Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are generally the best choice for commuters and workers. They are great for low-frequency noise reduction and are less likely to let sound out that could disturb others.
They also come with larger ear cups that completely cover your ears which can improve active noise cancellation. However, they do tend to be larger and heavier than the on-ear models and can cost more because of this.
Sound
Over-ear headphones are the most effective when it comes to sound. Due to their larger earcups, they better seal around your ears and cut out the background noise. This, combined with the larger size of the driver that usually comes with these headphones allows you to listen to music with more distinct bass and a broader soundstage.
They're also more comfortable than on-ear and in-ear headphones, with their padded earcups covering a greater portion of your ears. This means you can listen to podcasts or music for longer periods of time. Certain headsets for over-ears can be folded down to smaller sizes to make storage simpler.
Some models have gesture controls and touch controls. While these features won't be a problem for some consumers however, they may not appeal to everyone, and might require additional hardware such as a smartphone.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the features that many over-ear headphones offer. This helps reduce the impact that ambient sound can have on your audio experience. This is useful if you want to block out distracting background noise while listening to music. Some ANC models also come with the option of transparency, which allows you to hear the sounds that surround you.
Over-ear headphones are typically more expensive than in-ear or on-ear models. However, they often include advanced features like active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio. Focal Bathys wireless headphones for example are a great option for casual listening and critical listening. They have a natural sound and lots of details. They also have a dedicated DAC mode that supports high-res audio via USB.
Other headphones for over-ear use come with an in-line microphone to allow hands-free calls, which is a nice feature if you plan to use them for phone conversations. Some headphones also come with rechargeable batteries to enable wireless listening without power sources. These headphones will likely have lower battery life than those that use a cable connection.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear than on-ear models, as the ear cups cover your ears completely. You'll hear less ambient noise, which is great for noisy environments and public transportation. Because they do not rest on your ears, earbuds can be a lot more comfortable for long listening sessions as well.
Over-ear headphones have larger drivers than on-ears. This allows them to deliver a wider range of frequencies. They can reproduce bass notes with greater impact and depth than headphones on ear, while also handling the treble notes with greater precision. Many over-ear headphones have a companion app which allows you to alter the sound according to your preferences with graphic EQ settings.
The larger earcups also help create a seal, which makes passive noise cancelation (copyright) more efficient than headphones that sit on the ear. On-ear headphones are still able to block out sound, however they are much less effective. They also can only function at higher volume levels.
Some over-ear headphones can even provide ANC with various settings to adapt the performance to your environment like outdoors at home, at work, and on the plane. This is a fantastic feature for those who travel and commuters who want maximize the performance of their headphones without having to manually adjust settings on an app or fiddle with buttons on the headphones themselves.
Focal Bathys are among our top wireless headphones. They're targeted at audiophiles with a passion for high-resolution music. The Focal Bathys have an USB-C DAC that allows for hi-res music playback that is up to 21bit/192kHz. They can also be switched between outdoor and indoor modes to keep out noise in a noisy area.
On-ear headphones are a good alternative to over-ear headphones for some users. On-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear while running or exercising. They also take up less room in your bag. Additionally the earcups in these models are made to fit comfortably into your ears, which can be more comfortable during strenuous activity.
Noise Cancellation
A great pair of headphones can improve your listening experience. But a top pair will take it to the highest level by creating an acoustic barrier between you and the surrounding. A great pair of noise cancelling headphones can make a hectic commute or office more enjoyable.
Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), use the built-in microphones in the headphones to detect external sounds and create a mirror of those sounds in order to cancel them out. You can adjust the ANC intensity using a separate application or a physical switch in the headset. Most headsets come with 10 levels of sensitivity, and three "favorite settings" which can be programmed via the connected device.
To make noise cancellation work it will require a little bit of isolation from the surrounding world. This typically requires either earbuds that fit tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that completely enclose your earlobes. No matter what style you choose you'll need to be careful when putting on a pair to make sure the fit is comfortable, because even a slight wiggle could set them off-balance and let in ambient noises, even if it is just the sound of refrigerators in the vicinity.
There are many headphones that support ANC. For example, Monoprice BT-600ANC is a pair of low-cost, lightweight headphones that offer an adequate amount of ANC. They also include audio codecs to playback high-quality sound. The headphones come with a sturdy carry case and a long battery life, which is enough for most commuters and workers.
In the higher priced ranges, you'll find more premium ANC options such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-CH720N, both of which are comfortable to wear for longer periods, with features such as an automated voice assistant and support for hi-res audio and Android-powered smartphones. The latest model to join the roundup is the spring 2023-issue Sony WH-CH720N, which is rated some of the top ANC in the business and is available now for a price that is very competitive.
You'll need to ensure that your headphones come with a good microphone for video conferences and phone calls. Certain models let you switch from an internal mic to a headset mic. This allows you to converse with colleagues or give an presentation to your team members without disrupting everyone other.
Design
Over-ear headphones are more immersive than earbuds and offer superior bass. This is mainly due to their larger driver, more spacious design and the design of the earcups that allow the audio waves to interact with your pinna over ear headphones wireless in a more natural manner to recreate the soundstages of your favorite music tracks.
Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable and offer a longer battery life. They're also less bulky and are more convenient to put in your bag for on-the-go listening as you move throughout your day. If you're looking for a top-quality pair of over-ear headphones that offer a wide soundstage or allow you to return to work and get on with your day, there's a range of models available to choose from.
A majority of our over-ear headphone selections are Bluetooth-enabled to provide wireless convenience. They also come with a case, so you can carry them with you wherever you go without worrying about tangling cords and running out of battery. These headphones are also elegant and sleek, making them perfect for the office or when you're on the move. Some of our choices have an extra designer flair with a sleek, stylish color scheme and sleek leather and metal finishes.
If you're looking for a high-end pair of headphones that can be worn over the ear, our top pick is the Sennheiser Momentum 4. The headphones are made of premium materials, and they have a range of intelligent features that can help you maximize your music experience. They'll make your next listening experience a breeze, with automated audio controls and smart ambient awareness.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, consider the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 headphones. They are comfortable and provide 44 hours of continuous use with a single charge. They also have a DAC setting that allows for high-resolution sound, which creates a clear, expansive soundstage with detailed separation of the instruments.
You can also check out the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. These are an excellent choice for use on the go. They feature a lightweight, ergonomic design that provides a snug fit, outstanding noise cancellation, and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge. Plus, they have a built-in microphone for taking calls when you're in the move.