open-back and closed-back headphones

[brucedavid5465]

What is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones? Is there a big difference in sound between them?

 

[staticV3]

Open-back headphones let in outside noise, closed-back headphones isolate you from outside noise.

Open-back headphones leak sound to the outside, closed-back don't.

Open-back headphones tend to have less bass than closed-back:


Open-back headphones are usually less sweaty than closed-back.

IMO, if your environment is quiet enough to where open-back headphones are viable, then I would choose open-back.
Closed-back only if you need the isolation.
But that's subjective.

 

[Keith_W]

@staticV3 covered it pretty well. But I would also add:

- open back usually have better soundstage than closed back. Subjective here, but to me open back also sounds more natural.
- seal and fit is important for both types of headphone, but it is even more important with closed back because you will lose bass if not properly sealed.

IMO, you should always choose open back UNLESS you specifically need closed back, i.e. isolation and to avoid disturbing others. This is why I only buy closed back headphones

 

[daftcombo]

If you're at home and want to be able to hear noises (door ringing, water boiling...) as if you had nothing on your ears, go for open-back.

If you want to listen to music in the train without disturbing the other travellers, go for closed-back.

 

[MrNice13]

If you're at home and want to be able to hear noises (door ringing, water boiling...) as if you had nothing on your ears, go for open-back

Haha even with open back I don't ear the boiling water if I listen some music.
I maybee blast the *** out of my phones but hey .. I enjoy it like that and it's the point of enjoying music.