Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The fit and seal around your ears is the most important thing to consider. This is called passive noise reduction or isolation.
Over-ear headphones provide better seal in the ear than in-ear models. They are recommended for people who listen in noisy environments or prefer audiophile sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are often the most acoustic, since they have larger drivers to deliver high-resolution audio with wide 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 are the most comfortable since they don't press on your earlobes. They can be filled with memory foam to provide additional comfort during long listening sessions. They're typically designed with athletes in mind too, as they are able to stay in place in gym or trail workouts and are able to endure sweat without slipping off your head.
The size of your earcups can also affect how well they will seal. 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 open earcups are less successful at this and may be quite loud in public spaces if you need to listen to music for extended periods of time.
In comparison to headphones on the ear, over-ear models are generally more expensive and are generally heavier. They're more comfortable than on-ear headphones however, and they're great for long listens at home or at work.
On-ear headphones are incredibly popular because of their broad availability and affordable price. You can find them at any electronic retailer and are available in a variety of colors and styles. Many are designed for portable use, with foldable earcups and compact cases so that you can easily fit them in your backpack or bag for travel.
In general, headphones that are on-ear have longer battery life than models with over-ears with some providing up to 40 hours of time to play. However the larger earcups of over-ear headphones provide more space for larger batteries, which can extend the duration of playtime to up to 95 hours (Edifier W830BT). This is more than twice the maximum battery life of the most reliable on-ear headphones and makes over-ear headphones the clear winner in this aspect.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with earcups that are large and completely surround the ears provide the most complete noise reduction that keeps outside sound out and your music inside. These headphones are popular with commuters, musicians, and people who enjoy music in noisy environments. They also tend to have the most active noise cancellation although this feature isn't always enabled by default.
Over-ear headphones are larger than the on-ear headphones and are more bulky for storage, but they're typically lighter for long listening sessions and are easy to fold up to make room in your backpack or bag. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can create uncomfortable pressure on the ears during prolonged wear. Most 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 ear. They don't have the same passive noise isolation as headphones for over-ears, but their cushioned padding can't effectively seal the ears as they do with over-ear models. While this can be an issue, it doesn't prevent them from being able to minimize the low-frequency ambient noises like the noise of an airplane engine or a seatmate's animated conversation.
A significant amount of background sound can still pass 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.
In general the sound quality of headphones that are over-ear is superior to those on-ear headsets but this may vary dramatically based on the manufacturer and model. There are many over-ear headphones under $200 that offer excellent audio quality as well as active and passive over ear headphones noise cancelling noise reduction. There are also higher-end models that provide outstanding sound isolation as well as active and passive noise reduction.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones have larger ear cups that wrap around the ears, which means they are more comfortable than on-ears. However, they do tend to be heavier. The best headphones for over-ears come with well-padded headbands and breathable earpads to spread the weight evenly across your head. This reduces the pressure on your ears which can lead to an increase in ear fatigue within just a few hours.
They also have a more closed-back design, which could help them block out outside noise better. They are a good option for listening to music in noisy environments. However, they could be more susceptible to sound leakage than ear headphones and disturb others. Certain over-ear headphones come with ANC features that can cost more than on-ear models.
The portability of a headset refers to its ability to be carried. This is a matter of the amount of space they take up when folded and the carrying options that come with the. On-ear headphones are the most compact headphone option as they fold up and take up much less space in a bag than headphones with over-ears. On-ear headphones can also be worn over the ears, instead of covering them. This is a great option for people wearing glasses and less disruptive than the over-ear headphones. They still exert pressure on your earlobes, and can cause discomfort after a couple of hours.
Over-ears are the smallest of the three types of headphone However, there's an abundance of wireless models that are made to be used in the field. A lot of them are designed to fold up and fit in a pouch or case, but they'll still be heavier than on-ear models.
Your choice of headphones will be dependent on the type of media that you listen to. Stereo music is fine with either type of headphones, however video game players who depend on audio signals may prefer to wear headphones with over-ears so they can be aware of what's happening in front of them. The same is true for those who commute and travel who may choose to use over-ear headphones due to their noise cancellation capabilities. They may cost a little more than the on-ear models, but the increased functionality is worth it for some people.
Battery Life
There are a variety of factors you should consider when choosing the right headphones for you. These include your preferred listening style, whether you want active noise cancellation or not, and how much portability matters to you. The type of headphones that you select will also impact the quality of audio and ease of wearing them.
In general, over-ear headphones have a better battery life than on-ear models. This is due to the fact that they have larger ear cups that can accommodate larger batteries. Features like active noise cancelation can quickly drain the batteries. If you're going to be using them for extended listening sessions, it could be beneficial to purchase a pair with a larger battery or one that lets you remove ANC.
Most on-ear headphones can offer up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is more than double the time of over-ear headphones, but it's contingent on the volume of your music as well as whether you are using the other features.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a fantastic example of a high-end pair of headphones that can be worn over the ear. These headphones boast some of the highest audio quality available. In addition to providing premium audio, the XM4s come loaded with a range of advanced features. These include DSEE-upscaling of mediocre quality music files multipoint pairing, as well as adaptive sound cancellation.
The Focal Bathys Wireless are another excellent choice for audiophiles looking to improve their listening experience. These headphones have a lot of bass, which means they 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 match any music genre.
There are also budget-friendly over-ears for less than $50. They are usually smaller and light than their higher-end counterparts, which is useful if you frequently travel with them. They are usually foldable and come with a carrying case which makes them easier to transport.