Best Closed Back Studio Headphones of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Closed back studio headphones are a type of headphones designed for professional audio monitoring purposes. They are designed with a closed back to prevent sound leakage and to provide a more accurate representation of the audio being monitored. These headphones are commonly used by audio engineers, producers, and musicians to monitor and mix audio recordings. They are also suitable for personal use, providing high-quality sound and noise isolation for music listening. Closed back studio headphones come in various sizes, shapes, and price ranges, making them accessible to a wide range of users.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Noise-Isolating Headphones Cover #TOP 1
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Noise-Isolating Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.8
M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones Cover #TOP 2
M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Over-Ear Headphones Cover #TOP 3
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Over-Ear Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Closed Back Studio Headphones

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Noise-Isolating Headphones

506845
Black
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Noise-Isolating Headphones Cover
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Closed-Back Over-Ear DJ & Monitoring Headphones | Collapsible Design & Swivelling Ear Cups | 3M Coiled Cable & 1/4" Jack Adaptor Included (506845)

The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones offer an exceptional listening experience with high ambient noise attenuation, ensuring you can enjoy your music without distractions, whether in a professional setting or while travelling. You will appreciate the accurate, linear sound reproduction, allowing you to hear your favourite tracks as the artist intended. The soft ear pads provide long-lasting comfort, making them ideal for extended wear during studio sessions or commutes. Additionally, the folding and rotating earcups make them easy to transport, giving you flexibility and convenience wherever you go.

What We Like
Excellent noise isolation
Crystal clear sound quality
Comfortable for long wear
Portable and space-saving design

M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones

HDH40
Black
One size
M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones Cover
M-Audio HDH40 – Over Ear Studio Headphones with closed back design, flexible headband and 2.7m cable for studio monitoring, podcasting and recording

The M-Audio HDH40 Headphones feature a 40mm neodymium dynamic magnet driver, providing you with high-quality sound that is perfect for studio monitoring and podcasting. The 180-degree rotatable frame and flexible headband ensure a comfortable fit, allowing you to wear them for hours without discomfort. With an impedance of 32Ω and 95dB sensitivity, these headphones are compatible with a wide range of equipment. The 2.7m fixed cable offers a secure connection, making it easy to connect to devices like tablets and smartphones.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Comfortable for long use
Wide compatibility
Secure 2.7m cable
#TOP 3

Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Over-Ear Headphones

Hi-X15
Black / red
Einheitsgröße
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Over-Ear Headphones Cover
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Professional Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones

The Hi-X15 Headphones provide an exceptional listening experience with premium sound quality at an affordable price. Thanks to Austrian Audio's proprietary High Excursion Technology, you can enjoy low distortion and clear sound, even at lower frequencies. These headphones have low impedance, ensuring they perform well with mobile devices, allowing you to take your music anywhere. The metal hinge adds durability, making them a reliable choice for everyday use.

What We Like
Premium sound quality
Comfortable memory foam earpads
Durable metal hinge
Foldable for easy storage
Detachable cable for flexibility
#TOP 4

AKG K92 Closed-Back Studio Headphones

AKG
3169H00030
Black
AKG K92 Closed-Back Studio Headphones Cover
AKG Pro Audio K92 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Studio Headphones, Matte Black and Gold

The AKG K92 Headphones are designed for studio use, featuring closed-back circumaural construction with large 40mm drivers. This design helps to isolate sound, allowing you to focus on your audio without distractions. The included 1/4" gold screw-on adapter ensures compatibility with various audio equipment, providing versatility for different settings. Additionally, the 1/8" gold plug enhances connectivity with devices, making it easy for you to connect to your preferred audio sources.

What We Like
Excellent sound isolation
Versatile connectivity options
Comfortable for long use
High-quality audio performance
#TOP 5

ADAM Audio H200 Closed-Back Studio Headphones

ADAM Audio
AMS-H200
Black
One Size
ADAM Audio H200 Closed-Back Studio Headphones Cover
ADAM Audio H200 Closed-Back Studio Headphones with Included Optimization and Spatialization Software

The ADAM Audio H200 Headphones offer exceptional sound quality, making them ideal for any audio professional. With 40 mm PEEK Performance Drivers, you can enjoy a smooth frequency response from 2 Hz to 23.5 kHz, providing clear and balanced sound. The included ADAM Audio Headphone Utility DAW plug-in enhances your mixing experience with optimisation tools and advanced spatialisation features. Comfort is paramount, thanks to the durable headband and faux leather memory foam earpads, ensuring excellent isolation even in noisy environments.

What We Like
Exceptional sound quality
Comfortable for long use
Includes optimisation software
Durable and flexible audio cable
Great isolation for recordings
#TOP 6

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Monitor Headphones for Comfort

094375870
Black
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Monitor Headphones for Comfort Cover
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Monitor Headphones Black

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X offers exceptional comfort for long listening sessions, featuring soft ear and head pads that ensure you can enjoy your music or work without discomfort. Its closed-back design effectively isolates sound, allowing you to concentrate fully on your audio without distractions. Tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, these headphones provide excellent bass reproduction, making them perfect for achieving a balanced mix. With a convenient single-side cable exit, you can move freely while using the headphones, enhancing your overall experience.

What We Like
Comfortable for long sessions
Superior sound isolation
Enhanced bass performance
Single-side cable exit

Roxel RX240 Over-Ear Headphones with Extension Cable

RX-240
Black
one size
Roxel RX240 Over-Ear Headphones with Extension Cable Cover
Roxel RX240 TV Headphone & Studio Headphones, Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones, Breathable Velvet Ear Cushions, with 5M extension cable, 3.5mm & 6.35mm Jack Plug (Black)

The Roxel RX240 Headphones are designed to deliver natural sound quality, making every listening experience enjoyable. With their closed-back architecture, you benefit from impeccable audio fidelity and spatial realism. The powerful 50mm neodymium drivers ensure you can immerse yourself in a wide dynamic range, capturing every detail of your favourite music. Comfort is key, as the flexi-fit headband and velvet ear cushions provide a secure fit while dissipating pressure and heat, allowing for extended use without discomfort.

What We Like
Impeccable audio fidelity
Comfortable for long wear
Adjustable volume control
Includes 5m extension cable
#TOP 8

HiFiMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones

SUNDARA Closed-Back
black&orange
adjustable
HiFiMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones Cover
HiFiMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Wired Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnet Design, Detachable Cable, Wood Ear Cups for Home, Studio, Recording

The HiFiMAN SUNDARA Headphones feature innovative Stealth Magnet technology, which minimises sound reflections and enhances audio quality for a superior listening experience. With the NEO “supernano” Diaphragm, these headphones offer a rapid response and rich sound detail, ensuring you enjoy every nuance in your music. The beautifully crafted beechwood ear cups not only deliver exceptional sound but also add a touch of elegance. Plus, the ergonomic headband ensures maximum comfort, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without discomfort.

What We Like
Exceptional sound quality
Lightweight and comfortable
Stylish wooden ear cups
Detachable cable for versatility
#TOP 9

Mackie MC-150 Professional Studio Headphones

MC-150
Black
One size
Mackie MC-150 Professional Studio Headphones Cover
Mackie MC-150 Professional Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones With 50mm Transducers for Studio Monitoring, DJs, Content Creation and Home Listening

The Mackie MC-150 Headphones are designed for professionals, featuring an over-ear, closed-back design with 50mm transducers that deliver exceptional clarity across all frequencies. You will appreciate the enhanced bass response, allowing you to feel every note in your music. The headphones also come with a soft padded headband and conforming ear pads, ensuring hours of comfort and optimal sound isolation. With a collapsible design, they are easy to store and perfect for on-the-go use in various settings like content creation, DJ sets, and personal listening.

What We Like
Exceptional sound clarity
Comfortable for long use
Collapsible for easy transport
Detachable high-quality cable
Includes a carry bag
#TOP 10

AKG K361 Over-Ear Studio Headphones

AKG
K361
Black
One size Fits All
AKG K361 Over-Ear Studio Headphones Cover
AKG K361 Studio Headphones, Over-Ear Closed-Back Design for Professional Performance, Lightweight and Foldable with 3 position hinges, Premium Isolating Earpads, Reinforced for AKG Durability

The AKG K361 Headphones feature a closed-back, oval over-ear design that provides excellent isolation and enhances low-frequency response, making them ideal for both professional and casual listening. With the largest-in-class 50mm transducers, you will experience superior sound quality and clarity. The headphones offer outstanding sensitivity and impedance, allowing compatibility with a variety of devices. Additionally, their calibrated headbands and slow-retention foam pads ensure a comfortable fit, perfect for long listening sessions.

What We Like
Excellent sound isolation
Lightweight and portable
Comfortable for extended use
Versatile compatibility
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are studio headphones closed-back?

Studio headphones are an essential piece of equipment to have on hand, generally falling into two broad categories: closed- and open-back. Closed-back headphones provide the greatest isolation with some sacrifice to sound quality.

2. Do closed-back headphones sound better?

1. Noise Isolation - Closed-back headphones are better at blocking noise. Easily the best part of closed-back headphones is their ability to isolate the user from unwanted external noise. They do this far better than with open headphones.

3. Are closed-back headphones good for recording vocals?

First, it is recommended that the singer use open-back headphones. While closed back headphones will better prevent bleed into the mic, they create an unnatural listening environment for the singer. This is because the headphones create an airtight seal around your ear.

4. Are closed-back headphones good for mixing?

For the same reason, closed-back headphones are great for mixing engineers who want to minimize sound pollution while working. This is helpful for those who work in noisy environments or like to work on-the-go. Just as closed-back headphones allow minimal sound in, they also allow minimal sound out.

Editor's Notes

During our closed back studio headphones research, we found 146 closed back studio headphones products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 136,765 customer reviews through our big data system to write the closed back studio headphones list. We found that most customers choose closed back studio headphones with an average price of £99.14.

The closed back studio headphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of closed back studio headphones, including Sennheiser, M-Audio, Austrian Audio, AKG, ADAM Audio.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.