Closed vs. Open back headphones

In lamen terms:

Open: Higher fidelity and sound quality since the waves produced from closed headphones have nowhere to go after they have been used, so you get a more crystal clear and more quality sound from open headphones. Though they usually leak BADLY, have POOR isolation, and they're usually more expensive (the good ones atleast), also, most people find them less comfortable than closed headphones, and lacking in bass as they have less potential to seal.

Closed: Lower sound quality as you have a seal between you ears and the drivers, and lots of isolation, so while sound wont get out and in as easily, the sound quality will suffer (now, the sound quality isnt BAD in comparison to open, there are VERY VERY good sounding closed headphones, its just that there are better open ones). Also, they usually ahve better bass as the seal between your ears and the driver is good for the bass, and they're usually more comfortable and circumaural.

One isnt better than the other, they both have their cons and pros and suit different people with different needs. I personally have closed ones and love em.

I'll give you a generic answer since I'm new to headphones and can't give the proper answer others can:

Open back headphones generally deliver more impressive sound and have a better "soundstage" as a lot of people like to say. Being open, they don't really isolate outside noise and they also leak whatever you are listening to into the environment around you. Closed back headphones generally deliver less impressive sound, but the bass can sometimes hit harder than open backs, and of course closed backs isolate and don't leak as much. 

Deciding between the two typically comes down to whether or not it is OK for what you are listening to to be leaked. Primarily used in a quiet setting, without having to worry about others around you? Probably open. Primarily used in public, at work, etc.? Probably closed. 

This is a broad generalization. A lot of people find open headphones more comfortable because their open nature allows for the ears to breathe more. People with ears that are prone to sweating can find closed headphones very uncomfortable indeed. Besides, I'd hardly call the likes of a Beyerdynamic DT880 or Sennheiser HD650 uncomfortable - they are consistently mentioned as amongst the most comfortable cans one can own...
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by elemein 

also, most people find them less comfortable than closed headphones