Best Open-back headphones under 100 – Top 8 Review 2023

Open-back headphones are the most comfortable headphones, especially for those who have problems with heat while wear on their ears. There are so many open-back headphones available with different features and price ranges. On the basis of experiment and specification, user review and rating, we chose the 8 best Open-back headphones under 100 dollars.

Open-back headphones are often favored for their open and realistic sound when it comes to important listening and simply enjoying the songs, podcasts, audio books, music, etc. The perforated earcups give you a wider, more open, and realistic response to the audio you’re listening to (at the expense of spilling noise into the environment).

Why you should buy an open back headphone?

Nowadays people use headphones for different purposes like listening music, gaming, calling etc. But using headphones sometimes harm our ears. So we should be careful while choosing headphones. Because choosing the right headphones can reduce the harm of using headphones. Using closed back headphones make sounds too loud. Sometimes using closed back headphones makes seal over our ears. But the open back headphones have  perforated cups. As a result it doesn’t make pressure over our ear and controls the sound from being too loud. It delivers a spacious and airy sound.

Top 8 Best Open-back headphones under 100 are –

  1. Philips SHP9500 − Best for Hi-Fi Audio
  2. AKG K240 Pro − Best for Studio Headphone
  3. Samson SR850 Technologies − Best for Wide Sound Range
  4. GRADO SR60x Headphones − Best for Impressive Stereo Sound
  5. Superlux HD 681 − Best for Long Listening Sessions.
  6. Audio Technica M40x Headphones − Best for Producers
  7. SENNHEISER HD559 Headphone − Best for Comfort
  8. Sony MDR7506 − Best for High-quality Drivers

Comparison Table among top open back headphones

Image Product Name Details Price
Philips SHP9500 Philips SHP9500 Brand: Philips Audio
Color: Black
Type: over ear
Connectivity technology: wired
Frequency: 12-3500 Hertz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 101dB
Noise cancelling: No
Mic: No
Magnet type: neodymium
Driver size: 50 mm
Weight:‎ 10.6 Ounces
Battery: 1 Lithium-ion batteries required.
See Details
AKG k240 pro AKG k240 pro Brand: AKG
Color:
gold & blackover ear
Type:
Connectivity technology:
wired
Freequency:
15-2500 Hertz
Impedance:
55 ohms
Sensitivity:
104 dB
Noise cancelling: No
Mic:
No
Driver size:
30mm
Weight:‎
8.5 ounces
See Details
Samson SR850 Samson SR850 Brand: Samson
Color:
Black
Type:
over ear
Connectivity technology:
wired
Frequency:
10-30000 Hertz
Impedance:
32 ohms
Sensitivity:
98 dB
Noise cancelling:
No
Mic:
No
Magnet type:
Neodymium
Driver size:
50mm
Weight:
9.73 ounces
See Details
Grado SR60x Grado SR60x .Brand: Grado
color: Black
Type: over ear
Connectivity technology: wired
freequency:20-20000 Hertz
impedance: 32 ohms
sensitivity: 99.8 dB
noise cancelling: No
Mic: No
Magnet type:
Driver size:44mm
weight:‎ 12.3 ounces
See Details
Superlux HD681 Superlux HD681 Brand: Superlux
color: Black
Type: over ear
Connectivity technology: wired
freequency: 10-30000 Hertz
impedance: 32 ohms
sensitivity: 98dB
noise cancelling: No
Mic:No
Magnet type:Neodymium
Driver size: 50mm
weight:‎9.7 ounces
See Details
Audio Technica M40x Audio Technica M40x Brand: Audio Technica
Color: Black
Type: over ear
Connectivity technology: wired
Frequency: 15-24000 Hertz
Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 98dB
Noise cancelling: No
Mic: No
Magnet type: Neodymium
Driver size: 40mm
Weight: ‎8.3 ounces
See Details
Sennheiser HD559 Sennheiser HD559 Brand: Sennheiser
Color:
Black
Type:
over ear
Connectivity technology:
wired
Frequency:
24-26000 Hertz
Impedance:
50 ohms
sensitivity:
108 dB
Noise cancelling:
No
Mic:
No
Magnet type:
Driver size:
weight:‎
217g
See Details
Sony MDR7506 Sony MDR7506 Brand: Sony
Color:
Black
Type:
over ear
Connectivity technology:
wired
Freequency:
10-20000Hertz
Impedance:
63 ohms
Sensitivity: 
106 dB
Noise cancelling:
No
Mic:
No
Magnet type:
Neodymium
Driver size:
40mm
Weight:‎
8 ounces
See Details

Best open back headphone review 2023


1. Philips SHP9500 – Overall best open-back headphones under 100

Philips SHP9500 - Overall best open-back headphones under 100
Philips SHP9500 – Overall best open-back headphones under 100

Philips SHP9500 is an awesome open back headphone for using for a long time with comfort. It is designed to offer you  outstanding performance through its open back structure. Its neodymium drivers deliver you the full spectrum of sound. It has a 1.5m long cable which gives you the opportunity to move freely. It has low impedance, which makes it work better and avoids headphone amplifiers. It gives a perfect sound that is adjusted to human hearing.

The 50mm drivers use high-powered neodymium magnets to accurately reproduce all of your music’s dynamics and deliver a well-balanced sound with crisp bass, a transparent mid-range, and pristine high frequencies.

The SHP9500 comes with a soft and breathable double-layered headband cushion that allows you to listen for hours on end.

The ear-shells are designed to fit the natural geometry of the ear and provide precise and accurate sound. Audio signals are delivered directly to the ears, resulting in a dynamic and natural listening experience.

The diaphragm has more freedom of movement thanks to an acoustic open-back architecture that eliminates air pressure build-up behind the driver. This improves sound transparency and smooths out extended high frequencies significantly.

The headband on the SHP9500 is made of cold rolled steel, which provides just the right amount of tension while also ensuring strength and durability. The headband’s size can also be adjusted with markings for the best fit.

Features

  • Frequency range: 12 – 35,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 101 dB
  • Maximum power input: 200 mW
  • Impedance: 32 Ohm
  • Acoustic system: Open
  • Magnet type: Neodymium
  • Speaker diameter: 50 mm
  • Cable Connection: one-sided
  • Finishing of connector: gold-plated
  • Cable length: Detachable 3.0 m cable included

Pros

  • comfortable for long time use.
  • 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement
  • 3.5mm jack on the headphone gives you the opportunity of easy removal of cable for switching.
  • steel headband which gives durability
  • Double layer head cushion is soft & comfortable
  • one year warranty

Cons

  • big & bulky headphone
  • very Sensitive to ambient noise

2. AKG K240 Pro – Open back headphone for Studio

If you are looking for a good headphone to use in the studio, The AKG K240 Pro is the best option for you. It is specially designed for professional users for professional applications such as mixing, mastering, and playback. It is being widely used in studios. This semi-open headphone has advanced 30mm XXL transducers, which increases the sound quality. It provides a solid bass range and an extremely clear sound. It is extremely durable & comfortable. Professionals and engineers have been doing their work relying on this product for many years.

Features

  • Frequency: 15 – 25000 Hz
  • Impedance: 55 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 104dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz
  • Input Jack: 3.5mm
  • Driver Diameter: 30mm
  • Connectivity: Wired

Pros

  • lightweight & comfortable
  • replaceable earcups & detachable cable
  • block out some external sound.

Cons

  • very sensitive to ambient noise, by design
  • no waterproof protection or sweat resistance

3. Samson SR850

The black Samson SR850 is a semi open headphone with  awesome listening features. It  offers a smooth tone and natural soundstage  for recording engineers, musicians, mixers as well as causal listeners. 50 mm dynamic drivers deliver very clear and natural sound. Its frequency range is 20-30kH. It’s earcup is very soft & comfortable.  These are the main consideration that helps it to become in the best open-back headphones under 100 list.

A true mid-range that highlights subtle changes and a punchy low-end with pronounced depth and punch define the SR850 as a superior reference headphone for studio use. These headphones are built to withstand the rigors of tracking, mixing, and mastering sessions.

The SR850 headphones are ideal for musicians, podcasters, and streamers in the studio. The SR850 has a semi-open design that lets in a lot of sound and lets out a lot of highs, giving you a truly dynamic listening experience.

Features

  • wired semi open headphone with circumocular (around the ear) fit style
  • Driver size:50mm
  • Frequency response: 10-30kHz
  • Impedance:32ohms
  • 8’3″ straight cable
  • plug size: 1/8″, 1/4″ adapter
  • sensitivity: 98dB
  • earpads: velour.

Pros

  • 8’3″ long straight cable.
  • spacious passive soundstage
  • good frequency response

Cons

  • mediocre build quality

4. GRADO SR60x

GRADO SR60x is one of the best headphone in the market with outstanding features. It has dynamic transducer which will give you an  impressive soundstage. 4th generation Grado drivers are specially designed for GRADO SR60x. This new speaker is more powerful than before generations and it contains many features  which will  make your listening experience more comfortable and Awesome. Not only speaker but also the cables and headband have been redesigned for the SR60x.  That’s why it comes in the best open-back headphones under 100 list.

Features

  • 4th Generation Grado drivers
  • 4-conductor cable
  • 44mm drivers
  • impedance: 32ohms
  • Frequency Response:20-20khz

Pros

  • 1 year manufacturers warranty
  • Hand-Built in Brooklyn
  • 4 Conductor Cable
  • S Cushion

Cons

  • price is little bit high

5. Superlux HD681

Superlux HD 681 Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones
Superlux HD 681 Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones Review

Superlux HD681 is lightweight and good budget headphone for neutral listening. It  is very similar to Superlux HD668 but it has come with slightly more extended bass than HD668. It  is also more comfortable. It is an open back headphone with 50 mm neodymium drivers which give you a high quality sound stage. The frequency response range is 10-30kHz. It has self adjusting headband and big-comfortable  earcups that give you comfort for long time use.

Features

  • 50mm neodymium drivers
  • self adjusting headband
  • gold plated 1/4″ adapter
  • freequency:10-30khz

Pros

  • 2 year warranty
  • protective storage pouch
  • lightweight & comfortable
  • good sound quality

Cons

  • no detachable cable
  • Plasticky build quality.

6.Audio Technica M40x – Best open-back headphones for gamming under $100

Audio Technica brought Mx40 a mind blowing  headphone under 100$ with super exiting features. Nowadays it is being used widely as professional studio monitor headphone. Its circumoral design covers your ear to  give you comfort & excellent sound isolation in loud environment also.

90 degree swiveling earcups are added in this headphone which makes your using easy. It offers you a cutting-edge engineering and robust construction. Detachable  cables are also included in it. It has professional-grade ear pad and headband material delivers. As a result it ensure more durability and comfort.

When we are making the best open-back headphones under 100 list, this headphone performed so high but the price range up down is the matter of worry.  

Features

  • Over ear design
  • 40 mm driver
  • Sensitivity : 98dB
  • Impedance: 35ohms
  • Frequency: 15-24kHz
  • coiled detachable cable

Pros

  • Full-bodied and potent sound with great dynamics and balance.
  • 1.2m-3m detachable cable
  • 90 degree swiveling earcups
  • Better for studio use and disk jockeys than hifi-freaks.

Cons

  • No remote or microphone on the cord.

7. SENNHEISER HD559

SENNHEISER-HD559-review
SENNHEISER-HD559-review

Sennheiser HD559 is an open-back, around ear, wired headphone that is the ideal choice for listeners seeking an optimal blend of all-round performance and quality for home entertainment.

It has an attractive design and a detachable 3 meter cable with 6.3mm plug which makes it perfectly suited for a long and fulfilling life together with you and your home entertainment equipment. It will give you a satisfying, deep, and contoured bass sound. It has large ear cups and replaceable ear pads, which will give you comfort for a long time of use.

Features

  • 3m cable
  • Impedance: 50 ohms
  • Sound pressure level: 108 dB

Pros

  • Detachable cable
  • Lightweight
  • suitable for home entertainment.
  • optimal blend of all-around performance
  • Ergonomic design
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • No volume control

8. Sony MDR7506 – Open-back wired headphone

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone Review

In the form of the “Sony MDR7506,” the Sony brand has introduced a mind-blowing headphone for professional studio and live/broadcast applications. It has been specifically designed for professional applications. It has a large diaphragm as well as a foldable structural design.

It has 40mm drivers and a close-ear design, ensuring secure, clean, and clear sound reproduction.It is extremely comfortable to wear. Its neodymium magnet allows it to handle a tremendous amount of power. An 9.8-foot cord as well as a 3.55 mm plug with a 1/4″ adapter are included with the purchase of this headphone.

Its closed-ear design provides exceptional comfort while also reducing external noise to an exceptionally high degree. Ten to twenty thousand hertz is the frequency range of this device.

Features

  • 40mm neodymium drivers
  • Frequency: 10Hz-20kHz
  • 9.8 foot cord, 3.5mm plug & 1/4″ adapter
  • Driver size: 40mm
  • Impedance: 63 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 106dB
  • Power handling: 1000mW

Pros

  • Foldable
  • Long cord
  • Clean & clear sound
  • comfortable and suitable for professional use.

Cons

  • Doesn’t cancel out the background noise.

How to choose the best open-back headphones?

To choose the best open back headphones for you, first you should check the minimum criteria. Then you should check your intentional check up. The Minimum Criteria for Headphones:

Comfort:

Ear is sensitive organ. So, the headphones must be comfortable for your ears and head. Otherwise, it can be cause of pain, rash, and other problems. Moreover, for long time use and enjoyment of music, headphone comfortability is so important. 

You should check how much pressure has been created by the headphones. Too much pressure can stop your blood circulation and create pain. On the other hand, very loose headphones have sound lickage and non-sticking. Especially when you are playing with it, it can fall. 

Ear-cup rotation gives an opportunity to adjust. So, headphones should have a little earcup rotation capacity.

Sound quality: 

Check beats and sound with various scale music. Sound quality check up is the most important matter. Sound should be delivered by earbuds. Play multiple song to check it. That will be better if your listen same music with different headphone or device. It gives a opportunity to compare.

What is open back headphone?

The design of Open back headphones is similar to closed back headphones  with an extra feature. The difference between open back headphones and closed back headphones is in their outer housing structure. Open back headphone’s outer housing has built in gaps that allow air and make sound pass freely through the earcup. It’s perforated housing reduce pressure and make the sound more natural.

Conclusion

Open-back headphones are normally used for more compatibility. Making the top open-back headphone list is the easiest matter. But choosing the best open-back headphones under 100 was critical. We had to consider price, specifications, and performance. 

Some of our audience has asked What is the best open-back headphone for gamming under $100. But you should know, gamming headphone price is too high. However, we tried our best to supply you authentic information.

Before buying any headphone, please try it. Because all the headphone of same compare and model do not perform same. So, Bye for now, you may also read the following post. And also can ask for post on your topic.