Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important aspect 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 are more comfortable in the ear than models that are on-ear. They are recommended for those who are in noisy environments or prefer audiophile sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones often sound the best, since they use larger drivers to provide high-quality audio with a wide frequency response. The large ear cups can also help reduce outside noise which is a huge benefit in noisy environments such as trains and offices.
They are the most comfortable as they don't press on your ears. They can be filled with memory foam to provide extra comfort when listening for long periods of time. They're often designed with sportspeople in mind, too, since they are able to stay in place during trail runs or gym exercises and can keep up with sweat without sliding off your head.
The size of the earcups can determine how well they seal your ears, too. Over-ear headphones with earcups closed are usually the most successful in terms of sound leakage protection, but this isn't the case with all models. On-ear headphones with earcups that are open are less effective in this regard and may be quite loud in public environments if you need to listen to music for long 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 headphones on ear however, and are ideal for listening for long periods at work or at home.
On-ear headphones are extremely popular because of their broad availability and cheap pricing. You can find them at any electronic retailer and are available in a variety of styles and colors. Many are portable, with small cases or earcups that fold up that can be easily stuffed into a backpack or bag.
In general, headphones that are on-ear have better battery life than models with over-ears and some offering up to 40 hours of time to play. The larger earcups on over-ear headphones can hold larger batteries, which can increase the total duration up to 95 hours. (EdifierW830BT). This is more than twice the maximum battery life of the most reliable on-ear headphones, making over-ear headphones the clear winner for this feature.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with large ear cups that completely encase your ears offer the most effective noise isolation which keeps outside noise out and your music in. This is why they are so popular among professionals in the music industry commuters, commuters, and people who listen to music in noisy environments. They also feature the most active noise cancellation, though this feature isn't always on by default.
Over-ear headphones are heavier than on-ear headphones, however they're lighter and more compact to reduce space. They're also more comfortable than earbuds which can put pressure on your ears during prolonged wear. Many premium headphones feature thick padding and memory foam, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods on end.
On ear (supraaural) headphones sit on top of the ears and don't offer as much noise-isolation However, their cushioned padding generally can't properly seal the ears like over-ear models do. While this is an issue, it shouldn't hinder them from being able to block out various low-frequency ambient sounds such as the hum of an aircraft engine or your friend's animated conversation.
However, a significant amount of background noise could be able to seep through the headphone seal, especially for high-frequency sounds, such as drums or vocals. Wearers of on-ear headphones will have to increase the volume to compensate for the noise, which could result in hearing loss over time.
In general the sound quality of over-ear headphones is better than those on-ear headsets however, this can differ greatly based on the brand and model. There are many great over-ear headphones for under $200 that are very good in all areas as well as more expensive models that have outstanding active and passive noise isolation and exceptional sound quality.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable because they have ear cups that are larger. They are heavier, but they tend to be more comfortable. The top headphones for over-ear use comfortable earpads that are padded and breathable to distribute the weight evenly across your head. This eases pressure on your ears, which can cause ear fatigue within a few hours.
The closed-back design can aid in reducing outside noise. This makes them a great choice for listening in noisy environments, but they may be more susceptible to sound leakage than on-ear headphones and can be disruptive to other users. Certain headphones with over-ears have ANC features, which can make them costlier than on-ear models.
The portability of a headset is a reference to its ability to be carried. This is a matter of the amount of space they take up when folded and any carrying options included with the. On-ear headphones are the most convenient headphone option as they fold up and take up a lot less space in a bag than headphones with over-ears. Many on-ear headphones also sit on the top of your ear instead of covering them, which can be a great choice for people wearing glasses and is less intrusive than over-ear headphones. They still exert pressure on your earlobes, and they can become uncomfortable after a couple of hours.
Over-ear headphones aren't the most portable kind of headphone, however there are plenty of wireless models that are designed to wireless over ear headphones be used on the move. They can be folded in order to fit into the pouch or case, but will still be heavier than models with on-ears.
The kind of music you listen to will also determine your choice of headphones. Stereo music is fine on either type but those who play video games that rely on audio cues will want headphones that are over-ear to ensure they can hear the sounds that are in front of them. The same is true for those who commute and travel who may choose to use over-ear headphones because of their noise cancellation capabilities. The over-ear headphones may cost more than on-ear models, but for some users they are worth it due to their improved capabilities.
Battery Life
There are a variety of factors you need to consider when selecting the right headphones for you. You should think about your preferred style of listening as well as whether or not you want active noise cancellation and how important portability is for you. The type of headphones that you select will also impact the quality of your audio and ease of wearing them.
Over-ear headphones generally have longer battery life than models with on-ears. This is because they have larger ear cups which can hold bigger batteries. Features like active noise cancellation can quickly drain the batteries. If you're going to be using them for extended listening sessions, it might be a good idea to purchase an item with a more powerful battery or one that allows you to disable ANC.
Most on-ear headphones can offer up to 40 hours of playtime on one charge. This is more than double what over-ear headphones can provide, but the difference will depend on your listening volume and whether you're using any of the other features on the headphone.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a great example of a premium pair of headphones that can be worn over the ear. These headphones offer the highest audio quality available. In addition to offering premium sound, the XM4s are packed with a wide range of cutting-edge features. This includes DSEE-upscaling for low quality music files, multipoint pairing and adaptive cancellation of sound.
The Focal Bathys Wireless are another excellent choice for audiophiles looking to upgrade their everyday listening experience. These headphones are loaded with of bass, so they can deliver a lot of thump for rock and dance. They also come with a great app that lets you adjust the equalizer to fit any genre of music.
On the other hand, there are also budget over-ear headphones that can be purchased for less than $50. They are typically smaller and lighter than their higher-end counterparts, which is a benefit for those who travel often. Most of the time they fold and come with a carrying case to make them more convenient to transport.