Best Open-Back Headphones Under $200 in 2026
The Sennheiser HD 560S is the best open-back headphones under $200 in 2026 at $179.99. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is $109; the DT 990 Pro is $199.99.
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Sennheiser HD 560S
The Sennheiser HD 560S at $179.99 is the pick: 4.5 stars on 3,820 ratings and a listing built around open-back reference sound. The beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X ($279.99) and AKG K712 Pro ($469.99) no longer fit under $200, so they are out.
Check Price on AmazonAt a Glance
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 560S | HIFIMAN HE400SE | beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 ohm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $109 | $199.99 |
| Easy to Drive | Impedance not stated in the bullets I read | High sensitivity, suits low-voltage sources (HIFIMAN) | 250 ohm, needs an interface or amp for full volume (listing) |
| Owner Ratings | 3,820 ratings at 4.5 | 1,042 ratings at 4.4 | 20,210 ratings at 4.6 |
| Price | $179.99 | $109 | $199.99 |
Quick Comparison
Our Top Picks
- Open-back with angled drivers, per the listing
- "Natural and accurate reference sound", per Sennheiser
- 3,820 ratings at 4.5 stars
- Open-back leaks sound
- Impedance and cable details not in the bullets I read
- $109
- Planar magnetic, per HIFIMAN
- High sensitivity, per HIFIMAN
- 4.4 stars on 1,042 ratings
- Fewer ratings than the others
- 20,210 ratings at 4.6 stars
- Velour pads, per the listing
- 3m coiled cable
- 250 ohm: the listing says it needs an interface or amp
- $0.01 under the $200 line
How This Was Researched
I filtered to open-back headphones listed under $200 on Amazon.com on 5 October 2026 and compared listings, maker claims and owner ratings. Prices, ratings and stock were read from the Amazon.com listings on 5 October 2026 (US delivery). I have not tested these products myself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open-back earcups let air and sound pass through, which makers say gives a wider, more natural sound. The trade-off is that sound leaks out and room noise gets in.
It lists at $279.99 now, $100 more than the HD 560S. See the head-to-head for what the listings say.
Sennheiser HD 560S
Open-back reference-style headphones for $179.99.
Check Price on Amazon