open-back — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Of headphones: only partially covering the ear, so that there is airflow to the wearer's ears.

   Synonyms

   open-earopen-eared

   Antonyms

   closed-back

   Examples

   For listening in quiet, isolated environments like your home, "open-back" earphones, usually over- or on-ear, are your best bet.

   More examples (1)

   If you ask any audiophile what headphone type they prefer to use for an extended listening session, I can almost guarantee they will say that open-back headphones are the better choice. Open-back headphones enable air to circulate around the ears and allow heat and sound to escape so that music sounds so much better, even for extended listening sessions. Open-back headphones just feel more natural and comfortable.

   Sometimes, they provide warmer, more life-like sound quality, and the open-back design could be a safer way to play VR for you.