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Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£170Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition
5.3/10

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 91% of headphones
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

52%

5.0

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

4.9

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 95%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

4.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 82%
  • beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
  • beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
  • beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
  • beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
beyerdynamic-dt-860-edition
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

52%

5.0

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

4.9

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

4.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Popularity:
Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition has a popularity score of 4 points, which is lower than that of 65.9% of products in this category.
4.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

6.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Beyerdynamic
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
425 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 425 g, heavier than 96% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
2.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.5, lower clamp force than 88.3% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Show more

Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 vs 4.3
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 vs 4.3
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 95% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (425 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    425 g vs 218 g
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    50 mm vs 60 mm
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 9.6% worse value for money
    Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.63 vs 7.3).
    6.63 vs 7.27
  • 11.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition
    the average pair of headphones
    Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.2 vs 8).
    7.2 vs 8
  • 88.9% more expensive
    Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£170 vs £90).
    £170 vs £90
  • 48.2% less popular
    Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.96 vs 5.9).
    3.96 vs 5.87
  • 95% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (425 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    425 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 10 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    50 mm vs 60 mm
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    2010 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Shop video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

reviewed.com
18/08/2011
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 860 is a home-only open-back headphone with flat, detailed sound that is strong for the price, though it clamps hard on big heads.
reviewed.com
18/08/2011
Lab test · Open-back home headphones
Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 860 suits quiet rooms, with flat, strong sound for the price, but it clamps hard on large heads and leaks sound.
tapesponding.wordpress.com
10/05/2016
Blog review · Hi-fi headphones
Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 860 is a bargain open-back pair that rivals the Sennheiser HD600 in sound, with a firmer clamp than its rival.
kopfhoerer.de
12/01/2022
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition is an open-back headphone with detailed, spacious sound for home studio use, but its heavy headband and firm pads weigh on comfort.
connect.de
12/02/2008
Short review · Studio headphones
Verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition offers clean tuning and lively DJ sound, but its mostly cosmetic update doesn't beat the original.
T
tweakers.net
11/06/2009
Summary of the review
Beyerdynamic DT-860 (2007 Edition) User Review Coolblue
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition

  • Balanced and detailed sound with an excellent frequency response for its price point
  • Strong, punchy bass response that outperforms many competitors in the same range
  • Low impedance (32 Ohms) makes them easy to drive even with portable devices
  • Wide, natural soundstage due to the open-back design
  • Solid build quality featuring robust plastic and a thick-cased cable
  • Excellent value for money, often compared favorably to more expensive models

What customers don't like about Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition

  • High clamping force can be uncomfortable, especially for users with larger heads
  • Virtually no noise isolation due to the open-back nature; not suitable for noisy environments
  • Significant sound leakage may disturb others nearby
  • Lack of portability; sensitive electronics are exposed to humidity and elements through the open grills
  • Occasional sibilance or volume shifts in very specific high-frequency ranges
  • Non-detachable, long cable (3m) can be cumbersome for anything other than home use

Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 860 Edition is an open-back, circumaural headphone featuring powerful neodymium magnets and a frequency response of 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz. Designed for high-fidelity home use, it operates at a low nominal impedance of 32 Ohms, allowing it to be easily driven by mobile devices without a dedicated amplifier, and boasts a sound pressure level of 97 dB. Key characteristics include a foldable design for portability, a 3-meter single-sided oxygen-free copper cable, and plush breathable earpads that support a natural, spatial soundstage. Its main pros are its exceptionally flat frequency response, high-end performance relative to its price, and high sensitivity for versatile device compatibility. However, potential cons include a strong clamping force that may be uncomfortable for those with larger heads and the lack of sound isolation typical of open-back designs, which also exposes the internal drivers to environmental moisture.

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