There are all kinds of headphones saturating the market now. Thus, it is quite tricky to decide the one pair that suits you best. Among these are the Closed Back Headphones.
You can use them anywhere, whether in public, at the office, or home. They also come at different prices depending on their features. Also, their design allows you to stay comfortable for a long time.
This article will review for you the best Closed Back Headphones Under 200.
Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 200
IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATINGS | CHECK PRICE |
  | |||
  | |||
  | |||
  | |||
  | |||
  |
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M60x – Best Sound Quality
The Audio-Technica ATH M60x feature excellent sound isolation. With plush padding, they do well in reducing the ear pressure. Even so, their comfort isn’t the only feature that adds to its excellence.
Are you looking for something to assist you with production and mixing? Or just good headphones to help cut out the buzz as you head to work? Well, the ATH-M60x offers just that. Besides, these headphones are foldable to enable you to pack them in your backpack.
These headphones have an excellent soundstage with a superior definition at high frequencies. You will enjoy losing yourself to classical music in them. Besides, their vocal clarity is nothing less other than impressive. Also, they have loud and detailed mids. So, sometimes the sound tends to escape the headphones’ confines.
Another thing, their base definition is also suitable for their price. They don’t over-emphasize the low-frequencies but enhance their clarity. In other words, they keep the frequencies accurate and neutral. This feature is most appealing to perfectionists who pay attention to different genres.
About their design, these closed-back headphones are quite stylish, unlike other shabby counterparts. They also allow one-ear monitoring, and for that reason, they are highly versatile. The balance between the comfort and audio quality of these headphones is on point. For most people, that’s all that matters.
What We Liked
- Comfortable
- Enhanced vocals
- Clear definition of high frequencies
- Robust harmonic tone
- Customizable
What We Didn’t Like
- The cable is not removable.
2. V-Moda Crossfade M-100 – Best Design
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 may not be the cheapest closed-back headphones, but they’re quite impressive. What surprises me is the quality of the overall sound that these headphones can produce.
Firstly, they feature 50mm drivers. Thus, they do great in separating the bass from the higher frequencies. As a result, the responsiveness becomes very good from the low end. The highs and mids as well are crisp and clear hence enhancing the vocals.
Secondly, their noise cancellation is as perfect as it gets. You can easily tune out the noise outside at just moderate levels. Their higher levels are perfect for plane use, thus making them ideal for people who fly frequently.
Thirdly, these headphones boast of top-notch build quality. Expect to use them for a long time as they can stand long-term abuse. It might take you some time to adapt to their hexagonal ear cups, but the thick padding is alright. The headphones’ appearance is also stylish, considering the played out round design.
I can only see them as military-grade closed-back headphones. In terms of sound quality, they are not the best there is. However, their reliability and quality are not things to quickly come by in the market.
What We Liked
- Kevlar-reinforced frame
- Dynamic sound
- Comfortable
- Sleek design
- Detachable cable
What We Didn’t Like
- Slightly pricier
- Not ideal for studio mixing
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro – Best Durability
The DT 770 Pro closed-back headphones are available in three different impedances. They include 32, 80, and 250 ohms. If it were up to me, I would advise you to go with the 80-ohm model. The reason being, you don’t need an external DAC/Amp to power it.
The 250-ohm variant, however, remains one of the best closed-back headphones. It’s the one I would recommend to those who already have a DAC/Amp. With the 250-ohm being best at pronouncing the highs, the 80 does better with the bass/low end. The 32-ohm is ideal for people that primarily intend to use it with their smartphones.
In all honesty, these headphones project sound with the right balance. Nonetheless, some nuances are hard to ignore. The bass has a lovely definition. The high frequencies as well are crisp and vibrant, with excellent detailing of the midrange frequencies. But the overall tone does not rely on the low rates.
With all these features, you can tell that the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is worth the money. Further, these headphones have remarkable noise cancellation in all directions. Their soundstage has rather proper fine-tuning for professional studio work. Courtesy of the level of depth, you can easily nitpick recordings of any genre.
You also can’t fail to notice the headphones’ level of comfort. On both cups, they feature thick padding with a silky material cover. Even after hours of using the DT 77O Pro, you won’t experience any ear pressure.
What We Liked
- Spacious soundstage
- Balanced acoustics
- Thick padding
- Long studio cable
- Sturdy frame
What We Didn’t Like
- Not ideal for small audio devices
- The cable is not removable
4. Shure SRH440 – Best treble definition
Next, is this set of closed-back headphones; the Shure SRH440. Remarkably, these headphones boast of good noise cancellation. Shure’s experience in audio equipment guarantees their excellent build reliability. And, the SRH440 headphones are no different.
Are these fabulous headphones to wear while chilling at the beach or heading to school? Well, not exactly. However, for studio mixing, use at the office, and relaxing at home, they’re the real deal.
Regarding their comfort level, I would describe it as above average. The headphones feature fairly thick and plush padding on the ear cups. Even so, their frame is somewhat rigid, meaning it can stand long-term abuse.
Further, about their sound, the high and mid frequencies take center stage. Listening to the level of detail is nothing short of satisfying. On the low end, the definition isn’t that bad. Nonetheless, the bass has minimum emphasis hence rather flat. For this reason, it works best for people looking for enhanced vocals and treble detail.
Their sound isolation is remarkable in both directions. They are very instrumental in canceling out the noise in loud environments. In quiet surroundings, only a minimum amount of sound leaks between medium and high-volume levels.
What We Liked
- Affordable
- Highly durable frame
- Great treble definition
- Good passive sound isolation
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the most comfortable
- The sound is more neutral than rich
5. Sony MDR7506 – Best comfort
Are you looking forward to lots of recording and mixing studio projects in the future? If yes, what you need is a pair or heavy-duty closed-back headphones. From Sony, the MDR7506 might be the ideal pick for you. Besides, they have an excellent value for your bucks.
About their comfort, these headphones feature a plastic frame. So, you shouldn’t have an issue working with them for long hours. Surprisingly, they don’t come with much of high-end padding to mention.
Most ordinary headphones over-emphasize low-frequencies making their sound very unpleasant. But, that’s not the case with the MDR7506. These Sony headphones do it right by enhancing their definition in the high and mid-range frequencies. In the end, they deliver the optimal balance of sound. They offer a natural and rich tone even though the low-frequencies feel a bit flat.
In comparison to competitive studio headphones, they boast of an excellent track record. Further, the MDR7506 are more versatile as they do well within a wide range of music genres. Within this price range, the MDR7506 is pretty much among the best.
What We Liked
- Spacious soundstage
- Ideal for professional studio mixing
- Lightweight
- An excellent definition of high and mid frequencies
What We Didn’t Like
- Not good outside studio work
- Not ideal for bass heads
6. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (New Model) – Best Mid-frequency definition
When it comes to fancy modern features, there isn’t much to boast from the HD 280 Pro. Nevertheless, they have significant improvements in the audio field that you can hardly miss.
On top of that, they have a medium impedance. Moreover, HD 280 extend their utility far beyond the expectations of studio headphones. In all honesty, they balance the sound as best as it can be.
Their bass is precise and less aggressive at the same time, thus blending well in the mix. The mids, on the other hand, are the bread and butter of these Sennheiser headphones.
You will enjoy the great detail in their definition. More importantly, the soundstage is wide and natural. Equally important, these headphones present good separation between the right and left speakers. The HD 280 Pro noise isolation property is pretty good as well, given the conservative nature they bear.
They also come with a lovely headband design. The new headband adds to the comfort of the headphones by eliminating pressure on the head. The padding feels and looks like that of the previous version. However, the ear cups are quite more significant, thus making the headphones fit lots of users.
What We Liked
- Detailed midrange
- Wide soundstage
- Comfortable
- Budget-friendly
- Foldable design
What We Didn’t Like
- Not as stylish as other headphones
- Average durability
7. Status Audio CB-1 – Best versatility
The Status Audio CB-1 are professional closed-back headphones with 50mm drivers. By this, they can produce a better neutral sound signature than the competition. Moreover, these headphones are practical is canceling outside noise. Hence, allowing you to enjoy keeping it to yourself.
What’s more, their sound blends in smoothly with the mix. Through this, they add a more live quality touch to whichever song you are playing. This feature even allows you to squeeze more out of the Status Audio CB-1 and use them for studio recording.
Another key feature is their large ear pads. Thus, you can use the CB-1 for long hours without any discomfort issues. Their build quality is nothing less impressive. Then again, these headphones include detachable cables with a twist-lock function.
Do you take headphones with you on the road? If yes, their foldable design must be appealing to you. The reason being, it offers protection and reduces the headphones’ footprint to boot.
Lastly, the CB-1 comes with a frequency response range of between 15Hz and 30kHz. Therefore, it offers excellent additional bass definition without compromising high and mid registers.
What We Liked
- Lightweight
- Detachable cables
- Wide frequency response range
- Good tonal clarity
- Foldable build
- Thick ergonomic ear pads
What We Didn’t Like
- Poor build quality
8. Edifier H840 – Best budget
Do you want headphones from the big leagues with the excellent sound quality? If yes, consider the Edifier H840. To be honest, these headphones perform much better beyond their price point.
Comfort is not an issue to the H840. They are over-ear headphones weighing just 7 oz, which is almost as nothing. Also, this feature ensures a drastic reduction of the clamping force. By this, they are an ideal pick for extended listening and travel sessions. The padding on the earcups and the headband as well is minimal. Nevertheless, the ear cups are large to balance things out.
These closed-back headphones have an impedance of 32 ohms. Thus, they are not exactly ideal for playing loud on your computer, smartphone, or console. In such a case, you need to get yourself an outboard amplifier. Moreover, they come with 40mm drivers that are powerful enough for unalike settings and styles.
Another thing, they feature a response range ranging between 20Hz and 20kHz, the range of human hearing. Their sound to mention is surprisingly dynamic. Their midrange frequencies do not surpass the low-ends and the bass or vice versa. By this, you can listen to the nuances of compound music genres.
What We Liked
- Dynamic sound
- Ultralight
- Compact design
What We Didn’t Like
- Minimal comfort features
- Low impedance
Buying Guide for Closed-Back Headphones
With any big purchase, you have to think thoroughly before calling the final shot. It’s always significant to consider all the factors revolving around the product you want to acquire. The same applies to closed-back headphones since there are numerous options in the market. Below are some of the critical factors you ought to consider before your purchase.
1. Noise Canceling or Not?
For both closed-back and open-back headphones alike, always check the noise-canceling property. There are two methods of noise canceling. They include active noise canceling and sound isolation. As such, most high-end closed-back headphones integrate the active noise canceling feature. It involves a built-in circuit in the ear cups that cuts out the noise.
2. Material
Top-quality headphones always feature a comfortable material encasing the entire headpiece. Most budget-friendly choices, on the other hand, feature hard plastic fitting on top of the head. Despite how hard this appears, to most people, it’s not a deal-breaker. The earpiece, nonetheless, should be soft and form-fitting. It shouldn’t generate sweat or trap heat.
3. Accessories
We have different headphones that come with additional helpful pieces. Take, for example, extra cables, replaceable ear pads, and cases, among other accessories. If you need anything extra, it’s good to look for them.
4. Frequency response
If you are a music producer in search of a studio monitors alternative, consider this factor. It is a measure of how precisely your headphones can reproduce sound across different frequencies (20Hz- 20khz). Most headphones taper off the high-end while boosting the low-end. By this, they make up for the closeness of the speakers to your ears. As a result, they generate an excellent listening experience. It’s almost impossible to create a perfectly flat curve. So, be aware of how your headphones respond to different frequencies for the ideal mixing of music.
5. Headphone impedance
Most headphones feature a low impedance value; for example, 32 ohms. Thus, they don’t need much power to amplify sounds to be entirely loud when using computers and smartphones. Some models come with hundreds of ohms. Hence, they require a powered amplifier or a professional-grade audio interface to deliver the same levels. Because of this reason, it’s hard to use such headphones outside your studio or home.
6. Comfort and cost
These factors can vary between different people but are among the most vital to consider. Of course, you need headphones that can sit on your head for hours with discomfort. Therefore, comfort can make or break your headphones. If you can, read on reviews about what others have experienced already.
Cost, on the other hand, is always a significant consideration when buying headphones. Look for what is in your budget. In other words, check for headphones within your budget that have the most features you expect. If you are a professional producer, it’s worth to invest in proven higher quality closed-back headphones.
7. Driver type
Headphones are speakers, and like other speakers, they too have drivers. The driver is ly what vibrates the air to create sound. With that in mind, there are a few main categories of drivers.
Firstly, there is the Dynamic driver. You can easily find this in most consumer-level headphones. These drivers are the most inexpensive to produce. Nevertheless, just because they are cheap doesn’t mean they produce lousy sound. They do great in creating reliable bass response using little power. The problem is, they tend to distort easily at high volumes.
Secondly, we have planar magnetic drivers. These drivers are significant hence standard in high-end over-ear headphones. Remarkably, they can produce much better sound. They hardly distort, unlike dynamic drivers, and have an excellent bass response. However, they use more power than Dynamic drivers; hence need a headphone amp.
Thirdly, there are the electrostatic drivers. They vary from the rest and can create massive sound without distortion and a naturally wide soundstage. Also, they feature a very natural frequency response. Their shortcomings include: they are expensive to produce. Besides, they are large hence suitable for over-ear headphones, and they need a headphone amp.
The balanced-armature drivers are the fourth type. They are only familiar with in-ear headphones.
FAQ’s
What are Closed-Back Headphones?
There are two categories of headphones. They include closed-back and open-back. The best way to identify closed-back headphones is just by checking the ear cups. If they close from the outside, you have got it. Their design enables them to maximize as much sound isolation as possible.
What’s the Main Difference Between Closed-Back and Open Back Headphones?
Closed-back headphones feature over the ear cushions with closing outer ear cups. By this, they keep any sound from leaking out. These headphones are suitable for isolating sound. Moreover, their design enhances the clarity of sound by eliminating the interference factor.
Open-back headphones feature open outer ear cups with on-ear cushions. Such a design allows the user to connect to their surrounding while listening to music.
How do I Choose the Best Closed-Back Headphones?
We all need headphones for different reasons. Some need them for mixing and editing. Others need headphones for casual listening to music. Choose a closed-back headphone basing on your needs and budget.
What are the Benefits of Closed-Back Headphones?
They prevent sound leaks by providing noise cancellation from the surrounding. They are ideal for editing details and careful monitoring. However, their main benefit is noise cancellation, which includes lots of practical applications.
Does a higher price tag of the headphones guarantee better sound?
Not necessarily. There are expensive headphones that perform below expectations. On the other hand, we see inexpensive headphones that do exceptionally better or equal to costly counterparts.
Conclusion
Closed-back headphones are very versatile. Not only can you use them in the studio, but also at home or in the office. For that reason, they run the market. Meeting all your requirements is not easy. So, you should figure out what exactly you need before making your choice.
Our review of the best closed-back headphones includes top picks from different budget levels under $200. Come up with a list of the headphone features you desire. Then let us assist you in making the final call.
Our top pick is the Audio-Technica ATH M60x. They use aperture drivers for exceptional clarity. Then again, they enhance accurate bass response and extend the frequency range. These headphones are also very comfortable with excellent sound isolation.
