Open-back Headphones: The Difference Between Closed And Open-back Models And Which Ones Are Better? Choosing Wireless And Wired Headphones

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

In modern stores of household electronic equipment, you can see a wide variety of headphones, which, regardless of their classification according to other criteria, are closed or open. In our article, we will clarify the difference between these models, as well as tell you which type of headphones is considered the best and why. In addition, after reading this article, you will know by what criteria to choose open-type wired and wireless copies.

What it is?

Openness refers to the design of the headphones, or rather to the structure of the bowl - the part behind the speaker. If you have a closed device in front of you, its back wall is sealed and completely isolates the ear from the penetration of sounds from the outside. Besides, The closed design prevents the music you are listening to or any other sound vibrations from spreading to the outside environment.

For open-type headphones, the opposite is true: their outer side of the bowl has holes, the total area of which is comparable to the area of the speakers, and may even exceed it. Outwardly, this is expressed in the presence of a mesh on the back of the cups, through which you can easily see the internal elements of their design . That is, all the music that plays in your ears freely passes through the perforated surface of the headphones and becomes the "property" of others.

It would seem, what good is there. But not everything is so simple.

What is the difference?

The fact is that closed headphones have a small stereo base, which, when listening to music, deprives you of depth and spaciousness of perception … Despite the fact that the developers of modern models of such audio devices have resorted to various tricks to expand the stereo base and increase the depth of the stage, in general, the closed type of headphones is more suitable for fans of music genres such as rock and metal, where the bass is most noticeable.

Classical music, which requires more "airiness", where each instrument lives in a strictly allotted space, for its listening presupposes the presence of open devices . The difference between them and their closed cousins is precisely that open headphones create a transparent soundstage that allows you to distinguish even the most distant sounds.

Thanks to the excellent stereo base, you get the natural and surround sound of your favorite music.

How do you know which type of headphones is best? To answer this question, you need to determine the requirements that you have for this headset. Open headphones cannot be used in transport, office, and in general where the sounds coming from them can disturb the people around them . In addition, external noises coming through the holes of the cups will interfere with enjoying your favorite tune, so it is better to have accessories covered when leaving the house.

As a compromise, a half-closed, or, what is the same, half-open type of headphones is possible . This intermediate version was developed taking into account the best properties of both devices, although it looks more like open devices. In their back wall there are slots through which air flows from the external environment, so you can, on the one hand, concentrate on what sounds in your ears, and on the other, not lose sight of everything that happens outside. …

This type of headphones is convenient, for example, on the street, where there is a high probability of getting run over by a car or in another undesirable situation, especially if the ideal sound insulation of closed headphones completely cut you off from all external sounds.

Open headphones are used by fans of computer games, because with the help of them, the effect of presence, so beloved by some, is achieved

But in recording studios, preference is definitely given to closed devices, because when recording vocals or instruments, it is necessary that no extraneous sounds are picked up by the microphone.

Popular models

Open-back headphones are presented in completely different models of design. These can be full-size overhead devices, sleek earbuds and wired and wireless earplugs.

The main condition is that while listening to music, there is an exchange of sound between the headphone emitter, ears and the external environment.

Earbuds

Let's start with the simplest type of open device - in-ear headphones. They are completely devoid of active noise cancellation, so the user can enjoy natural sound.

Apple AirPods

This is the most famous and trustworthy wireless earbuds of the famous brand, which are distinguished by their great lightness and touch control. Equipped with two microphones.

Panasonic RP-HV094

A budget option for high-quality sound. The model is distinguished by its reliability and durability, as well as a rather loud sound. Of the minuses - insufficiently saturated bass, lack of a microphone.

In-ear models are more suitable for reproducing high and medium frequencies.

Sony MDR-EX450

A wired headphone with high-quality sound thanks to its vibration-free aluminum housing. Of the advantages - a stylish design, four pairs of ear pads, an adjustable cord. The downside is the lack of a microphone.

Creative EP-630

Great sound quality, budget option. Of the minuses - control only with the help of the phone.

Overhead

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

The sound is high quality, the construction is not very comfortable as the headband tends to compress the head slightly. The body is made of plastic, the headband is fabric.

Koss Porta Pro Casual

Foldable headphone model with adjustable fit. Great bass.

Fullsize

Shure SRH1440

High-end studio devices with great treble and powerful sound.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X

Gaming as well as studio headphone model. However, due to the lack of sound insulation, it is recommended for home use. Produce high quality clear sound.

How to choose?

Thus, in order to choose the right headphones, you must first of all decide on the type of sound insulation. If you are going to enjoy the stage sound of music or actively play computer games, open devices are your option.

Lovers of rock-style bass sound should choose a closed type of audio device, the same advice applies to professionals . In addition, to listen to music on public transport on the way to work, on a trip, or in the office, it is recommended to use devices with active noise absorption, so closed devices are better suited for these purposes.

In order to be able to listen to good quality surround sound, but at the same time not be too abstract from reality, while continuing to communicate with friends and monitoring the situation around, it is better to opt for half-open models.

Do not forget that high-quality sound, ergonomics and reliability of the device are guaranteed only by high-tech products . Therefore, we can only talk about the excellent quality of budget headphones with some stretch.