Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important feature of a headphone is the way they fit and seal around the ears to block out external noise. This is passive noise reduction/isolation.
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable in the ear than models that are on-ear. They are recommended for people who are in noisy environments or enjoy audiophile quality sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones often sound the best because they utilize larger drivers to deliver high resolution audio with a broad frequency response. They also have the capacity to cut down on noise from outside due to their large ear cups which cover your ears which is a major benefit in noisy places like trains and offices.
They are the most comfortable as they don't press on your earlobes. They can also be padded with memory foam to offer additional comfort when listening for long periods of time. They're usually designed with athletes in mind, too, since they are able to stay in place on the trail or during gym exercises and can withstand excess sweat without sliding off your head.
The size of the earcups could affect the amount they seal your ears, too. Over-ear headphones that have closed earcups tend to be the most effective in preventing sound leakage, but not all models are like this. On-ear headphones with open earcups do not perform as well in this regard. They may also be too loud for public areas when you play music for a long time.
As compared to on-ear headphones over-ear models are usually more expensive and tend to be heavier. They are more comfortable than on-ear headphones, however they are also ideal for long listening sessions at home, or in the workplace.
On-ear headphones have become very popular due to their availability and low prices. They're easy to find in any electronic store and are available in a range of styles and colors to suit your tastes. Many are portable, with the ability to fold earcups and compact cases that can be easily stuffed into bags or backpacks.
On-ear headphones generally have longer battery lives than models that have over-ears. Some of them offer up to 40 hours. However the larger earcups on over-ear headphones make 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 nearly double that of the best on-ear models.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with ear cups large enough to fully encase the ears provide the most complete noise reduction that keeps outside sound out and your music inside. These headphones are a favorite among commuters, musicians, and people who listen to music while in noisy environments. These headphones are known to have the most effective noise cancellation, though this feature isn't often available by default.
Over-ear headphones are bulkier than on-ear headphones, however they are lighter and more compact to make space. They're also more comfortable than earbuds, which can cause uncomfortable pressure on the ears during prolonged wear. A majority of premium headphones come with thick padding and memory foam, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
On ear (supraaural) headphones sit on top of the ears and do not provide as much passive noise isolation however, their cushioned pads typically don't have the ability to properly close the ear canals like over-ear models do. While this can be an issue, it shouldn't prevent them from being able of reducing various low-frequency ambient sounds such as the hum of an aircraft engine or your friend's animated conversation.
However, a substantial amount of background noise may still be able to penetrate the headphone seal, especially for high-frequency sounds such as drums or vocals. On-ear headphones can cause hearing loss for those who wear them.
In general, the sound quality on headphones that are over-ear is superior to that of on-ear headsets however, this can differ greatly based on the brand and model. There are plenty of headphones for over-ear use priced under $200 that provide excellent audio quality as well as active and passive noise reduction. You can also find more expensive models that offer excellent sound isolation and passive and active noise reduction.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones have larger ear cups that wrap around the ears, and therefore are more comfortable than on-ears. However, they tend to weigh more. The best headphones for over-ears come with comfortable headbands with padded earpads and breathable headbands to spread the weight evenly over your head. This reduces pressure on your ears, which can lead to the ear to fatigue after just a few hours.
The closed-back design can also aid in reducing outside noise. They are a great choice for listening to music in noisy environments. However, they could let sound out more than the ear headphones and cause disturbance to others. Some over-ear headphones have ANC features which could make them more expensive than models with on-ear headphones.
The portability of a headset is a reference to its portability. This is based on how much space they take up when folded and if there are any carrying options. On-ear headphones are the most portable headphone option since they fold down and take up much less space in bags than over-ear headphones. On-ear headphones can be worn over the ears instead of covering them. This is a great option for people who wear glasses and are less pervasive than headphones with over-ears. However, they do apply some pressure on the ears and may cause discomfort after an hour or two of wear.
Over-ears aren't the most portable of the three types, but there is an array of wireless models designed to be used on the go. These headphones can be folded up to fit in bags or cases however they'll be larger than on-ear models.
The nature of the media that you listen to can determine your choice of headphones. Stereo music is compatible with either type of headphones, however gamers who depend on audio cues might require over-ear headphones so that they can be aware of what's happening in front of them. The same is true for commuters and travellers, who might choose over-ear headphones due to their noise cancellation capabilities. They may cost a little more than on-ear headphones but the additional capabilities are worth it for certain users.
Battery Life
When it comes to selecting the best headphones for you, there are a variety of aspects to consider. You must consider your preferred style of listening as well as whether or not you want active noise cancelation and how important portability is for you. The type of headphones you choose will also affect the quality of audio and comfort when wearing them.
In general, over-ear headphones have a longer battery headphones over ear life than on-ear models. This is because they have larger ear cups that can hold larger batteries. Features such as active noise cancellation can drain the batteries quickly. If you're going to be using them for extended listening sessions, it might be a good idea to purchase an item that has a stronger battery or one that lets you turn off ANC.
Most on-ear headphones offer up to 40 minutes of time of play per charge. This is more than twice the length of over-ear ones, but it will depend on the volume of your music and whether you are using the other features.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is an excellent example of a high-end pair of headphones that can be worn over the ear. These headphones have some of the best audio quality that are available. In addition to offering premium audio, the XM4s come loaded with a range of cutting-edge features. This includes DSEE-upscaling for low quality music files multipoint pairing, as well as adaptive cancellation of sound.
Focal Bathys wireless headphones are an excellent option for audiophiles looking to enhance their listening experience. These headphones have a lot of bass, and are able to provide a great bass for dance and rock. They also have an excellent app that lets you alter the equalizer to suit any genre of music.
There are also budget over-ears that are priced less than $50. These are typically more compact and light than their higher-end counterparts, which can be useful if you frequently travel with them. They are usually folded and come with a carry case making them easy to transport.