▷ Open vs closed vs semi open headphones

If you are in the dilemma of choosing between open vs closed vs semi open headphones, today is your lucky day. We will explain in this little guide the differences between them.

In the market there are basically three different types of headphones, open ones, closed ones, although we can also find the semi-open ones that are located halfway between these two. The open and closed headphones have different characteristics, so the choice of one model or another will depend on your usage profile and preferences. In this post we explain all the most important differences for you to get your next purchase right.

Differences between closed, open and semi-open headphones

This article is about hi-fi headsets and not gaming headsets. By this we mean that the best option is headphones and separate microphone.

The fundamental difference between closed and open headphones is in the construction of their cups or capsules, which is the area where the speakers or drivers are hidden. In closed headphones, this area has a completely watertight design that does not let out the sound of the speakers, while in open headphones they have a structure in the form of a grille or hole that lets out the air and sound of the speakers. in turn allowing the sound of the external environment to enter.

Closed headphones are the most common on the market, their main advantage is that they isolate us from the noise of the environment, so that we can enjoy our music or our games without distractions. As a result we have an environment of silence to be able to focus perfectly on the task. This isolation will also make us less need to increase the volume of the reproduction. Many headphones for studio monitoring are closed, for all the advantages that we have pointed out.

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Another advantage of closed headphones is that we will not disturb the rest of the people with whom we live and they will not be able to hear what we are hearing, this is due to the fact that it practically does not let out any sound outside, therefore, they are ideal for use them in the living room with family or friends. The last advantage of closed headphones is the reinforcement of low frequencies.

This bass boost occurs as a result of combining the properties of the transducer with the volume of air that is trapped inside the domes. That is, the sound that tries to escape outward, bounces off the capsule and returns to our ear, creating that effect. This allows you to take advantage of the design of the domes to expand the bass response or enhance a specific frequency range. As an example of closed headphones we have the famous Audio Technica M50X.

On the flip side of the coin we have open headphones, which are becoming increasingly popular with the most demanding users. The fundamental advantage of open headphones is that they offer a more natural and deep sound, giving a wider musical scene. This is especially relevant when we listen to recordings with a large number of musical instruments working at the same time, since this type of headphones allows us to appreciate in more detail each of the instruments and their sound as faithful as possible to the original recording. Compared to closed, they have more precision in the mid and high frequencies.

The open design in the domes reduces the coloration that is created in closed models, reduces standing waves and reflections that end up altering the properties of the audio. There is also less pressure on the back of the transducer, making it able to react faster to changes in the incoming signal.

Open headphones help us solve two of the major problems of this peripheral, sweating and hearing fatigue that occur in long sessions of use. The open design allows the heat generated by the transducers to escape during operation, which reduces heating in the area of ​​the domes, having better transpiration. This can make open earphones a better choice for users who live in very hot areas, you sure appreciate that in the summer months.

Open headphones are also lighter than closed headphones, at this point there is no secret, it is simply because less material is used for its manufacture. A lower weight will make the headphones more comfortable to wear during long sessions. As an example of open headphones we have the Sennheiser HD600.

Last but not least, we have the semi-open headphones, as we mentioned at the beginning, these headphones are located in between the closed and the open ones, offering in part the hearing advantages of open models with a richer content in bass and having more insulation from the outside environment.

So do I buy a closed or open headphones?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the budget you have, your usage profile, the environment you are in, etc. If you are looking for the best sound fidelity, you don't mind the noise from the outside, open headphones could be your option, if you are looking for better insulation and a presence of bass to enjoy the explosions or shots in games like Battlefield V, you should consider the purchase of closed headphones. If it is your first purchase of headphones, open headphones could be a somewhat risky option, since for example if one day you want to take the headphones away from home, you could cause great discomfort to the people around you. So the semi-open / closed option is the safest option.

Below we leave you several recommended models, even so, if you want us to help you in the best way possible, you can leave a comment or open a thread in our official forum.

CLOSED HEADSET RECOMMENDATIONS

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X - Closed Headband Headphones, Black Advanced design and construction; Optimized to offer a better bass response; Cable outlet on one side only 45.00 EUR Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - Closed headband headphones (40 mm, 3.5 mm jack, foldable), black color 82.00 EUR Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO - Closed headband headphones 250 ohm, black Impedance 250 ohms for studio use (ideal for studio mixes) 118.00 EUR Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO - Studio Headphones Open diffused field studio headphones, Made in Germany 118.00 EUR

• ATH M20x: The input range of the Mx series, have a pretty good sound for the price, if you are looking for closed headphones for less than 50 euros and quality, the m20x are the right ones.

• ATH M40x : They are characterized by precise audio monitoring, they have a very balanced sound, even better than their older brothers, the M50x, given that these are more thought to give a greater presence of bass. Without a doubt, they are off-road headphones, which will serve you to listen to your favorite groups anywhere and play a few games without missing any detail. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro: Entering the high-end range, these 770 Pro have solid lows and great impact without dirtying the other frequencies, great build quality and very robust. Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro: With these there is a little controversy, since in many places they appear as open headphones. In recent months they have become popular among the most demanding, standing out for its wide scene and ability to reproduce the maximum possible detail, without a doubt if you want top audio headphones, they are your option.

SEMI-OPEN RECOMMENDATIONS

Superlux HD668B Black Circumaural Headphone - Headphones (Circumaural, Wired, 10-30000 Hz, 98 dB, 3 m, Black) 2 removable cables of 1 m or 3 m length depending on your needs; Headphone frequency: 10 - 30, 000 Hz EUR 28.00 AKG K240 MKII - Semi-open headband headphones, black color Closed headband; 3.5mm connector; Obstruction: 55 Ohm; Cable length: 3m EUR 65.00

• Superlux HD668B: These superlux are mostly known for their great value for money, destroying any gaming headset in the 100 euro range in sound quality. They have a great musical amplitude, being able to clearly differentiate each sound, perfect for positioning enemies in games, etc. It is advisable to change the pads for velvety ones, since most users often complain about the discomfort that comes with standard pads.

• AKG K240 MKII: The classic K240s are on virtually any radio chain, delivering precise midrange and crisp highs, they are a stepping stone in quality from the ones mentioned above, but because of the price difference, you might be better interested in the h668b and use that difference to buy a dedicated micro for example.

OPEN RECOMMENDATIONS

Beyerdynamic DTX 910 Open Headband Headphones Black Adjustable Headband; Cable length 3m; Ultra soft pads; Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Design - Open Headband Headphones (6.3mm / 3.5mm), Premium Ivory Color, Circ-aural, Open Headphones; Padded headband and luxurious earmuffs, perfect for long listening sessions 130.50 EUR

• Beyerdynamic DTX 910: The Beyerdynamic open low-end offers detailed, balanced sound with velvety ear cushions for added comfort. If you are looking to experiment with open headphones and you do not have a big budget, they are the right option. Sennheiser HD 599: This open model from the Sennheiser brand offers a refined and natural sound, some high-end that will leave you speechless. It has large capsules and soft pads, making them really comfortable.

Hopefully we have clarified the doubt between choosing open vs. closed vs. semi-closed headphones. And you, do you prefer open or closed? Tell us in the comments!