Which is better to choose the type of headphones - open or closed

Each user prefers to listen to music through various devices: some prefer complete isolation from external sounds, while others like to hear what is happening around and keep up a conversation with friends. Therefore, manufacturers are constantly improving various models, for example, open headphones or closed ones, which differ in the type of sound.

Many consumers confuse these models because they do not know their individual differences. To fill this gap in your horizons, read our article carefully - we will try to answer all questions frequently asked by readers.

Headphones open and closed

Experts interpret openness in this way - it is a little isolation on both sides when listening to music tracks, the melody is heard by others, and the user picks up all extraneous sounds. Such headphones do not have effective protection from external sounds, and the external part of their design is made in the form of perforations or nets, through which external sounds freely penetrate inside, and music is heard by others.

Open headphones are most suitable for listening to works with an abundance of high and medium frequencies, i.e., for lovers of the classics. Devices with a closed design are products with good sound insulation that do not allow sound from either outside or inside.

Therefore, closed-type headphones have such features:

1. Equipped with dense ear cushions to ensure full fit to the auricles.
2. For full-size analogs, ear pads completely cover the auricle, creating a certain acoustic space inside for a more comfortable perception of sound effects.
3. The outer part of the devices has no gaps and perforations, so the sound does not penetrate outward and is not heard by outsiders.

These devices are attractive for lovers of rock or metal, because the bass is heard most tangibly and clearly.

What is the difference between them

The difference between closed and open headphones can be represented using the following key points:

1. The open ones do not have components that can provide complete isolation from outside noise, and the closed version, on the contrary, is equipped with reliable isolation from the penetration of sounds in any direction. The first option is ideal for lovers of classical music, and the second - for metallers and rock lovers.
2. Open products are good for use at home, as well as in places where listening to your favorite tracks will not interfere with others. Closed devices, on the other hand, are suitable for public places and offices.

Only high-tech headphones can provide high-quality and complete isolation; budget models provide normal listening only in closed rooms with low and medium noise levels.

Combined models are available - semi-open or half-closed type, so you can find any option for yourself.

Characteristics

All the main parameters are indicated in the product passport, we will not list them, they will be described specifically for each model in a special section below. It is worth noting that some products come with soundproofing made in various ways - it can be, for example, dense ear cushions made of genuine leather that tightly cover the ear, without letting in any external noise and preventing sounds from leaking out.

Design can be different, but the essence is the same - reliable protection against extraneous noise. In addition, some models are produced with noise reduction of distortions and other sounds that appear during playback of the installed equipment.

Advantages and disadvantages

Open earphones

They are designed in such a way that allows outside air to leak through the slots or perforations in the cups to the speakers, which eliminates the appearance of an echo. High-quality models of such headphones allow you to get a natural and clean transmission of sound reproduction.

This is possible only at home, where there is a minimum of extraneous noise, because the open form of the device does not allow you to effectively block external sounds, in addition, the music you listen to will be heard outside, which does not bring comfort to the people around you, for example, in public transport. In addition, they are more susceptible to wear and tear, because they do not have moisture protection, the eternal enemy of electrical and electronic products.

They are good to use only in such situations:

1. Listening for analysis, for example, in journalism: the specialist listens to the speeches of various speakers, and then makes the necessary conclusions.
2. Listen to audio with a Hi-Fi mark.
3. Home use for various purposes.

They are not suitable in the following cases:

• daily trips in transport to study or work;
• blocking outside noise;
• listen to music in public places.

Closed Headphones

These devices have such a design that provides sound output exactly in the place where it freely penetrates the ear canal. Music tracks are protected as much as possible from extraneous influence, but they will not sound so natural, and long use will increase the load on the ears - they will sweat.

For city transport, as well as when traveling, such headphones are the best option, they will help in the recording studio, they use monitor versions of these devices that provide listening with a minimum recording level. Closed headphones are ideal for:

1. Daily listening to any information.
2. Offline listening to music in the office so as not to interfere with colleagues and not disturb the business atmosphere.
3. Listen to music and news in public transport.
4. Studio use.

They do not fit:

• for cooling the auricles.

Closed products can also be overhead, i.e., press against the ear, and not cover it.

How to choose

Particularly popular among the Russian consumer are models of famous companies: Sony, Samsung, Koss, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, AKG and Philips, but there are other companies that are not so famous, and produce products with almost the same parameters. The design of the models has a fairly wide range, so each buyer chooses the best option for himself.

Wireless headphones

Such products are particularly popular among the younger generation, because they are convenient to use during sports, travel in public transport and in many other situations. Among these products, there are several options:

1. Bluetooth support.
2. Radio channel
3. Infrared range.

No matter how advertised these audio transmission options are, they are not able to provide the same quality as wired headphones.

Full size

Closed or open options are acceptable for all users, the difference is only in protection from external noise. The first option is used by musicians and sound engineers, and the second by music lovers, gamers and those users for whom an important condition is the quality of sound indoors. They have one drawback at all - large dimensions, and the feature is a rather high cost.

Design

1. Full-size - they are equipped with a headband made of durable material and ear pads made of leather or leatherette, designed for stationary use.
2. Models with the general name Street have a headband, but are more resistant to environmental influences and are used outdoors. They provide hands-free function, work via Bluetooth, perfectly suppress external noise.
3. Street mini - with a headband, but equipped with a speaker, which is located opposite the auditory canal, ear pads made of foam, so that the sound falls directly into the ear.
4. Overhead devices without a headband or a sports option - the mount is designed in such a way that it holds firmly on the auricle and it is impossible to lose it during movement.
5. The earbuds are the simplest headphones, in great demand for those who want to be constantly in touch and at the same time everywhere and everywhere to listen to their favorite music tracks through mobile devices.
6. Ear Bud - literally, the Bud for the ear, a device similar to the earbuds, but differs in that not every auricle can hold it stably inside.

Before buying, do not hesitate to thoroughly check the product, so as not to purchase a cat in a bag.

The best models of headphones

Open type

Koss porta pro

• Open type
• Weight: 79g
• Impedance: 60 Ω
• Sensitivity: 101 dB / mW
• THD <0.2%

Pressure regulator ear pads, fold down for transportation, wire 1.2 m, mini jack plug 3.5 mm.

AKG K 612 Pro

• Power: 200mW
• Resistance: 120 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 101 dB / mW
• Weight: 238 g
• Cable length: 3m
• Overhead, open type
• Frequency: 12-39.5 thousand Hz

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

• Weight: 270g
• Sensitivity: 96 dB / mW
• Impedance: 250 Ω
• THD less than: 0.2%
• Power: 100mW
• External Noise Isolation: 18dB
• Twisted cord: 3 m.

High-quality full-size open headphones from a German company at an average price of 11.58 thousand ₽.

Shure SRH1840

• Weight: 268 g
• Sensitivity: 96 dB / mW
• Impedance: 65 ohms
• 2.1 m two-way cable connection
• Membrane diameter: 40mm

Dynamic version, open type, included a replacement cord and two pairs of ear pads. Made in China.

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

• Resistance: 40 Ω
• Sensitivity: 104 dB / mW
• Weight: 193g
• Speakers Diameter: 40 mm
• Connector: L-Shaped
• Cord: 1.2m

Open type, mini Jack 3.5 mm, made in Japan.

Closed type

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

• Impedance 35 ohm
• Sensitivity 93 dB / mW
• Weight 240 g
• Folding design
• Power 1600 mW
• 3 m twisted cable

Full-size, closed type, the kit has two spare: twisted and straight. Production Japan.

Shure SRH440

• Weight: 181g
• 44 Ω
• Sensitivity: 105 dB / mW
• Power: 500mW
• Frequency range: 10-22 thousand Hz
• Membrane diameter: 40mm

A full-size version of the closed type, the adapter comes with 6.3 mm cable 3 m, made in China.

Axelvox HD272

• 56 ohm
• With 98 dB / mW sensitivity
• Weight: 235g
• Power: 200mW
• Harmonic coefficient not more than 0.3%
• Membrane Diameter: 50mm
• Neodymium Magnets
• Extension cable: 3m
• China production

Sennheiser HD 180

• Reproduced frequencies: 21-18 thousand Hz
• Impedance: 24 Ω
• Sensitivity: 108 dB / mW
• Weight: 130g

The cable connection is 3 m two-way, an adapter with a mini Jack 3.5 to a 6.3 mm jack included. German quality performed by Chinese experts.

AKG K 52

• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 110 dB / mW
• Weight: 200g
• Membrane diameter: 40mm
• Power: 200mW
• Reproduce frequencies of 18-20 thousand Hz
• Cord Length: 2.5m
• Manufacturer Austria

Half open type

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

• Weight: 295g
• Impedance: 250 Ω
• Sensitivity: 96 dB / mW
• Half open type
• Contact pressure no more than 3,5 N
• Cable: 3m
• Connector: mini Jack 3.5mm

A full-size version of headphones from Germany at an average price of 20,790 ₽, during the long-term use of large claims did not arise.

AKG K 240 MK II

• Weight 240 g
• Impedance 55 Ohm
• Sensitivity 91 dB / mW

The average price today is 8,211 rubles, a full-size half-open version, in the kit are spare ear pads - two pairs and two cords: straight 3 m, twisted 5 m. Austrian development, made in China.

Samsung EO-HS1303

• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Half open type
• Sensitivity: 102 dB / mW
• Weight: 13g
• Membrane diameter: 8mm
• Interchangeable ear pads
• Cable length: 1.2m

Earbuds with a microphone from specialists from South Korea at an average price of 699 ₽. Many users write negative reviews, but you need to look at the price, and Koreans are great: they released a state employee for mobile devices.

AKG K 121 Studio

• Weight: 220g
• Impedance: 55 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 101 dB / mW
• Power: 200mW
• Frequencies: 18-22 thousand Hz
• Cable length: 3m
• Connector: mini Jack 3.5mm

Half-open headphones with an average cost of 6,552 rubles, a 6.3 mm adapter is included. Made in China under the license of an Austrian company. For many years of use, significant disadvantages have not been identified.

AKG K 141 MKII

• Impedance: 55 Ω
• Weight: 225 g
• Sensitivity: 114 dB / mW
• Membrane Diameter: 30mm
• Cord Length: 3m

A laid-on model of a half-open type at an average price of 9 870 ₽, gold-plated connectors 3.5 mm, an adapter 6.3 mm is available. Made in Austria. For 5 years of active exploitation, no negative, only positive emotions and feelings.

findings

Manufacturers from all countries flooded the Russian market with rather high-quality models of various headphones - users can choose the best option for listening to music, working on a PC, gamers also did not remain deprived: semi-closed and open headphones with sensitive microphones, high technical parameters and affordable price await them.

Title

Koss porta pro

AKG K 612 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

Shure SRH1840

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Shure SRH440

Axelvox HD272

Sennheiser HD 180

AKG K 52

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

AKG K 240 MK II

Samsung EO-HS1303

AKG K 121 Studio

AKG K 141 MKII

Frequency Response Range

15 - 25000 Hz

12 - 39500 Hz

5 - 35000 Hz

10 - 30000 Hz

5 - 25000 Hz

15 - 24000 Hz

10 - 22000 Hz

10 - 30000 Hz

21 - 18000 Hz

18 - 20,000 Hz

5 - 35000 Hz

15 - 25000 Hz

20 - 20,000 Hz

18 - 22000 Hz

18 - 24000 Hz

Sensitivity

101 dB

101 dB / V

96 dB

96 dB / mW

104 dB / mW

96 dB / mW

105 dB / mW

98 dB / mW

108 dB

110 dB

96 dB

91 dB / mW

102 dB

101 dB / V

114 dB / V

Impedance

60 ohm

120 ohm

250 ohm

65 ohm

40 ohm

35 ohm

44 ohm

56 ohm

24 ohm

32 ohm

250 ohm

55 ohm

32 ohm

55 ohm

55 ohm

The weight

79 g

238 g

250 g

268 g

193 g

240 g

181 g

235 g

130 g

200 g

295 g

240 g

13 g

220 g

225 g

Membrane diameter

-

-

50 mm

40 mm

40 mm

40 mm

40 mm

50 mm

40 mm

40 mm

45 mm

30 mm

8 mm

-

30 mm

Price

from 2400 rub.

from 6650 rub.

from 11600 rub.

from 35 900 rub.

from 2300 rub.

from 6000 rub.

from 7000 rub.

from 2750 rub.

from 1100 rub.

from 2000 rub.

from 20,000 rub.

from 5000 rub

from 400 rub.

from 4100 rub

from 6100 rub.