Top 10 Best Closed Back Headphones in 2018 - Complete Guide
Top notch closed back headphones don’t have to be pricey. While there are audiophiles and professionals who choose to invest hundreds of dollars on a pair of headphones, one can still easily find a more than decent sounding pair at a fraction of the price.
However, when shopping for headphones, one should look beyond its price tag. Because music is meant to be listened to the best way possible, a good pair of headphones is essential. Not because it’s expensive it is automatically a good one and not because it’s affordable, it is a mediocre pair.
What Makes Closed Back Headphones one of the Best Headphone Choices
Simply explained, the ear cups of closed headphones are enclosed with a solid cover. Music enthusiasts and professionals can agree that this type of pair generally produces a more solid sound that feels like it goes straight to your head.
When it comes to sound quality, it is a matter of preference. While there are some who prefer that “sound in your head” effect they get from closed headphones, others prefer the more airy and natural sound from open headphones. What makes closed headphones a better choice though is that there are no other sounds that would interfere with what you’re listening to as the sound is completely contained in the ear cups. Controlled sound leakage is a feature that closed headphones have as well.
The Characteristics of the top Closed Back Headphones
Before proceeding to cover the top 10 best closed back headphones, let’s first take a look at the qualities and characteristics that make a pair of these cans a good one.
- Sound Quality
Just like in other kinds of headphones, first and foremost, one must have superior sound quality. It might be quite difficult to find a pair of closed headphones that can produce a more natural sound; however, if you prefer deeper bass, louder volume and the ability to hear more details, closed headphones can deliver that for you.
- Comfort
Many fans of open headphones will tell you that open ones are more comfortable because air can pass through the ear cups that allows your skin to breathe. But this doesn’t mean that closed headphones can’t be comfortable too. In fact, there are plenty who prefer closed headphones over open ones because it offers a warmer and snug fit. A good pair can have cushioned ear cups and a headband and should be adjustable to fit most head sizes.
- Durability
Durability is also a quality that closed headphones should have. Unless you plan to hold your cans like a baby in the studio all the time, then you shouldn’t have an issue with durability. However, for most headphone users it is important for a pair to be durable as these tend to drop, squished inside the bag, exposed to dirt and varying temperatures, etc.
- Additional Features
Closed headphones are generally used to listen to music; however, there are some with built-in additional features. Noise isolation is a great feature that many users look for in these cans so they can focus and listen to music without outside disturbance. There are also pairs that come with Bluetooth feature and these usually include a mic so that it may also function when making and receiving calls. Other perks such as extra cables, plugs, adapters or storage cases may also be included in some packages.
To focus a bit on noise isolation, closed headphones are preferred by many because of this feature. A pair of good closed headphones should be able to cancel noise from a loud environment which makes it not only good for those who want to keep their focus but for industrial workers as well who are usually in a noisy workplace. Since these are closed headphones, the tendency for sound leakage or when other people hear the music you listen to is non-existent. If you work in a library or you’re in an airplane, you won’t have to worry about your music being a disturbance to those around you. We have researched, analyzed and reviewed the top 10 best closed back headphones below, and have also written about high quality closed back headphones under 200 and the top 10 best open back headphones.
The Top 10 Best Closed Back Headphones in 2018 - Complete Chart
| Picture | Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Name | Price | Rating |
 |
1. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone | $$$ | 4.7 |
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2. Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Closed-back Headphones with Transport Box | $$$ | 4.7 |
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3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones | $$$ | 4.7 |
 |
4. Beyerdynamic DT-770-PRO-32 Closed Dynamic Headphone, 32 Ohms | $$$ | 4.5 |
 |
5. Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Headphones | $$$ | 4.4 |
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6. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
7. Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
8. Sennheiser HD 439 Headphones | $$ | 4.2 |
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9. TASCAM TH02-B Closed-Back Stylish Headphone | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
10. LyxPro HAS-10 Closed Back Over-Ear Professional Studio Monitor & Mixing Headphones | $$ | 4.1 |
The Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone first came into existence over a decade ago and since then it has earned praises not only from music enthusiasts but from audio engineers, professionals and serious audiophiles as well. Despite being in the market for such a long time, it still sells at over $100 but you can get lucky to find refurbished ones at about $90. Thousands of highly-rated reviews made this product a bestseller on many online and offline stores. This was truly created to satisfy anyone who’s looking for a pleasurable listening experience which essentially makes these cans worthy of the top spot of this list.
Powerful and very detailed sound is possible through the 40mm drivers and neodymium magnets that are built with the Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone. It features a 9.8-foot coiled cord with a gold-plated plug and a ¼-inch adapter is included in the package. Frequency response is at 10Hz – 20Hz. Power is handled well by the high quality drivers of these cans. Expect clear highs, extended lows and present mids that are great for monitoring and mixing music.
These closed headphones are loved by many of its users because of the comfort it offers. The adjustable headband is padded generously and the ear cups are closed and cushioned for a very snug and comfortable fit. Durability is also proven as these headphones are being used by many customers for many years already without a problem. For easy portability, this features a foldable design that’s great for the music enthusiasts who are always on the go.
It pretty much has everything one would require from a more than decent pair of headphones at a very good price. The Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone is a practical choice and meets all the criteria one would need – superior sound quality, durability and comfort!
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
If you’re willing to invest on a great pair of headphones, the Ultrasone PRO 900 S is definitely one of the best closed back headphones that you can put your money on. It originally sells at over 600 dollars but is now made available for just under 350 dollars. Now that’s still quite a lot of money if you only intend to listen to music for leisure but professionals and serious audiophiles have valid reasons why they chose to make a purchase for the Ultrasone PRO 900 S – it does its job and it does it so well you’d never want to take your headphones off.
Sound quality is topnotch with the S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Plus feature. Its frequency range holds at 6-42,000Hz and 40 ohm impedance with sound pressure level 96 dB. Its new 40mm titanium drivers also does a lot in creating such an impressive sound that’s great on the mids, highs and lows plus deep bass that gives that necessary punch while listening. The body is built with high quality materials and once you hold it in your hands, you know that it is quite a solid pair that won’t just give up on you. It features Neutrik connectors, USC cables, and ultra-low emission MU-metal shielding.
Lightweight with a foldable design, the ear cups and headband are cushioned for such a comfortable fit. There’s really nothing to complain about with the Ultra PRO 900 S. There are lower versions of this such as the PRO 550 and PRO 750 which are also great headphones but still doesn’t equate to what the PRO 900 S can offer. While these aren’t exactly the cheapest cans you can find in the market today, once you handle it and try to listen with it, you’ll know why it’s worth way beyond its price.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Closed-back Headphones with Transport Box
It’s been listed as one of the best DJ headphones and one of the best studio headphones anyone could ever own. At a price of more or less $150, considering it originally sold at over $200, with the great features and qualities it can offer, you are definitely getting a bargain out of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones.
The ATH-M50x is indeed the most in demand pair of cans among Audio-Technica’s M-series line. Music enthusiasts, professional audio engineers and producers as well as expert headphone reviewers have always given these closed headphones high ratings and they’ve done fairly so as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones is a great improvement from the previous M-50 model. Better sound quality with its proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers that are made with rare earth magnets and super durable wire voice coils made of copper-clad aluminum make this pair exceptional. The frequency range remains consistently clear and those who prefer that punch of bass will surely appreciate the deepness this model can offer.
Durability is already an established feature that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones has and it has proven that fact as it has survived use (and sometimes even abuse) of those who use this on the go. This pair is made for the studio but because it’s so good, many customers confessed that they use it for daily listening even when in transit – travelling DJ’s included. Comfort is at the A-game as well with its circumaural design that perfectly contours around most ear sizes which essentially does a great job in noise isolation. 90° swiveling ear cups allows one-ear monitoring – perfect for those who use this to DJ or record music. The ear pads and headband are made from professional-grade materials that guarantee durability as well and its detachable cable allows easy storage and portability.
Truth be told, the ATH-M50x is probably the best you can get out there for its price and if you are willing to spend a bit for your headphones but not too much, you wouldn’t be disappointed with these cans.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT-770-PRO-32 Closed Dynamic Headphones is available at 32, 80 or 250 ohms and just to be clear, for the sake of this review, we’re focusing on the model with 32 ohms. This Germany-made pair of cans has been one of the top-rated closed headphones for quite some time now because it provides more than just decent sound quality; in fact, you can expect superior sound quality that you would find only in professional headphones. The good thing about it though is that although it is priced just under 200 dollars, it is still a fraction of the price of other brands and models that are simply overrated.
The manufacturer says that the secret behind the great quality of sound of the Beyerdynamic DT-770-PRO-32 Closed Dynamic Headphone is that this pair has hand-made cutting edge drivers and a sophisticated bass reflex system that are very important factors professionals are usually looking for. It produces accurate frequencies from 5 to 35,000 Hz and allows quick and precise response which will definitely leave you impressed with the clarity and powerful sound performance it can deliver.
Durability is topnotch with the Beyerdynamic DT-770-PRO-32 Closed Dynamic Headphone. It is made with a single-sided 5.2-foot straight cable attached to the left ear cup and the headband is adjustable with soft-padding for comfort. When it comes to comfort, you’ll appreciate how this pair is made with lightweight yet super durable material and as soon as you handle it, you know it is a sturdy one. Just to do a run down on the materials used for this pair – neodymium magnets, anodized aluminum forks, soft skin ear pads, composite housings and a spring steel headband – all these make this pair of cans one that would meet the high standards of a music professional.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Beyerdynamic DT-770-PRO-32 Closed Dynamic Headphone
This is just the beginning of several Sennheiser closed headphones that we will be covering on this list. Sennheiser never fails to impress and with great audio equipment, headphones included, they are able to manufacture products made with high quality material and delivers remarkable performance without sacrificing the price. Sennheiserheadphones are usually made available at quite reasonable prices so that it can remain within reach of the general music-loving population. The Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Headphones are no exception. Priced at just under $150, it does a pretty excellent job that’s comparable to other professional headphones that would cost double or even triple that price.
These cans are tough and in fact, Sennheiser is just so confident about the headphones’ durability and toughness so they threw in a 2-year warranty with each purchase of this pair. Parts are easily replaceable so in case something gets broken, you don’t have to wait long for it to be repaired and you need not dispose of your headphones to get a new one instead. A slimline carrying case is included in the package too. These are essential if you’re the type who would rather use just one pair for many years to come – and you would most certainly prefer that because the sound quality of the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Headphones is awesome.
Accurate and reliable sound production is possible through its extended frequency response. Expect less distortion and comb filter effects due to its Duofol diaphragms and the E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) feature. Deep bass, clear lows, mids and highs – you will surely have an enjoyable time listening to music in great detail. For the more demanding listener, you’ll love how sound pressure levels are increased to up to 110dB.
Comfort isn’t taken for granted either. Lightweight build and comfortable ear pads and headband, you can enjoy hours of extended use without a problem. Noise cancellation is impressive at 32db so no matter what your purpose for a pair of headphones is, you will surely be all-praises too with the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Headphones.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Sennheiser HD 380 PRO Headphones
The second Sennheiser on this list is very deserving of a top spot as well. Slightly cheaper compared to the 380 PRO at just around $100, the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones is definitely the pair of cans that gives you a bang for the buck. No, it isn’t a very cheap pair at all and it is not all that inferior compared to its pricier brother so if you’re on a budget and you want a really good pair of professional closed headphones, this is the one for you.
First and foremost, the noise isolation feature of theSennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones is topnotch. Up to 32db of outside noise attenuation will just let you hear enough from your surroundings but once you get the music playing, you know that noise cancellation works pretty well. And it is worth to mention how these headphones are so silent from the outside. When you are listening on high levels of volume, you won’t be bothering the person sitting beside you on the train, library or the plane.
When it comes to sound quality, the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones proves that it can produce a more natural sound compared to other closed headphones. It has extended frequency levels that allow quick response and just that warm sound you’re looking for in a pair of headphones. Lightweight and designed ergonomically, comfort isn’t sacrificed either. This around the ear pair of headphones fits most ear sizes and the adjustable headband makes it ideal for all head sizes as well. Ear pads and padded headband makes it such a comfortable pair that you’ll forget you have it on even after hours of extended use.
Sound quality, comfort, durability and longevity, thanks to replaceable parts – this pair sure is a great choice of cans for the music enthusiast and the pro on the go!
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones
The third Sennheiser on our list is a pair of budget closed headphones that you can cop for as low as $25 or even less. As a #1 best-seller on with high ratings and great feedback from thousands of customers, Sennheiser sure did not sacrifice great features to make this available at such a low price. The Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones, first and foremost, stands out not only for its price but because it is super lightweight. At just 130g, it is lighter than most headphones including other Sennheisers that go above 200g. Light doesn’t make it less sturdy though. High quality materials make it look and feel like a durable pair of headphones that you can expect to last for years of regular use.
Before we proceed, it is good to mention that the HD202 and HD202 MK11 are the same pair of headphones. According to the manufacturer, only the package differs on these models so this shouldn’t create any confusion to consumers.
Sound quality – topnotch! It’s impressive how such an affordable and light pair can produce superior output that’s comparable to other models that could cost over a hundred dollars. You must remember though that you are purchasing a 20-something-dollar pair so don’t expect the sound and performance of 300-dollar cans; but you should know that it is quite impressive and far from just being regular-sounding headphones. High sound levels are possible though the powerful neodymium magnets and the lightweight diaphragms. Low bass is also achievable and frequency response is at 18Hz-18KHZ. Noise isolation is just okay – not the most impressive but it works pretty well. 32 Ohms for compatibility to most players and devices and the rugged design makes it ideal not only for studio use but for those who want to listen to music when in transit.
Since it is lightweight and it has leatherette ear pads that are removable and an adjustable headband, comfort is at its best with the Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones. When you’re on the budget, your listening pleasure need not be sacrificed. This is the pair of closed headphones that you will surely love.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones
The last Sennheiser that made our list is another budget pair that sells at only above $50. The Sennheiser HD 439 Headphones offers way beyond its price though. In fact, it sells pretty well not only to music enthusiasts but professionals too. These over-ear closed headphones are kept simple. No complications of extra features that will make you lose your focus while listening to your music but it is packed with power and sound superiority that will let you enjoy hours of pleasurable music experience.
The superior sound of the Sennheiser HD 439 Headphones comes from the powerful neodymium magnets that allow enhancing of the bass. Noise isolation is okay and as long as you have music playing, the loud environment that surrounds you would not bother you at all; however, it leaves enough room for natural sound you would usually get from open headphones so you get just the right style you would need. Customers who are already using this pair shared that noise leakage is actually pretty decent. You don’t have to worry about the person sitting next to you getting disturbed by the music you’re listening to or your boss overhearing the heavy metal tracks you are enjoying while at work.
The Sennheiser HD 439 Headphones are extremely comfortable cans. A lot of customers who already tried it out say that the ear cups are just the right size to fit most ears comfortably and since it was designed ergonomically, you won’t be suffering from a headache or painful ears after hours of listening. Durable enough to last for many years of use, you will appreciate how Sennheiser has added a global 2-year warranty on this pair.
Because of the two single-sided cables that are provided along with the package, what makes the Sennheiser HD 439 Headphones even more ideal is the ability to connect to most home audio and portable devices. Listen through your computer, home theater system or your smartphone and portable music players without any issue with this pair.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of Sennheiser HD 439 Headphones
Probably one of the most affordable yet decent pairs of cans you can find in the market today, you are definitely in for a treat with the TASCAM TH02-B Closed-Back Stylish Headphone. Bang for the buck at its best, this pair will only cost you around 30 dollars but if you look hard enough, you can even find ones that sell under 20. Yes, that’s just the amount you have to spend to get the same high quality sound you can expect from a pair of headphones that are usually around 100 dollars.
You can’t expect it to perform as well as a pair of cans that are priced hundreds of dollars but the truth be told, the TASCAM TH02-B Closed-Back Stylish Headphone is indeed a decent pair that wouldn’t disappoint. With impedance of 32 Ohms and frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz, compatibility and swift response shouldn’t be a problem at all. Because of its closed-back design, noise isolation comes in effective and will let you get that clear sound, crisp highs and deep bass that you’re looking for. It comes with a 9.8-foot cable so you can move around or conveniently listen in private when using your home theater system. Drive diameter is at 50mm, and a6.3mm adapter and a 3.55mm snap-on are included in the package too.
Durability shouldn’t be an issue as these tightly-stitched, foldable closed headphones are made for rugged use. While you can surely enjoy using it inside the studio or in your office, you won’t have problems taking it along with you should you want to listen to music during your daily commute. It is a very comfortable pair as well with padded ear cups and headband for that much-needed perfect fit. For its price, there’s really nothing to complain about as the TASCAM TH02-B Closed-Back Stylish Headphone definitely delivers and gives you way beyond the value of your money.
Latest Customer Reviews and Prices of TASCAM TH02-B Closed-Back Stylish Headphone
The LyxPro HAS-10 Closed Back Over-Ear Professional Studio Monitor & Mixing Headphones is made especially for the serious music lovers, audiophiles and professionals. Given that it produces superior sound and the build quality is top notch, one would appreciate how affordable this pair of cans sells. It originally came out with a $100+ price tag but today, you can easily find a pair that would only cost you about 50 dollars. Majority of the customers who already purchased and used the LyxPro HAS-10 Closed Back Over-Ear Professional Studio Monitor & Mixing Headphones have one similar comment – this is the best closed back headphones at this price range that they ever owned – sound quality, durability and comfort-wise.
A professional grade pair of closed back over-ear headphones that are made especially for those who intend to use it for studio monitoring and mixing, the LyxPro HAS-10 is also perfect for the music enthusiast on the go. It is built with durable and high quality materials while staying lightweight so that you can bring it everywhere and listen to your music anywhere. The ear cups are rotatable by 180 degrees which is ideal for DJ’s. Leather headband and ear pads as well as aluminum ear shells make it such a sturdy listening buddy. It comes with a screw-on jack for added durability and a single-sided straight cable duct. Most customers would share that the ear cups are simply designed which is a good thing should you want to replace the ear pads later on.
It features a very powerful NdFeB magnet system that allows this pair of headphones to give you such superior sound and dynamic response. Clear highs, mids and lows with decent bass, you can have a great listening experience and even work with the LyxPro HAS-10 Closed Back Over-Ear Professional Studio Monitor & Mixing Headphones without any problem at all.
