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Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

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

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $179
Specdex verdict

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

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

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…

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

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 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

Tuning, detail, and staging

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 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

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 88
vs
84 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

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

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 vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

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

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

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +

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

Is Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro worth the price? +

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

Does Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 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 or Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro? +

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

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

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