Are you looking for completely closed back headphones?
Although these headphones produce sound that isn’t necessarily considered natural, they do create a studio-like sound experience that so many music lovers prefer.
But finding the best set of headphones to meet your needs is never the simplest task to accomplish.
Like most people, you’ve undoubtedly searched the Internet high and low using your favorite search engines, social media webpages, and blog posts.
Up until now you’ve failed in your quest to find the best closed back headphones.
But I am here to change your fortunes for the better because I’m reviewing eight awesome headphones of this type below, so stick around to discover my top recommendations.
Quick List: Top 8 Closed Back Headphones
- Shure SRH1540 Closed Back Headphones – Best Under $500
- SoundMAGIC HP1000 Headphones – Best Under $300
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones – Best Under $200
- Sennheiser HD280PRR Headphone – Best Under $100
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones – Best for Classical Music
- KRK KNS 8400 Headphones
- AKG Pro K72 Studio Headphones
- Status CB-1 Studio Headphones
Researching Closed Back Headphones
Discovering the perfect pair of closed back headphones won’t come easy unless you’re dedicated and willing to put in time and effort to research the best available choices.
We have a couple of other articles you may be interested in checking out on headphones for working out and also awesome headphones for sleeping.
Or at least that’s my job as of right now. You just have to listen to what I tell you because I handled the research phase for all of my readers so they can see what I come up with and move forward from there.
As an example, one area I focused on is the closed back and circumaural design. Not only do you want to choose headphones that perfectly block out all the background noise, they need to fit comfortably right over your ears and keep them sealed off so the beautiful music doesn’t leak out and the bothersome background sounds don’t sneak in.
Cable length is also important since these headphones aren’t wireless in many cases. You’ll want headphones with at least 6 feet of cable so you can roam around without having to constantly turn back because you’ve run out of cord. A little smaller cord certainly wouldn’t hurt but in my opinion the longer the better.
I also focus on areas like universal compatibility, tough construction, high quality sound, and other features as well.
Hang around a little longer and read my reviews to find the right closed back headphones to fit your specifics and personal style. If you are a gamer perhaps you are looking for excellent closed back headphones great for gaming.
The Best Closed Back Headphones In2024
1. Shure SRH1540 Closed Back Headphones – Best Under $500
- 40 mm neodymium drivers deliver superior acoustic performance for an expansive soundstage with clear, extended highs and warm bass
The Shure SRH1540 Closed Back Headphones are excellent because they are phenomenal at isolating noise, delivering high quality stereo sound, and presenting the listener with warm sounding bass tones.
✔️ What we like: Steel driver frame eliminates resonance, padded headband
❌ What we don’t like: Headband presses too tight against your skull
Standout Features
- 40 mm neodymium driver
- Aircraft grade aluminum alloy yoke
- Carbon fiber cap
- Steel driver frame
- Closed back design
The reason why people are willing to pay so much for these headphones is they deliver clear sound, warm bass and expansive music that makes it sound like you’re standing on a soundstage in a concert all. That’s why so many people who enjoy classical music love to listen to it on these closed back headphones perfect for classical music.
It feels like you’re live and right there in the middle of a performance of Puccini’s opera during the 1800s.
Even better, these headphones were created using a steel driver frame with a vented center pole. They designed them this way to improve upon the linearity while creating a consistent performance by eliminating any and all internal resonance.
These headphones are made with oxygen free copper cable, they have dual exit cables with gold plated MMCX connectors, and everything is detachable so they’re very easy to store.
Unfortunately one reviewer didn’t like these headphones all that much because he said that they hurt his head. After keeping them on for an extended period of time, he began to feel like his head was being squeezed and it was really uncomfortable. No one else seemed to have this complaint so maybe he had a defective pair of headphones or a really large head.
All in all, the Shure SRH1540 Closed Back Headphones are impressive to say the least because they’re easy to store, they are incredibly durable, they’re lightweight, comfortable, ergonomically designed, and you can accidentally drop them or trip over them and they would still work perfectly because the material they created them with is super strong.
2. SoundMAGIC HP1000 Headphones – Best Under $300
- HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO: Excellent detail and stereo sound, HP1000 closed headphones are suitable for audiophiles to hear music at their best thanks to high-resolution audio compatibility. Perfect...
The SoundMAGIC HP1000 Headphones are a great choice under $300 because they were designed with audiophiles in mind and deliver balanced music, high-frequency responses, and the audio is so crystal-clear that it feels like you’re standing on a soundstage any time you hear music pumping through these headphones.
✔️ What we like: High-efficiency driver, gold plated plug
❌ What we don’t like: Learning curve while getting used to the sound quality
Standout Features
- 53 mm audio drivers
- High-efficiency drive unit
- Closed back design
- Noise isolation
- Aluminum reinforced headband
These headphones are exciting because they were designed for the audiophile in all of us. The audio produced by these headphones is very clear, and it sounds like you’re listening to your favorite bands in the front row of a concert hall. So if you like going to concerts and enjoy the feelings invoked by live music, you’ll love the HP1000 headphones from SoundMAGIC.
Besides their concert hall quality sound, you’ll also appreciate the balanced hi-fi audio, the efficient and highly adaptive drive unit, and the lightweight design.
Best of all, the noise isolation created by the closed back headphones means you’ll never have background noise entering into your field of awareness again because the headphones do an excellent job of blocking out the sounds of heavy traffic, loud conversations in the background, and blaring TVs and stereo systems that could otherwise interrupt your listening experience.
Although most reviewers believe these headphones are worth every penny, they find them a little disorienting at the beginning because there’s a bit of a learning curve since they sound different than typical open back headphones.
You’ll have to get used to these headphones after a while and realize that you’ll immediately feel like they aren’t great quality, but after adjusting to the way the sound is delivered you’ll feel acclimated and you’ll end up loving the quality once you’ve attuned to the new sound.
Overall, the SoundMAGIC HP1000 Headphones are worth it big time because of the gold plated plug, the closed back design, the top mechanical construction, the noise isolation cups, and the completely satisfying listening experience that they deliver due to the stadium quality sound.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones – Best Under $200
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The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones were rated the best closed back headphones under $200 because of their exceptional clarity, their comfortable design, and their wireless connectivity with 40 hours of high quality battery life.
✔️ What we like: 45 mm driver and Bluetooth connectivity
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t work with Windows 10
Standout Features
- Comfortable fit
- Connects easily to favorite devices
- Detailed sounds
- Audio depth and deep bass
- USB charging cable & pouch
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones are an ideal choice for those who love listening to headphones that deliver high-quality stereo sound, fantastic noise isolation, easy hands-free calling and volume adjustment, and a comfortable fit.
In particular, I really appreciate these headphones because they were made with high quality material for the headband and professional grade quality ear pads.
This means that not only are they incredibly comfortable to wear, but the high quality material blocks out all of the background noise so you don’t have to worry about conversations going on around you bleeding into your awareness. And this material means that these headphones are incredibly durable and built to last.
No one wants to hear anything negative about headphones that they like, but a few reviewers had some issues with these. In particular, one reviewer didn’t like them because he couldn’t connect them to his Windows PC. He had Windows 10 as his operating system and these headphones aren’t supported by Microsoft, which is really unfortunate in this case because the guy seemed to like the headphones and their quality until this point.
More than anything else, I appreciate the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones because they are wireless and have excellent Bluetooth connectivity and full range, 40 hours of continuous battery life, critically acclaimed sound, great noise isolation, and the controls are easy to get to and convenient to access.
4. Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone – Best Under $100
- High ambient noise attenuation
The Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone is a beacon of excitement and enjoyment because it creates an intimate experience with your favorite music by keeping the audio isolated, your thoughts focused on the beautiful music and the ergonomic design presents a lightweight feel and comfort to boot.
✔️ What we like: Exudes warm and natural sounds, padded ear cups
❌ What we don’t like: Headphones stopped working after one and a half years
Standout Features
- Padded headband
- Padded ear cups
- Closed back headphones
- Nearly 10 feet of coiled cord
- Designed with robust construction
Like the majority of us, you’re undoubtedly seeking superior sound when purchasing new closed back headphones. You get this in spades when you order the HD 280 Pro headphones. They deliver high-quality audio and they’re perfect for professional environments, at-home use, or use in a crowded environment.
Most important of all, the noise isolation is aggressive and you’ll appreciate how it blocks out all of the background noise no matter where you happen to be. If it’s the summertime and you go to the swimming pool or the beach and it’s really noisy in the background, you will not notice a thing because these headphones are capable of blocking out all of this disturbing background noise.
The modular design is wonderful because they’re perfect because you can fold them up and easily store them in a small bag without having to worry about them being broken. They fit comfortably, the soft ear pads are very strong, and the sound reproduction is linear, accurate, and very enjoyable to listen to.
A reviewer had an issue with these headphones though. He was upset that he paid $100 – although they are less now – and they broke after a year and a half. I’m sure I’d be upset if my headphones broke after year and a half too. Thankfully there aren’t too many other people complaining about this problem. For the most part these headphones seem to hold up unless you purchase a defective dud. It happens.
When all is said and done, the Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone is a stupendous choice because it uses extended frequency response to create natural and warm sounds, the comfortable padded ear cups feel great on your ears, and the padded headband and accordion audio cord were designed with strong material to last for many years to come.
5. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones – Best for Classical Music
- Closed over-ear headphones for professional mixing in the studio
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones are the best around for those who love listening to classical music. You’ll feel like you’re seated in a concert hall as you absorb their beautiful high-resolution sound, the professional audio experience, and the cool comfort of the soft padded earphones.
✔️ What we like: Robust workmanship and durability
❌ What we don’t like: Poor sound quality and non-existent bass
Standout Features
- Closed over ear headphones
- High quality studio audio
- Comfortable velour ear pads
- Durable and robust design
- 3 m coiled cable
These headphones deliver an astounding experience to those who enjoy listening to classical music. The beautiful thing about these closed back headphones is when you listen to the music coming out of the ear cups, and you do it while you have your eyes closed, you can literally believe that you’re sitting front row center in a concert hall.
You can feel the music intensely as it goes into your eardrums and permeates throughout your entire body so powerfully that it’s almost like having a biblical experience.
Why you may ask?
This company delivers quality audio products time and time again. The sound volume is impressive, and it feels like you’re living inside of an echo chamber when you have these earphones completely covering your ears. It also delivers excellent impulse response, amazing bass, crystal-clear treble, and much more.
On a sour note, one reviewer said that the headphones conveyed poor sound quality and he felt that the bass was practically nonexistent.
Guess what?
This reviewer received these headphones for free when he purchased an MP3 player. He most likely wasn’t expecting a different type of sound that you get from closed back earphones compared to open back and your typical earbuds. So it’s likely that the sound quality was exactly the way it was supposed to be and just not what he was expecting.
I’m happy to report that the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones are an excellent choice because they’re comfortable, connect easily to your favorite audio devices, powerfully isolate ambient noises, and distribute detailed, spacious and transparent sound quality.
6. KRK KNS 8400 Headphones
- Detachable in-line volume control
The KRK KNS 8400 Headphones are a step above the rest because of their superior volume, their detachable in-line volume control, and the acoustic memory foam technology that supplies fantastic noise isolation and incredible comfort all at the same time.
✔️ What we like: Noise isolation technology, acoustic memory foam
❌ What we don’t like: Broken volume control and popping speakers
Standout Features
- Easy to transport
- Comes with carrying pouch
- Ear cups flattened for better storage
- Detachable in-line volume control
- Lightweight and comfortable design
These headphones are perfect for the studio because they are lightweight, comfortable, and you can wear them hour after hour without feeling like they’re a major burden or seriously uncomfortable. In fact, because the ear pads are so soft and cushiony, you’ll feel like you have a comfortable cloud of cotton resting on your ears and it actually feels pretty good.
Besides comfort, the extended bass frequency is also unbelievable because it creates a gorgeous boom while also accurately and clearly delivering low-end music without overpowering the audio. So if you’re listening to a track that has a lot of bass, you’ll still be able to hear the other instruments, the singer, and the other parts of the song without having the bass overpower the entire experience.
One reviewer was unhappy because she said that after using her headset for one day, when she put them on the next day she was suddenly getting popping noises coming from the speakers and the in-line volume control no longer worked. Obviously this was very disappointing and upsetting to her and she had to immediately return them. It sounds like she purchased a faulty and broken device and the manufacturer would have no problem honoring their warranty in this situation.
All in all, I personally recommend the KRK KNS 8400 Headphones because of the acoustic memory foam covering the ear pads, the premium leather finish, the 30 dB of ambient noise isolation, the detachable volume controls, and the lightweight design.
7. AKG Pro K72 Studio Headphones
- AKG Pro Audio K72 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, High-Sensitivity, High Output 40mm drivers, Studio Professional Headphone. Also Great for Portable Devices. Precisely Balanced Response Provides...
The AKG Pro K72 Studio Headphones are the perfect choice for those looking for headphones made with lightweight construction, over ear comfort and design, closed back noise isolation capabilities, and a headband that self adjusts so that it creates the perfect fit for your head.
✔️ What we like: Precision balanced response, 40 mm drivers
❌ What we don’t like: Poor audio quality, disgraceful highs and mids
Standout Features
- Clean studio sound
- Powerful output
- Extended low-frequency definition
- Eliminates audio leakage
- Acoustic chamber between hinge and ear cup
The K72 headphones are so impressive because they distribute extended low-frequency authoritative audio that makes bass guitars boom and give drums an added kick. The audio is detailed, balanced, high-frequency, and nuanced so you really hear the acoustic instruments, the electric guitars, and the vocals. It sounds like you’re listening to music inside of a huge auditorium or a cathedral-like stadium and the acoustics sound awesome.
The closed back design is the perfect addition for anyone who likes to completely block out the world and listen to their favorite music, podcasts, or talk radio shows.
Although these headphones are really designed for music at the professional level, it’s still possible to enjoy listening to other types of audio because the noise isolation on these headphones is so insane because it literally blocks out anything and everything from the background so you don’t have to hear any of it. You can get lost in your own little world and listen to your favorite music while meditating, thinking deeply, or just fantasizing about living a better and happier life.
One reviewer complained about the audio quality. He said the overall quality was poor and the highs and mids were disgraceful. This doesn’t seem to be part of the general consensus since there are over 500 reviews that say these headphones are the bomb. So take this negative review with a grain of salt because the reviewer may have bought faulty headphones that just needed to be replaced.
At the end of the day, I love the AKG Pro K72 Studio Headphones and I’m happy to recommend them because of their comfortable design, their stylish look, the way that they fit and the self adjusting headband, and the impeccable audio that these headphones consistently deliver time and time again.
8. Status CB-1 Studio Headphones
- STUDIO STANDARD: Praised by top musicians, producers, and audio engineers, the CB-1 headphones are an industry standard in recording studios around the world. The CB-1s have received critical acclaim...
The Status CB-1 Studio Headphones are a phenomenal choice because of their 50 mm drivers, the closed back headphones for noise isolation, the impeccable sound quality, and the feeling that they give like you’re standing there listening to live music on an expansive soundstage.
✔️ What we like: Ideal for use in recording studios, slim frame
❌ What we don’t like: Plastic headband adjuster easily cracks
Standout Features
- Overstuffed memory foam ear pads
- Authentic gold metal accents
- Folding ear cups
- Minimalist design
- Adjustable headband
Are you a professional audio engineer?
If so, you’ll appreciate these headphones because they’re perfect for doing voiceovers, creating your own podcast audio, and tracking vocalists. Besides that, they also supply premium sound for everyone else who just wants to have a great pair of headphones that present the highest quality audio and sounds.
The over ear design is wonderful for a couple of reasons. But in particular, this design is great because it keeps out the background noise from interrupting your listening experience. It delivers passive noise isolation, which means you get to enjoy the music that you’re listening to without other noise interruptions ruining the overall experience.
One reviewer was unhappy because the headband adjuster is made of plastic and it cracked very easily. She did not appreciate that it broke so quickly and she was upset so she wrote a nasty review. I can understand how this would be disappointing. But she could have contacted the manufacturer to let them know about the problem. They would have gladly replaced the broken headset if she reached out to them.
All things considered, the Status CB-1 Studio Headphones are the perfect choice because they are suitable for mixing, recording, casually listening to music, and audiophiles. They are comfortable, noise isolating, completely cover your ears, and since they’re wired with a 3.5 mm jack they do not require a rechargeable battery.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Closed Back Headphones
Have you read through these reviews and decided that you’d prefer to ignore my recommendations for the time being?
Are you wondering whether or not you should look for your own pair of closed back headphones?
For anyone thinking this way, it’s important to discover the ideal headphones with the most important features. Otherwise you could end up buying headphones that do not meet your overall needs and that would be a terrible shame.
Consider the following…
Noise Isolation Capabilities
The most critical feature of the excellent closed back headphones is their noise isolating capabilities. The reason you’re looking for these headphones in the first place is to isolate the background noise so you can concentrate on the audio whether in a casual or a professional capacity.
So noise isolation is the key to success when buying closed back headphones. Make sure your headphones are known to be noise isolating because you may end up disappointed if they aren’t.
Comfortable Ergonomic Design
Comfort is definitely important as well when buying a new pair of headphones. It doesn’t even matter if they’re closed back or open back headphones. They need to be comfortable.
So find headphones with ultra soft cushioned ear pads, soft leather, and an overall comfortable fit. If the headband is also made with cushioned foam then it’s even better because they’ll fit comfortably on top of your head as well as your ears.
Acoustic Quality Sound
Last but certainly not least, one of the most attractive things about closed back headphones is there acoustic capabilities. These headphones transport audio that sounds like you are listening to live music in a cathedral, a huge concert hall, or a humongous arena.
Make sure if you’re going to buy headphones besides any of the recommendations mentioned above, they better have high quality acoustic sound because you’ll end up severely dissatisfied if they don’t.
Experience Comfort and Style with Awesome Closed Back Headphones
We’ve finally made it to the end of this review and I really hope you enjoyed our journey together.
I want nothing but the best for every one of my readers which is why I take time to write these reviews in the first place.
I’ve only shared information about the best value closed back headphones with you today.
Whether you’re looking for closed back headphones under $500, $300, $200, or $100, there’s a recommendation waiting for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for headphones that sound amazing while listening to classical music then I wrote about the perfect pair of headphones for you.
Take time to reread my recommendations and enjoy the best closed back headphones based on your budget, wants, and desires.
Further Reading:
- 6 Best Closed Back Gaming Headphones (Under $50 to Over $250)
- 6 Best Gaming Headphones Without Mic (Multiple Budgets)
- Gaming Headset vs Headphones – What Is The Difference & Which Is Better?
- 8 Best Gaming Headsets Under $200 (Proven & Popular)
- Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones For Gaming (Which is Better?)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.