Open-back headphones have risen in popularity, particularly in the audiophile world. Open-back headphones are recommended for any beginner looking to get new headphones because of their superior audio. Though a headphone’s sound quality depends on personal preferences, why are open-back headphones recommended over closed-back headphones?
In this post, I’ll tackle this question, some pros and cons, and the real-world application of open-back headphones. I will also list a couple of the best open-back headphones in the market you can try out.
Open-Back Headphones – An Overview
Open-back headphones can be identified by vents, perforations, or a see-through mesh on the back of the earcups. They are less commonly encountered among consumer headphones but come as an easy recommendation among audiophile circles. Check out our best audiophile headphones.
Beyerdynamic DT 990Pro 250 ohm
The sound quality of open-back headphones can be described as immersive, open, engaging, transparent, airy, and many other words. Compared to closed-back headphones, they are better suited for reproducing more natural and realistic music. Why is this the case? Below are some reasons why open headphones sound better.
Why Do Open-Back Headphones Sound Better?
The main reason why open-back headphones sound better than closed-back headphones is because of their earcup design. The openings on the back of the earcups, whether perforated or vented, allows free passage of air around the headphone driver. When the headphone driver moves without hindrance caused by pressure, this equates to natural and realistic music.
An open earcup also means sound waves can escape, effectively reducing reflections in the earcup. Fewer reflections mean less coloration and an overall improvement in the clarity and accuracy of sound.
Pros of Open-Back Headphones
- Allows better situational awareness because sound can escape into the earcup
- The soundstage is spacious, open, airy, and natural sounding
- The overall sound is accurate and precise because of minimal reflections. A more open, natural, and wider sense of presentation
- Open-back designs do not get hot and sweaty during hot weather or when used indoors
- The best option for critical listening sessions
- Lightweight and comfortable due to fewer materials in the design
Cons of Open-Back Headphones
- No isolation offered from external surroundings
- Music leakage can disturb people around you. Also, no privacy because everyone can listen to what you are hearing.
- Volume can reach unsafe levels, especially when used in a noisy environment.
- Not the preferred choice for bass-driven music genres
Real-World Applications of Open Headphones
1. Listening at Home
When you’re at home, you can choose either open-back or closed-back headphones. However, open-back headphones are best because they allow for an immersive listening experience. This is the case when you listen to music privately. They are also ideal because they allow for better situational awareness, and you can respond to emergencies, warnings, or conversations with others. Check out our best open-back headphones.
In the Picture – Auris Nirvana & Mjolnir Carbon. HiFiMAN Susvara & Stax X9000 Open-Back Headphones
2. Mixing & Mastering
Open-back headphones are the way to go if you’re mixing and mastering in your home or the studio and do not own a pair of studio monitors. This is because they generally have a flat frequency response due to the open nature of the earcup. The ‘open’ sound of open-back headphones also reveals imperfections and mistakes when mixing or mastering tracks.
The Shure SRH-1840 is a Popular Headphone for Mixing and Mastering
Apart from the sound quality, the comfort of open-back headphones also determines their studio use. Perforations or vents on the back of the earcup make them cool for longer periods. This is useful, especially because mixing and mastering are tedious tasks and thus require comfortable headphones.
3. Gaming
Gaming has grown from a hobby to a competitive market that employs and gives opportunities to countless people. Your gaming setup needs to be the best to be on top of the competition. Open-back headphones are the best for competitive gaming because of their sound quality.
They have better stereo imaging, making it easier to locate footsteps and gunshots – always keeping you ahead of the competition. A spacious soundstage also makes the gaming experience immersive for a more authentic experience. Check out our best open-back headphones for gaming.
Wrapping Up
Since the birth of the first open-back headphone (Sennheiser’s HD 414) in 1968, open headphones have grown in popularity among consumers. The superior sound quality is one of the primary reasons why many audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts swear by open-back headphones.
Open-back headphones are the way to go if you’re looking for immersive headphones for critical listening at home. However, remember they also have some flaws; thus, making the final decision will depend on what matters most.
