The best headphones for classical music make me feel like I’m in the front row at a symphony, or even better, like I’m the conductor. Your typical generic headphones can be good at a basic level for listening to podcasts, doing voice calls, or even watching movies.
But if you are someone who wants to really appreciate classical music with headphones instead of speakers, many of the standard options aren’t optimized for classical music. If you’re into classical music, you want to make sure your headphones have a broad frequency range for a more powerful audio impact.
Headphones have come a long way in the past few years, and the market is full of options to choose from that are optimized for different musical tastes. Many audio equipment brands feature several models, all promising to offer you the best audio support – from volume level management, to bass or treble response, and wireless connectivity, among others.
Besides checking the product specs, I reviewed multiple classical music forums and read reviews from classical music fans to find the best classical music headphones to test out. Since I’ve already done the research I’m sharing this consolidated list covering the key features as well as pros and cons.
I’ll give the top picks first in case you’re in a hurry, and get into more detail on each one below.
Top 7 Best Headphones For Classical Music
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
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Best Audio Precision and Sound Quality  |
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Best Value  |
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The Best Headphones For Classical Music
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones– Best Overall
Key Features
- Sensitivity – 105 dB SPL/V
- Rated Impedance – 62 Ohms
- Detachable cable – yes
- Maximum input power – 200 MW
- Audio frequency bandwidth – 10 – 39800 Hz
On the top of our list of best headphones for classical music, AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones come from the AKG Pro Audio brand, a manufacturer of audio accessories fast-climbing the ranks of the go-to manufacturers for music enthusiasts and gamers. Like many classical music headphones, this specific model offers a robust sound experience and fantastic build quality.
The K702 is an excellent music accessory that provides detailed audio feedback and sound quality. Notes are precisely replicated, allowing you to appreciate each lilting raise and curving fall of your favorite track. You get to fully immerse yourself in the emotions provided by its top-grade sound quality, mainly because this headset comes equipped with a superb pair of earcups. These ear cups are made from velour material and recommended for people prone to allergic reactions. Its earcups are sufficiently soft and are even appropriately positioned, permitting adequate ventilation to curb dampening caused by sweat.
This headphones for classical music is manufactured with an open-back style and provides you with realistic sound similar to its source. Also, it provides sound isolation that highlights the mid and high notes and reproduces clear and precise vocals. Notes belonging to the deeper-end frequencies are reproduced adequately as well.
This headset has a maximum input capacity of 200 MW and a sensitivity rating of 105 dB. It has a frequency response range of 10 to 39,800 Hz. It also has a detachable cable. Nevertheless, audio feedback tends to be a bit muddy when you’re in the middle of traffic or noise. This is highly expected since this gadget has an open-back design.
| Pros • Fantastic design • The headband is made of soft leather material • Comfortable earcups • Natural audio feedback • Highly responsive | Cons • Low noise-canceling capacity |
Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones – Best Audio Precision and Sound Quality
Key Features
- Design: Open-back
- Impedance: 300 ohms
- Frequency Response: 12Hz-39kHz
- Kevlar-reinforced, detachable copper cable
- Neodymium ferrous magnet systems
The Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones provide you with the best audio precision and sound quality. It has an open-back design, allowing accurate and natural audio delivery. While it is a superb accessory for classical music listening, it also provides you with an ecstatic bass response—an excellent feature for when you want to enjoy deep-end notes as well. It offers robust bass, specifically in the mid-and upper-levels. However, this could be a problem as it tends to create muddy feedback, especially when listening to bass-based audio.
Nevertheless, the HD 600 offers precise audio output. It provides balanced sound with distinct lows, vibrant mids, and detailed highs. Vocals are clear and crisp, making it one of the best headphones for classical music.
This product stands out when it comes to its design. Its parts are replaceable and easy to install. This allows you to extend the use of your headphones, saving effort and money in the process. Although this headset isn’t as extensive when it comes to features, it does provide you with highly accurate audio that resembles that of the source file. Hence, it permits you to appreciate minute details that may easily be disregarded when using headsets.
While most best classical music headphones offer you standard frequency response ranges and sound waves, this one takes it a step further as it provides you with a range of 12 Hz to 39 kHz. It has an impedance rate of 300 ohms, as well. Equipped with a Kevlar-reinforced copper cable for better sound accuracy and added durability, this model for classical music lovers is also incorporated with a magnetic system that helps minimize distortion and noise.
| Pros • Superb design • Replaceable parts • Precise and wide frequency response range • Lightweight | Cons • The bass response can be muddy |
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones Black – Best Value
Key Features
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/MW
- Maximum Input Power: 700 mW
- Frequency Response – 20 – 20,000 Hz
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones provide you with a self-adjusting headband that offers an instant fit as soon as you put it on. This is an innovative mechanism that sets it apart from a lot of its counterparts here in our list of best headphones for classical music. Loose-fitting headphones tend to be cumbersome, especially when you have to adjust their placement to keep them from falling off repeatedly.
This headpiece is an excellent find since it has many high-end features despite its low, affordable price. It has an open-back design that offers neutral audio feedback and better cooling capability. Nevertheless, its style doesn’t encourage noise isolation which could be an issue when you use it amid heavy traffic and crowds.
This model is equipped with 53-millimeter drivers that help produce treble clarity. It has a standard frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz, although it has a high impedance rate of 38 ohms, enabling this headgear to deliver high volume levels.
Its ear cups are large and comfortable, but they tend to be too bulky and heavy due to their external metal meshes. They are better used in more quiet environments and are recommended for indoor use.
| Pros • Self-adjusting band • Affordable • 53-millimeter drivers • Treble clarity | Cons • No noise isolation capability • Heavy and bulky • No bass |
Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones – Best Budget Headphones for Classical Music
Key Features
- 50mm neodymium drivers
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Maximum power input: 200Mw
- Sensitivity: 101 dB
- Frequency response: 12-35000Hz
One of the most popular picks, the Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi, offers you an adequate audio experience without emptying your pocket. A headset that merely costs more than seventy dollars, this one’s tagged as our best budget choice and perfect for classical music lovers who don’t want to splurge.
While many customers believe that Philips made this headset affordable by scrimping on material, the SHP9500 still looks durable with its combined metal and plastic build. So, if you need an efficient pair of headphones for daily use, this model comes highly recommended. A quality piece without the expensive price tag, this headset allows you prolonged usage without wearing you down. It is comfortable enough because it comes equipped with soft cushions, both in the headband and ear cup areas.
The lengthy 1.5-meter cable provided permits more freedom of movement. Attach it to your audio source, and you still have adequate space for multitasking and moving. Despite its low price, this model offers superb sound quality. It covers a frequency range of 12 to 35,000 Hz and has a sensitivity rate of 101 dB. Its 50-millimeter drivers are large enough as it capably provides you with high volume levels at an impedance rate of 38 ohms.
As one of the best headphones for classical music, the SHP9500 delivers natural audio feedback. It offers well-balanced highs, mids, and bass. However, audio tends to get muddy when you crank up its volume.
| Pros • Comfortable to use • Lengthy cable • Affordable • High volume capacity | Cons • Poor bass response • Audio tends to be muddy at high volume levels • Cheap build |
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones – Best Splurge Option
Key Features
- Driver Size: 45mm Tesla Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
- Impedance: 250 ohms
- Sound Pressure Level: 102 dB SPL (1mW/500Hz)
- Weight: 0.81 lbs
If you have more money set aside for the best headphones, you should check out the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones. Manufactured in Germany, this open back headphones is a popular choice for audiophiles and other music professionals. A music accessory that’s highly recommended for a variety of uses including classical music, this model provides superb audio precision and highly detailed performance.
Its 45-millimeter Tesla drivers ensure natural audio feedback while its titanium-coated fabric further balances the sound. Its earcups are incorporated with memory foam that offers maximum comfort even during prolonged use. It also has an open-back design that promotes breathability and adds neutrality to the sound. Its earpads are also replaceable—an excellent feature that enables you to maximize usage and even ensure the utmost hygiene. You even get an extra pair of earpads to be set aside for later use.
This model has a wide frequency response range of 5 Hz to 40 kHz. It has an impedance rating of 250 ohms, as well. A lightweight headgear, this one’s a classic and valuable find. What’s more, it comes with two cables included—a short one and a long one.
| Pros • Durable • Memory foam for added comfort • Lightweight • Superb sound quality • Two cables included • Extra earpads included • Superb bass • Fantastic treble | Cons • Expensive |
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Best Bluetooth Headphones for Classical Music
Key Features
- Alexa-enabled
- Noise-rejecting mechanism
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Weight: 0.52 lbs
If you want a headset that’s capable of wireless connectivity via Bluetooth technology, you should check out the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones. This one has a noise-canceling capacity via Alexa. Hence, it allows you to perform various tasks aside from listening to your favorite classical music. You can retrieve both music and information from any of your devices since it is compatible with android, iOS, and Windows. Remote management is also one of this headset’s highlighted features. It comes with a dedicated app that allows easy control of its different capabilities via your smartphone or computer.
This headset for classical music provides smooth sound quality. We included this in the list since it allows for a natural sound that adeptly mimics its source file, perfect for listening to ambient noise. It comes equipped with a 40-millimeter driver that aids in providing quality sound output. A preferred option for many, this one is comfortable to use even for lengthy periods. Nonetheless, you need to note that this headgear has a closed-back design that could make you sweaty, especially during warmer weather. But when it comes to classical music and orchestral music, who says you can only use open-back headphones for it?
| Pros • Smooth audio quality • Bluetooth connectivity • Alexa-enabled • Noise-canceling mechanism | Cons • Closed-back design tends to promote sweat |
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro – Best Budget Audiophile Choice
Key Features
- Driver Size: 45mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
- Impedance: 250 ohms
- Weight: 0.63 lbs
Another Beyerdynamic product, the DT 880, is a budget version of the DT 1990 model. The only huge difference between the two is that this one has a semi-open design. This means that music sound can enter and escape the enclosure, although this can technically retain most of its source audio within its earcups, even perfect for listening to acoustic instruments.
The DT 880 has 45-millimeter drivers and an impedance rate of 250 ohms. It is capable of a frequency response range of 5 Hz to 35 kHz. This one has a natural sound, as well. Its overall audio quality is nearly similar to that of the DT 1990, although this headset’s mid-range notes are less pronounced. While the DT 1990 has a superb build finish, this one has a few minus points on that aspect. This model also requires an amplifier to add an extra push to its volume levels. Nevertheless, this headset is far less expensive than the glorious DT 1990 alternative.
| Pros • Similar to DT 1990’s audio quality but less expensive • Semi-open design helps preserve the source file’s original sound • Natural and flat audio feedback | Cons • It comes with an undetachable cable |
Choosing The Best Headphones For Classical Music
When purchasing headphones for classical music, here are several elements to take note of:
Open-Back versus Closed-Back Design
Most classical music enthusiasts find open-back headsets to be the preferable option. This is because open-back headphones are more capable of providing natural-sounding audio feedback as compared to closed-back headphones Nevertheless, it is essential to note that there are also closed-back headphones that provide neutral audio outputs.
Frequency Response Range
While many speakers and headphones guarantee you wide frequency coverage, it is crucial to remember that humans typically recognize frequencies of merely 20 to 20,000 Hz. Any lower or higher frequency than this coverage is not significant since we cannot detect them.
Classical music doesn’t remain at mid and high-frequency levels. It can also go deep into the deeper-end frequencies. It can go as low as 30 Hz, providing you with bass from time to time. Thus, an efficient headset must be able to recognize at least 30 or 20 Hz to allow you to appreciate your favorite track completely.
You ought to remember that classical music isn’t as neutral-sounding as most believed. It can be as complex as other genres. So, it would help if you acquired a pair of headphones that provide you with the pure audio reproduction of your chosen source file.
Comfort and Quality
Comfort and quality are two primary considerations when purchasing the best headphones for classical music. If you tend to listen to your favorite classical tracks for more extended periods, it is best to get a headset that isn’t too heavy. Its earcups must also contain soft cushions that prevent irritation and bruising. Likewise, a pair of headphones with detachable, replaceable ear pads permit you to replace them when they get too sweaty. This capability also limits bacteria build-up that may only cause you skin problems later on.
Impedance Rate
Impedance refers to the limit of electricity level that your headphones’ drivers can withstand. This rate is measurable by ohms. Most classical music headphones have between 8 to 600 ohms. You should purchase a pair of headphones with a similar impedance rate to your audio device source.
The higher the impedance rate of your headset, the more powerful its audio performance would be. Although this is primarily true, your headphones’ impedance rate won’t be as noticeable as it should be if you connect it to an audio device source that has a lower impedance rating.
Sensitivity Rate
While sensitivity rating isn’t too significant when you’re purchasing a pair of headphones meant for classical music listening, you must understand this element’s relation to impedance. Sensitivity rating refers to the volume levels that your headset can detect. This element is measured in decibels (dB).
So, if you have a headset with a higher sensitivity rate, you don’t have to worry about a low impedance rate. For instance, with a headset with only 32 ohms impedance, you still get to have louder volume levels if your headgear has a high sensitivity rate.
Our Verdict For The Best Classical Music Headphones
To fully synthesize our findings, here are the best headphones for classical music:
- Best Overall—AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
- Best Audio Precision and Sound Quality—Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones
- Best Value—Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones Black
- Best Budget Headphones for Classical Music —Philips Audio Philips SHP9500
- Best Splurge Option—Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
- Best Bluetooth Headphones for Classical Music —Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- Best Budget Audiophile Choice—Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro