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This isn’t a case of ‘this kind of headphone is better than that kind of headphone’.
What are open-back and closed-back headphones?
You can clearly see the rear of the speaker/transducer through the hard grille of these Sennheiser headphones.
In closed-back headphones, this is fully sealed, totally enclosing the rear of the speaker driver.
When the back is open, air can move through it.
And when the back is closed, it can’t.
You can clearly see the rear of the speaker/transducer through the hard grille of these Sennheiser headphones.
And that’s important.
TheSennheiser HD-660S2are open-back, and so are theGrado SR80x.
What are open-back and closed-back headphones best for?
Closed-back headphones are a must when travelling.
Open-back headphones are typically better for serious listening, and for audio production.
Let’s dig intowhythey’re good for these things.
Open-back headphones reduce incoming sound a little bit, but nowhere near as significantly as closed-back ones.
Open-back headphones are great for home listening.
Open-back headphones also leak considerably more sound out.
That’s not to say that the best closed-back headphones don’t sound great.
Those vibrations can be audible, and that means they can change the sound.
The Grado GW100x are wireless headphones with an open back – quite the rarity.
This can actually be an advantage in the case of bass frequencies, though.
Another issue is air pressure.
Headphones drivers move back and forward to create their sound, pushing air as they go.
You just have the downside of them letting all that sound in and out.
Open-back vs closed-back headphones: comfort
Open-back headphones are typically lighter and more comfortable for prolonged listening.
It’s about airflow.
As another factor in terms of comfort/convenience, almost zero open-back headphones are wireless.
In addition, open-back headphones appeal most to audiophiles, and wireless transmission can reduce sound quality.
However, theGrado GW100xis a pair of open-back wireless headphones, if that’s what you really want.
In general, going open-back means getting a pair of thebest wired headphones, though.
Open-back vs closed-back headphones: which is best for you?
It’s probably clear by now: it depends.
If you’re looking for thebest headphones for travel, closed-back headphones are better.
If you’re mad about bass, closed-back headphones are often more exciting for that thump.
Here’s a quick summary of the good and the bad.
