The 10 Best Headphones That Don’t Leak Sound

Do you like to enjoy music in your office, transportation, or any other public places?

If you do, then definitely the sound leakage of headphones is one of the most concerning facts for you.

In case your headphone leaks sound in a shared environment, it won’t be a very pleasant experience for others.

People around you can be bothered.

Furthermore, they might also judge your music taste, which is really annoying.

So, what can you possibly do to prevent this type of situation?

The answer is, you need a good pair of closed-back headphones that can keep the sound inside the ear cups and prevent any sound leakage.

Therefore, today I’m here to present the top 10 best headphones that don’t leak sound.

Now, let’s start the discussion.

List Of 10 Best Headphones That Don’t Leak Sound

Before diving into the details, I want to share a short overview of my 10 best headphones.

Catch a glimpse of them.

After getting the primary idea, you may want to know the details now.

For this reason, I’ll explain the exclusive features of these headphones one by one.

You will also learn about their key specs, pros, and cons.

So, start with my top recommendation at first.

1. Top Recommendation: JBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train – On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

★★★★★

The JBL UA Sport Wireless Train is a true deal for any outdoor use. The active noise cancellation feature can isolate you from your circumstance whenever you need.

However, they also encourage you to be more social when you are with others.

For this purpose, they introduced a unique feature called TalkThrough. The technology can lower the music and amplify the sound of speech when someone talks to you.

Therefore, you can easily chat with others while wearing the headset.

Because of this special feature and the wireless facilities, I have kept this headphone on my list as the top-recommended one.

Check out their key specs now.

Key Specifications

• Bluetooth Version: 4.1.
• Noise Cancelling Feature: Active noise cancellation.
• Driver Size: 40 mm.
• Ear Cushion Material: UA breath material.
• Cable Length: 1.25 m.
• Sensitivity: 101 dB.
• Frequency Response: 16 Hz- 20 kHz.
• Impedance: 32 Ohms.
• Bluetooth Frequency: 2.402 GHz-2.48 GHz.
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion (3.7 V).
• Battery Capacity: 610 mAh.
• Charging Time: 2 Hours.
• Play Time with ANC Off: 16 Hours.
• Talk Time: 16 Hours.

With a great sound feature, these Bluetooth headphones come with exceptional comfortability.

As an on-ear headphone, technically, they are more compact and lightweight.

Besides, their earcups and headbands are well-padded. And the fabric of this padding is also breathable, durable, and allows fast-dying.

You can remove them and wash them after sweaty workouts.

Moreover, the soft and thick padding is capable enough to stop sound leakage.

Thereby, without any worries, you can listen to music at any volume you want.

No one will be annoyed by you.

Another notable feature of this headphone is JBL Charged Sound. It provides a rich bass that makes your workouts more rhythmic.

The headphone also allows hands-free call and supports voice assistant.

Thus, they are perfect for phone calling or conducting online meetings through Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or other virtual platforms.

Overall, these headphones are the best for doing sports or the gym and the official work simultaneously.

Let’s focus on the next headphone on the list.

2. Exceptional ANC Headphone: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30

★★★★★

Anker Life Q30 is a perfect headphone for a music fanatic. The budget-friendly headphone comes with all the traits that everyone loves.

Are you curious about the key specs of this headphone?

Take a look below to know about them.

Key Specifications

• Noise Control: Hybrid active noise canceling.
• Play Time With ANC On: 40 Hours.
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0.
• Audio Code Format: SBC, AAC.
• Operating Range: 15 m.
• Charging Time: 2 Hours.
• Play Time With ANC Off: 60 Hours.
• Battery Capacity: 720 mAh.
• Quick Charging: 5 minutes charge for 4 hours playtime.
• USB Cable Type: USB-C.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.
• Driver: 40 mm dynamic.
• Frequency Response: 16 Hz – 40 kHz.
• Audio Cable: 3.5 mm AUX cable.
• App Support: Soundcore App.
• Dimension: 7.68 x 7.09 x 3.07 inches.

The most striking thing about these headphones is their sound profile.

Their large drivers and silk diaphragms reproduce clear treble and thumping bass. Moreover, from the Soundcore App, you can customize the EQ or select a preset.

On the other hand, the broad frequency response range is also perfect for listening to all genres of music.

You can even practice electric guitar with superior sound features.

You will be happy with their pretty decent soundstage too.

Try out “Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean” and taste the excellence.

These headphones are indeed a gem for any upbeat music.

Life Q30 features a lightweight build for all-day comfort.

Moreover, their earcup is also rotatable. They can adjust to the shape of your head.

Currently, if you are on a tight budget, go for this Soundcore headphone without any hesitation.

You and your pocket both will be happy!!

Well, this time, I’ll review a headphone of the Focal.

See what it offers to us.

3. Super Comfortable: Focal Listen Pro Closed-Back Headphones

★★★★★

The famous French company develops these headphones for professional work. The 40 mm titanium-coated drivers reproduce powerful and clear sound.

Moreover, their thick ear padding ensures a soundproof and comfortable long-listening experience.

The Silicone-layered headband ensures even clamping force across the head.

Their key specs are as follows.

Key Specifications

• Cables: 5 m coiled OFC and 1.4 m straight OFC cable.
• Audio Connector: 3.5 mm stereo jack socket and 6.35 mm stereo jack plug.
• Driver Size: 40 mm.
• Impedance: 32 Ohms.
• Sensitivity: 122 dB.
• THD: 0.3%.
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 22 kHz.
• Ear Cushion Material: Heat-sensitive memory foam.
• Ear Cushion Thickness: 22 mm.
• Noise Cancellation Feature: Passive noise cancellation.
• Materials: Titanium.

Unlike the JBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train, the Focal Listen Pro only works in wired mode.

However, they are vastly compatible with any smartphone because of their low impedance.

You can use them with your PCs, Laptops, tablets, or other devices.

You will also like their universal remote and omnidirectional microphone.

Moreover, the 5 m long cable provides great mobility too.

In the case of sound features, the focal headphone can produce a very lively sound just like semi-open headphones.

Since it’s a close-back headphone you will also get the isolation advantage.

So, it’s basically like a two-in-one headphone.

With the Focal Listen Pro, you can get exquisite tonal balance because of the ear-cushion size.

The balanced tonal allows a delightful bass and perfect lower-midrange.

Moreover, the microfiber offers a better acoustic output.

Altogether, they make the headphones an excellent choice for daily listening.

Hence, don’t worry about the budget. You won’t be disappointed with the performance.

Our next headphone is Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm.

Let’s explore it now.

4. Headphone For Audiophiles: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

★★★★

The DT 770 Pro is a suitable headphone for studio work as well as casual listening. Within an affordable budget, the headphones can meet your audiophile needs.

Have a look at the key specs in the next segment.

Key Specifications

• Impedance: 80 Ohms.
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 30 kHz.
• Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB.
• Sound Coupling To The Ear: Circumaural.
• Cable Length: 3 m straight cable.
• Audio Connector: 3.5 mm mini-jack plug and 6.3 mm adapter.

Basically, the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohms are perfect for indoor use. They are specially developed for critical listening, tracking, mixing, and others.

But unfortunately, they are not foldable in any way.

Hence, unlike Focal Listen Pro, they are not portable.

Besides, they come with a simple pouch that only protects against scratches. Therefore, it’s tough to carry them.

However, you can be sure about their durability.

The beyadynamic DT 770 is built for long-lasting performance.

The sturdy build can survive accidental drops.

All the parts of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are replaceable.

Check out the pros and cons here.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a perfect choice for drummers and FOH applications. The soft skin ear cups and reinforced spring clip provide up to 35 dBA ambient noise isolation.

Besides, their stability is also top-notch.

Although they are not suitable for workouts, in other uses they will not fall from your head. 

You can try this headphone if you want a good audiophile headphone within an affordable budget.

It’s time to move into our next option.

Get a closer look to see how this headphone performs.

5. Great For Sound Isolation: KRK KNS 8400 On-Ear Closed Back

★★★★★

KRK KNS 8400 is another studio headphone that can meet your everyday listening needs. These headphones come with an adjustable headband.

As a result, people with a bigger head can wear them easily. They are also comfy for the glass wearers.

The key specs of these headphones are as follows.

Key Specifications

• System Type: Monitor Headphones.
• Cable Length: 2.5 m, 99% OFC detachable.
• Ear Cushion Type: Acoustic Memory Foam.
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 23 kHz.
• Sensitivity: 97 dB.
• Audio Connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo.
• Nominal Headband Pressure: 4N.
• Ambient Noise Isolation: up to 30 dB.
• Transducer: 40 mm Neodymium.
• Impedance: 36 Ohms.

In the case of noise cancellation, KRK KNS 8400 can’t surpass JBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train.

Still, their noise isolation feature is superb.

It can block out the noise of traffic, subways, and others.

The head pad of the KRK KNS 8400 is made with premium leatherette.

On the other hand, their sound leakage performance is also remarkable. The leakage is not notable at all.

You can wear this headphone in the library or other silent places without any worries.

But remember to turn off the headphone after putting it down from the head. Because if you don’t do it, the headphone will blast sound, which might bother people around you.

KRK KNS 8400 is one of my favorite headphones because of its fabulous features.

They can produce highly accurate imaging because of the transparent reproduction of high-frequencies.

The frequency response range is also pretty wide and accurate.

Overall, the headphone is indeed worth the price.

Anyway, take a good look at my next headphone.

6. Ideal For Professional Work: Sennheiser HD 25 Professional DJ Headphone

★★★★★

Sennheiser HD 25 is specially developed for mixing, mastering, and Djing. It can handle very high sound pressure levels.

Therefore, they perform really well in an extremely loud environment.

Explore the key specs below.

Key Specifications

• Ear Coupling: Supra-aural.
• Frequency Response: 16 Hz- 22 kHz.
• Jack Plug: 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm stereo.
• Nominal Impedance: 70 Ohms.
• THD: <0.3%.
• Cable Length: 1.5 m straight cable.
• Load Rating: 200 mW.
• Contact Pressure: 2.5 N.
• Sound Pressure Level: 120 dB.

This on-ear headphone might feel less comfortable than KRK KNS 8400.

But the super lightweight can ensure you a long-wearing comfort.

Besides, they come with a pro headphone case from Slappa.

The full-sized hard body case is covered with black rubberized PVC. And the interior is made of soft velveteen that protects the headphone from any damage.

As a result, you can get durable protection.

Sennheiser HD 25 is an industry-standard headphone for DJs.

You can also reuse this case for other full-sized headphones.

Another interesting thing is that the headphone allows rotating the capsule for single-ear listening.

These headphones are highly sensitive due to the aluminum voice coils.

Because of that, they are perfect for all types of music.

You can listen to pop, rock, metal, or anything you want. The sound will just blow your mind. 

That’s why you can go for Sennheiser HD 25 if you need a professional-level headphone at an affordable budget.

Now, I’m going to review another studio headphone from Audio-Technica that comes with outstanding sound leakage performance.

Check out their functionalities in the below section.

7. Overall Best Performance: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional

★★★★★

ATH M50X is one of the fabulous headphones that serves multiple purposes.

At home or office, you can experience the sonic performance all the time through these inexpensive headphones.

Let’s see the key specs.

Key Specifications

• Driver Diameter: 45 mm.
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz-28 kHz.
• Sensitivity: 99 dB.
• Impedance: 38 Ohms.
• Maximum Input Power: 1600 mW at 1 kHz.
• Cables: 1.2 m- 3 m coiled cable, 3m and 1.2 m straight cables.
• Audio Connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo and 6.3 mm adapter.
• Magnet: Neodymium.

Unlike Sennheiser HD 25, ATH M50X doesn’t come with a durable carrying case.

However, their charms lie in something else.

Since they can reproduce hi-fi sound, you can enjoy video games to the fullest.

Once, I played “Ori and the Blind Forest” wearing this headphone. I can tell you that with detailed sound, the experience was truly out of the world!

The headphone is compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

But as they don’t come with a built-in microphone, you can’t play the games that need audio chatting.

The headphone contains 90° swiveling earcups.

On the other hand, with a robust construction, the ATH M50X comes with a collapsible design.

Their cables are also detachable. Altogether the design is very travel-friendly. 

Therefore, from home to the street, stay tuned with your favorite music.

ATH M50X comes with two years of limited warranty. Thus, buying this headphone is entirely risk-free.

You can see the detailed review of Audio-Technica ATH-M50X from my previous article.

My next headphone comes with wireless technology.

See how it performs.

8. Perfect For Versatile Use: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N

★★★★

Sony- WHCH710N is a wireless headphone with smart noise cancellation technology. Because of the closed-back design and sufficient padding, its sound leakage performance is excellent too.

Take a close look at the key specs of this Sony headphone.

Key Specifications

• Bluetooth Version: 5.0.
• Operating Range: 10 m.
• Battery Life: 35 Hours.
• Quick Charging: 10 minutes charge for 60 min playtime.
• Standby Time: 200 Hours.
• Charging Type: USB-C.
• Frequency Range: 2.4000 GHz–2.4835 GHz.
• Bluetooth Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP.
• Supported Audio Formats: AAC, SBC.
• Cable Length: 47.25 inches.
• Cable Type: Detachable single-sided.
• Driver: 30 mm, dome type.
• Noise Control: Active noise canceling.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz- 20 kHz.
• Dimension: 7.84 x 2.09 x 9.02 inches.

In between ATH M50X and Sony WHCH710N, Sony WHCH710N is more convenient for outdoor use. It’s because of their wireless connectivity.

Moreover, along with Bluetooth, it also features NFC technology for a quick and easy connection.

The latest Bluetooth version provides uninterrupted connections.

As a result, you can have fun and enjoy your favorite shows with perfect synchronization.

Watching TV with this headphone is fun too!!

You may use WHCH710N as wired headphones for TV in case your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth.

Whether you enjoy a movie or watch a Basketball match with a loud volume, the others won’t hear you.

The controlling option of these headphones is located on the right cup.

There you find a multifunction button, volume controls, and ANC/ambient listening mode button.

The buttons are blended with the design to ensure that they don’t hamper the outlook of the headphone.

Overall, if you want a specialized headphone for both indoor and outdoor activities, try out this Sony headset. You’re gonna love them for sure.

Until now, I have discussed over-ear and on-ear headphones.

So, this time, I will review an in-ear headset for you.

9. First-Class In-Ear Design: Etymotic Research ER2SE

★★★★

Etymotic Research ER2SE is a metal build anodized finished earpiece.

If you feel that overhead headphones are uncomfortable and troublesome to carry, try out this handy headset.

At first, see the key specs of ER2SE.

Key Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz-16 kHz.
• Sound Pressure Level: 120 dB.
• Noise Isolation In Silicone Ear Tips: 35 dB.
• Noise Isolation In Foam Ear Tips: 42 dB.
• Impedance: 15 Ohms.
• Sensitivity: 96 dB.
• Cable Length: 4 ft (detachable).
• Connectors: 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo plug.

Actually, in-ear headphones can’t provide comfort in extended use.

However, the ER2SE is comfortable enough for a couple of hours of listening sessions.

You will be happy to know that the earphone comes with a filter replacement tool and two additional replacement filters.

You need to clean the filters frequently to get clear audio output.

I have seen many earphone manufacturers don’t provide this essential tool.

Etymotic Research is honestly an exception in this case.

Furthermore, you will get a couple of medium and large-size triple-flange ear tips and one pair of medium foam ear tips.

Therefore, you can choose one from them to get a perfect in-ear fit.

These earphones are fairly suitable for running, hiking, cycling, or any other outdoor use.

They can be a perfect asset for your active lifestyle.

They also come with a one-year warranty feature.

Therefore, you can be sure about their long-lasting service.

And if anything happens within this time you can contact the Etymotic customer support which is really remarkable.

Well, as of now, I have covered almost all the headphones on my list.

There is only one remaining to discuss.

Hence, let’s explore our final item.

10. Budget-Friendly: Mackie MC-250 Series Professional Foldable Monitoring Closed-Back Headphones

★★★★

These headphones are simply splendid for versatile applications.

The American company developed this model primarily for audio professionals.

But they are capable of fulfilling the needs of recreational listening too.

Now, pay attention to the key specs.

Key Specifications

• Transducer Size: 50 mm.
• Cable Length: 9.8 ft straight detachable cable.
• Connectors: 1.4 inches gold-plated adapter.
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz- 20 kHz.
• Impedance: 38 Ohms.
• Sensitivity: 100 dB.
• Noise Cancelling Feature: Passive noise isolation.

If I compare the ATH M50X and Mackie MC-250, I must say the M50X is more suitable for people with bigger heads.

However, if you don’t mind a relatively small fitting, you can go for the MC-250. Their 50 mm large driver will undoubtedly give you a hi-fi sound performance.

The frequency response is pretty much suitable for almost all genres of music.

Moreover, the collapsible fold-up design makes them easy to store and portable while traveling.

Overall, they are definitely a good set of headphones for the price.

Enjoy every detail of music with the signature Mackie studio sound. You will also get a high headroom and deep bass.

Although we can’t say that it’s a cheap headphone, the price is relatively low.

In fact, it’s more affordable than the other headphones I have mentioned today.

Well finally, I have finished the discussion on my listed headphones.

So far, I have shared the core information about all of them.

Now it’s your call to choose one from them.

Although I have already told you my top recommendation, I will tell you my other 3 best choices. It will be better for you to decide.

Best Choices

According to my judgment, the following three are more ideal headphones that reproduce without sound leakage.

1. KRK KNS 8400 On-Ear Closed Back
2. Sennheiser HD 25 Professional DJ Headphone
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional

All of these headphones are perfect for casual listening. While wearing them, you don’t have to worry about the sound leakage anymore.

Hence, choose one that suits you more.

Anyway, do you know how you can choose the best headphones without sound leakage?

Keep reading the article, and you will find out the answer right away.

How To Choose The Perfect Headphones That Don’t Leak Sound?

Some facts need to be checked before going to buy a headphone with a good sound leakage feature.

I’m going to mention them in the next segment.

So, go through it for the details.

Don’t Buy An Open-Back Headphone

Open-back headphones are awful at sound leakage performance because of their open earcups. Semi-open back headphones perform pretty much the same.

Everyone around you can hear what you are listening to even at a medium volume.

That’s why the first and foremost thing is to ensure that you are buying a closed-back headphone.

Select A Headphone According To Your Preference

As per building style, we see three types of headphones available in the market. They are- over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear.

Because of their shape and design, the comfortability and the sound features are different from each other.

Besides, we know that the ear shape of people is unique.

Thereby, it’s possible that you might feel more comfortable with on-ear headphones than over-ear or vice-versa.

In my list, I have included all the types.

Hence, choose one that you feel is more convenient.

Is It Wireless Or Wired?

Wireless headphones are handier than the wired ones.

However, wired headphones usually sound better than Bluetooth headphones.

Along with this main difference, we can also find some other advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore, based on your requirements, you have to pick up one.

Check Out The Durability

If you decide to buy a wired headphone, test the wire and connector quality. And in the case of wireless one, examine the duration of the battery.

However, you need to look at the building materials in both types and determine whether it’s durable or not.

See The Warranty

The more warranty or guarantee a headphone gives, the more risk-free your purchase will be. So, always look at how many days of warranty or guarantee you can get with a product.

Then go for the one that offers enough.

Ear Tips and Earpads Materials Also Play A Vital Role

Foam-made earpads and ear tips are more ideal than silicon-made ones for isolating noise. Because of this, buy the headphone that comes with foam materials.

Well, these are the facts that need to be verified before buying a headphone.

So, examine them closely.

Thus, you can find the perfect headphone for you.

Let’s conclude the article now.

Conclusion

By this time, you have got enough information to buy the best headphones that don’t leak sound.

Here, I have discussed some high-budget headphones as well as inexpensive ones.

But all of them are equipped with top-rated features.

Now it’s your time to choose one of them as per your budget and requirements.

Just follow the suggestion I have mentioned at the end.

You will find your desired headphone in a short time.

Frequently Asked Questions: