A closed back headphone is a headphone which does not have any openings on the back of the ear-cup, thus sealing off the sound from leaking out of the ear-cup.
If you like listening to music for hours on end, these types of earphones might be a better choice because they provide great sound quality without having any distractions because you can’t hear anything else around you.
Here’s a list of the best closed-back headphones under $200.
Why Do Closed Back Headphones Sound Better?
Closed back headphones are designed to keep sound from leaking out which will make it easier for other people around you to hear what you’re listening to.
The closed back design prevents sound from spilling out and getting lost. This is why the design is so popular among DJs, musicians, and those who work in noisy environments. The closed back design also keeps noise from leaking in, so these headphones are a great choice for those who want a more immersive experience without being disturbed by outside noise.
In the digital age, many people have resorted to listening to music on their smartphones or laptops, but that comes with its own draw backs.
There are many benefits to closed-back headphones. For example, they block out exterior noise better than open-back headphones. Closed-back headphones also do not leak sound as much as open-back headphones because of the way they are designed. The sound is able to be contained within the ear cups, whereas with open-backs the sound leaks out and can be heard by anyone within earshot. The closed design also provides a more natural listening experience because the driver diaphragms are closer to your ears.
Top 6 Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $200 Reviewed
The most important factors for choosing the right closed back headphone are sound quality and noise isolation. Come find out which top 6 headphones made it to this list and why they’re worth your money.
Some people think that expensive headphones make a better sound or at least provide a better price per performance ratio. But if you want to save some money, there are still some great options out there!
1. SENNHEISER HD 569
The HD 569 has a closed back, around ear design that provides excellent passive noise cancellation for a comfortable listening experience. The sound is great so if you are looking for a high-end pair of headphones with excellent noise cancellation, then this might be the one for you.
This headphone is powered by proprietary Sennheiser 38 millimeter, 23 ohm transducers. These headphones are fitted with a headband that adjusts easily and an earcup made from soft protein leather which gives it a comfortable feel on your ears.
The HD 569 comes with a new generation of patented Sennheiser innovations. These include the latest version of the innovative “Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement” design. This guarantees an exceptionally accurate and natural sound, as well as unsurpassed wearing comfort.
The HD 569 is equipped with a closed back which has been specially tuned to offer the best possible sound quality for use in professional recording and broadcast studios, as well as for high-end audiophile listening at home.
The ear pads are also replaceable and come in two variations: one that is made of velour, for enhanced comfort on long listening sessions, and one made of pleather, for use in professional settings where people will be using them all day.
Sennheiser HD 569 has a 3 meter detachable cable with 6.3 millimeter jack and 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter jack with in-line microphone and remote for controlling phone calls and music playback on your device, the user can choose the type of connection that best suits their needs or situation.
2. Shure SRH840
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones are built to provide an accurate monitoring experience for professional audio engineers, musicians, and recording artists. They have a precisely tailored frequency response that delivers deep bass, clear mid-range, and extended highs. A padded headband and collapsible design come together with Shure’s durability, for the ultimate listening experience.
Shure SRH840 sound great, provide exceptional performance and comfort with its closed-back design and collapsible, rotating earcup. It offers the perfect balance of sound isolation for studio recording and critical listening environments.
The Shure SRH840 provide exceptional performance and comfort with its closed-back design and collapsible, rotating earcup. It offers the perfect balance of sound isolation for studio recording and critical listening environments.
The headphones have 40mm drivers that offer detailed frequency response from 5 – 25,000 Hz, 9.84-foot (3-meter) cord, which is all detachable and can be wound up in any way you want, plus they’re made with oxygen-free copper. The bayonet clip lets you lock the cable into the ear cup when it needs to stay tight.
3. AKG Pro Audio K553 MKII
The AKG K553 MKII are ideal for those who are looking for best closed back headphones under $200. Featuring a lightweight and comfortable design, this headphones can be worn even for extended periods of time. They come with the Advanced closed-back technology which makes them great for noise insulation, you won’t have to worry about external interference when you listen to music on them.
The design of the K553 MKII is made to feel comfortable while wearing. The ear cups are lightweight and evenly distributed to avoid pressure on the head. There is also an adjustable headband for individualized comfort.
The 50mm transducers provide excellent sound reproduction and detail. They also have a low impedance for impressive performance on any portable device. 2D-axis fold-flat mechanism that allows you to easily carry the headphones around.
4. Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z
The Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z is the perfect accessory for any person who is passionate about music. With its newly designed 53 mm drivers and CCAW Bobbin-wound voice coils, the headphones provide audiophile quality sound and deep bass at an affordable price. The ATH-A550Z also features a metallic finish that makes it stand out from other headphones on the market.
The drivers also feature a top-mounted PCB that contributes to smoother airflow for precise diaphragm movement. Audio-Technique’s 3D wing system provides a great fit that feels great because of the headphones’ soft earpads.
The 3 m (9.8′) tangle-free cloth-wrapped cable is made for long-lasting durability, while the protein leather earpads provide for ultimate comfort during longer listening sessions.
This Audio-Technica headphone has a frequency response of 5 Hz to 35 000 Hz, it can pick up the deepest bass and the highest highs. In addition, it features an impedance of 38 ohms.
5. Meze 99 Neo
If you’re looking for a good pair of headphones to wear at work? The 99 NEO by Meze Audio is perfect. It’s got the sound quality of the 99 series combined with the style of Meze Audio. The 99 Neo wired over-ear headset is the perfect choice for those looking for a sleek, modern design. It features black textured ear cups and cast zinc alloy hardware that create a subtle yet cutting edge look.
These headphones have 40mm drivers that deliver a richer sound than most other models and they’re perfect for listening to your favorite music or podcasts because you’ll hear all those subtle nuances.
In order to have a leather headband that suits you best, Meze 99 Neo has created one with self-adjusting elasticity. You can get the perfect size of this accessory just by wearing it and adjusting it for yourself.
Meze 99 Neo come with detachable Kevlar OFC cable, 3.5 mm to 6.3m, which includes a microphone and remote control for answering calls and controlling music playback.
The hard carrying pouch protects the headphones from damage by providing better protection than what is usually found in this price range.
6. Edifier H840
Edifier has been a leading maker of professional sound systems for gamers and competitive players for over two decades. Their H840 headset is its latest iteration and it delivers impressive sound quality with 40mm driver units, which are fine tuned to provide the best possible quality of sound output.
The ear cups also provide an immersive experience with an acoustically sealed design that helps isolate noise from the outside world – making it perfect for use in noisy environments like gaming competitions as well as in busy offices.
The H840 is perfect for long-term use with an ergonomic design which not only provides comfort but also increases its durability factor. The lightweight body together with soft leather earmuffs makes it perfect for prolonged use without any discomfort.
One of the best features of this headphone is that it has a solid build. The headrests are made of leather for comfort, with steel reinforced headband for flexibility and durability.
What to Look for When Buying Closed-Back Headphones Under $200
The headphone market is dominated by a few big players. But when you start looking at the cheaper end of the market, there are more options to choose from.
Below are four things to consider when buying closed-back headphones under $200:
Sound quality
When shopping for a good closed-back headphone, sound quality is usually one of the most important features. They need to produce clear sound with good bass in order to be successful. This is why it’s important to invest in a pair of high-quality headphones that will last you for many years.
Design
The design of headphones can affect how comfortable they are on your ears, how well they will stay on your head, and even if they will be noisy for others. These design choices can lead to a variety of different styles. The shape of the earpiece, for example, affects the sound quality by determining how the sound waves are dispersed.
Comfort
In order to find a pair of headphones that you’ll enjoy wearing for hours, it’s important to find a pair that’s comfortable. If the headphones are too tight or too loose, then they will be unbearable to wear.
Durability
If you are looking for a set of headphones that will last, buying an expensive pair is not necessary. Instead, consider looking for headphones with a sturdy wire and snug ear-cups.
Conclusion
If you are looking for closed-back headphones under $200, then the best option is the SENNHEISER HD 569. If you want something with more bass, then Shure SRH840 is your best choice. And if you want to spend less than $100 then check out the Edifier H840
