3 best closed end headphones

Closed-end headphones, also known as closed-back headphones, are a type of over-ear headphones that are designed to enclose the ears completely with ear cups that have a sealed or closed-back design. Here's what you need to know about closed-end headphones:

Design: Closed-end headphones are characterized by ear cups that are fully closed or sealed on the back. This design isolates the listener's ears from the external environment, providing a high degree of sound isolation.
Sound Isolation: The closed-back design of these headphones helps in blocking out external sounds and preventing sound leakage from the headphones. This makes closed-end headphones ideal for use in noisy environments or when you want to keep your music private.
Sound Quality: Closed-end headphones typically offer good bass response and can provide a more immersive listening experience due to their isolation capabilities. They often have a "closed" soundstage, which means the audio can feel more contained and focused.
Privacy: Because of their excellent sound isolation, closed-end headphones are a popular choice for use in public places like offices, libraries, and public transportation, where you may not want to disturb others with your music.
Use Cases: Closed-end headphones are suitable for various audio applications, including listening to music, watching movies, gaming, and studio recording. They are often preferred by audio professionals for monitoring and mixing tasks.
Comfort: Many closed-end headphones come with padded ear cushions and adjustable headbands for comfortable, long-term wear.However, some users may find them less breathable than open-back headphones, which can result in more warmth and perspiration during extended use.
Portability: Some closed-end headphone models are foldable or collapsible, making them easier to transport and store when not in use.
Sound Leakage: While closed-end headphones excel at preventing sound leakage, they may create a sensation of "pressure" in the ears for some listeners due to the sealed design. This can be mitigated with breathable earpad materials or vents in the ear cups in some models.
Price Range: Closed-end headphones come in a wide range of price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end audiophile models. The price often correlates with factors like build quality, sound quality, and additional features.

In summary, closed-end headphones are known for their ability to provide excellent sound isolation, making them a preferred choice in noisy environments or situations where privacy is important. They offer a diverse range of options to cater to different budgets and listening preferences, making them a popular choice among headphone enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best closed end headphones on the market

Sennheiser HD 569 Closed Back Headphone

Sennheiser Consumer Audio

Based on 759 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Powered by Sennheiser's proprietary transducer technology for truly excellent sound performance, the closed back HD 569 brings a flexible option for use at home or on the go. It provides a rich and clear bass, adding further flexibility by making it possible to enjoy the full personal experience without disturbing others. With its full sized circumaural design, the HD 569 offers exceptional wearing comfort thanks to the large ear cups and soft replaceable ear pads.

Closed back, around ear design. Connectivity Technology: Wired
Powered by proprietary Sennheiser 38 millimeter, 23 ohm transducers
Soft, replaceable ear pads for enhanced comfort
Two cables included - 3 meter detachable cable with 6.3 millimeter jack and 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5mm jack with in line microphone and remote for call & music control
2 year warranty when purchased from an authorized Sennheiser dealer

User questions & answers

Question:	Hello, differences between the hd569 and the hd579? What of these is better
Answer:	Hello, It all depends on what you are looking for, HD 569 is a closed type headphone, it isolates you from your environment and vice-versa (ie: the sound is contained within the headphones). This is perfect for critical listening or a situation where you do not want to disturb/be disturbed. While HD 579 is an open type, it means that it avoids adverse resonating effects in the earcup thus offering best possible sound reproduction with the utmost in transparency. For sound quality, HD 569 is better, it does have strong and juicier bass.
Question:	do they have batteries
Answer:	They do not need batteries.
Question:	Is the headband replaceable on the 569? Also, what replacement ear pads are compatible with this model
Answer:	Because the wire runs from the left ear cup through the band to the right, I doubt you could replace the headband without replacing the whole unit. Fortunately the headband is highly flexible and very durable; so you may not need to replace it in the life of the headphones. As far as the ear pads themselves, I believe they are the same as the rest of the 500 series.
Question:	Hi, differences between 598cs and 569? also I'd like to know if it is possible to use v-moda boompro cable or similar instead of provided. thanks
Answer:	I have both and the sound is IDENTICAL. The 598cs is a special Amazon Only model. The builds are a bit different, and I do find the HD-569s a tad more comfortable (in the headband). Again, absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in the sound.

Product features

Meet the Sennheiser HD 569

The HD 569 is a closed-back for those needing noise isolation with outstanding sound quality. Powered by Sennheiser proprietary transducer technology and featuring the 'Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement' (E.A.R) design, the HD 569 drives toward audiophile reproduction. Being closed-back, this around ear delivers noise isolation along with a natural tonal balance. Exceptional wearing comfort is provided by large ear cups fitted with plush velour ear cushions.

Premium Components

Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion.

Noise Isolating

Around-ear, closed-back design effectively reduces ambient noise improving the listening experience

E.A.R Technology

'Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement' design channels audio directly into your ears producing a more 'in room' like listening experience.

Extreme Comfort

Lightweight yet robust design with luxurious velour covered ear cushions and padded headband deliver exceptional wearing comfort for long listening sessions.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

Audio-Technica

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x professional studio monitor headphones black.

Advanced build quality and engineering Designed for studio tracking and mixing
40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
Tune for enhanced low frequency performance
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
Convenient single side cable exit Magnet neodymium Designed for studio tracking and mixing
Connectivity Technology Wired

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these headphones come with a carrying case
Answer:	No, they don't come, but I suggest to buy a case just in case. If you don't want to, buy it without a case, those are durable headphones, but you never know if you'll need the case to carry them in a bag, back pack, carry on.
Question:	How does this compare to the ATH-M30? And how comfortable is it for extended hours of use
Answer:	I can only respond to the 2nd part of your question as I have not tried the ATH-M30, but the ATH M20X was (for me) extremely uncomfortable even after using for only a short period of time. This was due to the, IMO, excessive heat build-up which literally caused pools of sweat to collect inside the earpieces. I returned the headset after a few days.
Question:	are these good for big heads? i have trouble finding headphones that fit comfortably over my big head. also i wear glasses if that helps
Answer:	They are pretty tight on the head, and they go over the ear, so if you're wearing glasses the soft part will push on your frames. I can't wear my glasses with them because I find it too uncomfortable. It might be better to look at on ear, rather than around ear headphones.That said, I've been able to loosen the headphones a lot by bending the the metal headband. If you're not afraid to do that with $50 then you might be able to get them to a comfortable "clamp" amount, haha.
Question:	Are these noise-canceling enough to wear on a plane and not hear the plane noise
Answer:	They do NOT have electronic noise canceling. They are over the ear. The cups absorb outside sound but not enough that would be considered "noise cancelling". They're mainly for DJ's, home, and professional studio producers who use them because electronic "Noise Cancelling" tech interferes with recordings.

Product features

Durable Design

Cutting-edge engineering and robust construction.

For Studio Tracking & Mixing

Tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance.

Offers Excellent Sound Isolation

Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

Affordable Price Point

Makes the ATH-M20x a popular tracking headphone for multi-station studio sessions.

Convenient Single-Side Cable Exit

3.0m (9.8’) straight cable for professional applications.

Provided Accessory

6.3 mm (1/4") snap-on adapter.

Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model)

Sennheiser Pro Audio

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The HD 280 PRO is a pair of closed, dynamic stereo headphones that deliver accurate, linear sound reproduction with ambient noise attenuation for critical monitoring applications. Optimum impedance ensures universal compatibility, from home listening to studio monitoring. The space saving design features collapsible, rotating ear cups that are very comfortable to wear, even if used for long periods of time. The ear pads of the HD 280 PRO are made of a synthetic leatherette.

Dynamic, closed ear headphones.Weight w/o cable: 285 gram Ear coupling is circumaural
Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design, Cord Length 3.3 9.8 feet Coiled
Extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction. Nominal impedance 64 ohm. Sound pressure level (SPL) 113 dB
Around the ear design with padded ear cups Dynamic, closed ear headphones with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound. Frequency response (Headphones) 8 25000 Hz
Ear pads, headband padding, and audio cord are easily replaceable, ensuring long life

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these suppress engine noise
Answer:	They suppress all noise by virtue of the seal around the ear, but they won't block it out because they're not technically noise canceling (no active noise suppression). They also do better with high frequency noise and aren't as good in low frequency where much engine noise lies, which is true of all things that only passively block noise eg ear plugs. So the answer is yes to a limited degree, but it won't be a complete suppression by any means and more in the high frequencies. I've found the combo of these with earplugs to be very effective for airplane noise.
Question:	Is the cord detachable? The description says it is detachable, answers here say otherwise
Answer:	The cord is not detachable but it is replaceable.If you're handy with a soldering iron you can however easily add a 3.5mm headphone jack to use a removable cable.
Question:	How is the sound leakage? l need portable headphones to use in the bus, library, and such. I don't want to bother people around me
Answer:	There is "sound leakage". At the moment, I have them hooked up to my computer. No special amplification, just on-board Realtek. At 75-100% volume, I can slightly hear them over ambient noise (such as my heater, which is kind of loud) while standing about ten feet away. I don't know if everyone else that answered this question listens to their music at low volume, or if their headphones have some insulation that mine doesn't but in my experience, there is plenty of "sound leakage". Also, you could actually use these as speakers while you're not wearing them. They wouldn't be loud enough to entertain anyone, but you could still listen to something while they sit on your desk.
Question:	How durable are they in cold weather
Answer:	I’m a professional location sound mixer in Alaska. I’ve had these headphones out in -50 F weather for 12 hour shoots. These headphones can withstand the cold

Product features

Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone

These rugged, comfortable headphones are designed for professional monitoring applications.

Overview

The HD 280 Pro is Sennheiser's most significant closed, around-the-ear headphone to be introduced in years. Designed to exceed the demands of the professional environment, the HD 280 Pro boasts extremely robust construction combined with the sound quality, modular design and aggressive noise isolation the necessary in the field. The unique collapsible design, combined with swiveling ear cups, offers maximum flexibility in any application.