Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important feature of a headphone is how well they fit and seal around the ears to block out noise from outside. This is known as isolation or passive noise reduction.
Over-ear headphones usually seal in the more effectively than on-ear models and are recommended for listeners in noisy environments or who appreciate audiophile-quality sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones typically sound the best because they utilize larger drivers to provide high-quality audio with a wide frequency response. The earcups that are big can also reduce outside noise which is a huge benefit in noisy environments such as trains and offices.
They're usually the most comfortable because they don't irritate your earlobes and can be covered with high-end memory foam for added comfort over long listening sessions. They're often designed with sportspeople in mind, as they are able to stay in place on the trail or during gym workouts and are able to withstand excess sweat without sliding off your head.
The size of your earcups will also impact how well they are sealed. Over-ear headphones with earcups that are closed are generally the most effective in terms of noise leakage, but 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 too loud in public spaces when you have to listen to music for long periods of time.
As compared to on-ear headphones over-ear models are typically more expensive and tend to be heavier. They are more comfortable than on-ear headphones, however they are also ideal for long listening sessions at home or in the workplace.
On-ear headphones are becoming popular due to their accessibility and low cost. They are available in any electronic store and are available in many colors and styles. A lot of them are portable, with small cases or earcups that fold up which can easily be packed into bags or backpacks.
On-ear headphones generally have a longer battery life than models that have over-ears. Some models offer up to 40 hours. The larger earcups on over-ear headphones can hold larger batteries, which can extend the duration to 95 hours. (EdifierW830BT). This is more than twice the battery life of the top on-ear headphones, making over-ear headphones the clear winner for this aspect.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with large ear cups and completely enclose the ears offer the most complete noise-isolation. They block outside noise out, while allowing your music within. These headphones are popular with commuters, musicians and those who listen to music in noisy environments. They also have the most active noise cancelling, though this feature is not always enabled by default.
Over ear headphones are larger than on-ear headsets and can be bulkier in storage, but they're typically lighter for long listening sessions and can be folded easily to save space in your backpack or bag. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can cause discomfort to the ears when worn for extended periods of time. A majority of premium headphones come with thick padding and memory-foam, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
On-ear (supraaural), or on-top headphones, rest on your ears. They don't offer the same noise-isolation as earbuds that are over-ear, however their cushioned padding doesn't effectively seal the ears as they can with over ear models. Although this could be an issue, it doesn't prevent them from being able of reducing the low-frequency ambient noises, including the sound of an aircraft engine or your friend's animated conversation.
A significant amount of background sound may still be able seep through the headphones' seal particularly high-frequency sounds such as vocals or drums. People who wear on-ear headphones will need to increase the volume to compensate for the noise, which could result in hearing loss over time.
In general the sound quality of headphones that are over-ear is superior to those on-ear headsets, though this can vary dramatically based on the manufacturer and model. There are excellent headphones for less than $200 that sound great in every area as well as more expensive models that have outstanding active and passive isolation from noise and outstanding audio quality.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones feature larger ear cups that cover the ears, which means they can be more comfortable than on-ears. However, they do tend to be heavier. The top over-ear headphones feature well-padded headbands with breathable earpads that are able to distribute the weight evenly. This helps reduce pressure on your ears, which can cause the ear to fatigue after several hours.
They also have a closed-back design, which could help them isolate outside noise better. They're a great option for listening to music in noisy environments. However, they can leak sound more than on the ear headphones and cause disturbance to others. Some over-ear headphones come with ANC features, which can cost more than models with on-ear headphones.
The portability of a headset is a reference to its ease of transport. This includes how much space they take up when they are folded, and if they have any options for carrying. On-ear headphones provide the greatest portability because they are foldable and take less space in your bag than an over-ear headphones. On-ear headphones are often placed on the top of your ears instead of covering them, which can be a good option for those wearing glasses and is less intrusive than over-ear headphones. They will still put pressure on your ears, and they may cause discomfort after a short period of time.
Over-ears are the least portable of the three types of headphone however, there is an array of wireless models made to be used on the go. A lot of them are designed to fold up and fit in a pouch or case, but they'll be larger than models with on-ears.
The type of media you listen to will also determine your choice of headphones. Standard stereo music will be good on both types however, those who play games that depend on audio cues may require over-ear headphones to ensure they can hear the sounds that are in front of them. Over-ear headphones are also ideal for commuters or travellers who are looking to cut down on the amount of noise. They may cost a little more than on-ear models, but the increased functionality is worth it for certain users.
Battery Life
There are a variety of factors you must take into consideration when selecting the best headphones for you. One of them is your preferred style of listening, whether you want active noise cancellation and how much portability is important to you. The type of headphones you choose will also affect the quality of your audio and comfort when wearing them.
Over-ear headphones typically have a longer battery life than models with on-ears. This is due to the fact that they have larger ear cups that can accommodate larger batteries. However, features such as active noise cancellation can quickly drain the battery. If you intend to use them for lengthy listening sessions, you might need to look into a pair that has an extra battery or allows you to turn off ANC.
Most on-ear headphones offer up to 40 minutes of playtime per charge. This is more than twice the length of over-ear headphones, but it's contingent on the volume of your music as well as whether you are using other features.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a fantastic example of a premium pair of over-ear headphones. These headphones have some of the highest audio quality available. The XM4s have top-quality audio and a host of cutting-edge features. These include DSEE upscaling of music with poor quality files multi-point pairing, and adaptive noise cancellation.
Focal Bathys wireless headphones are an excellent option for audiophiles looking to enhance their listening experience. These headphones have a lot of bass, which means they are able to provide a great bass for dance and rock. They also come with a fantastic app that lets you adjust the equalizer to suit any genre of music.
There are also budget over-ears that cost less than $50. They tend to be smaller and light than their premium counterparts, and can be beneficial if you are frequently traveling with them. These headphones are typically foldable and come ear headphones over with a carrying case making them easy to transport.