Open-back headphones are a type of headphone that allows air to pass through their ear cups from the rear of the speaker driver. This means that resonances and low-frequency build-up caused by the rear enclosure aren’t a concern. Many high-end headphones have open-backs because it allows them to sound more natural and clear, giving the best possible presentation of your source material. However, open-back headphones are not good for commuting or blocking out external noise. They are good for solo at-home listening, critical listening, enjoying high-quality content, and mixing and mastering content.

In contrast, closed-back headphones have an enclosure behind their drivers, which means that sound is fired towards the listeners ears. This design blocks out external noise and prevents sound leakage, making them ideal for use in noisy environments or when you dont want to disturb others around you. Closed-back headphones are also more durable and less fragile than open-back headphones. They are good for commuting, blocking out external noise, and for use in noisy environments. They are not ideal for critical listening or mixing and mastering content.

In summary, open-back headphones allow air to pass through their ear cups, resulting in a more natural and clear sound, but they are not good for blocking out external noise. Closed-back headphones have an enclosure behind their drivers, which blocks out external noise and prevents sound leakage, making them ideal for use in noisy environments, but they are not ideal for critical listening or mixing and mastering content.