Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones: Which is Better for Gaming?

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that choosing the right headset is indeed a challenging task, much like picking the perfect video game character for a marathon session.

People who find traditional gaming headsets restrictive might not grasp the benefits of open-back headphones. Initially designed for audio mixing, these headphones are starting to make a name for themselves in the gaming sector. Nowadays, open-back headsets equipped with microphones offer viable choices for gamers seeking better sound quality and comfort.

When it comes to choosing a headset, closed-back models come with their own set of advantages, but they might not be suitable for everyone. Factors like budget and noise cancellation requirements can play a significant role in making a purchase decision. Moreover, gaming software features that enhance the experience should not be overlooked. A thorough comparison across these aspects will help identify the headset type ideal for the average gamer. This article also includes suggestions for top-rated gaming headsets featuring both closed and open-back designs.

Comfort

Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones: Which is Better for Gaming?

A frequent criticism of gaming headsets is that they can feel overly restrictive on the ears and head, especially the more common closed-back models designed to isolate gamers from external sounds. While some high-end headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless boast thick memory foam cushions, their grip may sometimes be too tight. This tightness enhances passive noise cancellation, but it could potentially compromise comfort.

Open-back headphones such as the Turtle Beach Atlas Air tend to have a more relaxed fit. Compared to other models, this Turtle Beach headset might be an exception, as its floating ear cups barely touch the earlobes. Additionally, its adjustable headband uses Velcro straps and exerts minimal pressure on your head’s most delicate areas.

Compared to most wired open-back competitors such as the beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, this wireless headset weighing just 301 grams is remarkably portable. The Atlas Air overcomes one significant disadvantage of its counterpart by featuring a detachable microphone. While it requires a cable for Xbox use, it effortlessly connects to PlayStation consoles and computers. Equipped with Bluetooth technology, it swiftly switches between multiple sources without a hitch.

For prolonged gaming sessions, the ventilated design of open-back headsets like the Atlas Air offers additional advantages. The open speaker grilles facilitate greater airflow in and out of the ear cups, making their permeable construction more comfortable during intense gaming periods, thereby reducing gaming stress.

As a gamer, I used to think that all closed-back headsets would be uncomfortable due to their generic design. However, it’s crucial to remember that not every headset caters equally to various head sizes. Therefore, before making a purchase, it’s essential to do some research. Fortunately, headphones like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, with adjustable headband tension and ear cups offering ample height range, are suitable for most gamers. That said, open-back headsets undeniably take the lead when it comes to comfort.

Sound Quality

Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones: Which is Better for Gaming?

The design of a gaming headset – whether it’s open or closed back – plays a significant role in the kind of sound it produces. While personal preferences can influence perceived sound quality, professional mixers and many manufacturers often prefer open-back studio headphones. These headphones offer a more authentic representation of instruments and vocals due to their design that allows some sound to escape through vents, creating a wider, more expansive listening experience. In contrast, closed-back headphones and headsets confine the sound within small earcups, which can lead to sound compression. An example of an open-back gaming headset is the beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro.

Striking the right mix among low, medium, and high sounds is usually what sets premium gaming headsets apart from others. This is done by enveloping listeners in varying sound pitches, which an open-back headset provides more room for distinguishing between drums, vocals, and violins with clarity. Games that emphasize narrative and single-player experiences, like ‘Final Fantasy VII’, take advantage of this extended audio landscape, seamlessly integrating music and dialogue. On the other hand, ‘Counter-Strike 2’, a competitive FPS game, offers a more compact audio suite focusing on gunfire and explosions. Yet, it’s crucial to discern the faint sounds of approaching enemies.

Closed-back gaming headsets aren’t necessarily limited to producing low-quality sound. For instance, we found out from Game Rant’s review earlier this year that the Audeze Maxwell utilizes 90 mm Planar drivers to deliver gaming audio with remarkable clarity. These drivers are larger than standard ones, which helps reduce distortion by having magnets push against diaphragms in a smooth and natural manner. Additionally, they excel at producing deep bass, making the Maxwell a favorite among audiophiles who prefer first-person shooter games. Given that it’s wireless, its ability to deliver such high-quality sound is even more noteworthy.

Despite the Maxwell’s impressive capabilities, it struggles to keep pace with high-end open-back headphones in optimal conditions. These ideal settings could be a soundproof studio or a quiet gaming room where little noise escapes into the headset. The more expensive Audeze LCD-GX demonstrates how planar drivers perform best with spacious earcups, but it’s essential to remember that most gamers don’t play in tranquil environments. As a result, determining the ultimate winner in terms of sound quality isn’t as straightforward as it appears.

Spatial Audio

In simpler terms, spatial audio allows players to feel fully engrossed in virtual realms as they traverse bizarre landscapes teeming with potential perils. Headsets such as the JBL Quantum 910, which are closed-back, take this idea a step further. By utilizing head-tracking technology, the Quantum 910 adjusts the soundscape depending on where players look, enhancing their gaming experience.

It can be quite confusing for gamers when manufacturers use terms like QuantumSound or SteelSeries Sonar to label their spatial audio features. These terms attract competitive gamers as they claim to boost crucial sound cues that provide an edge, but the variety of options, such as Sony’s Tempest 3D and additional features like Dolby Atmos and DTS: Headphone X, can make choosing the right audio system a challenge.

In contrast, many individuals frequently express dissatisfaction with the spatial sound impact delivered by closed-back headsets. Due to the compact size of the earcup, it can be challenging to fully savor the richness of dynamic gaming audio. Open-space speaker arrangements typically offer a more immersive experience for movies and games, as positional audio thrives in expansive, room-filling configurations.

In the realm of gaming headsets, closed-back designs are generally more popular, and manufacturers often prioritize other features over spatial audio for open-back models. However, this doesn’t diminish the beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro’s ability to deliver exceptional multi-channel sound quality. Due to a small amount of audio leakage from its earcups, listeners may find themselves tricked into believing they are hearing sounds coming from a surround sound system like a 5.1 or 7.1 setup.

Closed-back headphones typically come with software that includes EQ settings tailored for specific games, enhancing spatial audio to improve gaming experience. Additionally, their snug fit helps block out external distractions, contributing to a more immersive gaming environment. Therefore, closed-back models have an advantage when it comes to gaming applications. Conversely, open-back headphones do not require software to manipulate sound mixes and offer multi-channel audio in its most authentic form. Open-back headphones are ideal for watching high-budget movies with surround sound.

Noise Cancellation

Gamers often purchase headsets due to the privacy they provide, as high-quality soundbars and PC speakers produce realistic spatial audio. However, this can be a problem when played at higher volumes, as roommates might not appreciate it. Noise-cancelling headphones are beneficial in two ways: firstly, they block sounds that could disturb others, and secondly, they filter out ambient noise such as conversations or traffic. The most efficient noise-cancelling headsets tend to be closed-back, as their snug fit creates a barrier from the external environment. Top esports players usually opt for some form of noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones during competition, given the significant financial stakes involved.

One powerful choice for noise-cancelling gaming headsets is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro. This headset offers a snug fit with its leatherette ear cups that suction onto your earlobes, but what truly sets it apart is its active noise cancellation feature. The Stealth Pro produces sound waves to counteract background disturbances, effectively reducing noise by up to 25 decibels. On the downside, some players might find its headband too rigid, despite its high-quality construction, as it doesn’t provide the low-pressure feel typical of most open-back headsets.

In terms of noise control, open-back headsets aren’t ideal as they let ambient sounds pass through their airy ear cups. This can disrupt your gaming or music experience by letting outside noises seep in. Moreover, if you’re close to others, they might accidentally overhear the audio sources you’re playing.

Budget

When it comes to gaming headsets with plenty of features, buyers are not short on choices. However, many open-back headsets are designed for the higher-end market and typically cost over $100. Consequently, budget-conscious gamers often turn to economical closed-back models such as the wired Razer BlackShark V2 X or the wireless Logitech G435.

The Logitech G435 offers good audio performance, but some people might doubt its durability due to its mostly plastic construction. Moreover, it’s designed to fit smaller and medium-sized heads, which means it may feel quite snug compared to an open-back headset with greater adjustability. However, its lightweight 165 grams and Bluetooth capabilities make it a great choice for portable use during travel.

Open-back headsets are often designed to mimic high-end studio headphones. While the wired Drop + Epos PC38X does require a considerable investment, it is one of the more budget-friendly choices in this category. This product was born from a partnership with another renowned German audio company, Sennheiser. The PC38X showcases its breathability through large, exposed grilles on the earcups.

A worthwhile competitor in the open-back headphone market is the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, offering a great value due to its cordless connectivity. Most other breathable headphones are wired, but the Atlas Air can connect wirelessly with PCs, PlayStations, and Nintendo Switch consoles, setting it apart. Additionally, this device boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours before needing to be recharged, which outmatches some of the advantages of traditional wired headsets.

Although there are some affordable options for open-back headsets, budget-conscious shoppers might struggle to find ones that are truly inexpensive. Consequently, closed-back gaming headsets tend to outshine their counterparts when it comes to affordability.

Verdict

When it comes to picking a gaming headset, it’s usually not a simple choice. Unlike other gaming peripherals, there’s a wide variety of closed-back gaming headsets available, some even budget-friendly. These headsets are exceptional at both passive and active noise reduction, making them perfect for noisy college dorms or public spaces. Closed-back models primarily emphasize gaming-centric features, while open-back alternatives cater more to the requirements of professional audio mixers.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro highlights the advantages of closed-back designs, boasting superior noise cancellation capabilities. This feature effectively muffles chatter and other background distractions that might interfere with an engaging gaming experience. Its software offers seamless integration with games like “Rainbow Six Siege”, enhancing sounds to give gamers a competitive edge.

At approximately the same cost, gamers will discover that the beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro provides a less constrictive fit compared to some other closed-back headsets. The memory foam ear cushions, upholstered in velour, gently caress the ears without the intense clamping force found in certain closed-back models. This headset boasts a wider soundstage that gives players an immersive feeling as if they are truly part of the game’s virtual environment. However, it is important to note that open-back headsets tend to have disadvantages such as a higher price tag and lack of active noise cancellation.

When it comes to gaming, no single open or closed-back headset is ideal for every player. If you’re finding it hard to pick between them, consider versatile headsets such as the Astro A40 TR. These modular headsets offer a blend of benefits, allowing you to adjust their features according to your needs. For instance, by buying a mod kit with replaceable ear and headband cushions, you can enhance noise isolation when necessary.

FAQ

Q: Are open-ear headphones and headsets healthier?

Open-style earphones and headsets provide listeners with a greater sense of their environment, which could prove vital for avoiding potential hazards such as traffic while outside. This is especially useful for indoor situations, allowing gamers and music enthusiasts to quickly respond to things like incoming calls or emergencies.

Q: Do closed-back headsets cause tinnitus?

Typically, closed-back headphones usually don’t lead to tinnitus, but prolonged use at high volumes can potentially induce hearing damage. For those worried about hearing problems, open-back headphones offer a more relaxed fit and are gentler on the eardrums.

2024-09-12 23:05