The 20 Best Headphones for Classical Music Listening

Open-back audiophile staples sit next to travel-friendly noise cancellers, and the right pick depends on whether your concert hall is a living room or a train carriage.

1. 1
   Focal Utopia

   Flagship open-back with exceptional resolution and dynamic range.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Grado SR80e

   Budget open-back with clear, forward highs and an intimate sound.
   942pts
3. 3
   Sennheiser HD 800 S

   Open-back reference headphones with a vast soundstage suited to orchestral recordings.
   927pts
4. 4
   Bose QuietComfort Ultra

   Comfortable wireless noise-cancellers for classical listening on the move.
   709pts
5. 5
   Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

   Detailed open-back studio headphones prized for precision and dynamics.
   709pts
6. 6
   Sennheiser HD 600

   Neutral open-back benchmark with natural timbre for acoustic instruments.
   709pts
7. 7
   Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

   Closed-back studio monitor suited to quiet listening without a stage-wide sound.
   709pts
8. 8
   Sennheiser HD 650

   Warm, smooth open-back classic long favoured for strings and vocals.
   709pts
9. 9
   Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

   Semi-open studio headphones with airy highs and good instrument separation.
   600pts
10. 10
    Grado SR325x

    Open-back with energetic, detailed sound for acoustic recordings.
    466pts
11. 11
    Sony WH-1000XM5

    Top wireless noise-cancelling pair, handy for travel and commuting.
    466pts
12. 12
    Apple AirPods Max

    Premium wireless over-ears with spatial audio and strong noise cancelling.
    466pts
13. 13
    Focal Clear MG

    French open-back with lively dynamics and fine tonal detail.
    466pts
14. 14
    HiFiMan Sundara

    Value planar magnetic open-back with a smooth, spacious presentation.
    466pts
15. 15
    Sennheiser HD 660S2

    Updated open-back with deeper bass and a refined, relaxed presentation.
    466pts
16. 16
    HiFiMan Arya

    Planar magnetic flagship known for expansive soundstage and delicate treble.
    0pts
17. 17
    Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

    Lightweight open-back reference with a wide, natural soundstage.
    0pts
18. 18
    Sony MDR-Z1R

    Flagship closed-back with a surprisingly open, high-resolution sound.
    0pts
19. 19
    Sennheiser HD 560S

    Affordable open-back with a neutral, analytical tuning and wide stage.
    0pts
20. 20
    Audeze LCD-5

    Top-tier planar magnetic reference with remarkable transparency.
    0pts

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