with soft ear pads that guarantee the ear will enjoy optimal comfort during use.
Specifications
- Brand – Sennheiser
- Item Weight – 1.5 Pounds
- Color – Black
Key Features
- Around ear, open-back
- 3m detachable cable
- Two-year warranty
What We Like
- These headphones from Sennheiser sound so good.
- It is more potent in terms of bass.
- Its design supports comfort.
What We Don’t Like
- It has poor frequency audio.
- It also gets broken easily.
4. Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 Headphones
The interesting thing about the Philips Audio SHP9500 headphone is it looks bulky. It is an extremely lightweight headphone that comes with a double-layered headband used in offering comfort when worn.
This headband is a breathable one, allowing users to use this headphone for long sessions. Talking about specifications, this headphone boasts 50mm outstanding drivers that use a neodymium driver to produce pristine high frequencies, tight mid, and crisp bass sounds.
Encouraging audible dynamics is another important role its neodymium driver plays for your listening pleasure. However, its drivers are engineered to channel audio sounds directly to the ears.
Even if your ears are not properly positioned, trust this headphone to fit your natural ear geometry, and the compatibility of this headphone is topnotch. You can use this headphone with an audio player, a smartphone, or a laptop. It boasts a universal design that enables it to work with several other devices.
Specifications
- Brand – Philips
- Item Weight – 10.6 Ounces
- Color – Black
Key Features
- 50mm drivers
- Gold-plated connector
- Double layered headband
What We Like
- This headphone boasts an excellent quality build.
- It sounds cool
- It also has an affordable price tag on it.
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t come with replaceable ear pads.
- Its treble response is uneven.
5. Knox Gear TX-200 Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones
The KNOX GEAR TX200 open-back headphone is the last product to find its way to this detailed guide, and first off, its excellent heat reduction design makes it unique. Being breathable enables users to use this headphone for hours. This is a maximum dynamic range engineered headphone, capable of delivering superior sound quality than other open-back headphones.
The combination of its speaker drivers and neodymium magnets produces clear treble, deep bass, and fascinating high tones. Versatility is the significant reason this headphone found its way to this guide, as it can be used not just for listening to music alone but for gaming, music production, and recording.
Its ear pads are extremely comfortable, providing the ear with unmatched comfort. It also comes with an elastic headband design that will fit the user’s head’s exact shape. Taking note of all its exciting features, you will agree to the fact that the KNOX GEAR TX200 open-back headphones will offer users an amazing listening experience.
Specifications
- Brand – KNOX GEAR
- Item Weight – 16 Ounces
- Color – Black
Key Features
- Neodymium drivers
- Wired connection
- 10-foot cord
What We Like
- This is the best budget open-back headphone
- It sounds great
- It offers a comfort level
- It is a lightweight headphone
What We Don’t Like
- Its ten-foot cord tangles
Buying Guide
For the best and immersive listening experience, the open-back headphone is best suited for that, thanks to its unique design and outstanding features.
Open-back headphones can offer spacious and rich sounds thanks to their ability to isolate their sounds from surrounding noise.
Even when using this headphone type outdoors, it feels just like you are using it from your room’s comfort as it doesn’t permit interference.
The complaints you might get about some brands are open-back headphones that might leak sounds, and people around you might get distracted, despite listening to your song at a low volume level. Reducing background noise might also be a struggle for some open-back headphones today.
Factors To Consider For An Open-Back Headphone
Making up one’s mind about open-back headphones can be challenging if you do not have the right kind of information or shopping experience.
You can get easily confused if you do not have the correct specification you want in your mind already. Still, specifications are not the only factors that a person should consider when shopping for an open-back headphone.
Opting for an open-back headphone that doesn’t offer comfort is a no-no, and durability is another vital factor you should not overlook. Whatever headphones you settle for should be able to last for a long duration to avoid rushing back to the market to shop for the same product in less than three months.
Budget
You might be thinking about why some headphones are expensive than others, but it will be interesting to know that the amount slapped on a product doesn’t mean it is a high-quality product. Hyping expensive headphones is just an everyday strategy that gets people to fall when shopping for an item.
It would help if you had a budget range, combine with some specifications you have in mind, and you will end up leaving the market with a tangible item.
Comfort
This talks about the structural design of an open-back headphone, and it tends to affect the balance between fidelity and ease of use. In terms of comfort, most people opt for over-the-ear headphones, because it doesn’t sit directly on the ear. The over-the-ear headphones add little pressure to the ears than other headphone types, so opting for a headphone that will offer you comfort is a must.
Durability
A headphone’s durability is of high importance, but a headphone’s durability is based on the material used in making it. If cheap leathers are used in making ear pads, users will sweat excessively around the ear region, so an ear pad that offers a cushion is a preferred option.
Semi Open-Back Headphones
A semi-open-back headphone boasts the combination of a closed-back and open-back headphone design. However, the semi-open-back headphone resembles a closed-back headphone, but the significant difference is in the not completely sealed speakers.
Not sealing the speaker has a huge advantage, allowing the flow of air into the headphone chamber. In terms of sound quality, this headphone type resembles an open-back headphone, as it repels noise leakage and outside noise.
For people looking to get the best out of both headphone types, the semi-open-back headphone will come in handy for them.
Related Posts
- Best Audio Interface For Mixing And Mastering
- Best Studio Monitor For EDM
- Best Tube Amps For Home Stereo
- Best Blues Amp For Home Use
- Best Cheap Microphone For Rapping
