If you’ve ever searched for budget audiophile headphones, the chances are that the Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 was one of the top recommendations. Without costing an absurd amount of money, they offer audiophile-grade sound clarity, excellent long-term listening comfort, and timeless design. But like most high-end headphones, they are not for everyone.

Design and Build

The Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 are built to last. Made in Germany, these open-back headphones feature an adjustable headband construction with removable padding that allows for DIY modification or easy replacement.

The headband is made of spring steel, and it ensures a comfortable and secure fit for the wearer. Thanks to the single cable design, the headphones can be put on and taken off frequently without any cables getting in the way.

The highlight of the Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 are the ultra-soft earpads, which wrap around the ears and don’t get too hot even during summer months. The earpads are so comfortable that many headphone aficionados have figured out how to use them with other headphones.

Sound Quality

The open-back construction of the Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 gives the headphones a remarkably spacious soundstage, which allows you to easily separate the location of various instruments. This is great not only for listening to music but also for gaming. When playing online shooters with the DT-880-PRO-250, you can really tell where the enemy fire is coming from.

Another noteworthy quality of these headphones is their exceptional clarity. As proper audiophile headphones, the DT-880-PRO-250 happily sacrifice low-range explosiveness for clear mids and sparkly highs. Depending on what type of sound you’re used to, you may initially find this off-putting. But once your ears adjust, you’ll appreciate the ability to hear every single little detail and enjoy music the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

As with all open-back headphones, you can’t expect the DT-880-PRO-250 to isolate too much outside noise. Headphones like this are perfect for attentive listening at home—not at work or on the train. Likewise, the DT-880-PRO-250 leak a lot of sound, so people around you will be able to hear exactly what you’re listening to.

What’s in the Box?

The Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 come with a stereo 6.35mm jack adapter, a drawstring bag, instructions, and a warranty booklet. Because the drawstring bag provides only very limited protection against damage, we highly recommend that you get a proper hard-shell carrying case or a stable headphone stand if you already know that you’ll keep the headphones mostly at home.