The open earbud trend is expanding to headphones.
If it seems like every major audio brand now offers open earbuds, you’re correct — the trend is gaining traction. Consequently, open headphones are gradually entering the market.
However, the concept of open headphones isn’t as straightforward as open earbuds. While earbuds with hooks or cuffs are easy to visualize, headphones typically cover the ear completely.
So, how do they work? We explore the emerging trend of open headphones (they’ve been around longer than you might think), how they differ from traditional headphones, and the pros and cons of trying them.
What are open headphones?
Essentially, open headphones allow air to pass through the ear cup, creating a natural soundstage that feels like it’s emanating from the space around you. This design often features a mesh ear cup and lacks active or passive noise cancellation.
Traditionally, open-back headphones have been popular among audio professionals and audiophiles for their natural sound reproduction. Current models from brands like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and Sony cater to these needs — with Sony releasing its first open gaming headphones recently.
Open headphones vs. closed-back headphones
For many consumers, high-end headphones are synonymous with noise-cancelling models. These offer excellent audio performance and comfort. However, for an immersive listening experience, open-back headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD 599, offer superior audio quality by incorporating ambient sounds.
Open-back headphones provide a flat sound without emphasizing any frequency, appealing to those seeking faithful sound reproduction. Although often wired, they deviate from the predominantly wireless options of closed-back headphones.
Open headphones vs. open earbuds
While both open headphones and earbuds raise environmental awareness, open earbuds are designed for safety in activities like running. Open-back headphones were designed with sound quality as their priority.
Open earbuds give up some audio quality due to their size, while open-back headphones provide a natural spatial audio experience and house better drivers. Both allow sound to leak, so they’re not ideal for noisy environments.