Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones
The best headphones for commuting or working typically have over-ear designs. They are great for passive noise isolation and are less likely to leak sound, which could disturb people who are around you.
These headphones also have larger ear cups that surround your ears completely, which could help with active noise cancelling. They weigh more and are larger than the on-ear headphones, and may be more expensive because of this.
Sound
In terms of sound quality, over-ear headphones are the most effective experience. They can cut down on ambient noise because of their larger earcups. The larger driver size which is usually provided with the headphone, allows you to listen to music with a more pronounced bass.
They are also more comfortable, as their padded cups cover more of your ears. This allows you to listen to podcasts or music for longer periods of time. Some over-ear headsets can be folded down to an incredibly compact size, making storage easier.
Certain models come with touch controls and gestures. 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 a smartphone.
A lot of over-ear headphones feature active noise cancellation (ANC) which minimizes the impact of sound from around on the audio quality. This is handy when you're listening to music while traveling and need to block out distracting background noise. Certain ANC models have a transparency feature that allows you to hear sounds around you.
Over-ear headphones are generally more expensive than on-ear or in-ear models. However, they typically include advanced features like active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio. For example, the Focal Bathys Wireless are a great option for both casual use and critical listening with a natural, warm tone and plenty of detail. They also come with a dedicated DAC to support high-res music over USB.
Some headphones for over-ear use come with an in-line microphone for hands-free phone calls. This is a great feature if you intend to use them for a phone conversation. Some models even come with a rechargeable battery for wireless listening without the need for an external power source. These headphones will likely have less battery life than headphones that use a cable connection.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones offer more comfort than on-ear models because the ear cups completely cover your ears. You'll be able hear less ambient sound which is ideal for noisy environments and public transport. Over-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear for long listening sessions because they don't place a direct pressure on your ears.
Over-ear headphones have bigger drivers than on-ears. This enables them to offer a wider range of frequencies. This means they are able to reproduce bass more effectively and with more punch than on-ears, and also handle treble notes more accurately. Many over-ear headphones come with a companion application which allows you to alter the sound according to your preferences with graphic EQ settings.
Another benefit of larger earcups is that they help to create a tight seal around your ears, making passive noise cancellation (copyright) a more effective alternative to on-ear headphones. While on-ear headphones are able to block out noise, they're far less effective and typically only works at higher volumes.
Some over-ear headphones offer ANC in different modes that can be adapted to your specific environment. For example you can opt to adjust the sound to outdoor, home or even on the plane. This is a great feature for those who travel and commuters who want get the most out of their headphones, without having to manually adjust settings in an app or mess with the buttons on the headphones themselves.
One of our favorite headphones for wireless over-ears is the Focal Bathys that are designed for those who are serious about audiophiles and appreciate high-resolution music. They feature a USB-C DAC mode that supports hi-res playback at up to 21bit/192kHz. They can be changed between indoor, outdoor, and transit modes to help to block out noise when in a noisy space.
While over-ear headphones are a great option for the majority of users but there are instances when on-ear headphones might be more appropriate. For instance, if you intend to listen during your run or workout, then on-ears may be more comfortable during sports. Additionally, they'll also fold up to make less space in your bag. They also come with Ear cups that fit comfortably in your ears. This will help you feel more secure doing strenuous activity.
Noise Cancellation
A good pair will improve your listening experience. However, a good pair over hear headphones will raise it to a higher level by creating an acoustic buffer between you and the surrounding. That means a great pair of noise-canceling headphones will make even a crowded commute or busy office a more enjoyable experience.
Headphones that have active noise cancellation (ANC) utilize built-in microphones that can detect external sounds, then create a mirror image of the sound and eliminate it. You can adjust the intensity of this ANC via a separate app or a physical button on the headset and many offer 10 levels to choose from, along with three "favorite" settings that can be controlled from a paired device.
To ensure that noise cancelling works, you'll need a bit of isolation from the surrounding world. This usually requires either earbuds that fit tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that completely cover your earlobes. No matter what style you choose it is important to be cautious when putting on a pair to ensure that they fit comfortably, since even a small wiggle could set them off-balance and let in ambient noise even if it's just the hum of refrigerators in the vicinity.
There are a variety of different pairs with ANC capabilities. For instance, Monoprice's BT-600ANC headphones are inexpensive, lightweight and have a decent amount of ANC and audio codec support to provide high-quality playback. They also come with a durable carry case as well as an extended battery life that will be enough for the majority of commuting and working requirements.
In higher price ranges you'll find top ANC options such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or copyright WH-CH720N. Both are comfortable to wear and come with features like an automated voice assistant and support for high-res audio and phones that run Android. The newest model we've reviewed is the copyright WH-CH720N issue for spring 2023, which boasts the best ANC and is priced at a an affordable price.
For video calls and phone meetings, it's important to ensure that your headphones come with a good quality mic as well. Most over-ear headphones have internal microphones However, you'll usually be able to change to a headset microphone on certain models. This lets you communicate with your coworkers or even make presentations to your team without interrupting everyone other.
Design
Over-ear headphones are more spacious than earbuds, and provide superior bass. This is due to the larger driver design, with more space and earcup that allow audio waves to more naturally interact with your pinna to recreate the soundstage of your favorite music tracks.
Over-ear headphones are also known to provide a more stable fitting, comfortable fit and generally have longer battery longevity than their smaller counterparts. They are also lighter, and easier to store in a bag for listening on the go. If you're looking for a premium pair of headphones that provide a rich soundstage or allow you to return to work and get on with your day, there's a variety of models in our selection to pick from.
A majority of our over-ear headphone selections are Bluetooth-enabled to provide wireless convenience. They also come with a carrying case so you can take them with you wherever you go, without having to worry about tangling cords or running out of battery. They also sport a sleek, elegant design that make them a perfect option for your office or when out and out and. Some of our selections have an extra designer flair, with a sleek, stylish colour palette, as well as sleek metal and leather finishes.
If you're looking for a pair of premium headphones for over-ears we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 as our top pick. These headphones are constructed with premium materials, and have a range of intelligent features that can help you get the most out of your music experience. They'll make your next listening session easy, thanks to automated audio controls and smart ambient awareness.
For a cheaper option, check out the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 headphones. They are comfortable and can provide up to 44 hours of continuous usage with a single charge. They also have a DAC setting that allows for high-resolution sound to create a clear, expansive soundstage with detailed instrument separation.
If you prefer, look into the copyright WH-1000XM5 headphones. These are an excellent choice for use on the go. They feature an ergonomic design that is lightweight and light that provides a snug fit, impressive noise cancellation and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge. They also come with an integrated microphone that can make calls on the go.