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Best Open Back IEMs – 2023

By Author Norvan Martin

Posted on Last updated:

Categories General

Open back IEMs are dynamic IEMs with more air to move more bass. The major purpose of the vent apertures is to compensate for air pressure in the chamber. The primary goal of open-back IEMs is to achieve lively bass and an open, airy sound signature.

But do you really need an open-back In-ear monitor or IEM? This article is written as a guide to explain Open back IEM and when to use it.

Top Pick

Whizzer BS1 HiFi 13.6mm Large Size Diaphragm...
Whizzer BS1 HiFi 13.6mm Large Size Diaphragm...
  • – [DRIVER] 13.6mm multi-layer composite diaphragm DD providing a larger soundstage and guaranteeing more...
  • – [Open-back Design] Open-back design with large size diaphragm for more natural sound
  • – [Materials and Processes] Precise CNC process technology, ergonomic design, open-back design, light weight
Check on Amazon

4 Best Open Back IEMs

There is currently a wide variety of open back IEM but we’ve selected the 4 that we feel are the best at the moment.

1. Whizzer BS1 HiFi

The Whizzer BS1 is a very good IEM that excels by its organic timbre and its good resolution, separation, and layering. On top of its sound qualities, it features a very unusual and interesting design. It features an open-back design with a large size diaphragm for more natural sound delivery.

Pros 

  • Lush timbre
  • Good tonality
  • Nice packaging and accessories
  • No boosted sibilance

Cons

  • Muddy bass
  • Average resolution

2. KZ ZS10 Pro

The new Pro version sounds and looks better than the original KS10. It is a hybrid with 1 Dynamic Driver and 4 Balanced Armature Drivers. However, the BA drivers have been updated, and they have upgraded the dynamic driver to a second generation. They offer a more dynamic, clean sound.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Great and Practical design
  • Good tangle resistance

Cons

  • The cable is not so good

3. Audeze iSINE10 in-Ear

Audeze’s iSine10 in-ear headphone is a one-of-a-kind combo. The iSine10 is an in-ear headphone that combines planar magnetic drivers with an open-back design for audiophiles on the go. Eartips come in a variety of sizes, as with most in-ear headphones. 

Pro

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Great Sound
  • Has cipher Lightning cable (with built-in DAC) that improves sound quality for iPhone

Cons

  • It is pricey
  • Android users can’t enjoy the benefits of the Cipher Lightning cable

4. TRN ST1 in Ear Monitors

Custom 30095 balanced armatures and a 10mm dynamic driver are used in the TRN ST1 headphones. This setup can improve high-frequency extension and clarity to the point where you’ll be blown away by the richness of instruments and natural details that emerge from your music collection. 

Pros

  • Great clarity
  • Earpieces are light and durable
  • Offers great sound isolation
  • Wide soundstage

Cons

  • Mushy mids
  • Flimsy cable

Open Back Headphones Vs IEMs

IEMs (in-ear monitors) are high-quality earbuds that sit in your ear and block out background noise. Over-ear headphones are bulkier, but they can deliver better sound quality and are usually more comfortable to wear for longer periods. To evaluate the two more effectively, we will have to consider some factors, such as sound quality, sound isolation, price, additional hardware, and comfort. 

Sound

The fundamental advantage of open-back headphones is their ability to provide a large soundstage, which helps with the stereo image. This means that when you use open-back headphones, sounds become clearer and easier to locate.

Because we’re comparing tiny drivers against massive full-sized headphones drivers, IEMs can’t beat open-back headphones. 

Affordability

Many gamers and audiophiles know that open-back headphones are pricey. By comparison, nice IEMs that are affordable and sound substantially better than anything in their price range, such as the KZ ZS10 Pro, may be found.

Sound Isolation

Using open-back headphones to listen to music in a noisy environment can be a nightmare. This also works the other way around, because open-back headphones leak sound readily, so if you play at excessive volumes, you may bother those near you.

In such cases, opting for a pair of IEMs solves both difficulties because they naturally isolate sound and do not bleed at all. This is a significant victory for IEM.

Comfort

Because open-back headphones are larger and thicker, you need to ensure that the clamping force, ear cup size, and cushioning are sufficient. However, with IEMs, none of these factors matter.

Open Back Bass Headphones 

Open-back bass headphones offer you an immersive listening experience, particularly in a silent room. Here are some of the best we’ve handpicked.

1. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250

The Beyerdynamic 990 open-back headphones have a professional appearance and are suitable for high-quality studio sounds. They offer a three-dimensional sound capability and, because of their unique tonal depth, are great for mixing music.

2. AKG Pro Audio K702

The K702 is a one-of-a-kind open-back headphone. It has a unique varimotion diaphragm, which has a double layer diaphragm that maximizes high and low-frequency ranges. The sensitivity and treble functions of a flat-wire voice coil are also improved.

It also includes a detachable wire for charging the headphone.

3. Sennheiser HD 599 SE

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE is a high-quality open-back headphone with a sturdy build. Its ergonomic acoustic refinement provides exceptional audiophile sound and outstanding comfort.

The 599 SE boasts soft padded cushions that make it comfortable to wear for long periods.

What Are Open Back And Closed-Back Headphones?

Open Back Headphones

Headphones with open-back earcups allow air to flow through the back of the earcups (facing outwards). The driver’s sound can travel in two directions: directly into your ear and out into the surrounding area. 

Pros

  • Enhanced airflow
  • Image in stereo
  • Ear fatigue is reduced
  • clear sound delivery

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Leaking sound into the environment
  • isolating noise
  • There are fewer models available.

Closed-Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones have an airtight seal around the back of the earcups (facing outwards). The sound is encased and sealed inside each headphone. Unless you’re listening with the volume turned up loud, no sound will escape the Headphone.

Pros

  • Isolation from the surrounding noise
  • Low-end extension
  • A completely immersive listening experience
  • There is very little sound leaking

Cons

  • It is less breathable.
  • The impact of proximity
  • Image in Stereo

How Do Open Back Headphones Work?

Open-back headphones’ ear cups allow rear-facing speaker driver airflow. Resonances and low-frequency build-up in the rear enclosure aren’t an issue. Open-back headphones offer a more natural and clear sound.

You’ll be able to hear certain sounds around you because you’re not alone. It also has a cross-feed feature, which combines the left and right channels to make it more natural.

Open Back Headphones Under $200

Open-back headphones are known for being expensive, however, there are still some pretty good ones you can still get below $200. 

Here are the top 5 open back headphones below $200

Open Back Or Closed-Back Headphones For Music Production

Music production, mastering, mixing, and other basic audio engineering that requires headphones need an acoustic delivery. The best option, in this case, is to go for open-back headphones. This is because of its unfettered sound processing and capacity to generate acoustic sound, which means the sound is as natural as possible.

FAQs

1. Are IEMs better than earbuds? Do they work the same or different?

IEMs essentially operate as earplugs once a suitable seal is formed, greatly reducing ambient noise. However, earbuds lie on the outer ear and do not seal off the ear canal, allowing a lot of ambient noise through. IEMs are worn directly within the ear canal and provide substantially better noise isolation.

Also, note that IEMs are made up of a pair of driver chambers topped with silicon or foam ear tips that fit directly into your ear canals. On the other hand, earphones are the classic earbud-shaped items that sit at the entrance of your outer ears.

2. Where are IEMs mostly used?

  •  Audio professionals use them for live monitoring and studio production. IEMs enable musicians to hear themselves as well as their unique mix while shutting out competing vocals and noises.
  • Performers also use them on stage.
  • Audiophiles and music enthusiasts use them as a handy method to listen to music.

3. Is a DAC worth it for IEMs?

In most cases, the answer will be no. A DAC won’t help you much unless you have jittering or hissing in your audio. It is typically preferable to spend the additional money you would have spent on a DAC on nicer headphones.

Conclusion

In the end, it all comes down to your desired preference. Open-back IEMs are cheaper and do not require extra hardware to use. But, if you are someone who loves doesn’t love putting things in your ear, the open back headphone can be your best option. However, when choosing open-back headphones, you need to know that they can be expensive, but they will surely deliver the best experience.