One of the most important decisions when choosing headphones is whether to go for open back or closed back headphones. We’ve tested these headphones and conclude that each type has its own strengths and is designed for different listening experiences.
In this guide, we’ll clear their difference, benefits, and best use cases to help you make an informed decision for you. Let’s talk about open back and close back headphones in detail.
1- what are open back and closed back headphones?
open back headphones
- Design: These headphones have ear cups with open holes or transparent backs that allow sound or air to pass in and out freely.
- Sound Experience: When we tested these headphones we experienced their sound, they offer a more natural, airy sound with a wide soundstage. You can also experience them in different environments and surely they become favorite one among audiophiles and studio professionals.
closed back headphones
- Design: These headphones have closed ear cups, and are designed to block external noise and prevent sound from leaking out.
- Sound Experience: By testing these headphones we’ve noticed that they offer a more familiar and focused sound, which can enhance bass response and overall clarity in noisy environments.
Now we deep dive into details and discuss about sound quality and listening experience of these headphones.
2- Sound quality and listening experience
open back headphones
pros:
- Natural Soundstage: The open design creates a more natural sound, perfect for listening and enjoying music more smoothly.
- Comfort: These headphones are more comfortable for long listening sessions.
cons:
- Sound Leakage: Sound escapes from these headphones ear cups, so they are not ideal for use in public places.
- Isolation: External noises can sometimes violate your listening experience.
Closed Back Headphones
Pros:
- Noise Isolation: Their closed design helps to minimize external noise and prevents sound from disturbing others. this makes them excellent for commuting or use in busy environments.
- Focused Sound: They provide a more contained listening experience, which can help in environments where distractions are a concern.
cons:
- Limited Soundstage: Their sound is more confined than open back headphones.
- Potential for a Boxy Sound: Some models might have a less natural sound profile, emphasizing bass at the expense of detail. I’ll walk you through and give some more details to easily understand and make a decision about which headphones are best for you.
4- Recommended Models
We’ve tested almost 100 models and based on our experience, we’ll recommend some headphones So, If you’re considering buying a pair, here are some top-rated options:
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Best Open Back Headphones
Sennheiser HD 660S
- Excellent sound clarity for audiophiles
- Comfortable to wear.
- It has a warm, natural sound signature.
- Has frequency response of 10 Hz to 41 kHz
- HD 660s Sennheiser has less distortion at high sound pressure levels (SPL).
- Has a more accurate and clearer sound.
- Offers a sharper stereo image.
- Sennheiser HD 600: Professional-Grade Wired Headphones
- Precision-Engineered for Exceptional Sound: Lightweight aluminum voice coils and neodymium magnets deliver outstanding t…
- Meticulous Design and Build Quality: Elegant black and gray finish, open metal mesh earpiece covers, and detachable Kevl…
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- Great for music producers.
- The open back design of dt 990 pro offers a wide, natural stereo image.
- Three-dimensional sound reproduction enhances depth and space.
- Exceptional tonal depth reveals a subtle mix of details.
- Precise acoustic positioning for accurate sound placement.
- Ideal for mixing and mastering with clear, balanced audio.
- Comfortable design ensures long, fatigue-free sessions.
- The durable build makes beyerdynamic dt 990 pro a reliable studio companion.
- Open over-ear headphones, ideal for professional mixing, mastering and editing
- Perfect for studio applications thanks to their transparent, spacious, strong bass and treble sound
- The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
$179.99
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Budget friendly open back option.
- Balanced, clear sound perfect for mixing and critical listening.
- Soft over ear cushions keep you comfy during long sessions.
- Built tough with quality materials for lasting use.
- Detachable cable for easy swaps and customization.
- Closed back design blocks out background noise.
- Versatile for studio work, DJing, gaming, and casual listening.
- Foldable design makes Audio-Technica ATH-M50x easy to carry and store.
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
$149.00
Best Closed Back Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best noise canceling wireless headphones
- Strong active noise cancelling for a focused listening experience.
- Decent build quality, though there’s room for improvement.
- Great value for the features offered.
- Stylish design with user-friendly aesthetics.
- Reliable connectivity for a seamless audio experience.
- Clear microphone performance for calls and recordings.
- Portable design, easy to carry on the go.
- Sony WH 1000XM5 is packed with useful features that enhance usability.
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Immerse yourself in the world of music with these noise cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5. …
- HANDS-FREE CALLING: Step into the future of communication with the Sony WH-1000XM5, a pair of over-ear headphones that m…
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Say goodbye to battery anxiety with the Sony WH-1000XM5, a wireless headset that offers up to 30 hour…
$328.00
Bose QuietComfort 45
- Perfect for travel and work.
- Aware Mode lets you instantly tune in to your surroundings when needed.
- 24-hour battery life means days of use without daily charging.
- Quick 15-minute charge gives you 3 extra hours on the go.
- Bluetooth 5.1 offers strong, stable connections with great range.
- Included 3.5 mm adapter keeps you connected during flights.
- Volume-optimized Active EQ ensures balanced sound at any level.
- TriPort acoustic design delivers rich, true-to-life audio.
- Simple button controls for easy, no-fuss use.
- Soft, lightweight materials for all-day comfort.
- Seamlessly switch devices and customize the sound with the Bose Music app.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut o…
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently ke…
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full no…
$349.00
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Audio Technica ATH M50X headphones are Ideal for both professionals and casual listeners
- Accurate, excellent sound with a flat frequency response, ideal for mixing and critical listening.
- Comfortable over ear design with soft earpads for extended sessions without fatigue.
- Durable build quality featuring a sturdy headband and swivelling earcups for flexibility and longevity.
- Detachable cable for easy replacement and customization based on your needs.
- Effective noise isolation thanks to the closed back design, reducing ambient distractions.
- Wide frequency response captures deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs across all music genres.
- Versatile for studio work and casual listening, with a foldable design for easy portability.
✨Pro Tip
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Black offers crisp highs and strong isolation, but if you prefer a wider soundstage or a looser fit for longer sessions, consider pairing it with softer earpads or using an EQ tweak.
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
$149.00
3- Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your personal needs and preferences:
- If you want natural sound quality for home or studio use, go for open back headphones.
- If you need privacy, noise isolation, and portability, choose closed back headphones.
Best Use Cases
| Purpose | Open Back Headphones | Closed Back Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Home Listening | ✅ Best Choice | ✅ Good |
| Music Production | ✅ Best Choice for Mixing | ✅ Good for Recording |
| Travel & Commuting | ❌ Not Recommended | ✅ Best Choice |
| Office & Work | ❌ Sound Leakage | ✅ Best Choice |
| Gaming | ✅ Great for Immersion | ✅ Great for Noise Isolation |
frequently asked questions (faqs)
Q1: What is the main difference between open back and closed back headphones?
The main difference is that open-back headphones allow sound to escape for a natural, wider soundstage, while closed-back headphones seal sound in for better isolation.
Q2: Are open-back headphones better for gaming?
Yes, they provide a wider soundstage and enhance listening.
Q3: Can closed-back headphones be used for professional mixing?
They don’t have a natural soundstage, so it’s not ideal.
Q4: Do open back headphones cause sound leakage?
Yes, they leak sound, making them unsuitable for public places.
Q5: Are closed-back headphones better for travel?
Yes, they block external noise and offer better isolation.
Q6: Do open-back headphones reduce ear fatigue?
Yes, they allow airflow, preventing heat buildup.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, you can choose headphones between open back vs closed back by your own need, depending on your listening environment, sound preference, and use case.
If you’re looking for pure audio quality and an immersive experience you should buy open back. If you need privacy and noise isolation closed back headphones are the better option.
No matter which type you choose, investing in the right pair will enhance your listening experience.
