Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important feature of any headphone is the way they fit and seal around the ears to block out noise from outside. This is called passive noise reduction/isolation.
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable in the ear than models that are on-ear. They are recommended for people who listen in noisy environments or who enjoy audiophile sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are typically the most pleasant to listen to, as they can use bigger drivers to produce high-quality audio with an extensive frequency response. The earcups that are big can also cut down on outside noise which is a huge benefit in noisy environments such as trains and offices.
They're generally the most comfortable, since they don't push on your earlobes. They can also be filled with premium memory foam to provide extra comfort over long listening sessions. They're usually designed with athletes in mind, too, since they're able to remain in place on the trail or during gym workouts and are able to withstand excess sweat without sliding off your head.
The size of the earcups could determine how well they enclose your ears too. Over-ear headphones with earcups that are closed are generally the most successful in terms of sound leakage protection, however this isn't the case with all models. On-ear headphones with earcups that are open are less effective at this and can be a bit loud in public areas when you have to listen to music for long durations.
Over-ear headphones are generally more expensive and heavier than headphones on ear. They are more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but they are also ideal for long listening sessions at home, or in the workplace.
On-ear headphones are extremely popular due to their wide range of availability and cheap pricing. They can be found in every electronic store, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. Many are designed for mobile use, with earphones that fold and compact cases that allow you to easily stuff them into your bag or backpack for travel.
In general, headphones that are on-ear have better battery life than over-ear models, with some of them offering up to 40 hours of playtime. The larger earcups on over-ear headphones can be able to accommodate larger batteries, which can extend the total time of play to 95 hours. (EdifierW830BT). This is more than double the maximum battery life of the best on-ear headphones and makes over-ear headphones the clear winner in this aspect.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones that feature large ear cups and completely close the ear canals provide the most complete noise-isolation. They block outside noise out, while keeping your music in. These headphones are a favorite among commuters, music professionals and those who enjoy music in noisy environments. They also feature the most active noise cancelling however this feature is not always turned on by default.
Over-ear headphones are bulkier than headsets with on-ears, but they're lighter and easier to fold to reduce space. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can create uncomfortable pressure on your ears during extended wear. Most premium headphones have thick padding and memory foam, which makes them more pleasant to wear for hours for days.
On ear (supraaural) headphones sit on top of the ears and don't provide the same level of passive noise isolation however, their cushioned pads generally can't properly close the ear canals like over-ear models do. This is a drawback however it doesn't hinder them from being able reduce low-frequency sounds, such as the sound of a plane engine or your seatmate talking animatedly.
A significant amount of background noise may still be able seep through the headphones' seal and headphones, particularly high-frequency sounds such as vocals or drums. On-ear headphones can cause hearing damage to those who wear them.
Over-ear headphones typically have better sound quality than on-ear headsets. However, this could differ depending on the manufacturer or model. There are many great over-ear headphones for under $200 that are excellent in all areas, as well as higher-end models that offer excellent passive and active noise isolation and exceptional audio quality.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones feature larger ear cups that wrap around the ears, so they are more comfortable than on-ears. They weigh more, but they are usually more comfortable. The best over-ear headphone features comfortable headbands, padded with breathable earpads that are able to distribute weight evenly. This helps reduce the pressure on your earlobes. This can result in tired ears after a few hours.
They also feature a more closed-back design, which can help them block out outside noise better. They are a good option for listening to music in noisy environments. However, they could let sound out more than headphones that are ear-to-ear and can disturb other users. Some headphones with over-ears come with ANC features, which could make them more expensive than on-ear models.
The portability of a headset is a reference to its ease of transport. This includes the amount of space they can take up when folded, as well as any carrying options available with them. On-ear headphones are the best choice for convenience because they can be folded and take less space in your bag than over-ear headphone. A lot of on-ear headphones sit on the top of your ear rather than covering them, which is a great fit for people with glasses and is less intrusive than over-ear headphones. They still exert pressure on your earlobes, and they can become uncomfortable after a short period of time.
Over-ears aren't the most portable of the three types however, there is a huge selection of wireless models that are designed to be used on the go. Many of these are designed to fold up and fit in best over ear anc headphones a pouch or case, but they will still be bulkier than models that are on-ear.
Your choice of headphones will be dependent on the type of music you listen to. Stereo music is fine with either type of headphones, but gamers who depend on audio cues might prefer to wear headphones with over-ears to be able to see what's going on around them. Over-ear headphones are ideal for commuters or travellers who wish to minimize the noise. Over-ear headphones can cost more than the on-ear models, but for some users they are worth it because of their increased functionality.
Battery Life
When it comes time to pick the best headphones for you, there are many aspects to consider. These include your preferred listening style as well as whether you'd like active noise cancellation, and how much portability matters to you. The kind of headphones you pick can also affect the quality of your music and how comfortable they are to wear.
Over-ear headphones generally have a longer battery life than models with on-ears. This is because they have larger ear cups that can hold bigger batteries. Features such as active noise cancellation can cause battery drain quickly. If you intend to use them for long listening sessions, you might want to consider a pair that has a stronger battery or allows you to turn off ANC.
The majority of on-ear headphones offer up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is more than double what over-ear headphones can provide however the amount of time will vary depending on the volume of your music and the use of the other features available on the headphone.
For an excellent example of high-end headphones that fit over the ear look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM4. These headphones have some of the highest audio quality available. Apart from offering top audio, the XM4s come packed with a variety of cutting-edge features. These include DSEE upscaling of mediocre-quality music files multi-point pairing, as well as adaptive noise cancellation.
Focal Bathys wireless headphones are an excellent option for audiophiles looking to improve their everyday listening experience. These headphones have a lot of bass, so they can provide plenty of the thump you need for dancing and rock. They also have an excellent app that lets you alter the equalizer to fit any genre of music.
On the other hand, there are budget over-ear headphones that are available for under $50. They are typically smaller and lighter than their high-end counterparts, which can be useful if you travel frequently. They are usually folded and come with a carry case making them easy to transport.