Beyerdynamic DT 860

Design

As you can see, both the DT 990 PROs and the DT 860s are extremely similar in design. They are both open-backed headphones with very similar appearances and features, right down to the band and colors.

Beyerdynamic DT 860	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Frequency Response

Both headphones are extremely similar in terms of frequency response, though the DT 990 PROs don’t have the same swing in the sibilance range that the Beyerdynamic DT 860s do. The DT 860s do manage to have a flatter response throughout the bass frequencies though, so users looking for a more even response may prefer the DT 860.

Beyerdynamic DT 860	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Distortion

Neither set of cans has an issue with distortion, but the DT 990 PROs have less.

Beyerdynamic DT 860	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Tracking

Both headphones have their minor issues in tracking, but overall both do very well.

Beyerdynamic DT 860	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Isolation

Neither set of cans was designed to isolate you from the outside world.

Beyerdynamic DT 860	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Comfort

Having pairs of both at the office, we’re going to posit that the DT 990 PROs have a little better comfort, if only because they don’t squeeze your head as tightly as the DT 860s. Still, different people have different heads, so give each a shot before deciding on which to buy if you narrow it down to these two.

Wear
Beyerdynamic DT 860	Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Verdict

It’s tough to decide between these two, as each are exceptionally good headphones. Though it’s true that the Beyerdynamic DT 860s don’t score as well in some categories, the differences between the two are so relatively minor that the human ear will have a hard time discerning the difference between the two. Because both are so close in price point at the moment, this comparison may come down to simple aesthetic or comfort preferences, so as cliche as it sounds, this one is entirely up to you. You can’t go wrong with either here.