Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The fit and seal around your ears is the most important thing to consider. This is passive noise reduction/isolation.
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable in the ear than on-ear models. They are recommended for people who listen in noisy environments or enjoy audiophile quality sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are often the most acoustic, since they are able to use larger drivers to deliver high-resolution audio with a wide frequency response. The large ear cups can also reduce outside noise which is a major benefit in noisy places like trains and offices.
They're usually the most comfortable, since they don't press on your earlobes and can be covered with high-end memory foam for added comfort during long listening sessions. They're typically designed with athletes in mind, too, since they're able to remain in place in gym or trail exercises and can withstand excess sweat without slipping off your head.
The size of the earcups could affect the amount they enclose your ears too. Over-ear headphones with closed earcups tend to be the most effective in blocking out sound leakage, but not all models work like this. On-ear headphones with open earcups aren't performing similarly in this regard. They are also too loud for public spaces if you listen to music continuously.
Over-ear headphones are typically more expensive and heavier than headphones on ear. They are more comfortable than on-ear headphones, however they are also great for long listening sessions at home or in the office.
On-ear headphones have become very popular due to their availability and low prices. They can be found at any electronic retailer, and they come 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 over-ear models with some offering up to 40 hours of playing time. However the larger earcups of over-ear headphones allow for more room for bigger batteries, which can boost the duration up to 95 hours (Edifier W830BT). This is more than double the battery life of the top on-ear headphones, which makes over-ear headphones the clear winner for this aspect.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with large ear cups that completely encase your ears offer the best noise isolation that keeps outside sound out and your music inside. That's why these headphones are so popular among professionals in the music industry commuters, commuters and people who listen to music in noisy environments. They also have the most active noise cancelling, though this feature is not always turned on by default.
Over-ear headphones are bigger than the on-ear headphones and can be more bulky in storage, but they're typically lighter for extended listening sessions and can be folded easily to make room in your backpack or bag. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can create uncomfortable pressure on the ears during long wear. Many 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 ears. They don't have the same noise-isolation as headphones for over-ears, but their cushioned padding isn't able to be able to seal the ears as effectively as they do with over-ear models. This could be a disadvantage, but it doesn't stop them from reducing low-frequency sounds, such as the sound of a plane engine or your friend talking animatedly.
A significant amount of background noise could still seep through the seal on headphones and headphones, particularly high-frequency sounds like vocals or drums. On-ear headphones can cause hearing damage to people who wear them.
In general the sound quality of over-ear headphones is better than those on-ear headsets but this may vary greatly based on the brand and model. There are plenty of headphones for over-ear use less than $200 that offer superior audio quality as well as passive and active noise reduction. There are also more expensive models that offer excellent sound isolation and active and passive noise reduction.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones feature larger ear cups that wrap around the ears, so they can be more comfortable than on-ears. They are heavier, but they are usually more comfortable. The best over-ear headphones feature comfortable earpads that are padded and breathable to distribute the weight evenly across your head. This decreases the amount of pressure on your earlobes, which could lead to the ear becoming fatigued after a short period of time.
The closed-back design can also help to block out outside noise. They are a good option for listening to music in noisy environments. However, they could leak sound more than on headphones that are ear-to-ear and can disturb other users. Certain over-ear headphones come with ANC features which can make them costlier than models with on-ear headphones.
The portability of a headphone is a reference to its portability. This includes the amount of space they take up when folded as well as any beats over ear headphones carrying options available with the headphones. On-ear headphones offer the best convenience because they can be folded and take less space in your bag than over-ear headphone. On-ear headphones can be worn over the ears instead of covering them. This is a great choice for people who wear glasses, and is less pervasive than headphones with over-ears. However, they do apply some pressure on the earlobes and can get uncomfortable after a few hours of wearing.
Over-ear headphones aren't the smallest portable type of headphone, but there are a lot of wireless models made for use on the move. These headphones can be folded up to fit into the pouch or case, but will still be larger than on-ear models.
The nature of the media that you listen to can determine your choice of headphones. Stereo music is suitable on any type of headphones however, those who play games that rely on audio cues will want over-ear headphones to ensure they hear the music in front of them. This is also true for travelers and commuters who may opt for headphones with over-ears due to their noise cancellation capabilities. Over-ear headphones can cost more than on-ear models, but for some users, they are worth it because of their increased performance.
Battery Life
There are many aspects you should consider when choosing the right headphones for yourself. Some of these include the style of music you prefer, whether you want active noise cancellation and how much portability is important to you. The type of headphones you select will also affect the quality of your music and how comfortable they are to wear.
Over-ear headphones generally have a longer battery life than models with on-ears. This is because they have larger ear cups that can hold bigger batteries. Features like active noise cancelation can drain the batteries quickly. If you are planning to use them for lengthy listening sessions, you might be interested in the pair with more power or that lets you turn off ANC.
The majority of headphones on the market can provide up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is more than double what headphones that are over-ear can provide, but the difference will depend on the volume you're listening to and the use of the other features on the headphone.
For a fantastic example of top-quality headphones that fit over the ear, look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM4. These headphones have some of the finest audio quality that is available. The XM4s offer high-quality sound and a variety of cutting-edge features. These include DSEE upscaling of music with poor quality files multi-point pairing, and adaptive noise cancellation.
The Focal Bathys Wireless are a great option for audiophiles who want to improve their listening experience. These headphones are rich in bass, which means they are able to deliver plenty of thump and punch for rock and dance music. They also have a great app that lets you alter the equalizer to fit any genre of music.
There are also budget-friendly over-ears for less than $50. They tend to be smaller and lightweight than their high-end counterparts, and can be useful if you frequently travel with them. They are usually folded and come with a carry case making them easy to carry around.