Closed-back full-size headphones are the most popular type of headphones to the general public. Aside from the fact that they generally look cool, they also provide passive noise isolation and most of them are comfortable to wear. They don’t sound as good as open-back headphones but the purpose is also different. These types of headphones can be very well used professionally in loud environments or when commuting. Here we go with our top list:
Focal Celestee – An amazing closed-back offering from Focal. A cross between the Elex and the Clear, the Celestee is probably the best-sealed headphone in the sub $1,000 range
This headphone is very punchy and dynamic sounding like most Focals and is a little forward-sounding. The midrange is warm and the treble is lively, and while it cannot be mistaken for an open-headphone, it’s quite competent as a whole especially for this category. Focal Celestee on Amazon.
Cons: Clamp can be uncomfortable for some. Can be too aggressive-sounding at times.
Oppo PM3 – A very good general purpose headphone whose sound surely suits the masses. The bass is essentially bottomless and the midrange has a slightly warm tilt. Treble is a bit laid-back but quite coherent as a whole. The design is strikingly handsome and the overall comfort is very good. And oh, passive noise isolation is pretty decent too. Oppo PM3 on Amazon.
Cons: A little U-shaped, and could be too warm and bright for some.
Aeon Flow Closed – The Aeon Flow Closed has one of the better tonal balances for a headphone of this type while boasting a class-leading build quality and comfort.
If you find the first two headphones in this list to be having a too polite of a treble, the Aeon Flow Closed is that sweet spot you’re looking for. Lively up top without being harsh or unrefined, this headphone gives you that forward and energetic listening session. Aeon Flow Closed on Amazon.
Cons: Inefficient and lacks the punchy dynamics of other headphones in this category.
Audio Technica ATH-M50x – Probably the most recommended headphone for the sealed headphone category for the past decade or so. Taking the torch from the legendary M50, the M50x is a very good-sounding headphone and bass heads are surely going to love them. The sound signature is a bit uneven with the emphasis on bass that extends towards the lowest octaves. But even with that, the sound quality is still very very good.
Isolation and durability are off the charts as well and it’s not hard to recognize why this headphone is the most recommended one. M50x on Amazon.
Cons: Comfort is not for everyone. The bass is a bit loose, and the rest of the frequency is a little uneven for a discerning one.
Beyerdynamic DT240 – A more laid-back version of the M50x headphone from Audio-Technica. Bass is a tad loose but has the same quantity, the midrange is less uneven and treble is relaxed albeit lacking a little in energy. As a whole, it is more smooth-sounding than the M50x due to those characteristics. Beyerdynamic DT240 on Amazon.
Cons: Ear cups are a little small and comfort is not the best. Not as rugged as other studio headphones.