Best Open-Back Headphones for Music, Gaming and Work

By Editorial Team | April 2026

If you want open-back headphones for music, study, or casual gaming, the Sennheiser HD 505 is the easy pick because it gives you proper spacious sound without forcing you into an amp setup. It is the kind of headphone that makes laptop listening feel less boxed in.

Our picks at a glance

Based on hands-on research, expert review consensus (RTINGS, Wirecutter, relevant subreddits), and current pricing.

Best overall: Sennheiser HD 505

Sennheiser HD 505 — £189.99

This is the open-back pair you buy when you want clarity and space more than thump. The HD 505 scored 8.3, and that fits the brief: it is light at 237g, easy to run from a laptop or phone thanks to its 120-ohm tuning, and tuned for detail rather than heavy bass.

Why we picked it:

• The open-back design gives you a wider, more natural soundstage, which matters more than specs when music and games start sounding cramped.
• The 38mm dynamic drivers and 12 Hz–38.5 kHz range are aimed at detail, so vocals, instruments, and positional cues stay clean.
• At 237g with velour pads and reduced clamp, it is built for long sessions rather than ten-minute test drives.

The trade-off: it leaks sound both ways, and the more analytical tuning will disappoint anyone who wants big bass or plans to use it on a commute.

Buy the Sennheiser HD 505 if you want one wired headphone that makes home listening feel properly upgraded.

Best upgrade: Sennheiser HD 660S2

Sennheiser HD 660S2 — £499.99

The extra money buys you a more refined, more complete hi-fi listen. This is the pick if you already know you like open backs and want deeper bass extension, better layering, and a headphone that rewards better sources instead of merely working fine from a laptop.

Worth it if: you listen at home, care about sound quality first, and are happy paying for a step up that is audible rather than cosmetic.

Best budget pick: Sennheiser HD 560S

Sennheiser HD 560S — £129.99

The HD 560S gets the essentials right: neutral sound, low weight, and an open presentation that still feels honest on a desk. It is not as polished or as immediately appealing as the HD 505, but it remains a very strong value if you want the open-back experience for less.

Worth it if: you want a cheaper entry into open-back listening and do not mind a slightly plainer, more studio-like presentation.

How we chose

We prioritised soundstage, ease of driving, long-session comfort, and whether the headphones make sense without extra gear. We also checked current pricing and compared the HD 505 against real alternatives that are available now, with expert consensus from RTINGS, SoundGuys, and broader review coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Are open-back headphones worth it if I already own closed-back headphones?
Yes, if you listen at a desk and care about separation and space. They are worse for isolation, but better when you want music and games to sound less congested.

Is the HD 505 expensive for what it does?
At £189.99, it is not cheap, but it is priced where serious entry-level hi-fi starts to make sense. You are paying for comfort, openness, and easy daily use rather than extras you will never use.

Do I need an amp for the HD 505?
No — its 120-ohm tuning is still easy enough to run from everyday devices, which is a big part of the appeal.