Open-Back vs Closed-Back Headphones

[The_Chxmist]

Open backs for streaming so you don’t get too loud that’s why most gamers and streamers use them

[VeniuEN]

I think that for FPS gaming closed backs are better, they don't lose volume of frequencies, while open backs lower the volume of far away footsteps (sound leak).

Closed also offer passive sound isolation so I don't hear dogs, cats or cars. I like the more "tight" and "intimate" sound.

That said for certain music types, esp. old albums, open backs are better since they usually used studio monitors to master the tracks, whilist nowadays it depends on the studio as some use headphones to master the songs.

[LeoLeeGaming]

Open Back if you don't have a ton of ambient noise. While no, it doesnt automatically make the sound better, I think it does when comparing open vs closed on the same headset.

I also wouldnt even say it is a wider soundstage... IMO it creates a more natural soundstage. You still need a headset that can produce a good soundstage. For gaming and movies, open all the way. For music, I like closed.

[ZenTunE-]

I don't know about competetive but gaming in general is better with opens. Mainly because you can get good open backs for $200, if you want anything comparable in the closed back space, you need to spend nearly 4 times that.

[aderfex]

For me personally using the pc38x does not hurt my ears as much when I wear them 8h compared to closed back headphones like logitech g pro x. Friend of mine also said his ears get easily infected by wearing closed back in 2-3 h I think but forgot, but with pc38x he can wear them 1-2 hours longer without ear getting infected.

[Omar_ZX]

I prefer open backs because unless you're going super budget yk like the mdr7506 vs pc38x comparison, it's really a slam dunk winner for what you said earlier with the soundstage and all, plus the best gaming headphone ever the hd800s has basically no sub bass at all so yea you don't need bass

[egoistic_moroccan.]

For me open back headphones Are just more comfortable, and it has an amazing sound that sounds like u aren't using a headphone.

But closed back headphones aren't comfortable for my ears.

[onofriopiccolino]

Open back headphones defeats the purpose of wearing headphones if you can hear everyone around you and they can hear you also🤷‍♂️