Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The fit and seal around your ears is the most important feature. This is passive noise reduction/isolation.
Over-ear headphones usually seal in the more effectively than on-ear models and are recommended for listeners in loud environments or who prefer audiophile quality sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones typically sound the best, as they have larger drivers that deliver high-quality audio with a wide frequency response. They also have the potential to cut down on noise from outside due to their large ear cups that protect your ears, which is a major benefit in noisy environments like trains and offices.
They are the most comfortable as they don't force your earlobes. They can be padded with memory foam for additional comfort during long listening sessions. These headphones are often made for athletes, since they stay in place in gym and trail exercises. They also can endure sweat without sliding off the head.
The size of the earcups could affect the amount they enclose your ears too. Over-ear headphones with closed earcups are typically the most successful in terms of sound leakage protection, but this isn't the case with all models. On-ear headphones with open earcups are less effective in this regard and can be a bit loud in public environments when you have to listen to music for long durations.
In comparison to headphones on the ear, over-ear models are typically more expensive and are generally heavier. They are more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but they also work well for long listening sessions at home or at work.
On-ear headphones are becoming popular due to their accessibility and affordable prices. They can be found in every electronic store, and they come in a variety of styles and colors. Many are designed for portable use, with earphones that fold and small cases so that you can easily pack them in your backpack or bag to travel with.
In general, on-ear headphones have better battery life than models with over-ears, with some of them providing up to 40 hours of playtime. However the larger earcups of over-ear headphones allow for more room for bigger batteries, which can extend the total duration to up to 95 hours (Edifier W830BT). Over-ear headphones come with batteries that last more than double that of on-ear models.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones that feature large ear cups and fully enclose the ears offer the most effective noise isolation. This keeps outside audio out, while keeping your music inside. This is why they are so popular with music industry professionals commuters, commuters and people who listen to music in noisy environments. They also tend to feature the most active noise cancelling although this feature isn't always turned on by default.
Over-ear headphones weigh more than headsets with on-ears, but they are lighter and easier to fold to make space. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can put pressure on your ears during long wear. Most premium headphones have thick padding and memory foam, making them even more pleasant to wear for long periods in a row.
On ear (supraaural) headphones rest on top of your ears and don't provide as much passive noise isolation however, their cushioned pads generally can't properly protect the ears as over-ear models do. While this can be an issue, it shouldn't prevent them from being able to block out the acoustic background noises that are low-frequency, including the sound of an airplane engine or a seatmate's animated conversation.
A substantial amount of background noise may still be able seep through the headphones' seal, especially high-frequency sounds, such as vocals or drums. On-ear headphones must increase the volume to compensate for the noise, which can result in hearing loss over time.
Over-ear headphones generally have superior sound quality than on-ear headsets. However, this could differ based on the brand or model. There are many top-quality headphones for under $200 that are excellent in every area as well as more expensive models with excellent passive and active noise isolation and exceptional audio quality.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable as they have ear cups that are larger. However, they tend to be heavier. The best headphones for over-ears come with comfortable headbands with padded earpads and breathable headbands to spread the weight evenly across your head. This helps reduce the pressure on your earlobes, which can result in the ear becoming fatigued after a short period of time.
The closed-back design can aid in reducing outside noise. This makes them a good choice for listening in noisy environments, however they might be more susceptible to sound leakage than on-ear headphones and may be disruptive to other users. Some over-ear headphones come with ANC features, which could make them more expensive than on-ear models.
Portability refers the extent to which headphones can be carried. This is based on how much space they consume when folded and if there are any options for carrying. On-ear headphones are the most convenient headphones as they fold down and take up a lot less space than headphones with over-ears. Many on-ear headphones also sit on top of your ears rather than covering them, which can be a good fit for people with glasses. They are also less invasive than headphones with over-ears. They'll still put pressure on your ears, and they may cause discomfort after a few hours.
Over-ears aren't the most portable of the three types, but there is an abundance of wireless models that are made to be used in the field. These headphones can fold in order to fit into the pouch or case however they'll be larger than on-ear models.
Your choice of headphones will be influenced by the type of media that you listen to. Stereo music that is standard will be fine on great over ear headphones either type, but people who play games that rely on audio cues will require headphones that are over-ear to ensure they can hear the sounds in front of them. The same is true for travelers and commuters, who might choose over-ear headphones because of their noise cancellation capabilities. This might cost a bit more than the on-ear models but the additional capability is worth it for some people.
Battery Life
There are many factors that you must take into consideration when selecting the right headphones for yourself. You should think about your preferences for listening as well as whether or not you want active noise cancellation, and how important portability is to you. The type of headphones you select also impact the quality of your audio and how they feel 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 accommodate larger batteries. Features such as active noise cancellation can quickly drain the batteries. If you intend to use them for long listening sessions, you may be interested in an option with more power or that allows you to disable ANC.
The majority of on-ear headphones offer up to 40 hours of playtime on one charge. This is more than double the time of over-ear ones, but it's dependent on the volume of your music and whether you're using other features.
For a fantastic example of top-quality over-ear headphones take a look at the Sony WH-1000XM4. These headphones have some of the finest audio quality that is available. The XM4s provide top-quality audio and a host of cutting-edge features. They include DSEE-upscaling of low quality music files, multipoint pairing and adaptive cancellation of sound.
The Focal Bathys Wireless are a fantastic choice for audiophiles looking to upgrade their everyday listening experience. These headphones are full of bass, meaning that they are able to deliver plenty of thump and punch for rock and dance music. The headphones also come with an excellent app that lets you adjust the equalizer to fit any genre of music.
There are also budget over-ears for 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. Often they fold and come with a carry case that makes them more convenient to transport.