Headphones stand as among the most widely used and adaptable audio gadgets, capable of significantly enhance your listening experience. Whether you are a music lover, a gamer, a podcaster, or a professional audio engineer, you need a pair of headphones that suits your needs and preferences.
But how do you choose the right headphones for you? One of the most important factors to consider is the design of the ear cups, which can be either open back or closed back. In this detailed article, we will compare the features of open back vs closed back headphones and help you decide which is better for your situation.
What are open back headphones?
Open back headphones feature perforations or openings on the rear of the ear cups, enabling unrestricted passage of air and sound. This means that the sound from the headphones can leak out to the environment, and the ambient noise can also enter the headphones. Open back headphones are designed to create a more natural and spacious sound as if you are listening to speakers in a room. They also tend to have less distortion and better sound quality than closed back headphones, especially in the high frequencies.
What are closed back headphones?
Closed back headphones are headphones that have a sealed enclosure on the back of the ear cups, blocking the sound from escaping or entering the headphones. This means that the sound from the headphones is isolated from the environment, and the ambient noise is also reduced. Closed back headphones are designed to create a more focused and immersive sound, as if you are listening to headphones in a quiet place. They also tend to have more bass and volume than open back headphones, as the sound is trapped inside the ear cups.
Which is better: open back or closed back headphones?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preference and use case. There is no definitive answer to which type of headphones is better, as both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between open back and closed back headphones:
Sound quality
Open back headphones generally have better sound quality than closed back headphones, as they have less resonance and distortion and more clarity and detail. However, this also depends on the quality of the headphones themselves, as some closed back headphones can sound very good as well. If you are looking for the most accurate and natural sound reproduction, open back headphones are the way to go. But if you are looking for a more powerful and punchy sound, closed back headphones might suit you better.
Soundstage
Soundstage is the sense of space and depth that you get from the sound. Open back headphones have a wider and more realistic soundstage than closed back headphones, as they allow the sound to interact with the environment. This can make you feel like you are listening to live music or watching a movie in a theater. Closed back headphones have a narrower and more artificial soundstage, as they isolate the sound from the environment. This can make you feel like you are listening to headphones in a small room or a studio.
Noise isolation
Noise isolation refers to the headphones’ capacity to block out external sounds. Closed back headphones have better noise isolation than open back headphones, as they seal the sound inside the ear cups. This can help you focus on your music or audio without being distracted by the noise around you. Open back headphones have poor noise isolation, as they let the sound in and out of the ear cups. This can make you hear the noise around you and also make others hear what you are listening to.
Comfort
Comfort is the feeling of wearing headphones for a long period of time. Open back headphones are usually more comfortable than closed back headphones, as they have less pressure and heat build-up on the ears. They also allow the ears to breathe and prevent sweating. Closed back headphones are usually less comfortable than open back headphones, as they have more pressure and heat build-up on the ears. They also trap moisture and make the ears sweaty.
Open back vs closed back headphones for gaming
There are advantages and disadvantages of both types of headphones for gaming, depending on your preferences and environment. Here is a summary of the main points:
Open back headphones
They have a wider and more natural soundstage, which can help you locate sounds and feel more immersed in the game. They also have better sound quality, less distortion, and more comfort than closed back headphones. However, they have poor noise isolation and sound leaks, which means you can hear the noise around you, and others can hear what you are playing. This can be a problem if you are gaming in a noisy or public place or if you use a microphone and don’t want to pick up the sound from your headphones.
Check out our article on the best open back headphones for gaming!
Closed back headphones
They have better noise isolation and sound leak, which means you can block out the noise around you, and others can’t hear what you are playing. This can be a benefit if you are gaming in a noisy or public place or if you use a microphone and want to avoid feedback. They also have more bass and volume than open back headphones, which can make the sound more powerful and punchy. However, they have lower sound quality, more distortion, and less comfort than open back headphones. They also have a narrower and more artificial soundstage, which can make the sound less realistic and spacious.
Check out our article on the best closed back headphones for gaming!
Open back vs closed back headphones for mixing and mastering
Mixing and mastering are two important stages of music production that require high-quality headphones that can accurately reproduce the sound of your music. The general consensus is that open back headphones are better than closed back headphones for mixing and mastering, as they have the following advantages:
- They have better sound quality, less distortion, and a more natural soundstage than closed back headphones. They can help you hear the details and nuances of your music and create a more realistic and spacious mix.
- They have a more accurate bass response, as the low frequencies sound more natural when they are driven from an open back headphone. They can help you avoid overcompensating or undercompensating the bass in your mix.
- They are more comfortable to wear for long sessions, as they have less pressure and heat build-up on the ears. They also allow the ears to breathe and prevent sweating.
However, open back headphones also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of:
- They have poor noise isolation and sound leaks, which means you can hear the noise around you, and others can hear what you are producing. This can be a problem if you are producing music in a noisy or public place or if you need to record vocals or instruments with a microphone.
- They are generally more expensive than closed back headphones, as they are mostly high-end headphones. They may also require a more powerful amplifier to drive them properly.
Therefore, open back headphones are the best option for mixing and mastering if you value sound quality, soundstage, and comfort, and you produce music in a quiet and private place. However, if you produce music in a noisy or public place, or you need to record vocals or instruments with a microphone, you may want to use closed back headphones instead or use a combination of both types of headphones and monitor speakers to check your mix.
What are some good open back headphones for mixing and mastering?
There are many open back headphones that are suitable for mixing and mastering, depending on your budget and preference. Some of the most recommended open back headphones for mixing and mastering are:
- Sennheiser HD 800 S: These are high-end headphones that offer exceptional sound quality, clarity, and detail. They have a very wide and realistic soundstage and a balanced and natural frequency response. They are also very comfortable and durable, but they are very expensive and require a powerful amplifier to drive them properly.
- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: These are mid-range headphones that offer excellent sound quality, accuracy, and detail. They have a spacious and immersive soundstage and a neutral and transparent frequency response. They are also very comfortable and adjustable, but they are not very portable and can be harsh on the treble for some people.
- Audio-Technica ATH-R70x: These are budget-friendly headphones that offer great sound quality, resolution, and detail. They have a wide and natural soundstage and a flat and smooth frequency response. They are also very lightweight and comfortable, but they are not very sturdy and can be lacking in bass for some people.
These are just some examples of good open back headphones for mixing and mastering.
State respective real world uses for Open back and closed back headphones
Open back and closed back headphones have different real-world uses depending on the situation and the preference of the user. Here are some examples of when each type of headphones might be more suitable:
Open back headphones
They are deemed preferable in situations where prioritizing sound quality, soundstage, and comfort outweighs the importance of noise isolation and sound leakage. Their advantages are evident in various scenarios:
- Music Mixing and Mastering: Open-back headphones are favored for music production tasks like mixing and mastering. Their design offers a more accurate and natural sound reproduction, enabling professionals to discern nuances and achieve precise audio adjustments.
- High-Quality Home Listening: Enjoying high-quality content at home is enhanced by open-back headphones. They create a more expansive and lifelike sound experience akin to listening to speakers in a room. This spacious sound reproduction provides a more realistic and immersive audio environment.
- Gaming Experience: Open-back headphones prove beneficial for gaming enthusiasts as they contribute to a more immersive gaming experience. Their design aids in sound localization, allowing users to pinpoint directional cues accurately, leading to a heightened sense of immersion within the game environment.
Closed back headphones
They are deemed superior in scenarios where noise isolation, sound leakage, and bass take precedence over sound quality, soundstage, and comfort. Their utility shines in various situations:
- Listening in Noisy or Public Environments: Closed-back headphones excel in blocking external noise, offering a shield against ambient sounds and ensuring privacy by preventing others from hearing your audio, making them an ideal choice for enjoying music in bustling, noisy public spaces.
- Recording Vocals or Instruments: For recording vocals or instruments with a microphone, closed-back headphones prove advantageous as they help to avoid feedback and interference from the headphone’s sound bleeding into the microphone, ensuring clearer recordings.
- Enhanced Bass and Volume: Closed-back headphones contain sound within the ear cups, intensifying bass and volume. This design effectively traps and amplifies the sound, delivering a more forceful and impactful bass response, making them well-suited for those who prefer powerful and punchy bass while listening to music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, open back and closed back headphones have their own pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on your personal preference and use case. If you value sound quality, soundstage, and comfort, and you listen to music or audio in a quiet and private place, open back headphones are the best option for you. If you value noise isolation, bass, and volume, and you listen to music or audio in a noisy and public place, closed back headphones are the best option for you.
We hope this post has helped you understand the difference between open back and closed back headphones and how to choose the right headphones for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!