Open Back Vs Closed Back Headphones For Gaming – Which one is better?

When you go out to buy a pair of new headphones, you are simply puzzled, seeing all the different options you have. Your mind is filled with so many questions that you often end up making the wrong choice.

The decision is tough, and it can vary from person to person. But no matter what you choose, one thing is certain the headphones you end up choosing should depend on what you plan on using them for. 

Would a person working in their office, surrounded by colleagues, need the same type of headphones as a person? Would someone who loves listening to music all alone want the same type of headphones as someone using them during their workout? Of course not. 

Some people, on the other hand, want something that they can use for more than one purpose. As I said, it varies from person to person. 

So let’s go back to the part where we go to buy new headphones and have so many questions in our minds. One of the questions that keep bothering us is:

“What one is better: open back vs closed back headphones for gaming?”

So why don’t we try to find out once and for all?

Open Back Vs Closed Back Headphones For Gaming – What’s the Difference?

Open Back Headphones are exactly what the name suggests. Their backs are open, meaning the ear cup is exposed. Air can travel through the ear cups of open-back headphones from the rear of the speaker driver. This eliminates the risk of resonances and low-frequency build-up generated by the back enclosure. Open-back headphones are used in high-end headphones because they sound more natural.

Open Back Headphones

Closed Back Headphones are the exact opposite, meaning they are sealed because of the casing over the back. So while your music may not sound as natural on closed-back headphones as it would on open-back headphones, closed-back headphones will filter out a lot more outside noise, resulting in considerably greater isolation.

Closed Back Headphones

Let’s Get To Know About Open Back Headphones For Gaming

What we like about them:

  • They are a common choice for gamers because they offer better stereo imaging than closed back headphones. Why is stereo imaging so important? Well, through this, your brain gets a better idea of where the sound is coming from, giving you a more realistic experience. Imagine someone creeping up on you from behind. With open back headphones, you’ll hear their footsteps from the right direction.
  • Open back headphones offer you a bigger sound stage, meaning that all the sounds you hear will feel as if they’re coming from your room.
  • Since open back headphones allow air to pass through them, they are going to be more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Your ears will hurt less and will be less hot, which means this is a good choice for those people who plan on gaming for extended periods.

Open vs Closed Headphones

What we don’t like about them:

  • If you plan on wearing these headphones when you’re going outside or need to block out sounds so that you can focus, these headphones may not be the perfect choice for you. The reason for this is that these headphones allow ambient noises through. Not so perfect for noisy places, right?
  • Open back headphones are known to leak sounds, meaning if you wear them out in public, everyone around you will get to hear what you’re listening to. You’re bound to get those rude stares.
  • What would happen if you have an open back headphone and your microphone is oversensitive? The sound is probably going to leak to the mic, and the people you’re playing with might end up getting annoyed.
  • If you sweat a lot while playing, it would be a good idea to add moisture-proof covers to the earcups since the speaker elements of these microphones are exposed.

Let’s Get To Know About Closed Back Headphones For Gaming

What we like about them:

  • As they are covered, these headphones won’t allow a lot of ambient noise, making them much better at blocking unwanted background noise.
  • People around you won’t be able to hear what you’re listening to since closed back headphones are better at preventing sound leakage.
  • Just because these headphones are covered, it doesn’t mean that having a realistic experience is impossible. Louder noises will sound realistic since closed back headphones have a better bass response.
  • If you want to focus on something and are going to a noisier place, this would be a far better option.

Let’s Get To Know About Closed Back Headphones For Gaming

What we don’t like about them:

  • Since these headphones are covered, airflow is bound to be limited. This means your ears are going to end up becoming hotter if you wear them for a long time.
  • You will most probably have to add sweat-proof covers since these headphones might make you sweat like crazy. This way, the moisture won’t be able to absorb into it and make it smell horrible. 

Let’s Get To Know About Closed Back Headphones For Gaming What we don’t like about them

Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones For Gaming – The Final Verdict

Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones For Gaming – The Final VerdictOpen Back vs Closed Back Headphones For Gaming – The Final Verdict

It all depends on you and what you want!

If you plan on using your headphones when you are alone in your room, open back is the choice for you. This way, you’ll get an amazing immersive gaming experience.

Gamers love open back headphones since they offer both better stereo imaging and a wider sound stage. 

They get to feel as if the game is actually going on around them, that too while wearing something more comfortable. 

If you feel that this is you who we are talking about, click on the article below to know the Best Open Back Headphones For Gaming!

On the other hand, if it’s noise cancellation you’re looking for, it’s better to go for closed back headphones. This is a great choice for anyone who does not want to be disturbed by other sounds around them.

Plus, with closed back headphones, you won’t be limited to your room. Instead, you can wear your headphones out in public without compromising your privacy and disturbing others.

If you want to stay within budget, read the article below before you head out to buy them so that you know what are the The Best Closed Back Headphones Under 500

Conclusion

As we said, when it comes to choosing the right headphones, it all depends on you and your preferences. Neither choice is right or wrong. All you have to do is know exactly what you want and how you plan on using them. Weigh the pros and cons, making your decision easier.

 
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Paul Goral

I am the founder of North Creek Music and I have a master’s degree in Engineering Acoustics. Sound is my passion. I wanted to start this blog and share my passion with others.

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