What Are Open Back Headphones?
Nowadays, having quality headphones is a necessity. Everyone has a favorite podcast or album that brings them joy, but they might prefer to listen to it privately. Or, maybe you have a work or school assignment that requires focused audio directly in your ears. Listening to audio is a crucial part of countless aspects of our modern daily lives, whether it’s for school, work, or leisure.
Whatever the situation, choosing the right headphones for your needs and your lifestyle can be daunting. The truth is that the market is saturated with endless options, and pretty much all of them claim to be able to deliver you the best sound quality.
So, how do you know what to look for when searching for headphones?
You could start by asking people you know what kind of headphones they use or go with the first pair that comes in your favorite color. However, those options might not give you the best choices nor the highest quality.
That’s why we recommend starting your search by narrowing down your options to two different types of headphones: open back headphones and closed-back headphones.
The term “open back” might seem confusing when paired with the concept of headphones. In actuality, however, it’s straightforward to understand. Merely speaking, open back headphones are designed so that air can pass through the ear cups (the cushioned part that surrounds your ear) to the speakers.
This airflow is essential because it means that pressure won’t build up and create an echo in the headphones, which could negatively affect the sound quality. A lot of high-end and luxury headphones on the market use open back design in their products because of this. Furthermore, it’s no question why professional gamers and award-winning musicians favor open back models over closed-back headphones.
On the flip side, closed-back headphones eliminate the airflow that the open back design boasts. The design makes them a good option for noise cancellation but also forces them to compromise on sound quality in the process.
What are the benefits of using open back headphones?
First and foremost, the audio from open back headphones is engineered for a level of clarity and pureness that is unmatched by other types of models. The distinct airflow between the ear cup and speaker allows for an audio quality that is considerably more natural than different designs. In short, the sound quality of open back headphones is unbeatable.
Open back headphones are a fantastic option for:
- Workers engaging in crucial critical listening,
- Students who need to focus on online classes,
- Music enthusiasts and studio professionals who value pristine sound,
- Gamers eager to truly immerse themselves in a different world, and
- Those who want high-quality audio for their everyday lives.
Similarly, headphones with an open back design might be an excellent choice for people who are hard of hearing, since they can deliver a superior level of audio quality.
Are there any downsides to open back headphones?
While the superior audio that open back headphones offer is what makes them a fantastic option for a variety of users, there are some things that potential buyers should keep in mind.
Firstly, due to their design, which allows for continuous airflow from speaker to ear cup, they aren’t very good at blocking outside noise. In short, while the sound quality might be excellent when you’re in a quiet room, you won’t get the same merit in a noisy area, which is why open back headphones might not be the best for loud commutes or for blocking noise in general.
Similarly, open back headphones are also known for leaking sound out of the ear cups, no matter how advanced the material of the ear cups is. Suppose you’re listening to audio in a quiet area like a library or an office. In that case, everyone around you will probably also be able to hear it, which is another reason why it might be best to save open back headphones for at-home use.
However, audio leakage and ambient noise might not be a bad thing. If you prefer to be able to hear what’s going on around you while you’re listening to the audio, open back headphones are an excellent option for you.
Where can I buy open back headphones?
Now that you can answer the question, “What are open back headphones?” you’re probably ready to start the next step in your headphones search. Perhaps this article helped you decide once and for all that open back headphones are what you need. You value superior sound quality and need a pair of headphones that are going to deliver the crisp sound that isn’t available from other designs.
You also don’t mind that open back headphones are better suited for use at home or in private spaces, and in fact might even prefer the option to overhear your surroundings through the audio in your ears. In short, you’re an audiophile. You love the sound!
Now it’s time to purchase a pair. While deciding on an open back model of headphones over closed-back headphones certainly helps to narrow down your search significantly, we recommend checking out this article that details some of the best budget audiophile headphones.
This article is a fantastic resource that will tell you which open back headphones are the most durable, the most comfortable, and the best for your budget. It also crowns the best wireless model, the best pair for gaming, and the all-around best pair of open back headphones on the market.
Furthermore, even though open back headphones tend to be some of the more expensive options on the market due to their luxurious sound quality, you don’t need to pinch pennies to listen like the pros. This article can lead you to a fantastic pair of open back headphones that costs less than $100!
From recognizable brands like Philips, Audio-Technica, and Sennheiser, Audio Direct and their expertise can direct you to the best pair of open back headphones for your lifestyle.
Still confused? Wikipedia may be able to help.
