Difference between open and closed headphones

Each person prefers to listen to their favorite tunes differently. Some people want to completely abstract themselves from extraneous noise, for example, cars, screams, conversations, extraneous sounds. But for others, on the contrary, the ability to hear what is happening around and talk with friends is of great importance. To provide different acoustic properties, there are different types of accessories for listening to music. Thus, manufacturers produce open and closed headphones, the difference between which is precisely the type of sound. You should understand the features of each type in order to understand which headphones to choose for a particular person.

Open models

Openness means slight isolation during listening, on both sides. The melody that is being played will be partially audible to others, but at the same time the user will be able to hear the sounds of what is happening around.

In this case, if the devices are full-size, then the cups do not fit tightly to the user’s head.

It is also worth remembering that there is no specific connection between the design and the type: open or closed. Any option can be of different types. By design there are:

in-channel options;
inserts;
full-size options;
monitor varieties;
on-ear headphones.

Open headphones are characterized by the absence of resonating components that can protect against sound penetration. Most often, in accessories of this type, the outer side part is implemented in the form of a mesh or has a huge number of holes. The design ensures free penetration of sounds. Open devices are most suitable for drying the work at high and medium frequencies. Thanks to the design features, sound is filtered from microscopic interference typical of confined spaces. These models are perfect for lovers of classical works.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO open-back headphones

Jabra Elite 85h

Excellent premium on-ear headphones

The Jabra Elite 85h ($160 or 11,700 rubles) is clearly superior to many competitors with its relatively low price and similar noise reduction characteristics. If you're looking for a great, premium over-ear Bluetooth headphone with long battery life and water-resistant nano coating, the Elite 85h is definitely your best choice. The Jabra Elite 85h is an exceptional pair of headphones with an attractive price and design. If we talk about sound, then there is something to complain about for music lovers. But 99% of people will be satisfied with the detail and sound balance. Jabra Elite 85h is your best feature-rich option.

Main characteristics

Frequency range: 10 – 20000 Hz
Weight: 296 g
Range: 10 m
Cable length: 1.20 m
Noise cancellation: active
Bluetooth: 5.0
Work profile support: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
Moisture protection: no
Operating time: 36h (41h without ANC)
Charging time: 2.5h
Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

Headphones
Case
Charging cable
Airplane adapter
Documentation

Video review

Ease of wearing and connection
Good sound
Noise suppression
Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC
Can be used as a headset
Non-touch controls

Fabric design of the headband and speakers (will collect dust)
Can't handle powerful bass

Features of closed accessories

Accordingly, closed accessories are characterized by higher isolation, both for the listener and others. Such devices have their own unique features:

closed models are most often equipped with ear pads, which ensure a tight fit to the head;
in full-size or monitor models, there is a complete fit around the ear;
The side edges of the cups do not have holes so that the sound does not go beyond the accessory.

These headphones are most attractive to people who prefer to listen to music at low frequencies, such as rock or metal. The bass that is present in such melodies is the most noticeable.

Speaking about closed models, it is worth clarifying that the quality of sound insulation is ensured not only due to the design features of the type; this parameter largely depends on the material of the case. For example, wooden or leather headphones will transmit sound better than metal ones.

When buying closed devices, you should remember that using them for a long time can lead to fatigue and headaches, since they create quite high pressure. The listening time of such devices should be limited, since the pressure of the sound flow is quite strong and strains the hearing organs.

Professional closed headphones Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

Bottom line

Now you know enough to make your own choice of headphones for yourself.
And if you want to make a choice more carefully and professionally, then read our reviews and study the database of headphone measurements. Author:

16.10.2012

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What are the significant differences?

The difference between open and closed headphones is represented by the following key points.

The main difference: in open models there are no components that will provide insulation from noise, while the latter, on the contrary, reliably protect against the penetration of any sounds in both directions.
Devices with no sound insulation will be the best option for classical-style melodies that use high and/or mid frequencies, and soundproof options are best purchased for fans of compositions using low frequencies - rock, metal.
Open devices are good for home, on vacation - in places where using such an accessory, as well as listening to loud music, will not disturb others. But closed headphones will be an ideal solution for public transport, offices, and city streets.

When choosing an accessory, it is worth remembering that only high-tech headphones can provide high-quality sound insulation. Budget options will provide adequate playback quality only in rooms with low or medium noise levels.

To understand for yourself what type the selected accessories are, you should pay attention to two key points.

Appearance. Closed headphones almost always have a solid outer casing, but the open type of accessory has a mesh or various holes on the casing.
Device weight. Accessories without protection are much lighter and often have a lighter shackle.

Lightweight open-back design

Grado SR60i: headphones for everyone

This device can be called universal. The low impedance allows you to connect the headphones to a mobile phone - this will have almost no effect on the sound volume. Also, different styles of music sound equally good here. But most of all, people appreciate this model for its very light weight. You can, of course, feel the headphones on your head. But it cannot be said that they put pressure or interfere. This product performs best when connected to high-quality audio equipment - it is not without reason that the kit includes an adapter for a 6.3 mm jack.

Advantages:

The headphones turned out to be light - the weight barely reaches 142 grams;
Resistance does not exceed 32 Ohms;
The cable has a decent length of 1.8 m;
The kit includes an adapter for a full-size jack;
the design is reliable - the headphones will last a long time;
Decent sound quality.

Flaws:

Not the most convenient two-way cable connection is used;
There is practically no sound insulation;
The ear pads quickly become unusable.

6 Best Hi End Headphones

Reasonable compromise - semi-open type

You can go the other way and look for models that have qualities of both types. They are called half-open or half-closed devices. In their design, they are still closer to the open type, since they are not characterized by a solid body - it will have holes or a grille, which does not provide complete sound insulation.

Semi-open options are most often used by professionals who need to listen for a long time. They provide fairly good sound insulation, and the ears are not so tired from their presence.

Sony WH-CH710N

Review of Sony WH-CH710N - TOP 3 best on-ear headphones of 2022

The top four in the ranking of the best on-ear Bluetooth headphones is opened by the Sony WH-CH710N ($110 or 8,000 rubles) - a relatively new gadget from the popular Sony brand. The Bluetooth headset has good sound, an NFC chip and new adaptive noise reduction technology, but Sony was disappointed with the quality of the material and workmanship of this set. Many still prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3, but this gadget still deserves your attention.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

Bluetooth 5.0
Cable length: 1.2 m
Range: 10 m
Frequency range: 7 – 20000 Hz
Noise cancellation: active
NFC chip: Yes
Codec support: AAC
USB: Type-C
Working time: 35 h
Waiting time: 200 h
Weight: 223 g

Equipment

Headphones
Charging cable
3.5mm cable
Documentation

Video review

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Comfortable soft pads
Transparent noise insulation
Battery life
Relatively low cost
NFC chip.

Plastic assembly
No travel case
Takes a long time to charge

Receiving a signal from the source

Depending on how exactly the headphones are connected to the gadget, they are divided into two types: wired and wireless. The first ones are connected via USB or a regular 3.5 mm mini-jack.

This is not just a home option. These headphones are worn both during walks and during training. You just need to find the optimal length of the cord - 1.2-1.3 meters. It will not hinder movements and will not interfere much.

3 types of wireless connection:

1. Radio. This option has the highest reception radius - up to 100 meters. The declared figure coincides with reality only in open areas: walls and furniture can interfere with the signal and worsen the sound.

2. Bluetooth. Although the distance here rarely exceeds ten meters, the signal is not afraid of partitions, and it is not afraid of radio interference. But the main advantage of such headphones (for example, ONKYO E200BTB) is compatibility with most types of modern technology. They can be connected to a laptop, smartphone, smart watch and any other gadget that has a Bluetooth module. The sound quality of such headphones is an order of magnitude higher than in the same radio models, but it is still far from devices with a wired connection. As a rule, Bluetooth headphones are used for voice and video communication, as well as during training, and do not claim to be an audiophile device.

3. Wi-Fi headphones. As with Bluetooth, their main advantage is their compatibility with most modern multimedia devices. But the Wi-Fi signal is more timid: the sound quality can be affected by electrical appliances, reflective surfaces, and weather conditions.

Interesting: Sennheiser PXC 480 can be connected both using a wire and without - via a radio channel.

There are also IR headphones that synchronize with devices via the corresponding port, but this type is already outdated.

You may need: Top 5 headphone models for sports

Where and what type of headset should I use?

Based on all of the above, you could already understand for yourself where and why to use each type of device. But it is still worth considering this issue in more detail.

Open type headset

It was the design of the open-type headphones that determined their purpose: the holes on the outside of the bowl help you hear everything that is happening around

Therefore, the ideal place to use such a device is the streets, where it is important to remain vigilant and not completely forget about reality

But there is one drawback to this use: because of these holes, not only you can hear what is happening around you, but also those around you can hear what is playing in your headphones.

Also, open-back headphones, as mentioned above, are smaller than their counterparts. They will look better on your head, while closed-back headphones may look like mugs.

Closed type headset

Headphones of this type have good sound insulation, making them great for listening to your tracks in noisy places. This could be the subway, a noisy street or a gym.

Thanks to the same sound insulation, they are well suited for fans of computer games. After all, it’s not always possible to fully immerse yourself in a game and enjoy it when there is so much noise and commotion in the room.

About what really matters: selection parameters

When choosing headphones, and not only headphones, you need to determine for yourself the main parameters that interest you

Based on them, you can choose exactly what you need, will help you with your work or brighten up moments of waiting, allowing you to enjoy music where it is important and needed

Everything is extremely simple. Before going to the store, you should answer questions for yourself in the following areas:

Price category. Determine how much you are willing to spend on equipment

At the same time, it is important to approach the issue wisely, because headphones for 500 rubles are unlikely to help when mixing musical material. And full-size headphones for 30 thousand

counterintuitive to use on a treadmill.

Mode/nature of use. You need to understand exactly what you need them for. If you are a studio sound engineer, then DJ headphones are unlikely to suit you.

The shape and design of the headband, cups and their connection points. For example, a DJ would benefit from rotating and folding cups, but this is not the main thing for working in a studio.

Wire length/shape. If you want to listen to music from a player or phone on the road, then it makes sense to look for models with a short wire, and DJs are usually recommended to use models with a twisted wire.

Sound preferences. Some people prefer the bass buzzing in their heads and their eyes twitching when the kick drum hits, while others listen to the classics.

So, we come to the main thing, where you should always start when choosing headphones and other items for personal use.

Principle of sound reproduction

The sound and listening comfort are affected by how the headphones are designed, or more precisely, by the type of emitter.

What are dynamic emitters

This emitter is used in almost all headphones. This common speaker is installed in both small portable and large models. The sound converter in dynamic headphones is an emitter that consists of a diaphragm attached to a coil. It moves in a magnetic field. Models of this type are most often used in conjunction with mobile gadgets, household and professional speaker systems.

Interesting: the on-ear SHB3075BK will delight you with noise isolation and deep bass. And Skullcandy Knockout not only has an interesting appearance, but also custom speakers. The company's engineers placed them in the cups in a special way, which increased the depth of the bass and reduced interference.

Isodynamic headphones

The emitter in headphones of this type is a flat coil built into a thin diaphragm. The parts located on both sides of the diaphragm are responsible for vibration and create a magnetic field. This diaphragm is heavier than that of the electrostatic type. The strengths of these headphones are that they capture a wide range of sound and transmit the signal very accurately. The downside is the relatively low sensitivity, which is reflected in the output power.

What are electrostatic headphones

The diaphragm of these models is not only thin, but also lightweight. It is located in an electrostatic field. These headphones are famous for their excellent detail, and the frequency distortion coefficient is minimal. We can thank the quick response for this.

A diaphragm suspended between two metal plates is polarized by high voltage direct current. The operation of the polarizer itself is provided by alternating current, but there are battery-powered options.

What are armature headphones

Such models are often used by musicians at concerts. They almost completely block the ear canal: this means that the reinforcement design of the speaker will be of interest to users who value high-quality sound insulation.

In concert and sometimes in studio activities, armature headphones are often used by drummers. In a closed acoustic design, these models manifest themselves especially “brightly”, in contrast to the same dynamic ones. The sound quality of the armature solutions is not inferior to professional studio-level monitor models, while maintaining a compact design. But they have a disadvantage - the volume of sound is lower than that of monitor models.

How do bone headphones work?

The speaker of the bone headphones is designed in such a way that it conducts a sound wave, decoding and transforming it into vibrations. This allows the sound signal to travel directly to the inner ear through the bone. This headphone operation scheme is borrowed from hearing aids. Bone headphones are an ideal option for people with poor hearing and athletes.

Due to the balanced noise barrier, the user can control the situation around him when listening to music. At the same time, extraneous sounds do not interfere with enjoying your favorite track. The disadvantage of this type of headphones is that others can hear the sound coming from the speakers.

Note: Bone headsets like the Sigma HEADSET X-MUSIC H81 “SAFETY” dampen external sounds during conversations, allowing for better voice transmission.

This will come in handy: TOP 10 best in-ear headphones

Impedance

In reviews of headphones you can sometimes see phrases like “you need a normal source to pump them up.” What we mean here is that the headphones have a high nominal impedance; therefore, the device into which they are plugged must have a powerful amplifier.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 with 600 Ohm impedance needs a good source

The nominal resistance is often called impedance. Consumer headphones typically have an impedance of 16 to 50 ohms. Even a smartphone can rock these. But if you connect headphones with an impedance of 300 Ohms to your smartphone, they will sound very quiet, dim and without low frequencies. These need to be connected either to an audio interface or to a headphone amplifier. The advantage of high-impedance headphones is that with them the amplifier produces less distortion.

A country

Many well-known European and American companies are engaged in the production of headphones designed for computer games. Popular brands are represented by the following countries:

USA – Kingston, V-MODA, JBL;
Europe – Sennheiser (Germany), Logitech (Switzerland), Roccat (Germany), SteelSeries (Denmark);
China – ROG (owned by Asus brand), A4Tech, Thermaltake;
Japan – Audio-Technica, Sony, Denon.

Recently, the Russian brand Qcyber has also been gaining momentum, producing not only headsets for different platforms, but also other equally relevant equipment for e-sportsmen.

AKG N60NC Wireless

Wireless on-ear headphones with the best price-quality ratio.

Bronze for the best over-ear headphones goes to the AKG N60 NC ($240), one of the most compact and comfortable pairs of noise-cancelling headphones we've ever tested. They provide excellent performance for the money. These are a beautiful pair of headphones with a great fit. Battery life is 15 hours with noise cancellation and Bluetooth enabled, and increases to 30 hours when noise cancellation is turned off.

Bass is powerful yet transparent, with clear, detailed vocals, treble and compelling dynamics. You'll be quite happy wearing these all day, and for the money they're hard to beat.

Main characteristics

Weight: 199 g
Autonomy: up to 30 hours on a single charge
aptX codec support
Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset
Possibility of cable connection
Bluetooth range: 10 m
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Frequency range: 10 – 22000 Hz
Sensitivity: 111 dB
Charging connector: mini-Jack (3.5 mm)

Equipment

Headphones
Charging case
Cable
Airplane adapter
Documentation

Video review

Clear and crisp sound. Balanced and musical.
Appearance. Thoughtful design.
Noise suppression.
Good battery life.
Connection by cable.

Price.