Choosing the right headphone for you in all cases is extremely difficult, especially when there are so many models on the market and many unique features. If you are looking for an open back headphone, check out our article. Here, we will narrow down the Best Open Back Headphones on the market to give you the fastest and most suitable options. Get started now!
1. About Open back headphones
Open back headphones have ear buds that contain many openings or holes. An open earbud will have many parallel slots like a window or many holes like a fishing net. Due to the open back design, the sound of this headset is very unique and quality compared to Closed back headphones. Improving comfort and ventilation is the first priority of the manufacturer when bringing this headset to users.
The back is only protected by a metal mesh, so outside noise can easily get in and what you hear can easily get out. If you use thick leather ear cushions, you can use these headphones in crowded places without fear of disturbing others. However, it also has disadvantages if you use it in the wrong place.
2. Open back vs Closed back headphones: Which is best?
Design
This is a noticeable difference that you can see for yourself on the design of the ear cups. For Open back headphones, the drivers in the headphones are the hardware that produces the sound that is exposed through slots or vents in the design to the outside world.
These vents allow air as well as sound to pass freely from the inside of the headset to the outside. This keeps the device well ventilated and prevents it from overheating, which means you can comfortably use the open-back model for long periods of time without any worries.
Open back headphones are also lighter in weight than Closed back headphones. So if you are aiming for comfort and spend all day in the privacy of your home, it is best to use Open back headphones.
Sound quality
Soundstage is extremely important in determining the quality of the sound you are hearing. Since sound waves are not trapped inside the headphones in Open back headphones, this reduces echo and makes music sound deeper and clearer when compared to the sound from Closed back headphones.
Microphone
Both headphones offer good microphone capabilities. However, if you use the microphone to communicate in a multiplayer game or to record audio, you should use Closed back headphones. As complete sound isolation means there is no interference between what you are hearing and what you are saying into the mic.
Isolation
Open back headphones means that the headphones are not completely soundproof and sound can leak out to the outside world. If you are working in a quiet space or in a crowded area, using these headphones may annoy your neighbors because they can hear your music, especially if you turn the volume up.
Not only that, ambient noise from outside can affect your sound when you use Open back headphones. While this can help you be aware of your surroundings, it can also be distracting.
Closed back headphones, on the other hand, offer a completely isolated audio experience. The soundproofing system ensures that there is no leakage of sound from the headphones to your surroundings, and any ambient noise from the environment does not affect your sound.
3. Best Open Back Headphones
Sennheiser HD 800 S – Best overall
- Impedance: 300 Ohm
- Weight: 330g
- Cable length: 3m
The HD 800 S uses the same sound-absorbing technology pioneered in the IE 800 S in-ear display, to achieve balanced, natural sound. However, with an impedance of 300 ohms, you will most likely need to drive them with a headphone amplifier to get the best results. Overall, this is said to be the Best Open Back Headphones.
Philips Fidelio X2HR – Runner-up
- Impedance: 30 Ohm
- Weight: 13.4 oz (380g)
- Cable length: 118 inch (3m)
The Fidelio X2HR open back headphones are incredibly well built. There is very little plastic on them, providing a premium feel experience when you hold them in your hand. Compared to other audiophile headphones, they are also very easy to control from your phone. In terms of sound, the lower frequencies don’t spill over into the midrange or treble, where you can still find a lot of detail. What’s more, you’ll get a good feel for the soundstage, making them also suitable as gaming headsets.
Sennheiser HD 660 S – Best classic
- Impedance: 150 Ohm
- Weight: 9.2 oz (260g)
- Cable length: 118 inch (3m)
Listed on the Best Open Back Headphones list, the Sennheiser HD 660 S has more impactful and controlled bass, more detailed mids, and a slightly higher resolution treble range. The earcups are very large, providing a comfortable fit for long periods of time. They come with velcro memory foam earpads, which feel great on your skin and also prevent perspiration.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO – Best for studio
- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Weight: 8.8 oz (250g)
- Cable length: 118 inch (3m)
The square and shaped earpads are iconic for the enduring popularity of these speakers. The DT 990 PRO sound is clear, wide and detailed, a studio reference headset with a relatively flat and neutral response. So, if your budget isn’t enough for newer headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is one of the Best Open Back Headphones to check out in the studio.
Philips SHP9500 – Best value
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Weight: 11.3 oz (320g)
- Cable length: 118 inch (3m)
- Features: Detachable cable
The Philips SHP9500 is a great choice in Best Open Back Headphones for gaming and music headphones, especially if you want to hear even the tiniest sound. The fabric of the earpads is extremely breathable, which keeps them from getting too sweaty after extended listening sessions. The driver is covered by a metal mesh, 1.5m copper cable with replaceable gold-plated connectors.
CONCLUSION
Through this article you probably already know the Best Open Back Headphones and distinguish the differences between Closed and Open Back Headphones. From here, you can choose for yourself a headset that suits your intended use and your surroundings. We have provided 5 Best Open Back Headphones for you to have the perfect choice. Thank you for visiting our article.
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