Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones
The best headphones for commuting or working generally have over-ear designs. They are great at passive noise reduction, and less likely to leak sound that could disturb others.
These headphones also come with larger ear cups which surround your ears completely, which could aid in active noise cancellation. They weigh more and are larger than headphones on ear and can be more expensive because of this.
Sound
Over-ear headphones are the most effective when it comes to sound. Due to their larger earcups, they better seal around the ears and cut out ambient noise. The larger driver size that is typically included with this headphone, allows you to enjoy music with more distinct bass.
They're also more comfortable than in-ear headphones, thanks to their padded earcups covering a greater portion of your ears. This means you can listen to music or podcasts for longer durations. Some over-ear headphones can even fold down to a smaller size for easy storage.
Some models include gesture controls and touch controls. While these features aren't a major issue for certain buyers but they may not be for everyone and might require additional hardware such as a smartphone.
A lot of over-ear headphones feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which reduces the impact of ambient sound on your audio experience. This is helpful when listening to music on the go and need to block out distracting background noise. Some ANC models come with a transparent feature that lets you listen to sounds in the surrounding.
Over-ear headphones typically have a higher price point than on-ear and in-ear models however, they often come with advanced features, such as active noise cancellation and high-res audio support. Focal Bathys wireless headphones, for example are a great option for casual listening as well as serious listening. They have a natural sound and lots of details. They also have an exclusive DAC to support high-resolution music over USB.
Other headphones for over-ear use come with an in-line microphone for hands-free calls. This is a welcome addition for those who plan to make use of them for phone calls. Some even have a built-in rechargeable battery that allows wireless listening without the need for an external power source. It's worth noting, however, that the battery lifespan of these headphones will likely be less than those with a wired connection.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable than traditional on-ear models due to the fact that the ear cups completely enclose your ears. You'll be able to hear less ambient sound which is ideal for public spaces and noisy transport. Because they do not rest on your ears, over-ears can be more comfortable for long listening sessions as well.
Over-ear headphones have bigger drivers than on-ears in general. This enables them to provide a greater range of frequencies. They can reproduce bass notes with greater punch and depth than on-ear headphones, and are also handling treble notes with greater accuracy. Many over-ear headphones have a companion app which allows you to alter the sound to suit your preferences with graphic EQ settings.
Another benefit of the larger earcups is that they aid to form a seal around your ears, which makes passive noise cancellation (PNC) a more effective option than on-ear headphones. On-ear headphones still have the ability to cancel out noise however they are much less effective. They will also only function at higher volumes.
Some over-ear headphones can even provide ANC with various modes that allow you to adjust the performance to your surroundings, such as outdoors at home, at work, and on the plane. This is a great feature to have for travelers and commuters who want maximize the performance of their headphones, without having to manually adjust settings within an app or mess with the buttons on the headphones themselves.
One of our most loved headphones that are wireless is the Focal Bathys designed for more serious audiophiles who appreciate high-resolution music. They feature an DAC mode for USB-C that supports high-res playback of up to 21bit/192kHz, and can be switched between outdoor, indoor and transit modes to block out sounds when you're in a noisy space.
On-ear headphones are an excellent alternative to headphones with over-ears for certain users. On-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear when running or exercising. They also take up less space in your bag. In addition the ear cups of these models are designed to fit bose over head headphones snugly into your ear, which makes them feel more secure during intense exercise.
Noise Cancellation
A good pair will improve your listening experience. But a great pair will take it to the highest level by creating an acoustic buffer between you and your surroundings. A great pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make a busy commute or work environment more enjoyable.
Headphones that feature active noise cancellation (ANC) make use of the built-in microphones on the headphones to listen for external sounds and create a mirror of those sounds to cancel them out. You can alter the sensitivity of this ANC via a separate app or an actual button on the headset, and many have 10 levels to pick from, in addition to three "favorite" settings that are programmable using a compatible device.
Noise cancelling headphones must be kept away from the world. This is usually achieved through earbuds that seal around your ears, or over-ear headphones that completely surround your ears. You'll want to make sure that the headphones fit comfortably when you put them on. Even a slight wiggle could cause them to slip out of balance, allowing ambient noise to enter, even when the refrigerator is nearby.
There are a variety of different pairs that have ANC capabilities. For instance Monoprice's BT600ANC headphones. They are inexpensive, lightweight and feature a decent level of ANC and audio codec support for high-quality playback. The headphones come with a sturdy carry case and a long battery life, which is enough for most commuters and workers.
In the higher priced ranges you'll find more expensive ANC models like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-CH720N, both of which are comfortable to wear for extended periods and come with features like an automated voice assistant as well as support for high-resolution audio and Android-powered smartphones. The most recent model to join the roundup is the spring 2023-issue Sony WH-CH720N. It boasts some of the best ANC available and is available at an extremely competitive price.
For phone calls and video meetings, it's important to be sure your headphones come with a good quality microphone, too. Certain models let you switch from an internal mic to a headset microphone. This lets you chat with co-workers, or give a presentation in front of your team without having to raise your hands and interrupt everyone other.
Design
Over-ear headphones are more immersive than earbuds and offer superior bass. This is due to the larger driver design, which is more spacious and earcup that allow audio waves to more naturally interact with your pinna to recreate the soundstage from your favourite music tracks.
Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable and offer a longer battery life. They are also less bulky, and easier to store in a bag to listen when on the move. Our selection of models includes a variety of models that will allow you to get back to your work and get ready for the day.
Many of our choices for headphones with over-ears are Bluetooth-enabled to offer wireless convenience. They also come with a carrying bag that allows you to take them with you wherever you go without worrying about tangled cables or running low on battery. They also have a sleek, elegant design that makes them a great choice for the office or out and about. Some of our choices have an extra designer flair and are characterized by an elegant, chic color palette and sleek metal and leather finishes.
If you're looking for premium headphones for over-ears we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 as our top choice. They're made of premium materials and include numerous smart features to ensure you get the most out of your music experience. They'll make your next listening experience a breeze, with automated audio controls and intelligent ambient awareness.
Look into the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 for an alternative that is less expensive. These are comfortable and boast an impressive 44 hours of uninterrupted playtime on a single charge. They also have a DAC mode that can support high-res audio to provide an expansive soundstage that is clear and crisp, with precise instruments and dynamic range.
The Sony WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony. These headphones are ideal for use on the go. They feature a lightweight ergonomic design that offers a snug fit and impressive noise cancellation. They also have the capacity to last up to 24 hours on charge. They also come with an integrated microphone that can make calls on the go.