Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important aspect of a headphone is the way they fit and seal around your ears to block out outside noise. This is called passive noise reduction or isolation.
Over-ear headphones typically seal the ear better than on-ear models and are recommended for listeners in noisy environments or those who enjoy audiophile-quality sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are often the best, since they use larger drivers to deliver high-quality audio with a broad frequency response. The large ear cups can also cut down on outside noise which is a major benefit in noisy environments such as trains and offices.
They're usually the most comfortable because they don't press on your earlobes. They can also be covered with premium memory foam to provide extra comfort during long listening sessions. They're usually designed with athletes in mind too, as they're able to remain in place during trail runs or gym workouts and are able to withstand excess sweat without sliding off your head.
The size of your earcups can affect the way they are sealed. 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 aren't performing as well in this regard. They can also be too loud for public spaces when you play music on a continuous basis.
Compared to on-ear headphones, over-ear models are generally more expensive and tend to be heavier. They're more comfortable than on-ear headphones however, and they're great for listening to long hours at work or at home.
On-ear headphones have become popular because of their availability and low prices. They're easy to find at any electronic store and come in a variety of colors and styles to meet your needs. Many are portable, with small cases or earcups that fold up that can be easily stuffed into backpacks or bags.
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 increase the total duration to up to 95 hours (Edifier W830BT). Over-ear headphones come with a battery life that is nearly double that of the best on-ear models.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with large ear cups that fully cover the ears provide the best noise isolation. This keeps outside audio out while letting your music in. These headphones are a favorite among commuters, music professionals, and people who enjoy music in noisy environments. They are able to provide the highest level of noise cancellation though this feature isn't often activated by default.
Over-ear headphones weigh more than on-ear headphones, however they're lighter and easier to fold to save space. They're also more comfortable than earbuds which can put pressure on the ears during prolonged wear. Most premium headphones have thick padding and memory-foam, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
On-ear (supraaural), or on-top headphones rest on your ears. They don't have the same noise-isolation as over-ear headphones but their cushioned padding isn't able to seal the ears properly like they can with over ear models. This can be a disadvantage, but it doesn't stop them from being able reduce low-frequency sounds such as the hum of a plane engine or your companion talking animatedly.
However, a lot of background noise could be able to pass through the headphone seal, particularly for high-frequency sounds like vocals or drums. Wearers of on-ear headphones will have to increase the volume to compensate, which could cause hearing damage over time.
In general, the sound quality on over-ear headphones is better than those on-ear headsets however, this can differ dramatically based on the manufacturer and model. There are plenty of headphones over ear headphones beats for over-ear use less than $200 that offer superior audio quality, as well as active and passive noise reduction. You can also find more expensive models that offer excellent sound isolation and active and passive noise reduction.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones have larger ear cups that cover the ears, so they are more comfortable than on-ears. However, they tend to be heavier. The top headphones for over-ear use well-padded headbands and breathable earpads to spread the weight evenly across your head. This reduces pressure on your ears, which can lead to the ear to fatigue after a few hours.
The closed-back design may also help to block out outside noise. This makes them an excellent choice for listening in noisy environments, but they might leak sound more than headphones on ear and could be disruptive to other users. Certain over-ear headphones come with ANC features, which can make them costlier than models with on-ear headphones.
Portability refers the extent to which headphones can be carried. This is based on how much space they take up when they are folded and if there are any other options for carrying. On-ear headphones are the most convenient headphone option as they fold up and take up much less space in a bag than headphones with over-ears. A lot of on-ear headphones sit on the top of your ear instead of covering them, which can be a good option for those wearing glasses. They are also less invasive than over-ear headphones. However, they'll apply some pressure on the earlobes, and can become uncomfortable after a couple of hours of wear.
Over-ears are the smallest of the three types of headphone however, there is an array of wireless models designed to be worn in the field. These headphones can fold up to fit into bags or cases however they will be more bulky than on-ear models.
Your headphone selection will also be influenced by the type of music you listen to. Standard stereo music will be good on both types, but people who play games that depend on audio cues will require headphones that are over-ear to ensure they can hear the sound ahead of them. The same goes for commuters and travellers who may choose to use headphones with over-ears due to their noise cancellation capabilities. Over-ear headphones can cost more than on-ear models, but for a few users they are worth the cost due to their improved performance.
Battery Life
There are many factors that you need to consider when selecting the right headphones for yourself. You should think about your preferred style of listening and whether or not you want active noise cancellation, and how important portability is for you. The type of headphones you choose also impact the quality of your audio and how they feel to wear.
In general, over ear headphones have a longer battery life than on-ear models. This is due to the fact that they have larger ear cups, which can accommodate larger batteries. However, features like active noise cancellation can quickly drain the battery. If you plan on using them for extended listening sessions, it may be beneficial to purchase a pair with a larger battery or one that lets you remove 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 headphones, however it will depend on the volume of your music and whether you are using other features.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a fantastic example of a high-end pair of headphones that can be worn over the ear. These headphones offer the highest quality audio on the market. The XM4s have top-quality audio and a host of cutting-edge features. They include DSEE-upscaling of low quality music files multipoint pairing, and adaptive sound cancellation.
Focal Bathys wireless headphones are an excellent option for audiophiles looking to enhance their listening experience. These headphones have a lot of bass, which means they can deliver a lot of thump for rock and dance. The headphones also come with an excellent app that lets you alter the equalizer to fit any genre of music.
On the other side, there are budget over-ear headphones that are available at a price of less than $50. They are typically more compact and lighter than their high-end equivalents, which is useful for those who travel often. These headphones are typically foldable and include a carrying case which makes them easier to carry around.