Closed or open back?

We dig deep into the two types of headphones.

Author

Leander Kahney
March 10, 2025

In partnership with

Our resident headphones expert, David Snow, delves into the eternal question — closed or open back?

It’s a question I’ve often asked myself on cold, lonely nights, but I have much greater insight after reading David’s post.

He does a great job of breaking down the differences in the two types of headphones, spelling out the pros and cons of each.

In fact, I never had any inkling about all the subtleties. David lays it all out in an easy-to-read format. Check it out.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Yes, the new iPad Air is just a spec bump, but the magnificent M3 chip makes it a worthwhile one.

  • I was really looking forward to Apple’s rumored home hub (so I can finally add some cool home automations), but alas, it’s encountering some hurdles.

  • If you really want to be obnoxious on your next flight, we have an exclusive deal on this laptop add-on that adds two extra lightweight screens to your MacBook. Mobile Pixels’ Trio 2.0 Tri-Screen Display costs just $389.98 with code DISPLAY50.

  • DJ King Charles III’s playlist of his favorite songs has been revealed. Curiously, I’d only heard of about half of them!

  • Remember “Bendgate” — the easy bendability of Apple’s first big-screen iPhone, the iPhone 6 Plus? Don’t miss the X post below where someone tests the bendability of recent models. It’s quite the eye-opener.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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Closed-back vs. open-back headphones: How to choose [Buying guide]

Closed-back versus open-back headphones: Ever wondered what the difference are, and why you should favor one or the other in your computer setup?

M3 iPad Air review roundup: A routine but worthwhile update

The first M3 iPad Air reviews highlight the tablet's speed boost and overall value as a top choice for many users

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals

Mobile Pixels’ Trio 2.0 Tri-Screen Display for 13-inch-to-14-inch laptops adds two extra screens to your MacBook for the ultimate in mobile productivity. These lightweight screens slide out or can be used as separate stand-alones. Our exclusive deal knocks the price down to just $389.98. Just use the code DISPLAY50 at checkout. There’s also a version for 15-inch-to-17.3-inch laptops.

Apple’s iPad-like smart home hub gets significantly delayed

This is a blow for iPhone and Mac users who are fans of home automation.

‘Severance’ and ‘The Gorge’ continue pulling in big audiences

“Severance” is one of the most-watched streaming series, and “The Gorge” pulls a big audience, too. It’s good to be an Apple TV+ subscriber.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Apple Watch Series 10 drops to $299 for first time

An amazing deal on the Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) drops it to a lifetime low price of $299, saving you $100.

Tim Cook dazzles us with new Macs and iPads [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: There's plenty to talk about after an absolute barrage of new Apple products.

Get ready to groove to DJ King Charles III on Apple Music [Updated]

For the first time, a reigning monarch guest hosts on Apple Music with the UK's King Charles III and "The King's Music Room Playlist."

Today in Apple history: Apple reconsiders the Newton?

On March 10, 2004, Apple sent out a customer survey asking why the Newton MessagePad failed. It was stealth iPhone reconnaissance.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

In most people's vocabularies, design means veneer. It's interior decorating. It's the fabric of the curtains and the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service. The iMac is not just the color or translucence or the shape of the shell. The essence of the iMac is to be the finest possible consumer computer in which each element plays together.

— Steve Jobs, 2000.

Today’s poll

Closed-back headphones or open?

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Results from last Friday’s poll: Is Apple being too cautious about smarter Siri?

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