Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important characteristic of any headphone is how they fit and seal around your ears to block out external noise. This is called passive noise reduction/isolation.
Over-ear headphones provide better seal in the ear than in-ear models. They are recommended for people who are in noisy environments or prefer audiophile sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are typically the most acoustic, since they can use bigger drivers to deliver high-resolution audio with a wide frequency response. The earcups that are big can also reduce outside noise which is a huge benefit in noisy areas such as trains and offices.
They're generally the most comfortable because they don't irritate your earlobes. They are also covered with premium memory foam for extra comfort over long listening sessions. These headphones are often designed for sportspeople, as they are able to stay put when running trails and gym exercises. They are also able to resist sweat without sliding off the head.
The size of the earcups can influence how much they seal your ears too. Over-ear headphones with closed earcups tend to be the most effective at stopping sound leakage, however not all models do this. On-ear headphones with earcups that are open are less effective in this regard and can be a bit loud in public areas if you need to listen to music for long periods of time.
Over-ear headphones are generally more expensive and heavier than headphones on ear. They're more comfortable than on-ear models however, and are ideal for listening for long periods at home or at work.
On-ear headphones have become popular due to their availability and affordable prices. They are available in every electronic store, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. A lot of them are designed for portability use, with earphones that fold and small cases that allow you to easily pack them in your backpack or bag for travel.
In general, headphones that are on-ear have better battery life than over-ear models with some offering up to 40 hours of playtime. However, the larger earcups in over-ear headphones provide more space for larger batteries, which can boost the duration of playtime to up to 95 hours (Edifier W830BT). Over-ear headphones have a battery life that is almost double the best on-ear models.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with large ear cups and fully close the ear canals provide the best noise isolation. This keeps outside sound out, while keeping your music within. This is why they are so popular among music industry professionals commuters, commuters, and people who listen to music in noisy environments. They are able to provide the most effective noise cancellation, although this feature isn't always enabled by default.
Over ear headphones are larger than on-ear headsets and are more bulky for storage, but they're often lighter for extended listening sessions and are easy to fold up to fit in your backpack or bag. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can put pressure on the ears when worn for extended wear. Many premium headphones have thick padding and memory foam which makes them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
On-ear (supraaural), or on-top headphones rest on the ears. They don't provide the same level of noise isolation as earbuds that are over-ear, however their cushioned padding can't seal the ears properly like they can with over-ear models. This could be a disadvantage but it doesn't prevent them from reducing low-frequency sounds, such as the sound of a plane engine or your seatmate talking animatedly.
A substantial amount of background noise could still seep through the seal on headphones, especially high-frequency sounds like drums or vocals. On-ear headphones can cause hearing damage for those who wear them.
Over-ear headphones typically have superior sound quality compared to on-ear headsets. However, this can vary depending on the brand or model. There are a variety of over-ear headphones priced under $200 that provide excellent audio quality, as well as passive and active noise reduction. You can also find higher-end models that provide outstanding sound isolation as well as active and passive noise reduction.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable due to the fact that they have ear cups that are larger. They are heavier, however they are usually more comfortable. The best over-ear headphone features well-padded headbands with breathable earpads that help distribute the weight evenly. This decreases the amount of pressure placed on your earlobes. This can result in the ear becoming fatigued after a couple of hours.
They also feature a more closed-back design that can help them isolate outside noise better. This makes them a great choice for listening in noisy environments, however they can let sound out more than headphones on ear and could cause disturbance to others. Some over-ear headphones come with ANC features, which can cost more than models with on-ear headphones.
Portability refers to how easily the headphone can be carried. This is a matter of the amount of space they take up when folded as well as any carrying options included with them. On-ear headphones are the best choice for mobility because they fold and take up less space in your bag than an over-ear headphone. On-ear headphones are often placed 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'll still put pressure on your ears, and they may cause discomfort after a short period of time.
Over-ear headphones aren't the most portable kind of headphone, however there are many wireless models that are designed to be used when on the move. They can be folded up to fit into a case or pouch however they will be larger than on-ear models.
Your headphone selection will also be affected by the type of media that you listen to. Stereo music is compatible with either type of headphones, however video game players who depend on audio cues might prefer to wear headphones with over-ears to be able to see what's going on around them. The same goes for travelers and commuters, who might choose over-ear headphones because of their noise cancellation capabilities. Over-ear headphones can cost more than the on-ear models, but for a few users, they are worth it because of their increased performance.
Battery Life
When it comes to selecting the most suitable headphones for you, there are numerous things to take into account. You must consider your listening style as well as whether or not you require over ear headphones wireless active noise cancellation, and how important portability is for you. The kind of headphones you pick can also affect the quality of your audio and how comfortable they are to wear.
In general, over-ear headphones have a better battery life than on-ear models. This is due to larger ear cups which can hold larger batteries. However, features such as active noise cancellation can drain the battery quickly. If you're planning on using them for extended listening sessions, it may be beneficial to purchase one with a larger battery or one that lets you turn off ANC.
The majority of on-ear headphones offer up to 40 hours of playtime on one charge. This is more than twice the length of over-ear headphones, however it's dependent on the volume of your music and whether you are using other features.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is an excellent example of a high-end pair of over-ear headphones. These headphones have some of the highest quality audio on the market. In addition to providing premium audio, the XM4s come loaded with a range of innovative features. These include DSEE upscaling of low-quality music files multi-point pairing, and adaptive noise cancellation.
The Focal Bathys Wireless are a great option for audiophiles who want to improve their listening experience. These headphones are loaded with of bass, and are able to provide a great thump for rock and dance. They also come with a fantastic app that lets you alter the equalizer to suit any music genre.
There are also budget-friendly over-ears that are priced less than $50. These are typically more compact and light than their higher-end counterparts, which can be beneficial if you are frequently traveling with them. Typically they fold and come with a carrying case to make them easier to carry.