Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones
The best headphones for commuting and working generally have over-ear designs. They are great at low-frequency noise reduction and are less likely to leak sound that could disturb other people.
They also come with larger ear cups that completely cover your ears, which can enhance active noise cancellation. However, they tend to be larger and heavier than models that are on-ear and may cost more due to this.
Sound
Over-ear headphones are the best in terms of sound. They can reduce ambient noise because of their larger earcups. This, in conjunction with the larger size of the driver that typically comes with this type of headphone allows you to enjoy music with a more prominent bass and a wider soundstage.
They are also more comfortable as their cushioned ears cover more of your ears. This means you can listen to podcasts or music for longer periods of time. Some over-ear headsets can be folded down into a compact size to make storage simpler.
Most over-ear headphones come with physical control buttons that are located on either or both of the earcups. some models adding touch controls and gesture support. While these features won't be a problem for certain buyers but they may not be for everyone and might require additional equipment such as smartphones.
Many over-ear headphones come with active noise cancellation (ANC) which helps to reduce the impact of surrounding sound on your audio performance. This is helpful when you want to block out distracting background noise while listening to music. Certain ANC models have a transparency feature that lets you hear sounds in your surroundings.
Over-ear headphones are generally more expensive than on-ear or in-ear models. However, they often have advanced features, such as active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio support. For instance the Focal Bathys Wireless are a great choice for casual and critical listening with a natural, warm tone and lots of detail. They also come with an exclusive DAC to support high-res music over USB.
Other over-ear headphones have an in-line microphone to allow hands-free calls, which is a nice feature if you plan to use them for phone conversations. Some even have a built-in rechargeable battery that allows wireless listening without an external source of power. These headphones are likely to have less battery life than those that use a cable connection.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable than on-ear models because the ear cups completely cover your ears. You'll be able hear less background noise which is ideal for public spaces and noisy transportation. Over-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear for long listening sessions since they don't sit directly on your ears.
Over-ear headphones have bigger drivers than on-ears in general. This enables them to provide a greater spectrum of frequencies. They can reproduce bass notes with more punch and depth than headphones on ear, while also handling the treble notes with greater precision. Many over-ear headphones also have an app companion that lets you adjust the sound to your preferences, by using graphic EQ settings and presets.
Another benefit of larger earcups is the fact that they help to create a tight seal around your ears, which makes passive noise cancellation (PNC) an even more efficient alternative to on-ear headphones. While on-ear headsets can block out noise, they're less effective and usually only works at higher volumes.
Some over-ear headphones come with ANC in different modes that can be adapted to your specific environment. For example you can opt to adjust the sound to outdoor, at home or even on the plane. This is a fantastic feature for travelers and commuters looking to maximize the performance of their headphones, without having to manually tweak settings on an app or play around with the buttons on the headphones themselves.
Focal Bathys are over ear beats headphones among our top wireless over-ear headphones. They're targeted at audiophiles who love high-resolution music. The Focal Bathys come with a USB-C DAC that allows high-res music playback of up to 21bit/192kHz. They can also switch between outdoor and indoor modes to block out noise in a loud environment.
While headphones with over-ears are a great option for the majority of users but there are instances when on-ear headphones might be better suited. For example, if you intend to listen while exercising or running in the gym, then on-ears could be more comfortable during sports. Additionally, they'll fold up to take up less space in your bag. They also come with Ear cups that fit comfortably inside your ear. This will help you feel more secure while doing strenuous activity.
Noise Cancellation
A good pair of headphones can enhance your listening experience however, a good pair of headphones will elevate it to the next level by creating a beautiful sound barrier between you and your surroundings. So, a pair of noise-canceling headphones will make even a crowded commute or a busy office more enjoyable experience.
Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) use built-in microphones to detect external sounds, and then create a mirror image of that sound and block it out. You can adjust this ANC intensity through a dedicated application or a physical switch on the headset. Most headsets come with 10 levels of sensitivity, and three "favorite settings" which can be programmed via a paired device.
For noise cancelling to work it will require a little bit of separation from the world. This typically requires either earbuds that fit tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that fully enclose your earlobes. You'll want to make sure that the headphones are comfortable when you try them on. Any slight movement could cause them to go out of alignment and allow ambient noise to enter, even when there's a refrigerator nearby.
You can find a number of different pairs with ANC capabilities; for example Monoprice's BT600ANC headphones. They are lightweight, affordable and have a decent amount of ANC and audio codec support to provide high-quality playback. They also come with a robust carry case as well as an extended battery life that is sufficient for most commuting and working requirements.
At higher prices, you'll find top ANC options like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH-CH720N. Both are comfortable to wear and come with features like an automated voice assistant as well as support for high-res audio, and Android-powered phones. The most recent model we've reviewed is the Sony WH-CH720N issue for spring 2023, which boasts the best ANC and is priced at a an affordable price.
You'll want to make sure that your headphones have an adequate microphone for video conferences and phone calls. The majority of over-ear headphones utilize internal microphones for this purpose However, you'll usually have the option to switch to a headset mic on some models. This allows you to converse with colleagues or give presentations to your team without interrupting everyone else.
Design
In comparison to earbuds over-ear headphones are able to encapsulate your ears and create a wider soundstage that is more encompassing and deliver better bass. This is due to the larger driver design, with more space and ear cup, which allows audio waves to communicate more naturally with your pinna in order to recreate the soundstage of your favorite music tracks.
Over-ear headphones also tend to offer a more secure fitting, comfortable fit and generally offer greater battery life than smaller models. They are also lighter and are easier to put in a bag to listen when on the move. Our selection includes a range of models that will allow you to get back to your job and tackle the day.
A majority of our top picks for headphones with over-ears are Bluetooth-enabled to offer wireless convenience. They also come with a carry bag so you can bring them anywhere you go, without worrying about tangled cords or running low on battery. They also sport a sleek, elegant design that make them a perfect option for work or when you're out and out and about. Some of our picks even have extra designer flair with a chic, sleek color scheme or sleek leather and steel finishes.
If you're looking for a premium pair of headphones that can be worn over the ear our top recommendation is the Sennheiser Momentum 4. These headphones are constructed with premium materials, and include a number of smart features that will help you maximize your music experience. From automated audio controls to smart ambient awareness that will make your next listen-in effortless.
For a cheaper option, check out the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 headphones. These are comfortable and boast an impressive 44 hours of uninterrupted playtime on one charge. They also feature an DAC setting that supports hi-res sound, which creates a clear large soundstage, with a clear separation of instruments.
The Sony WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony. These are an excellent choice for use on the go and come with an ergonomic, lightweight design that provides a snug fit, outstanding noise cancellation and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge. They also have a built in microphone to make calls while on the move.