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Beyerdynamic is one of the most well-known headphone manufacturers. They are one of the oldest companies that are still producing headphones today. You can learn more about their history and achievements here.
They have lots of products in their current lineup that can surely satisfy both professional and casual users. We have simplified their lineup by grouping the headphones into three categories: Studio Monitors/Reference, Lifestyle, and Gaming.
Each category has the most popular and most successful headphones from Beyerdynamic. To find out more about the best Beyerdynamic headphones, continue reading below.
Best Beyerdynamic Headphones
Studio Monitors/Reference
Beyerdynamic is best known in the professional audio industry. Therefore, their studio monitoring series is also their popular series. Here are their most popular headphones in this category.
T1 2nd Generation -Flagship
The Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation is their current flagship and the most expensive headphone in their entire lineup. It is widely considered to be a competitor to the widely acclaimed Sennheiser HD800s. Just like the HD800s, the Beyerdynamic T1 follows the same analytic sound signature but also carries the downsides of the HD800s.
The T1 2nd Generation is the 2nd revision of the T1 model. Apart from a few minor differences in the sound, the general sound signature, and build quality are the same. It also houses the Tesla drivers that were first implemented in the 1st Generation. The significant difference between the two is that the cable is now detachable on the 2nd Generation, which gives you the ability to use balanced cables or swap to better or shorter single-ended cables.
The sound signature of the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation is the most neutral in their whole product range. It is also the most detailed, with the DT 1990 Pro being a close second. The Beyerdynamic T1 is known for its accuracy and detail retrieval, just like the HD 800s. These qualities make the Beyerdynamic T1 an excellent tool for producers, mixing, and mastering engineers.
It does, however, mean that it also shares the same treble peaks that the HD800s are known for. These treble peaks can make the Beyerdynamic T1 fatiguing and unenjoyable for long listening sessions. Too much accuracy and detail can also make this headphone sound too flat, cold, or lifeless for some listeners.
However, this is Beyerdynamic’s best offering. It embodies all of the progress and innovations by Beyerdynamic. If you are interested in the best model that Beyerdynamic has to offer, then the Beyerdynamic T1 is the model that you should check out.
If you’re considering these, also check out our list of recommended DACs/Amps specifically for the Beyerdynamic T1.
DT Series
DT 1990 Pro
The model that sits just behind the T1 2nd Generation is the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro. This model is the top of the line model of the DT series and embodies all of the best features of the DT series. It is widely considered to be a direct competitor to the Sennheiser HD 660s and Hifiman Sundara.
Unlike the lower models of the DT series, the DT 1990 Pro only comes in one variation. This is the semi-open back design that has an impedance of 250 ohms. Due to its impedance, it will require a good headphone amplifier to perform properly.
Among the Sundara and HD660s, it is the best built and has the most detailed sound. It is also a very similar sound signature with the flagship Beyerdynamic T1.
This similarity, however, ends up becoming one of its downsides. The DT1990 Pro has a very noticeable treble peak. As a professional pair of headphones, this makes sense since it can quickly help detect sibilance. However, this is bad for casual listening since it will surely cause fatigue over long listening sessions.
Nevertheless, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is an extremely detailed pair of headphones. If you want the best pair of Beyerdynamic headphones outside of the flagship territory, the Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro is your best bet.
DT 1770 Pro
Next to the DT 1990 Pro is the DT 1770 Pro. The major difference between the two is that the DT 1770 Pro has a closed-back design. The closed-back design means that it will have better noise-isolation and a better bass response compared to the DT 1990 Pro.
Aside from the design, the sound signature of these two headphones is also different. Due to the closed-back design, the DT 1770 Pro has a better bass response compared to the DT 1990 Pro. In fact, it is highly regarded as one of the best bass reproduction of any headphone in this price range. The highs are also better controlled and have fewer peaks compared to the DT 1990 Pro.
Despite these positive features, the DT 1990 Pro still beat the DT 1770 in the imaging and soundstage. Open-back headphones are naturally better in this aspect, so it shouldn’t be a surprise. The imaging on the DT 1770 Pro is still, however, spot on and could easily beat lower tier open and closed-back headphones.
To summarize, the DT 1770 Pro is leaning more towards a V-shaped, while the DT 1990 Pro has a more neutral response. Despite being less neutral, the DT 1770 Pro is still an excellent headphone for professional production.
Aside from these differences, both units have many similarities. They are both built well with a mostly metal construction. They also both have an impedance of 250 ohms and feature a detachable cable. It is still the proprietary mini XLR connection, meaning replacement cables may be hard to come by.
Overall, the DT 1770 Pro is a solid offering. It is an instant recommendation for anyone looking for a high-end pair of closed-back headphones.
Drop DT 177X GO
The DT 177X GO is the result of Drop and Beyerdynamic’s collaboration. They have managed to offer the amazing DT 1770 Pro at a more affordable price. And despite the price cut, you are getting more for your money.
There are only two major differences between the DT 1770 Pro and the DT 177X GO. These are the design and impedance. The design is a minor change and doesn’t deviate from the model it is based on.
Small brandings from Drop (formerly knowns as Massdrop during this collaboration) are added to the sides along with the new “177X GO” model number. Aside from those, both models are nearly indistinguishable from afar. The same excellent build quality that Beyerdynamic has been known for is preserved along with the DT 1770 Pro’s sound signature.
The significant change here is that the DT 177X GO now has an impedance of 32 ohms instead of the DT 1770 Pro’s 250 ohms. This is a significant change since the DT 177X GO can now be used with almost any source.
Drop is also advertising this model as a portable unit, hence the “GO” portion in its name. The new impedance makes this a versatile headphone that can now be taken anywhere. And the fact that they were able to preserve the sound quality despite the change in impedance is amazing.
The downside of this is that the DT 177X may not scale as well as the original high-impedance version to headphone amplifiers. This usually happens with low impedance headphones or low impedance variants of headphones like the DT 990 Pro 80-ohm version. However, that is still an acceptable trade-off since you are still getting the excellent sound quality of the DT 1770 Pro.
If you are interested in the DT 1770 Pro, but the price is too high, or if you don’t own/want to invest in a headphone amplifier, then the DT 177X GO is a model that you should check out. The value that this brings in its price range is simply unbeatable.
DT 990 Pro
Next up are Beyerdynamic’s lower-priced units. The DT 990 Pro is one of Beyerdynamic’s most popular headphones. It has been used by professionals and personalities such as Ninja and other Fortnite streamers for competitive gaming.
The DT 990 Pro is in a lot of ways similar to the DT 1990 Pro. Just like the DT 1990 Pro, the DT 990 Pro has an open-back design that helps achieve its superior imaging and soundstage.
Unlike the DT 1990 Pro and DT 1770 Pro, the DT 990 Pro and DT 770 Pro comes in various models. The DT 990 Pro comes in 32 ohms, 80 ohms, 250 ohms, and 600 ohms. For comparison, we will be comparing the 250 ohms version against the DT 1990 Pro.
Compared to the higher-end DT 1990 Pro, the DT 990 Pro is leaning more towards a V-Shaped sound where the lows and highs are more pronounced. The bass response of the DT 990 Pro is also stronger but a bit more exaggerated compared to the neutral bass response of the DT 1990 Pro.
Despite not being as neutral as the higher-end DT 1990 Pro, the DT 990 Pro still manages to provide a sound that is accurate enough for professional use and enjoyable enough for casual use. This also means that the DT 990 Pro does not share the same treble peaks found on the DT 1990 Pro.
Overall, the DT 990 Pro is a well built and excellent sounding headphone. With its accuracy, excellent sound quality, and class-leading build quality, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is one of the best in its price range. The different variants also make it more versatile for users who do not own a headphone amplifier.
Despite the small differences in the sound, and despite not having a removable cable, the DT 990 Pro is highly regarded as the more affordable version of the DT 1990 Pro. And that validates the DT 990 Pro as a superior headphone to most of its competition. Whether you are a professional, a gamer, or just a casual listener, the DT 990 Pro is highly recommended.
DT 880 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is another classic Beyerdynamic headphone. Since it is a model that is placed lower than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, it is easy to assume that it is inferior. However, this assumption is wrong.
While the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is regarded as a lower version of the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, the DT 880 Pro doesn’t have a higher-end DT 1880 Pro version. This means that the DT 880 Pro is a unique model in this lineup. Some users are even claiming that this is a cheaper version of the Sennheiser HD800s/Beyerdynamic T1. More on this later
Like the DT 770 Pro and DT 990 Pro, the DT 880 Pro also has a few variants. It also has a 32-ohm, 80-ohm, 250-ohm, and 600-ohm variant. For this discussion, we will mostly be focusing on the best version, the 600-ohm version.
Compared to the DT 990 Pro, the DT 880 Pro has a more neutral sound signature. The DT 990 Pro, on the other hand, is leaning more towards a V-shaped sound signature where the treble and bass are slightly boosted. Bass and highs are adequate in this headphone without being too pronounced.
The remarkable thing about this headphone is that some of its qualities can be compared to significantly more expensive headphones. The mids, in particular, are comparable to higher-end planar magnetic headphones such as the Audeze LCD 2. Imaging is also spot-on in this headphone.
The mere fact that a lower-priced headphone such as the DT 880 Pro can be compared to more expensive headphones is remarkable. As for the HD800s comparison, both of these headphones have similar frequency response measurements. The only difference is that the soundstage of the DT880 Pro sounds narrower but more realistic than the wide but exaggerated soundstage of the HD800s.
If you want a neutral semi-open back headphone that can be used in various applications, the DT 880 Pro is actually a better fit over the DT 990 Pro. However, if you want more life and energy in the sound of your headphones, then the DT 990 Pro will be a better fit.
DT 770 Pro
Lastly, we have the DT 770 Pro. Like the DT 1770 Pro, the DT 770 Pro is a closed-back headphone. The same comparisons that were made with the DT 1770 Pro and DT 1990 Pro also applies here. Compared to the DT 990 Pro, the DT 770 Pro has a better bass response but has a less accurate overall sound due to the reflections caused by the closed-back design.
Like the rest of the lower DT series headphones, the DT 770 Pro also comes with several variations. There is the 32-ohm, 80-ohm, 250-ohm, and 600-ohm version. The 80-ohm and 250-ohm versions are usually the most popular since they can be used with or without a headphone amplifier.
Just like the DT 1770 Pro, the DT 770 Pro is leaning more towards that V-shaped sound signature. For the price range, it has one of the best bass response in the market. It is very punchy and detailed without being too forward. Highs are also clear and clean without being too sibilant.
Just like the DT 990 Pro, the DT 770 Pro isn’t as detailed as the DT 1770 Pro. However, it is pretty close. It also has the excellent imaging and soundstage found on the DT 1770 Pro. These qualities alone beat most of the popular competing headphones such as the Audio Technica ATH M50X.
If you need a quality closed-back headphone but can’t quite reach the price range of the DT1770 or the Drop DT177X GO, then the DT 770 Pro is a more than capable pair of headphones that can easily blow the rest of the competition away.
Lifestyle
Headphones in this category are more versatile since they can be used for a myriad of different tasks. Some of these headphones can be used both in a desktop and portable setting. They can also be used both in a professional and casual environment. Here are the most popular models in this category.
Custom One Pro
The Custom One Pro is a headphone that is mainly competing against the Audio Technica M50X and V Moda Crossfade. This is Beyerdynamic’s take on a closed-back headphone that can be used in a variety of applications.
These can be used as studio monitors, gaming headphones, or casual listening headphones. It has the same iconic look and build-quality as most headphones from the DT series, but with a few tricks up its sleeve.
The first feature that sets it apart from the rest of the DT series is the replaceable faceplate. This is one of the things that makes this headphone “custom” since you can add your own personal flair to it. The ability to easily swap earpads and the headband padding to a different material or color further adds to the appeal of this headphone.
However, the true custom feature of this headphone is the tunable bass settings. Four bass modes transform the Custom One Pro from slightly neutral to a fun sound. The lowest setting helps the Custom One Pro achieve more of a reference sound for professional work.
It can then be fine-tuned to increase the bass response and make it more forward in the mix. This means that the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro can be used as a reference headphone for professional work or a casual listening headphone in a portable environment. This kind of versatility is unmatched by its competitors.
Overall, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is one of Beyerdynamic’s unique products. If you want a versatile pair of headphones or if you just want to experiment with different amounts of bass, then you should definitely check out the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro.
Aventho Wireless
With the removal of the headphone jack on most smartphones, consumer headphones have started going wireless. Beyerdynamic joined the wireless revolution by making a wireless version of their popular T51 design. This is the Aventho Wireless.
Despite not being as refined as other Bluetooth headphones such as the Sony WH1000XM3, the Aventho Wireless still holds a respectable amount of features that would capture any wireless audiophile’s attention.
The Aventho Wireless has a touch-based control system, a feature that is absent with other high-end Bluetooth headphones like the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. It also has the signature build quality that you have come to expect with Beyerdynamic’s products. There is also an Android/iOS application that further adds to the value of the Aventho Wireless.
The sound signature of the Aventho Wireless is similar to Beyerdynamic’s other offerings. This means it also has a V-shaped sound signature where the bass and highs are slightly boosted. It is a more balanced sound that fares better than the warm or dark sounding offerings from other Bluetooth headphone companies.
The only downside of this unit is the form factor and the lack of ANC. The on-ear form factor will not be for everyone. Users with glasses and most people, in general, will start experiencing discomfort after a few hours of use. This does, however, make the Aventho Wireless smaller and more compact, so that is your trade-off.
The lack of ANC may be a bit of an oversight, but they do have another model for that feature. Luckily, passive noise isolation is excellent and should block the majority of the typical ambient noise found in cities.
Overall, the Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless is a solid pair of Bluetooth headphones. It has even earned a spot in our Top Bluetooth Headphones Article. You should check out this unit if you are a fan of high fidelity wireless audio.
Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC
The Lagoon ANC is Beyerdynamic’s answer to the shortcomings of the Aventho Wireless. The Lagoon ANC is a more fitting competitor to the likes of the Sony WF 1000XM3 and Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless due to its active noise canceling feature. While it still has some quirks, the Lagoon ANC is a step in the right direction for Beyerdynamic’s wireless portable line.
The ANC is better than the likes of the Audio Technica ANC 900BT, but still needs a bit of catching up to do to get to Sony’s level. It isn’t a bad implementation. It just isn’t as effective as Sony’s implementation. In combination with the passive noise canceling, it will suffice everyday use case scenarios.
Build quality is excellent, as expected from Beyerdynamic. However, since this is an original design and not based on a tried and tested design, the comfort isn’t quite on the same level as the Sony WH1000XM3. Also, despite being small, the Lagoon ANC still manages to have an over the ear design. This makes it more comfortable than the Aventho Wireless.
The sound quality of this unit is one of its best features. It once again features Beyerdynamic’s signature V-shaped sound. Compared to other offerings such as the Sony WH1000XM3, the Lagoon ANC sounds more open, natural, and detailed.
This makes the Lagoon ANC unique among its competitors. Beyerdynamic is still implementing their class-leading sound on a casual oriented product. This makes this pair a solid choice for anyone who does not want to compromise the sound quality over convenience.
Overall, the Lagoon ANC is a good attempt by Beyerdynamic. The future revisions or future products are only going to keep on getting better from here. If you are in the market for a high fidelity Bluetooth ANC headphone, then you should check this out. This may even be a better choice compared to the Aventho Wireless, depending on your preferences.
Gaming
Beyerdynamic has also recently been getting attention in the gaming industry. Professional and casual gamers have started using their studio monitors for gaming. This has prompted Beyerdynamic to make their own gaming line. Here are the popular models.
MMX 300
Unlike companies like Audeze and Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic has chosen a different approach to their gaming line. Those said companies have decided to make an original design that is specific to their gaming line.
Beyerdynamic, on the other hand, has chosen to repurpose some of their popular studio monitors into gaming headsets by adding a microphone. This makes a lot of sense since their studio monitors are popular among professional and casual gamers. The imaging and soundstage alone are better than almost all of the typical gaming headsets offered by gaming brands.
The MMX300 is one such headset. It is based on the popular DT 770 Pro 80-ohm version. Choosing the 80-ohm version is a wise choice since most gamers don’t own headphone amplifiers or DAC/Amps. Any gaming console or gaming PC that has a 3.5mm jack will be able to power this pair efficiently.
The DT 770 Pro is notorious for having an amazing bass response, a wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone, and detailed highs. These are all elements that are perfect for gaming, and has thus been inherited by the MMX 300. The MMX 300 has the perfect qualities both for professionals who need the most accurate sound and for casual gamers who want to enjoy the immersive sound design of games.
The included microphone is non-detachable. This means that you cannot use this as a portable unit since the microphone sticks out and looks awkward and out of place. Unlike the DT 770 Pro, the cable is detachable, which makes it future-proof.
The microphone has excellent quality and is more than enough for casual voice chat, team comms, or live streaming. Overall, despite being bland design-wise, the MMX 300 is an amazing pair of headphones. And just like the headphone that it was based on, this destroys almost all gaming headsets in its price category.
Custom Game
The Beyerdynamic Custom Game is another gaming headset offered by Beyerdynamic. As the name implies, this model is based on the Custom One Pro. Despite the uninspired design, Beyerdynamic has done a fantastic job with this headset. It might actually be a better value compared to the MMX 300 for gamers who aren’t too critical with their sound.
The Custom Game is almost identical to Custom One Pro. They have the same sturdy build quality that easily beats any plastic gaming headset. This also means that most parts of the headset, such as the cable, headband, earpads, and faceplates, are customizable.
This is a unique feature that really helps you add your flair or branding to the headphones. The only other gaming brand that has this feature is Astro gaming. Compared to Astro, both the Custom Game and MMX 300 easily sound superior.
The feature that is added to the Custom Game is, of course, the microphone. Unlike the MMX 300, the microphone is detachable and replaceable with third party products. Being detachable means that the Custom Game can be used in a portable setting, just like the Custom One Pro, it was based on.
The microphone attaches via the 3.5mm port located at the bottom of the earcups. This design makes this pair open for adding a third party microphone such as the V-Moda Boom Pro. (The V-Moda Boom Pro microphone can also be added to the original Custom One Pro.)
The Custom Game also inherits the tunable bass system found on the Custom One Pro. This means you can tune the bass response to your heart’s content without relying on third-party software or EQ.
Overall, if you need a more versatile gaming headset, the Custom Game is a better fit. However, if you want a more detailed sound, then the MMX 300 is a better choice. Whatever you choose, you’d surely be satisfied.
Stephen is a musician, cinematographer, and headphone enthusiast who is passionate about reviewing audio equipment. He has been playing guitar for at least a decade, which introduced him to professional recording equipment such as headphones and in-ear monitors. With the help of reviews and online content, he was able to learn the ins and outs of the hobby. His goal is to give back to the community by providing quality content to help others enjoy the beautiful (and expensive) world of audio.
Favorite Headphones: Sennheiser HD660s