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Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White wins by 4
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $179
Specdex verdict

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White at 84. That puts Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White

Tuning, detail, and staging

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White more score per dollar ($179 vs $599).

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White 88
vs
84 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White

Score breakdown

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White versus Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White — full spec comparison
Spec Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White
Type
Open-back
Open-back

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White

Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $179, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White? +

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro · Arctic White — more score per dollar ($179 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.