Closed against. Open-back headphones: which is best for your audio setup?

A quality pair of headphones can significantly improve your listening experience. Yet while choosing the most expensive pair may seem logical (price relates to overall quality), you also need to consider type, durability, sound insulation, and ergonomics. Fortunately, most of these features correlate strongly with the two most common helmet designs: open-back and closed-back.

The debate over closed versus open headphones (and the audio quality they produce) is common among music enthusiasts. Although audiophiles (and many mixing/mastering engineers) prefer closed-back headphones for their “airy” and transparent sound, studio pros and on-the-go listeners love the closed-back style because of its superior isolation and powerful bass. In most cases, closed-back headphones are also much more comfortable, giving them an advantage over open-back headphones for longer sessions.

Since affordable audiophile headphones come in both forms, the best solution is to take stock of your needs. What will you use your new “ears” for? Can you sacrifice higher external noise for more natural sound?

Closed-back headphones are more popular for casual use than their open-back brethren, and for good reason. Since the earphones are sealed, they minimize sound leakage. For most people who just don’t want to bother the people around them, this often seals the deal (pun intended). The design itself also contributes to bass-heavy sound, which is a huge benefit for certain genres that rely heavily on those low, rumbling frequencies.

Since sound isolation is the main purpose of closed-back headphones, they tightly hug your ears, which also limits airflow. Needless to say, this can be tiring and quite uncomfortable during longer sessions. While fatigue might not be as bad if you stick to the 60-60 headphone rule (keeping the volume lower and taking a break every 60 seconds), it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re wearing them for long periods.

In contrast, open-back headphones have the back of the earcups completely open. This allows air to pass through, creating a more natural, reverberated sound. Since sound waves also interact with the room, open-back headphones don’t put as much emphasis on bass, which, of course, is a no-no for some genres.

While all of this contributes to a more pleasant experience (open-back headphones also don’t apply as much physical pressure on your head), they are noticeably noisier than their closed-back counterparts. Noise isolation is virtually non-existent, so you can expect everyone around you to hear the tunes you’re blasting. So, you should reserve your open-back headphones for home use.

The choice between a closed helmet and an open helmet depends on your preferences. Generally speaking, the former sound more transparent, which is exactly why audiophiles and audio mixers love them so much. They look less like headphones and more like speakers. So if you’re looking for a more realistic soundstage, the open back reigns supreme. This is not to say that closed-back headphones sound bad. Some listeners prefer a more “direct” sound characterized by strong bass and may feel like open-back headphones don’t have the punch they’re used to.

However, audio quality is only part of the picture. Ignoring comfort and how you will use the cans is one of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing headphones. If you need something to take on the bus, an enclosed vehicle is a logical choice. But if you want to be comfortable and plan to wear them for hours at home, the open style may pique your interest.

Also, remember that sound quality ultimately depends on the model, and something that most people praise may actually end up being “meh” to your ears. It also doesn’t hurt to get rid of labels and data sheets. For example, audio enthusiasts praise some closed-back models for their comfort and swear that they offer a similar experience to the open style, but with the added benefit of noise cancellation. Do your homework and you’ll be fine.