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Open vs Closed Headphones: Let’s Distinguish Them!
If you are looking for your new over-ear headphones, then you must have already come across the concept of open headphones and closed headphones. This name has a great influence on acoustics, isolation and restitution in general. In fact, this change completely depends on the type of headphones chosen!
Open-face vs. closed-faced headphones: how to differentiate them? When should you use one or the other? What should you consider before choosing? It's time to answer all these questions!
Not sure what you need?
Do you want to have all the cards in hand as quickly as possible to make your choice? Consult our summary table and you will know how to distinguish them like a boss:
PS: to be sure to make the right choice, the best thing is to read our entire comparison (it is not long)!
| OPEN HEADSET | CLOSED HEADSET | |
| SOUND INSULATION | Almost zero | Passive insulation |
| LISTENING SENSATION | Aerial | From the inside |
| SOUNDSCENE |
More expanded |
Less expanded |
| SOUND QUALITY |
Excels in mid-high frequencies and transient processing |
Excels in mid-low frequencies |
| COMFORT |
|
|
| USAGE SCENARIOS |
Quiet environment, without noise pollution |
environment with moderate noise level |
Open or Closed: Each has its own strengths and weaknesses
Open: The natural sound experience!
#headset #open
For audiophiles, “open” headphones are sound nirvana! Equipped with ventilated external shells (via thin air vents), they allow air and sound to circulate freely. In other words, it’s like listening to music with the windows open: you enjoy your audio AND the outside atmosphere!
THE "PROS"
Natural Audio: It offers an airy and well-balanced sound, as if you were in the middle of nature. tablet, headset, keyboards/mouse etc… it is found on all modern devices!
More comfortable: Lighter and with air circulation = No feeling of excessive heat or compression: your ears can breathe!
Environmental awareness: You hear what's happening around you, handy for not missing anything.
THE "CONS"
Sound leaks: Everyone knows what you're listening to. Not sure your neighbors on the train or plane will appreciate sharing your music...
Less sound insulation: If sound can get out, it can also get in… You then find yourself at the mercy of surrounding noise.
Unlike its open counterpart, closed headphones have sealed shells, without any opening to the outside. Its popularity is since it is the only one capable of blocking out surrounding noise… In other words, wearing this type of headset is like locking yourself in a sound bubble, where the outside world disappears.
THE "PROS"
100% immersive (passive isolation): Children, colleagues, keyboards etc... it ensures that no noise interferes with your calls, meetings and gaming sessions!
Anti-sound leakage: Your listening remains private. You can turn up the volume without disturbing your colleagues or family.
Strong bass: The closed design of the headset accentuates the bass, which greatly energizes your listening experience.
THE "CONS"
Heat and discomfort: Its airtight, that traps moisture and heat. The pressure and heat your ears feel suffocated.
Less natural: As the audio is "confined", the speaker loses its limit. Even with a more powerful bass, the sound is less balanced...
Closed: Isolation and total immersion!
#headset #closed
Did you know?
There is a 3rd alternative: the semi-open headset! A hybrid type, it sports slightly ventilated shells. For many, it is the ideal compromise to find the perfect balance between ventilation and sound insulation.
So, when should you choose one or the other?
We have listed the scenarios in which each of them is recommended:
Open headphones are ideal if you: Work in a quiet environment / Like a natural sound environment and don't want to be completely cut off from the world / Are looking for a product that offers faithful and balanced sound reproduction.
Closed headphones are ideal if you: Want to stay focused and productive in noisy spaces (open space, plane, train or bus) / Looking for peace and quiet to fully enjoy your music or games / Need precise and detailed listening, without interference (musicians, podcasters, videographers)
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