DT 880

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 is a very comfortable headphone, thanks to its relatively lightweight design and plush velour ear pads. These are great for long listening sessions without any fatigue, and the semi-open design adds a touch of spaciousness to the sound. Build quality is solid, as you’d expect from Beyerdynamic, but the fixed cable feels a bit dated compared to modern detachable options.

Sound-wise, the DT 880 is a balanced performer but doesn’t quite excel in any one area. The bass has noticeable roll-off and lacks the rumble of the DT 770, though EQ can help add some low-end punch. The mids are clean and natural, making vocals and instruments sound smooth and clear. Treble carries Beyerdynamic’s signature brightness, but it’s much friendlier here than on the DT 770 or 990. That said, certain sibilant highs—like cymbals—can still come across as a bit sharp.

The soundstage is decent, offering a nice width for a semi-open design, and the imaging and instrument separation are solid, making these a versatile option for both music and gaming. However, I found the technical performance to be a solid step below both the DT 990 and DT 770. This could be due to the age of my specific unit, it is old, but it left me feeling a little underwhelmed with the DT 880.

If you can find these at a good price, they’re a reliable choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, balanced headphone that plays nice with a variety of music genres. Just don’t expect the technical prowess of Beyerdynamic’s higher-end offerings and I'd personally prefer a DT 770 for most use cases.

Only buy used, and only if the price is right.

The DT 880 is a solid all-rounder with great comfort and balanced sound, but it doesn’t stand out in any particular area. I’d recommend these only if you can find them at a good deal.