13 Best Closed-Back Headphones in 2022

The first on our list is the ADAM Audio Studio Pro SP-5. Music producers would love this pair because they’re one of the best closed-back headphones for the studio. Not only can they provide a natural sounding spatial field, but they can also isolate noise well. Hence, they’re great for both mixing and recording audio in a pinch.

Furthermore, they not only sound good but they also feel good. You can go for hours without feeling any ear fatigue, thanks to its special software. Moreover, the padding on both the ear pads and headpiece provides great support and comfort.

On the other hand, the only drawbacks are how stiff and inflexible the headphones are. Moreover, these headphones can be very expensive and cost roughly $500.

One of the best closed-back headphones under $200 is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The headphones are affordable but they also provide great value and comfort all around. Listening to them once will instantly have you hooked, especially for the price.

In terms of sound quality, the headphones are clear, accurate, and provide great value for the money. Of course, there are some things to work on such as the lack of better detail in higher frequencies. Nonetheless, the price-to-performance ratio is spot on. In fact, it might be hard to find a better deal at below two hundred dollars. Overall, these are the best closed-back headphones for gaming, casual listening, and even people who want great sound quality.

For some, it might be surprising to find something of high quality under $150. However, for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones, that’s not a problem. With this pair of wired headphones, you get excellent sound quality that’s well-balanced and clear. The lows feel punchy while the highs have just the right amount of detail to sound great.

These headphones are also incredibly flexible, support multiple impedance variants, and even have replaceable components for easy tune-ups. Plus, they’re comfortable enough to use for long hours in your studio. However, they can feel slightly tight due to the headband design. Nonetheless, with all of the features and its low price, it’s definitely one of the best headphones to get today.

One of the best closed-back headphones under $300 is undoubtedly the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II. Not only do they come wireless with three layers of active noise cancellation, but they’re also expertly designed. That goes for both the hardware and the sound quality. 

With these headphones, you’re guaranteed clear and balanced audio, regardless of the volume. Both the bass and the highs sound clear and with decent impact. In addition, while it does have Bluetooth, you can plug it in for wired connectivity. 

Lastly, these headphones provide great comfort that can match their 20-hour battery life. Listening to music through long hours of commute or in the studio won’t be a problem at all. Moreover, the headphone itself has a fairly durable construction, making it great for travel.

A standout among the best closed-back headphones under $500 is the Focal Listen Professional. As its name implies, this headset is one of the best closed-back headphones professionals might want. It boasts the audio quality to prove it with a beautiful aesthetic to match.

Not only does it deliver solid sound reproduction even at low volumes, but it’s also perfectly well-balanced. The bass is punchy, the mids are clear and full-sounding, while the highs are smooth and detailed. 

The overall fit in the head is top-notch, too. While these headphones have a snug fit, they don’t go so far as to apply too much pressure. However, while the top cushion may feel comfortable, it’s also prone to collecting sweat. Hence, you might need to do more maintenance on this compared to other headsets. Nonetheless, the distinct look is sure to turn heads, even when you’re among other professional music producers.

The Focal Stellia headphones are also worthy of being the best closed-back headphones. Their main selling point is their sound quality which satisfies even audiophiles.

The headphones come with a wide frequency range, allowing you to listen to all those juicy details. Moreover, you can get an even better experience if you use it alongside the right amplifier. But even without the enhancer, the bass is already rich and punchy, the mids are clear and clean, and so are the highs.

Additionally, these headphones provide extremely comfortable ear pads and cups — thanks to memory foam. However, they are extremely expensive, costing even more than modern flagship smartphones.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones also made it to our roundup of best closed-back headphones. If you want a Sennheiser gaming headset with good sound and an even better price, these are the right choice. Not only do they go for below $100, but they also deliver solid sound quality for the price.

In fact, this headset is even good enough for music producers, DJs, and musicians. Hence, you can also use it for casual listening and gaming. Moreover, this model is lightweight and comfortable, making it great to use even during long periods. If you want something affordable with good-quality audio, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is one of the best closed-back headphones you can get.

Shure microphones are some of the best in the industry. Hence, they’re often recommended to those looking for a good mic. But did you know Shure also makes great quality headphones? That’s why we’re recommending the Shure SRH440 here. 

This headset is one of the best closed-back headphones overall if you’re looking for something well-balanced. That’s because it checks all the boxes for good-quality headphones. The fit is comfortable with an adjustable headband, and the headphones are even collapsible for easy portability. Moreover, the sound quality is pretty good, although it’s not perfect. But given that it’s a sub-$100 accessory, its faults in audio quality are excusable.

Shure is at it again with another best closed-back headphones pair worth considering — the Shure SRH840. Yes, it’s pricier than the SRH440s, but it also comes with better quality overall while keeping the price below $200.

With the SRH840s, you get better sound quality as a whole, with prominent bass, accurate mids, and decent highs. Moreover, the sound isolation on the SRH840 is also much better. Lastly, it’s constructed well, with a padded headband and comfortable earpads. Also, it even comes with an extra pair of ear pads in case the original ones wear out.

Sony has been one of the industry’s main players — and that comes as no surprise. Their MDR series has been around since the 90s and boasts in-depth knowledge of industry needs. One of the best closed-back headphones within the said series is the Sony MDR-7506.

Not only do these provide great sound quality but they’re also functional and comfortable to use. The sound is clear and impactful regardless of the spectrum without being over-the-top. Also, the headphones are comfortable enough to last throughout the day without hurting your ears.

However, they’re not the perfect pair for mixing; for that, you might need something with better sound quality. Nonetheless, they’re great for everything else. Moreover, they’re some of the best closed-back headphones you can buy below $100.

One of the best closed-back headphones on the higher end of the price spectrum is Sony’s MDR-Z1R. Not only do these over-ear headphones sound incredibly polished, but they also have high-quality construction. You can be sure that they’ll perform well day-to-day, especially if you need best-in-class sound quality.

By using them, you’ll immediately notice the high-resolution sound that’s almost lossless in terms of detail. Despite this and their powerful bass, however, the headphones still manage to sound even and well-balanced. 

In terms of construction, these headphones are incredibly durable and sturdy, with the body made from titanium and magnesium. Moreover, they also retain a certain amount of flexibility, despite the sturdiness of the device. Lastly, the ear pads are made with memory foam that’s both comfortable and functional for sound isolation. 

The only downside is that you need an amp to fully utilize their potential. Furthermore, they’re incredibly expensive, costing more than $1,500 for a single pair.

The best closed-back headphones don’t always cost an arm and a leg. In fact, one of the best pairs cost as little as $50 to $80 with the right retailer. We’re talking about the Status Audio CB-1. 

At first glance, you might assume the headphones come from a luxury brand. After all, the aesthetics are superb and so is the sound quality. You might even assume the price would cost twice as much given the audio accessory’s level of polish. That’s why buyers find themselves pleasantly surprised whenever they look at the Status Audio CB-1’s price tag. 

Unfortunately, the company that made it did cut corners here and there to lower the price. As a result, you get a less-than-ideal build quality. Sure, the product is aesthetically pleasing. However, the material its paddings use wrinkle easily. Moreover, some build quality issues might spring up here and there. But if you’re fine with the compromise, then go for this budget option.

This best closed-back headphones list won’t be complete without the V-MODA Crossfade M-100. The headphones aren’t for the faint-hearted or for those who simply want a casual listening experience at the gym. That’s because they’re not cheap, being nearly $400 a pair. 

However, they are built with high-quality materials and provide a wide and clear sound field. You can hear deep bass sounds well with clear separation from the highs mixed in. Moreover, the mids and highs are sharp and clear, without sacrificing any sort of detail. Lastly, you even get noise cancellation to enhance your listening experience.

Additionally, the headphones excel in terms of durability, thanks to the high-quality construction and materials. However, they don’t look the best, sporting a hexagonal shape instead of the regular ovals. Nonetheless, these are some of the best closed-back headphones you can get, hands down.

How to Choose the Best Closed-Back Headphones