Best Open-Back Headphones Under $300

It turns out you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a headphone to get top-notch sound. In fact, there are a few stellar options for just $300 that could knock your socks off, especially if you’re new to high-end headphones. And if you’re buying your first open-back headphone, chances are good that the soundstage will already be better than the one you’re listening to on your closed-backs. Now you just have to decide if you want it warm, bright, tight, etc. So, here is a diverse list of our favorite (and we think most talented) open-back headphones under $300. 

Sivga Luan

Price: $299

To start our list, we turn our heads to the brand Sivga. This is a brand that makes high quality, beautifully constructed headphones that hold exceptional value. The Luan’s colorful and expansive soundstage is reason alone to love these headphones. The sound signature delivers a lot more than just stellar audio quality; the low-end response is powerful and clean, providing a satisfying punch without overpowering the mix. The midrange is lush and full-bodied, with a pleasing balance between texture and smoothness. Instruments, especially acoustic ones, sound natural and well-defined. The high-end is transparent and detailed, adding shimmer and crispness to tracks without any discomfort. 

Comfort on this headphone is one of my favorite parts, with soft earpads that mold right around your ears for a light, breathable fit. The Luan comes with detachable cable and a nice carrying case. For $300, the value of these headphones is hard to beat.

Sennheiser HD 560S

Price: $279.95

With so many iterations in the HD600 series, it is sometimes forgotten that Sennheiser makes headphones starting cheaper than $500. Sennheiser HD 560S is a great midrange open-back headphone with reference sound that will cater to the student worker or the engineer on a tight budget. This headphone appeals to both professional recording engineers and casual music enthusiasts alike. Particularly skilled at conveying dynamics and emotion, the HD 560S provides a deep and effortless bass, a rich midrange, and airy treble. It’s warm, natural, highly transparent, and deliciously musical.

The fit of these headphones ensures a tight, secure fit for hours of listening. Like the other German brand, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser promises longevity with its 2 year international warranty. While the cable may not be replaceable, the earpads are always able to be refreshed. 

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Price: $269.99

The DT 900 Pro X has a relatively neutral tonal balance and it’s primarily designed as a reference headphone. Certainly, the 900 Pro (the X version is easier to drive, at 48 Ohms) is the gold standard in its price range when it comes to accuracy. Studio engineers and music producers love this headphone for its precision and natural sound reproduction. Despite most being used in a professional environment, the DT 900 Pro X is far from boring. It delivers a deep and cleanly defined bass with a crisp mid-range and incredibly transparent highs. Of course, the soundstage is also excellent, offering anally pinpoint instrument placement and immaculately clean layering.

Build quality is another place where Beyerdynamic excels, making a headphone that is sturdy in construction and easily fixed. The earpads, headband, and cable are all replaceable so you can upgrade the small elements and keep the headphones looking fresher for longer. Plus, with a 2-year warranty from Beyerdynamic, you also have a great back-up plan should something break inside the headphone itself. 

FiiO FT1 Pro

Price: $219.99

Despite primarily being known for making accessories for headphones, FiiO has a few headphones and earphones that have impressed audiophiles worldwide. The closed-back FT1 was a popular release, and the open-back counterpart is certainly worth noting to add to our list. The FiiO FT1 Pro carries a warm sound signature that carries a darker tone. You get really nice instrumental balance, with emphasis in the bass that doesn't overpower other elements. There is a certain laid-back quality to this headphone that makes it perfect for mellow genres like jazz, R&B, and indie. 

The FT1 Pro is has an all-black aesthetic that is sleek and professional. It is easy to drive, and pairing with any FiiO DAC/Amp makes the headphone sing. It gives an extra boost of power to bring out the color and tonal balance these headphones are capable of. 

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x

Price: $169

Another reference headphone on our list is from Audio-Technica. Ever known for their M-series, Audio-Technica also makes an impressive open-back R-series. The ATH-R50x is a great introductory open-back headphone that is great for a number of purposes. The feather-light design makes wearing these for extended periods of time. The sound signature is balanced and natural, so any genre put through it is honest and keeps the artist's ideal tonal color. The sound reproduction on the R50x is perfect for studio engineers and those looking for a wide soundstage for a good cost. 

Audio-Technica gives you all the necessary accessories to get up and running, including a few different cables and an adapter to go into a bigger amplifier. At 50 Ω, these headphones don't necessarily need a huge amplifier, but a little extra boost does the world of good of getting the most out of these. 

Grado SR60x

Price: $99

To round out our list, we're going to visit our neighbors in Brooklyn for an excellent budget headphone. The SR60x delivers a controlled bass, intimate, forward-leaning vocals, and wispy, delicate highs. The SR60x is able to skillfully balance reference-class accuracy with a tenderness and musicality. In fact, the more you listen to it, the more you become in tune with its emotive qualities. It should also be noted that while Grado is famously suited towards genres like jazz, the SR60x delivers killer pop and house tracks too.

The on-ear headphone isn't for everyone, but Grado certainly makes a well constructed headphone for those looking for something different. At just $100, it's the cheapest headphone on the list, but still delivers a fun sound signature and entertaining color to make it a fantastic choice for any listener. 

Final Thoughts

Looking over the list of open-back headphones under $300, it's clear how many different brands are ready to bring audiophile listening to every crowd. High quality sound doesn't need to cost an arm and leg; in fact, you can get some pretty stellar option starting at $100. Whether you want reference sound quality or something tuned for the mellow listener, have no doubt that there is an open-back headphone for you that will fit your budget. 

Check out all these headphones and more at Audio46.