Headphone manufacturers produce open-backed and closed-backed headphones in varying degrees of quality, but there are fundamental differences between these two main types.
This will help you understand the pros and cons and specifics of both types so you can fully understand which type is right for you.
What are open-backed headphones?
Open-backed headphones allow air to pass through the earcups from behind the speaker drivers, meaning that resonance and low-frequency buildup due to the rear enclosure are not an issue.
Many expensive, high-end headphones are open-backed, which provides a more natural, clear sound and allows the source material to be presented in the best possible way.
However, this is only true when there is no ambient noise. Open-backed headphones do not block out external noise at all, so you will hear everything that is happening around you.
Plus, they leak sound. They offer very little in terms of isolation. So if you work in an office, your coworkers will be able to hear the music you are listening to, and you will be able to hear them complaining about your music taste.
While they may sound fantastic, you will want to keep open-backed headphones at home.
Additionally, open-back headphones tend to be a bit more fragile than closed-back headphones, as there is less to prevent moisture and other contaminants from entering the sensitive internal components.
These headphones should be handled with care.
What are closed-back headphones?
Closed-back headphones are headphones that are completely sealed behind the earcups.
This means that music may not sound as natural as it would on open-back headphones, but closed-back headphones block out much more outside noise, providing much better isolation.
Low frequencies (bass) may sound slightly more emphasized or resonant, and the inherent resonance of the enclosed rear air volume makes them sound less natural.
Another consideration is that closed-back headphones can get a bit warm on the ears if worn for long periods of time.
Overall, however, these headphones are the best choice for commuting to work or listening to music in public places.
If you are taking airplanes, subways, or cars every day, closed-back headphones are a must for your travels.
Also, if you are recording music in a studio, closed-back headphones allow you to hear your own voice while recording without the risk of the microphone picking up unwanted noise.
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Open-Back Vs Closed Back Headphones: What’s the Difference?
Open headphones don’t have an enclosure behind the drivers, so the sound is directed away from the listener’s ears.
So if you’re sitting next to someone wearing open headphones, you’ll likely have no problem hearing their music, even if it’s thin and tinny.
You’ll hear the sound emanating from the earcups of the headphones (which often have holes for the sound to escape) farther away from your ears.
Naturally, closed pairs have an enclosure behind the drivers, so the sound from farther away from your ears hits the earcups, but many designs try to negate the distortion caused by this effect, so that most of the sound is still focused on your ears.
This naturally prevents excessive sound leakage from the headphones.
Open-ear designs are more prone to outside noise getting in and disrupting your listening experience, but this is more easily negated with closed designs.
Open models are less isolated from their surroundings and allow you to hear almost everything around you.
Pros of open-back headphones
If you need headphones for a more critical listening experience, such as music production or audio mastering, open-back headphones often provide a more “accurate” and original sound experience.
The free range of movement of the headphone drivers generally eliminates or reduces the amplification of low-frequency sounds that can create an annoying layer of buzzing on top of the original audio.
If this is not a factor, you can generally be sure that the audio you are listening to is pure sound, regardless of frequency.
The more ventilated design also makes the headphones more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, which is great if you are mixing and mastering music in a studio or plan on critically listening to audio for long periods of time.
Pros of Closed-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones create a seal around your ears, reducing sound leakage in and out of the headphones.
If you plan on using your headphones for commuting, at the gym, or at work, they are a more thoughtful option than open-back headphones.
Closed-back headphones are generally more durable, so if you plan on keeping them in your gym bag or work tote, they are less likely to break.
Another advantage of closed-back headphones is that they are readily available.
Closed headphones are generally cheaper and can do the job just fine. Of course, it can vary depending on the brand, but it can be easier to find a reasonably priced closed headphone than an open headphone.
Disadvantages of Open Headphones
Open headphones are great for listening to music in an already isolated and relatively quiet space.
However, the open design creates more space for air and sound to pass through, allowing ambient sound to come in and audio to leak out.
That said, they’re not ideal for blasting music on your morning commute or at the gym, sitting next to coworkers or strangers.
The perforated design and the potential for a can-to-headband connection that generally provides support make open headphones more fragile and even fragile.
As such, open headphones should be treated with more care than headphones you can just throw in your bag and take with you.
Finally, most open headphones are on the higher end of the market. Because they’re meant for critical listening, most are designed to deliver the clearest, richest sound possible, and that experience comes with a higher price tag.
So it’s important to do your research when choosing the right open headphone, because it’s an investment.
Disadvantages of Closed Headphones
The closed design of closed headphones slightly impedes the drivers and resonates frequencies (especially low frequencies) to either “amplify” the sound or create a muddy layer over the original audio.
In short, a more rigid design can block out sound, but it can also block out sound for a more “accurate” listening experience.
After long listening sessions, the cup-shaped design that retains sound can also cause ear pain. So if you plan on using this for hours, this listening accessory is probably not going to be noticeable.
If you’re interested, here are some examples of closed headphones currently on the market.
FAQs
Why are closed-back headphones better?
Moving from sound quality to more practical considerations, closed-back designs add advantages.
These headphones better isolate the listener from external distractions and allow you to sit in the same room as others without disturbing them.
It’s almost impossible to wear Grados in a busy office or on your commute because they just blast too much sound at your colleagues and commuters.
If you’re out and about, closed-backs are really the only way to go, and adding wireless and noise-canceling technology enhances the benefits of this portable environment.
Bluetooth functionality and open-back designs don’t go together naturally.
Open-back designs aren’t all about sound. Including a closed design generally adds more sonic muscle to the equation, especially in the bass department.
They also tend to sound more solid and substantial, and as a result, many listeners prefer the muscle and weight of a closed pair.
In an increasingly portable world, combining portability and ease of use, it’s no wonder that most people opt for closed-back headphones.
Which is better, open-back or closed-back?
Open-back and closed-back headphones serve different purposes. If you want better ventilation and a more natura” open sound, open-backs may be better for critical listening.
However, for situations where you’re on the move and don’t have privacy, closed-back headphones offer better sound leakage control.
Are open-back headphones better for gaming?
Probably, but only for the reasons listed above regarding sound quality and comfort.
Beyond that, open-back headphones don’t offer any hidden advantages or benefits for gaming as far as we know, but the more natural, dynamic sound and greater comfort for long periods of time (gamers love long gaming sessions) shouldn’t be taken for granted.
One clue we can offer is that active noise cancellation may be ideal for gamers who want to immerse themselves in a competitive experience, something you don’t get with open-back headphones.
Open-back vs. closed-back headphones, which are better for mixing?
Traditionally, open-back headphones are more commonly used for mixing because they provide a more “accurate” original sound due to the lack of low-frequency amplification.
Especially when mixing for hours in a quiet studio, open-back headphones can be the most comfortable and productive option.
Open-back vs. closed-back headphones, which are better for gaming?
Most gamers prefer open-back headphones for gaming because they provide a more natural sound and are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Open-back vs. closed-back headphones, which are better for studio use?
Again, this largely depends on personal preference and what you want from your headphones.
Studio use is generally associated with a more analytical and revealing sound, so you may want to consider headphones that can reveal detail and musicality above all else.
These characteristics are not limited to open-back or closed-back headphones. Preferences will have a big impact on what you want to hear and what you want to hear.
Of course, closed headphones have the advantage of physically isolating your ears from the noise and commotion of your surroundings, especially if they have noise-cancelling capabilities.
But ultimately, it’s not a binary choice. Find a great pair of headphones that you feel comfortable with, both literally and musically, and start from there.
If you need help, our lists of the best wired headphones and the best headphones for audiophiles can help.
What are semi-open-back headphones?
A hybrid of the two designs, semi-open-back headphones are essentially a less perforated version of open-back headphones.
They are slightly less perforated, but they also have vents that allow the drivers to move freely, which reduces low-frequency hum.
Keep in mind that semi-open-back headphones still leak sound, which I personally find more pleasant to listen to.
Are open-back headphones louder than others?
As hinted at above, one of the main limitations of open-back headphones is that sound is inherently leaking in and out. The amount of sound leakage varies from model to model.
Technically, you can get a semi-open design with lots of holes and no leaks, which of course depends on how loud you are listening to music.
The effect is a little different than blasting music from a small Bluetooth speaker, but open-back headphones are generally audible to everyone nearby.
Unless you’re a few centimeters away, you might not be able to hear exactly what you’re hearing, but people a few meters away will be able to hear something.
They are not suitable for office work, bus rides, train travel, and airplane use, so they are limited for public use.
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Conclusion
When deciding which headphones to invest in, it depends on where and when you listen to audio, how much you are willing to spend, and what you listen to.
If you are serious about mixing or audio production, you may want to invest in open-back headphones for critical listening during long studio hours.
However, if you plan on using these headphones more for commuting, work, or your workout routine, you may want to consider closed-back headphones that are more durable and keep the sound to yourself.
Also read: Best Wireless Earbuds For Small Ear Canals