Last updated: 05/2025
Added ZMF Bokeh Open and removed ZMF Auteur/Auteur Classic
The Wall of Fame features headphones that, in our opinion, are exceptionally good and offer unbeatable value for money in different categories. The list only includes tested/reviewed headphones that we can recommend without reservation to a wider audience and that are reasonably easy to acquire. The evaluation does not consider equalization for wired headphones; instead, they highlight the manufacturers' success in their design. The Wall of Fame will be updated regularly, so some headphones might drop off the list to make way for new ones or if availability changes. The frequency responses for all models can be found in our Squiglink database.
Wall of Fame:
Best Open Back Headphones in different price ranges
// 200–400 €
Aune Audio AR5000
In terms of sound and comfort, one of the best headphones around 300 euros. Sounds balanced and natural, offering a deeper soundstage than its competitors. However, the resolution is slightly less than that of planar headphones when listening to more complex music. Therefore, for example, the Hifiman Sundara still retains its place on our Wall of Fame. Link to the review.
Hifiman Sundara / Sundara Silver
Good instrument separation with a balanced, albeit slightly bright tuning. The brightness, on the other hand, makes the sound detailed, so Sundara competes quite evenly against other headphone models under 1000 euros. Only the soundstage remains somewhat small, and the light (linear) bass doesn't necessarily impress. The slightly more expensive Silver version offers more lively sound and more dynamic bass, so with the price difference between the two being small, I would recommend choosing the Silver. Considering the price range, the build quality of both is sufficient, and there is nothing major to complain about in terms of comfort either. Links to reviews: Sundara and Sundara Silver.
Sennheiser HD 600 / HD 650
Extremely natural mid-frequencies make the old Sennheisers still worth recommending, even though their soundstage remains small considering the open design, and the subbass is subdued. Some, on the other hand, like the very intimate vocals. Of the two, HD 600 sounds a bit brighter, while HD 650 has more warmth. Structurally, both are light and durable, but the earpads wear out quickly. Link to the review.
// 400–600 €
SASH Tres SE
A peculiar, but excellent headphone from Ukraine. We would be tempted to call it the best in its price range due to its detailed and lively but smooth sound. While the large physical size might bother some, it's interesting to see that a small manufacturer can compete evenly against many larger ones. Link to the review.
Hifiman HE6se V2
An example of dynamic sounding planar headphones with superb separation and a transparent sound. The intensity can be a bit fatiguing and the comfort is poor without modification, but other Hifiman models at the same price point do not offer as impressive listening experience. As a warning, however, it should be noted that the drivers are prone to sticking into the magnets, so long-term functionality is a bit of a gamble. Link to the review.
Hifiman Edition XS
A generally good option in Hifiman's lineup, which sounds slightly better than the Sundara in terms of bass, soundstage, and separation. On the other hand, the tuning, which emphasizes the spaciousness, is less linear and balanced compared to the Sundara, so the superiority is ultimately a matter of taste. Interestingly, the headphones can currently be bought directly from Hifiman cheaper than the Sundara from Finland. Also, the very similar Ananda models don't cost much more, so choosing between the trio can be difficult. Link to the review.
// 600–1000 €
Focal Hadenys
High-quality build, excellent comfort, and balanced sound make the Hadenys difficult to beat in its price range. Its biggest strengths are the exceptionally solid bass for open-back headphones and the complete lack of any extra harshness or sibilance in the treble. Similarly priced Hifiman planar headphones are clearly brighter, whereas the Meze Audio 109 Pro is more uneven due to its V-shaped tuning. The Hadenys thus justifies its higher price compared to its more affordable competitors. Link to the review.
// 1000–2000 €
Hifiman HE1000 V2 (+ more recent Stealth version)
HE1000 models are very difficult to overlook, regardless of the price range. They sound slightly better and more refined than the Arya, and the build is also entirely metal. For detailed, large, and realistic sound, one had to pay over 3000 euros just a few years ago, but nowadays only 1000–1500 euros. Only the bright treble might be bothersome, so it's not the safest choice for low-quality music. Link to the review.
ZMF Bokeh Open
ZMF Bokeh Open offers a high-quality build and, with the right adjustments, a truly balanced sound. Its customizability is indeed one of the greatest strengths. Compared to other ZMF models in the same price range, Bokeh Open sounds more neutral and more energetic in its upper frequencies. Since Bokeh Open also costs 250 euros less than Aeolus and 500 euros less than Auteur Classic, it is easiest to recommend. Personally, I would include the solid front damping mesh with the purchase to make the treble a bit smoother. Link to the review.
Sennheiser HD 800S (+ HD 800)
The soundstage king, which is difficult to overlook when aiming for the widest and most speaker-like headphone sound possible. It is especially suitable for classical music, but with a nice tube amplifier works with all other geners as well. It's worth remembering that the older HD 800 with the SDR mod offers a very similar sound than HD 800S, so the older model is an excellent purchase at used market. Link to the review.
Focal Clear MG (+ Clear OG)
A balanced overall package, whose only weaknesses are a relatively small soundstage and a slightly metallic treble timbre. If these characteristics do not bother you, Clear MG might be overall the best dynamic headphone model in its price range. It also looks stylish both in its basic colour scheme and as the black Pro version. Link to the review.
// 2000–4000 €
HEDDphone Two
HEDDphone Two's unique AMT (Air Motion Transformer) drivers bring out the small nuances and details with extreme precision and liveliness. Although the mid-frequency focused sound is indeed aimed at a studio environment, it also works well for regular listening. Furthermore, the updated build is more practical and comfortable than the original HEDDphone model, and the 2000 euro price is not unreasonable compared to competitors. I recommend doing a little EQ, after which HEDDphone Two easily challenges more expensive headphone models. Link to the review.
Austrian Audio The Composer
Reference-level accurate sound with a wide soundstage. The Composer is not necessarily a clear improvement compared to Hifiman's more affordable HE1000 series or the Sennheiser HD 800S, but it has more balanced treble and more solid bass. Correspondingly, the mid-frequencies are slightly more energetic and pleasant compared to Meze Audio Empyrean 2. The build is also unique and high-quality, and furthermore, the relatively light weight ensures good wearing comfort for a long time. The 2500 euro price feels a bit high, but not entirely unreasonable compared to competitors in the same price range. Link to the review.
ZMF Atrium
Sennheiser HD 650-style warm sound with solid bass and excellent construction. Atrium makes all music sound pleasant, so it's hard not to like it. For some tastes, however, the treble might be too subdued by default, and the resolution doesn't reach the level of the best planar headphones. On the other hand, the price of under 3000 euros is also more moderate than many other TOTL models. The Caldera might also deserve a place on the wall of fame, but its tuning is more coloured and thus more difficult to recommend to a wider audience. Link to the review.
// Yli 4000 €
Focal Utopia
Currently the best dynamic headphone model. Utopia released in 2017 is slightly brighter, whereas the 2022 version is a bit more laid-back. Both sound pleasantly natural and would be suitable as general-purpose headphones. Particularly impressive are the dynamics and the depth and the accuracy of the soundstage. In terms of build or comfort, Utopia is not perfect but leaves little to complain about. Link to the review.
Hifiman Susvara
Susvara is still one of the most impressive "normal" (does not need a special amp) headphones, even though the 7000 euro price tag is heavily inflated, and the build quality doesn't fully meet expectations either. However, when acquired for around 4000 euros, one starts to get value for money in the form of realistic and extremely accurate sound. The tuning is less bright compared to many other Hifiman models, which makes the Susvara surprisingly accessible. Naturally, significant investment in listening equipment is required, if true enthusiasts are to be believed. Link to the review.
The best closed-back headphones: Dan Clark Audio E3
The Harman style tuning makes E3 sound very balanced an lively while also offering exceptionally high-quality bass. The overall presentation is faithfull to the music itself, but unlike many other neutral headphones, does not succumb to dullness. Furthermore, the precise separation and the spacious soundstage almost reach the level of open-back headphones. When combined with this innovative build and good comfort, E3 is in our opinion the best closed headphone on the market, although priced at around 2500 euros, it is a rather expensive purchase. The Stealth model might, of course, be even better for some tastes, but paying double for it doesn't feel fully justified. Link to the review.
Honourable mentions from the more affordable price ranges:
T+A Solitaire T
An interestingly versatile, albeit expensive (€1400), headphone that can be used both wired and wireless. It also offers a noise-cancelling function of rather mediocre effectiveness, based on which the Solitaire T would not yet merit recognition among the top contenders. However, it sounds excellent as a passive headphone and when listened to via Bluetooth connection in HQ sound mode, at which point the high price could be justified. Link to the review.
ZMF Bokeh
With the right earpads, Bokeh offers a balanced and non-fatiguing sound with ZMF's typical warmth and solidity. It doesn't ultimately deviate too greatly from the Harman target curve, so all kinds of music sounds good, although slightly more relaxed than usual. The headphones also look great and are comfortable. Only the final price felt slightly high when ordered to Finland (1300–1500 €), so it prevents me praising Bokeh more than this, even though it is indeed excellent as a closed-back headphone. ZMF Atticus and Eikon do not sound as balanced. Link to the review.
Focal Azurys
Balanced and modern tuning with fun bass, clear mids, and smooth treble. The only major weaknesses are slightly unnatural upper mids and a relatively narrow soundstage. In terms of build and comfort, my expectations are well met considering the 550 euro price. Link to the review.
Audeze Maxwell
Audeze Maxwell, designed for gaming, is practically the best and most versatile closed-back headphone for 400 euros. The USB transmitter enables high sound quality in wireless use, the battery life is very long, and a high-quality boom microphone is included. Furthermore, the frequency response accurately follows the Harman target curve, so everything is good right out of the box. On the other hand, with a little equalization, the sound still improves. Unless Maxwell's weight of almost half a kilogram becomes a problem, you don't really get anything better for the same amount of money. Link to the review.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm)
The DT 770 Pro (price 140–150 €), characterised as an old warhorse, won our comparison of affordable closed-back headphones, so it deserves a place on the list. Bright treble and somewhat thin mids leave something to be desired, but after a short period of getting used to, there aren't major weaknesses. Although AKG's K361 and K371 do sound more balanced, they are suitable only for some people due to their poor build. DT 770 Pro, on the other hand, withstands tougher use like more expensive headphones. Despite its fixed cable, I would recommend it rather than the more V-styled DT 770 Pro X. Link to the comparison of affordable closed-back headphones..
The best noise-cancelling headphones in different price ranges
// 50–200 €
JBL Tune 770NC
Overall the best budget-class noise-cancelling headphones, provided they fit one's head. The tuning that follows the Harman target curve surpasses most competitors, and other aspects are also at a sufficiently good level considering the 60 euro price. Link to the review.
Edifier WH950NB
At the current price of around 100 euros, WH950NB is an an excellent purchase. It offers modern features, a decent noise-cancelling function, and a fine build. The sound quality is also quite good after a little equalization. Link to the review.
Valco VMK25
Valco VMK25 doesn't compete with extra features or uniqueness, but differs from its competitors due to its relatively neutral sound. It could be suitable even for studio monitoring. The noise-cancelling function and the build have also seen clear improvements compared to the older VMK20. Link to the review.
// 200–500 €
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
The highest quality sound I have heard in the sub-400 euro price range. The PX7 S2e's build is also among the best on the market in terms of materials and appearance, and the noise-cancelling function doesn't lag too far behind competitors' products either. By default, the bass dominates the sound slightly too much, but with small adjustments, the better-than-average resolution and well-structured soundstage come into their own. Generally speaking, the tuning is also relatively "normal" compared to many other ANC headphones. Link to the review.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The most balanced noise-cancelling headphone model costing around 250 euros, because sound quality, build, ANC effectiveness, comfort, and features all reach a good level. On the other hand, the slightly more expensive B&W PX7 S2e sounds better, and Sony and Bose headphones offer more effective noise cancellation, so the Momentum 4 doesn't quite knock the socks off. Link to the review.
// Yli 500 €
Focal bathys
Sonically the best noise-cancelling headphones tested by Headphone Corner, which gets even better with a USB cable or by activating the Dynamic sound mode. Bathys offers dynamics and resolution that more affordable headphone models are not capable of. The build is also of higher quality than usual, so the high price is somewhat justified. On the other hand, in terms of noise cancellation effectiveness, it just matches models costing under 200 euros, so you can't have it all in one package yet. Link to the review.
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