Best Budget Open Back Headphones for Mixing Under $200

Inside This Article:

Why Open Back Headphones Are the Gold Standard for Mixing

The Science Behind the Sound
Key Benefits:
The Catch:

Top Picks: Best Budget Open Back Headphones for Mixing

1. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – The Underdog Champion
2. Sennheiser HD 560S – The Neutral Nerd
3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (80 Ohm) – The Tank

What to Look for in Budget Open Back Headphones

Sound Signature: Neutral = Trustworthy
Comfort: The Forgotten Priority
Build Quality: Cheap Isn’t Always Cheap
Impedance: Know Your Limits

Honorable Mentions (Because Choices Are Good)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Wrapping Up

Finding the best budget open back headphones for mixing shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Yet, here we are. Open-back headphones are the unsung heroes of audio production—offering a natural soundstage that closed-back models just can’t match. But let’s be real: not all of them are kind to your wallet.

This guide isn’t just a list. It’s a deep dive into affordable gems that balance performance and price. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or a seasoned engineer on a tight budget, these picks won’t leave you eating ramen for a month.

Why Open Back Headphones Are the Gold Standard for Mixing

Before we geek out over specific models, let’s talk about why open-back designs dominate the mixing world. Spoiler: it’s not just because they look cool (though they do).

The Science Behind the Sound

Open-back headphones let air (and sound) pass through the ear cups. This design mimics how sound behaves in a room, giving you a more accurate representation of your mix.

Key Benefits:

Wider Soundstage: Instruments don’t sound like they’re trapped inside your skull. Instead, they’re spaced out naturally, like a live performance.
Precision Imaging: Ever struggled to pinpoint that rogue hi-hat panned slightly too far left? Open-back headphones make spatial adjustments a breeze.
Reduced Ear Fatigue: Closed-back headphones can feel like a sensory deprivation chamber. Open-back designs breathe, so your ears won’t tap out after hour three.

The Catch:

Sound Leakage: Roommates or coworkers will hear your Kendrick Lamar obsession.
Zero Isolation: Not ideal for tracking vocals or noisy environments.

Random Fact: The first open-back headphones were likely invented by accident when a frustrated engineer drilled holes into his headphones to “let the sound breathe.” Probably.

Top Picks: Best Budget Open Back Headphones for Mixing

1. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – The Underdog Champion

Price: ~$100

If you’re hunting for the best open back headphones for mixing under $150, the ATH-AD700X is like finding a $20 bill in last winter’s coat.

Why They Rock:

Soundstage for Days: Listening to these feels like sitting in a concert hall, not cramming speakers into your ear canals.
Comfort King: The “3D Wing Support” system looks bizarre but cradles your head like a supportive friend.
Mid/High Clarity: Perfect for detecting muddy vocals or cymbals that sound like trash can lids.

Drawbacks:

Bass? What Bass?: EDM or hip-hop producers might weep. These prioritize accuracy over thump.
Fixed Cable: If your cat chews through it, you’re either learning to solder or buying a new pair.

Personal Anecdote: I once spent six hours mixing on these and forgot I was wearing headphones. That’s the magic of comfort.

2. Sennheiser HD 560S – The Neutral Nerd

Price: ~$150

The HD 560S is often dubbed the best headphones for mixing and mastering in the budget tier—and for good reason.

Why They Rock:

Flat Frequency Response: No sugar-coating. What you hear is what your mix actually sounds like.
Lightweight Design: Weighs less than a medium avocado. Ideal for marathon sessions.
Modular Everything: Swappable cables and ear pads mean these could outlive your career.

Drawbacks:

Plastic Feels… Plastic: They won’t win any beauty contests, but they’re built to last.
Boringly Accurate: If you want headphones that “wow” you, look elsewhere. These are tools, not toys.

Hypothetical Scenario: You’re tweaking a guitar solo and suddenly hear every fret squeak. That’s the HD 560S exposing your sins.

3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (80 Ohm) – The Tank

Price: ~$160

A studio classic, the DT 990 Pro is like the Jeep Wrangler of headphones—rugged, reliable, and slightly polarizing.

Why They Rock:

Indestructible Build: Survives coffee spills, angry tosses, and probably a nuclear blast.
Sparkly Highs: Harsh frequencies? These will expose them like a bad Instagram filter.
Cloud-Like Comfort: Velour ear pads feel like hugging your ears with a fluffy towel.

Drawbacks:

Treble Can Bite: If you’re sensitive to high frequencies, these might feel like ice picks.
Amp-Friendly: The 80-ohm version works without an amp, but the 250-ohm variant demands one.

Pop Culture Nod: These are the headphones every YouTuber secretly uses but claims they’re “too basic.”

What to Look for in Budget Open Back Headphones

Sound Signature: Neutral = Trustworthy

Avoid bass-heavy models unless you want your mixes to sound anemic on other systems.
A flat response reveals flaws—which is exactly what you need.

Comfort: The Forgotten Priority

Heavy headphones = neck pain. Poor padding = ear rage. Test for at least 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: If they feel like a vise grip, walk away.

Build Quality: Cheap Isn’t Always Cheap

Flimsy plastic might save $20 now but cost you $100 in replacements later.
Metal hinges and replaceable parts = long-term savings.

Impedance: Know Your Limits

Under 80 ohms? No amp needed.
Over 250 ohms? Prepare to invest in a headphone amp.

Source: Sound on Sound Mixing Guide

Honorable Mentions (Because Choices Are Good)

Philips SHP9500 (~$75): The “I can’t believe these are so cheap” option.
AKG K240 Studio (~$70): Semi-open but punch way above their weight.
Grado SR80x (~$125): Quirky fit, unique sound—love it or hate it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the best budget-friendly open-back headphones for mixing?
The best budget-friendly open-back headphones for mixing include models like the AKG K240 Studio, Philips SHP9500, Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X, and Samson SR850, known for their accurate sound reproduction and comfort.

2. Why choose open-back headphones for mixing?
Open-back headphones provide a more natural and spacious soundstage, making them ideal for mixing as they help with better stereo imaging and prevent ear fatigue during long sessions.

3. Are budget open-back headphones good enough for professional mixing?
While high-end models offer superior detail, budget open-back headphones can still deliver excellent performance for home studios or beginner mixing, provided they have a balanced frequency response.

4. What should I look for when buying budget open-back headphones for mixing?
Focus on flat frequency response, comfort for extended use, build quality, and user reviews. Avoid models with exaggerated bass or treble, as they can skew your mix decisions.