You may have already heard of open-back headphones, spoken about in whispers in the dark side of the web (audiophile forums). They're an enigmatic style of headphones that are highly regarded by audiophiles, and yet they leak sound in such large quantities that everyone in the room can hear your music.
So why are they some of the best headphones on the market?
Let me break down open-back headphones, and then tell you about their benefits and drawbacks so that you can work out whether you want to add some to your listening room. Or living room. Or backpack. (Probably not your backpack).
Open-back headphones — what are they?
So there are (in essence) two kinds of headphones. The kind that dominate the best noise-canceling headphones list (and the only kind you'll find with a Bluetooth connection) are called 'closed back' headphones. There is a cover on the outside to stop any noise from the headphones leaking out. This also increases bass reproduction, as the bass struggles to get through the back.
Open back headphones remove that cover, or add in venting. That allows some of the bass to escape, lending them their traditionally less bassy sound signature. It also makes audio more airy and spacious, giving you a wider, more immersive soundstage.
It also means that the noise of the outside world comes in through the openings, and all of the sound in your headphones is let out. So you'll hear the crying child on the bus, and the crying child will be able to hear The Supremes. It's all a game of give and take.
Why you need a pair
I find that the increased soundstage makes me feel more immersed in my music.
Audiophiles (myself included) prefer the airiness, lightness, and more spacious sound of open-back headphones, especially when we're at home or doing some critical listening. I find that the increased soundstage makes me feel more immersed in my music, and I don't miss the slightly reduced bass in return.
If you're anything like me, you're going to want a pair of open-back headphones as well. You'll appreciate that more open sound, and more delicate listening experience.
But there are other benefits as well. Parents who need to listen out for crying children when listening to music will appreciate how you can hear more of the outside world. . Dog owners, you'll be able to hear when your precious pooch is up to something they shouldn't be. Sound benefits are one thing, but practical ones are even better.
Gamers — you'll want them for the ability to better place rival players in FPS games. not into Battle of Duty and Call of... Field? RPG players will like the more cinematic, open feel of an open back when playing the latest Final Fantasy and Persona. Grab a pair and plug them into your gaming system of choice.
Why you might not want them
OK, so open-back headphones are not going to be all things to all people. There are the aforementioned noise issues that mean they're terrible for commuters and travelers on noisy public transport. Best to go with some of the best wireless headphones instead, or a pair of the best earbuds.
There are also some that prefer the bassier, more intimate sound of close-back headphones. They allow for a richer sound, and they're better for office use thanks to a certain level of passive noise isolation.
But in the long run, if you've got any interest in good sound, you owe it to yourself to pick up a pair of open-back headphones. Everyone needs to have at least one pair in their life.
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