Closed headphones are headphones with a closed acoustic design or a solid cup design, without holes. Closed headphones have better sound insulation than open headphones, without letting the sound out. Almost all wireless headphones are closed headphones, see the rating of the best wireless models. Wired full-size studio headphones for working on sound are very popular, see the rating of monitor headphones for studio and home. Overhead closed headphones, these are also almost all overhead models, open overheads are very rare.
⚖️ What is the difference between open and closed headphones?
- Design. Closed headphones have a solid cover on the cups, while open headphones have holes or strips on the cups. There are also semi-open headphones with holes on the cover, in smaller numbers than the open ones usually have.
- Acoustics. The sound wave is emitted not only from the front of the speaker, but also from the back. From the front, it is also partially reflected from the ear backwards. Accordingly, if there is an obstacle at the back of the speaker (a cover), the sound waves start to be reflected back from it as well. Further it all depends on the material, shape and other tricks. The waves are partly absorbed, partly reflected. The final sound depends on this balance.
Closed type of headphones – pros and cons:
- Sound isolation is better. Depends on the materials used. Headphones with better noise isolation are always closed headphones.
- Sound features. Low frequencies in closed headphones are more powerful, faster and more intelligible. The pitch is energetic and the sound is rich. Better suited for dynamic and / or bass music.
- Versatility. In closed headphones you can listen to music at home and on the street, work or play on the computer and so on. After all, you do not bother anyone around you.
- Faster fatigue. Closed design gives minimal ventilation – your ears will start to “sweat” faster. The sound of closed headphones can also fatigue faster, especially at high volume.
- Sound Features. Compared to open give a narrower and flatter scene, worse localized apparent sources of sound, they generally feel smaller, “heap”, worse elaboration of HF – sound less natural. They are less suitable for orchestral, live music with a large number of instruments, concert recordings, where scale is important.
Are closed or open headphones better?
Closed headphones, unlike open headphones, have a good level of sound insulation and “meaty”, articulate, clear bass. But closed headphones are prone to a slight “blurring” of the sound, because of which it is not always possible to make out individual instruments. Closedheadphones are well suited for uncomplicated, low-frequency and electronic music.Open headphones are better suited for listening to quiet, lively and light music. The open ones offer better comfort, the ears are not as warm and ventilated. Open models also have a wider stage, more balance, less bass and more volume. The pitch is more often quieter, lighter and more natural. Headphones with an open acoustic design are better suited for orchestral, classical and other “live” music
Viktor Ivanovich