Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs Verum 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Verum 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Verum 2 - Great overall at around $499.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Verum 2 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Verum 2

HearWiki score

Sound

7.5

8.9

Value

8.0

9.0

Price (USD)

$200

$500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Verum 2 is 10 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

DT 990 Pro2015
2202510 yr newer

Specifications

DT 990 Pro2

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $200; $500
HearWiki score: 63; 84
Released: 2015; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 45 mm dynamic; 105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 45 mm; 105 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Impedance: 80 Ω; 8 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 96 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
ANC type: none; none
Transparency mode: No; No
Companion app: No; No
Custom EQ: No; No
Wear detection: No; No
Controls: buttons; -
Voice assistant: -; No
Weight: 250 g; 450 g
Water resistance: none; -
Foldable: No; -
Detachable cable: No; Yes
USB-C: No; No
Pad material: -; fabric
Connector: 6.35 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: -; Yes
Model code: 459038; -
Call noise reduction: -; No

Specification comparison of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs Verum 2
Spec	Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro	Verum 2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$200	$500
HearWiki score	63 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Great
Released	2015	2025
Audio
Driver	45 mm dynamic	105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	45 mm	105 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Impedance	80 Ω	8 Ω
Sensitivity	-	96 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
ANC type	none	none
Transparency mode	No	No
Companion app	No	No
Custom EQ	No	No
Wear detection	No	No
Controls	buttons	-
Voice assistant	-	No
Design
Weight	250 g	450 g
Water resistance	none	-
Foldable	No	-
Detachable cable	No	Yes
USB-C	No	No
Pad material	-	fabric
Connector	6.35 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	-	Yes
Model code	459038	-
Calls
Call noise reduction	-	No

What reviewers said

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a wired, open-back studio headphone known for its detailed, accurate sound and lightweight comfort. Its 250-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amplifier for best performance, and the fixed cable is a notable long-term limitation. Overall, it's a solid choice for critical listening at home, but not for portable or casual use.

Pro:Very detailed and accurate sound reproduction
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
Pro:Open-back design provides a wide, airy soundstage

Con:Requires a powerful external amp to drive properly
Con:Non-detachable cable limits repairability
Con:No built-in controls or app support

Verum 2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Verum 2