The best closed-back headphones block out background noise and limit audio leakage to keep your music close to your ears.
These headphones are more suitable and versatile for commuting, walking outdoors, and working with people around you. They also tend to have more bass than their open-back counterparts.
Do closed-back headphones sound better?
Closed-back headphones are less likely to leak audio, making them ideal for listening to music in public places.
It uses efficient noise-canceling technology to block out ambient noise and provide a more immersive listening experience.
Best Closed Back Headphones 2024
Our list of the best closed-back headphones below is the result of testing hundreds of headphones over the past decade.
We strive to provide options for a variety of use cases and budgets. Many of these headphones are ones we own and would recommend to our family. I hope it can suit your requirements too.
1. Focal Stelia
The Focal Stellia are the best closed-back headphones we’ve tested if you’re looking to break the bank. The high cost makes it less appealing, but if you’re looking for the best, this is it.
Thanks to its leather and aluminum design, this premium can offer a build quality unmatched by any other can on this list. Although it is heavy, it is comfortable enough for long listening sessions.
Their warm sound adds extra boom and punch to the bass. Vocals and instruments sound clear and present in the mix, and the highs don’t tire your ears.
However, recessed treble reduces vocal detail. Audio delivery also tends to be inconsistent, and you may notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. This can cause the seal on the pad on your head to break.
But even though the soundstage feels somewhat natural, it’s still narrow, closed, and not very immersive. But that’s to be expected from closed-back headphones.
If you want a better soundstage experience, try the Sennheiser HD 820. They’re cheaper (but still high-end) and can deliver a wider, more vivid audio experience. Unfortunately, their sound profile is a bit boxier and the vocals and instruments are harsher.
2. Sony MDR-Z1R
Sony brings its second pair of headphones to the list with the amazing MDR-1ZR. I really like this product that I currently own. The Z1R is considered by many to be the best headphone. It isn’t easy to agree.
Sony has been dabbling in sets for a while but shifted its focus to the high-resolution audio market a few years ago.
The result is a strong lineup of headphones and IEMs that compete fiercely with popular audiophile brands like Audeze and Hifiman.
The build quality is as good as any other high-end headphones. The materials chosen are a mix of carbon fiber, metal, and premium leather. The feeling is that it’s worth the money, well made, solid, and durable.
They look great on the hands and head and are incredibly comfortable.
All that matters is the sound, but from the first time I heard them, I knew they were the right headphones for me.
Rich detail, excellent tonal balance, and deep, impactful bass. The midrange is smooth and inviting, giving male vocals weight and depth while letting female vocals shine. They have a large soundstage and the images are unreal.
So what are the downsides? Well, you might think I would say price, but you would be wrong. For the RRP, I think it offers good value for money considering the end-game sound and top-end build quality.
No, the downside here is that it shines best in very good sources. These are brute, exposed headphones that deserve to be driven properly.
Check out our list of the best DAC and amplifier devices this year and make sure you’re getting the most out of them.
3. APPLE AIRPODS MAX – Best headphones for Apple U
We wanted to include Airpods Max because they are the world’s best closed-back headphones for iPhone users.
It’s true that I prefer Sony’s style and features, but Airpods Max sit within the Apple ecosystem, so they work seamlessly with all Apple devices.
It’s a real pleasure to use, especially when switching between iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. It just connects automatically and continues your experience seamlessly.
I thought this was one of the most free and easy-to-enjoy audio experiences I’ve had on the go.
There are multiple color options and the design is Apple-specific, so you’ll never be confused about which headphones you’re using.
The design has its drawbacks. They’re not collapsible, and the carrying case doesn’t provide much protection for the headphones when not in use.
When it comes to sound, Apple has nailed it, delivering a spacious, airy sound with great mids and a slightly warm tone that suits most modern music genres.
4. Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noir Headphones
AEON 2 Noire is the latest version of Dan Clark’s award-winning AEON 2 closed-back headphones. Featuring a bold metallic black paint, AEON 2 Noire boasts perforated ear pads that deliver an entirely new sound.
In fact, the AEON 2 Noire’s tuning matches the “Harman Curve” almost exactly, gently boosting the bass and treble compared to the AEON 2 Closed.
The result is a “lighter” sounding midrange and a soundstage that moves the stage slightly further away from the listener, giving it a wider and deeper soundstage.
Experience the dynamics, detail, and smooth sound of ÆON 2, featuring a vibrant new sound with a striking black finish, an expanded soundstage, and a lighter midrange tone compared to its ÆON 2 Closed sibling.
Most lightweight headphones are primarily made of plastic, but we wanted to find a stronger, more durable alternative.
That’s why we built the ÆON 2’s headband and baffle entirely out of carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium.
Weighing in at just 328g, the ÆON 2 is one of the most comfortable headphones on the market, yet built to stand the test of time.
All Dan Clark Audio planar magnetic headphones are powered by 100% proprietary drivers. Here, there are no off-the-shelf parts stuck in the new enclosure.
Our drivers are designed in-house! Features include: Highly efficient transducer reduces weight by reducing magnet size.
Patented Trueflow technology improves airflow through the motor, creating a major upgrade in detailed retrieval (AEON 2 boasts the advanced second-generation Trueflow design).
Patented V-Planar driver treatment: Textured driver surface for superior low-frequency performance and improved diaphragm stability.
5. Sennheiser HD820
There was no doubt about the new audiophile standard for closed-back headphones for audiophiles. For over-the-ear headphones, an open-back design was necessary to achieve the best sound.
This principle has now been made obsolete by the youngest member of the Sennheiser Audiophile family. Closed Dynamic HD 820 uses innovative technology to create breathtakingly transparent and natural sound.
Developed and manufactured in Germany, it delivers an incredibly realistic, natural sound field and stands out for its special attention to every detail of its design.
The soft, comfortable microfiber ear pads are handcrafted to provide excellent attenuation of ambient noise, while the sturdy metal headband includes internal damping elements. Get ready for an unparalleled listening experience.
Audiophiles love the Sennheiser HD820, and for good reason. The headphones in my collection (recently replaced by the Z1R below) sit right next to the open-back HD800s.
This offers something very different in the way sound is presented. I’ve never heard closed-back headphones sound this detailed and spacious. It’s as close to open sound as you can get in this form factor.
The design is amazing, the futuristic look and excellent build quality make it one of my favorite headphones. There’s even a small viewing window that allows the driver to see the dynamic beast lurking inside.
Sound is expressed in great detail with clarity and transparency through frequencies. Perhaps most impressive is the meaty bass response, which the HD800 lacks.
These headphones can hit hard when called upon, providing texture and depth along with an all-out slam and rumble. However, to get the most out of it, we recommend pairing it with a high-resolution DAP.
Of course, even though these headphones are almost perfect, they do have their downsides. It’s incredibly expensive, so you’ll need deep pockets to get on board. If you can afford it, it’s very hard to object.
6. Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO is significantly cheaper than our pick and offers better value if you want a more neutral sound from your cans.
It delivers a balanced sound with an exceptionally flat midrange, making vocals and instruments sound clear and accurate. Although the bass is a little lacking, the rest of the bass range is fairly neutral, producing adequate punch and boom.
The treble response is deemphasized, compromising vocal and instrumental detail. Their soundstage also feels closed and unnatural, which is often a drawback of closed speakers.
These premium headphones have excellent build quality and come with a bulky but durable carrying case that helps protect them when not in use.
Unlike its cheaper sibling, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, it has a detachable audio cable, making it easy to replace if damaged.
The luxurious earcup padding makes them extremely comfortable, making them a solid choice for long listening sessions.
It can also passively block out a fair amount of ambient chatter and doesn’t leak much audio at high volumes.
7. FOCAL BATHYS – The best closed-back headphones with ANC
I think Focal is a failure when it comes to headphones. Perhaps they have overhyped their product line over the past few years.
But if you hit one, you hit one too, which is why they rank so high on our list of the best wireless headphones of 2024.
I have the new Focal Utopia as my top audiophile headphones. The new Bathys are some of the best-sounding wireless headphones on the market, so we’ve listed just a few of them below.
That says a lot: Bluetooth, ANC, really nice aesthetics, and ultimate comfort. Focal hit this out of the park.
Looking at the photo above, I think you’ll agree that these are great headphones. Nothing on the market is like it.
The sophisticated design, beautiful materials, and subtle nuances here and there capture the eye. If you wear these products in public, be prepared to be asked questions about them.
In terms of sound, it’s incredibly sophisticated and full of fine detail, but at the same time offers a huge soundstage and authoritative low-end.
If sound is your priority, there are better headphones, but they are wired and require a dedicated amplifier.
If you want closed-back headphones that block noise, sound good, and provide deep bass, these are the ones for you.
8. Audeze LCD-XC headphones
Audeze LCD-XC headphones share the same drivers as the LCD-X, providing the same level of detail and transparency that are essential to every music producer’s toolkit.
Where the LCD-XC stands out is its closed design that adds a high level of isolation to the award-winning LCD-X formula.
The LCD-XC is ideal for those looking for a high-end mixing headphone with minimal sound leakage.
Our beautiful ear cups are handcrafted to the highest aesthetic standards, ensuring that the Audeze LCD-XC headphones will become a jewel in any headphone lover’s collection.
The Standard and Creator Package versions include the same headphones, the only difference being that they include a travel case. (Creator Package is available in leather material only.)
9. Audiz LCD-XC
AUDEZE LCD-XC is one of the world’s leading headphone brands. These are really great-sounding headphones. They’ve improved over the years and are now a really great pair of headphones at a great price.
The new LCD-X open flats sit on non-ventilated earcups (with a little magic sauce) to deliver the best sound quality you’ll find in closed-back headphones.
High-quality leather and polished wood are eye-catching, making these headphones a true music lover’s experience.
We found they needed a good amplifier to make them run live, and the price is right there compared to the most expensive headphones in the world, but if you’re willing to pay around $2000 for a set of closed-back headphones, we can think about it.
It’s one of the much worse ways to use that cash. Additionally, the Audeze LCD-X ranks highest in our list of the best Planar headphones.
10. Focal Batis Wireless
If you prefer wireless headphones, consider the Focal Bathys Wireless.
These premium over-ears deliver an audiophile experience on the go thanks to convenient features like active noise cancellation (ANC), multi-device pairing, and a built-in microphone.
It’s Bluetooth compatible and supports aptX Adaptive, a codec designed to stream high-quality, low-latency audio.
The fairly neutral default sound profile offers satisfying thuds, rumbles, and booms compared to the more neutral bass response of the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO.
However, vocals and instrumental sounds are somewhat obscured. You can fine-tune your sound using the companion app’s graphic EQ and presets.
This comfortable can comes with a sturdy carrying case to protect it from damage. It blocks out background noise, such as the hum of a bus engine or surrounding chatter, very effectively.
With ANC turned on, it lasts for over 29 hours straight, so you can get through a long day without a problem. In other words, passive soundstages don’t feel natural or immersive.
11. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose has finally realized that it’s been relying on the success of the previous generation of headphones for too long, and thankfully they’ve pulled out the proverbial stick and given us the update we’ve been waiting for.
It’s the unoriginal, wildly successful QC35 and everything the disappointing QC45 should have been.
Bose fans can rejoice that they finally have Sony’s level of ANC performance and an attractive, natural Bose presentation that was lacking in previous generations.
These are fantastic headphones with improved quality and comfort, and very competitively priced when purchased from online retailers.
12. DROP + MRSPEAKERS ETHER CX Closed Headphones
The highly anticipated Ether CX closed-back headphones are a collaboration with boutique store MrSpeakers in San Diego, California.
First of all, these headphones sound like a clean, open, realistic, and comfortable pair of open-back headphones while maintaining the low sound leakage and high isolation you’d expect from a closed can.
The exterior is a departure from the Italian supercar lineup, with the sleek lines of the original Ether C and sizable high-gloss carbon fiber cups.
NiTinol memory metal headbands have fewer moving parts, making them lighter and more durable.
The new and improved ear pads combine memory foam, Japanese protein leather, more consistent stitching, and a flat design.
Featuring the same V-Planar drivers used in the Ether C, the CX has been retuned for improved tonal balance, smoother low-to-mid transition, and lower 5-6 kHz peaks in the upper mids.
13. Sony WH1000-XM4 – Best mid-priced ANC headphones
Are you covered if you want great noise cancellation but don’t want to spend too much on the XM5 Sony? When the new model was released, instead of discontinuing the XM4, the price was lowered.
When the XM4 was overtaken as the flagship ANC headphone, it was still head and shoulders above the rest, and only recently has Bose surpassed
it. So there’s great value here, as these are still the best-performing headphones in 2024.
One of the biggest advantages of closed-back headphones is that they block out unwanted noise. Well, what if you want to take it to the next level?
Noise-canceling headphones are the obvious answer. If that’s the route you want to take, Sony’s excellent WH-1000XM4 may be right for you.
The much-loved XM4 is far from a one-trick pony, as it sounds fantastic with detailed sound and powerfully controlled bass.
They certainly don’t lack on the technical front, and they have some of the most advanced additional software features of any headphone.
Within the Sony app for Android and IOS, you can customize a variety of features including ambient sound intensity, spatial sound settings, ANC intensity, and more.
Of course, these wireless headphones have excellent battery life. Includes fast charging function so you can keep listening.
It was easy to include the WH1000-XM4 on this list because it’s comfortable, durable, and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are closed dynamic headphones?
Unlike open-back headphones, which aim to create a natural listening experience by completely blocking out noise inside and outside the headphones, closed-back headphones keep the music close to your ears by blocking background noise and limiting audio leakage.
What are the disadvantages of closed-back headphones?
Closed-back headphones offer excellent noise isolation and are perceived as more robust, but they also have their own drawbacks.
These include potential comfort issues, sonic balance, and limitations in listening environment flexibility.
Are your closed-back headphones leaking sound?
The closed cans seal around the ears, reducing sound leakage into and out of the headphones.
If you plan on using your headphones while commuting, at the gym, or at work, this is a more thoughtful option than open-backed ones. Closed-back headphones are generally more durable.
What are the advantages of closed-back headphones?
If you plan on taking planes, subways, or cars every day, you’ll need closed-back headphones for travel.
Additionally, if you’re recording music in a studio, closed-back headphones will allow you to hear yourself while recording without the risk of unwanted noise picking up the microphone.
Do closed headphones get hot?
Closed headphones can get especially hot, and many people need to take a break every few hours. If you can identify this issue, you might want to check out open-back headphones as a possible solution.
Also read: 10 Best Earbuds for Calls in Noisy Environment for 2024