Choosing Between Over-Ear and On-Ear Headphones
The most important aspect of any headphone is the way they fit and seal around your ears to block out external noise. This is a form of passive noise reduction or isolation.
Over-ear headphones usually seal in the more effectively than on-ear models and are recommended for people in loud environments or who enjoy audiophile-quality sound.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are often the best because they use larger drivers to deliver high resolution audio with a broad frequency response. The ear cups that are large can also help reduce outside noise which is a huge benefit in noisy environments such as trains and offices.
They're generally the most comfortable, since they don't press on your earlobes. They can also be covered with high-end memory foam for added comfort during long listening sessions. They're often designed with sportspeople in mind too, as they're able to remain in place in gym or trail workouts and are able to withstand excess sweat without sliding off your head.
The size of your earcups will also affect how well they are sealed. Over-ear headphones with closed earcups tend to be the most effective in preventing sound leakage, but not all models work like this. On-ear headphones with earcups that are open are less effective in this regard, and they can be quite loud in public environments in the event that you must listen to music for long periods of time.
Compared to on-ear headphones, over-ear models are generally more expensive and are typically heavier. They're more comfortable than headphones on ear however, and are ideal for long listens at home or at work.
On-ear headphones have become very popular due to their accessibility and low prices. They are available in any electronic store and are available in a variety of styles and colors. Many are portable, with foldable earcups or compact cases that can easily be stuffed into bags or backpacks.
In general, on-ear headphones have better battery life than over-ear models with some providing up to 40 hours of playtime. However the larger earcups of over-ear headphones provide more space for larger batteries, which can increase the duration up to 95 hours (Edifier W830BT). Over-ear headphones have a battery life that is nearly double that of the best on-ear models.
Noise Isolation
Over-ear headphones with large ear cups that completely surround the ears provide the most effective noise isolation, which keeps outside audio out and your music in. That's why these headphones are so popular with professionals in the music industry commuters, commuters and people who listen to music in noisy environments. They are able to provide the most effective noise cancellation, though this feature isn't often activated by default.
Over ear headphones are larger than on-ear headsets, and can be bulkier in storage, but they're often lighter for long listening sessions and can easily fold down to fit in your bag or backpack. They are also more comfortable than earbuds, which can cause discomfort to ears when worn for long durations. Most premium headphones have thick padding and memory-foam which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
On-ear (supraaural), or on-top headphones, rest on the ear. They don't provide the same level of noise isolation as headphones for over-ears, but their cushioned padding doesn't be able to seal the ears as effectively as they can with over ear models. This can be a disadvantage however it doesn't hinder them from being able to block out low-frequency sounds such as the hum of a plane engine or your friend talking animatedly.
A substantial amount of background noise may still be able seep through the seal on headphones and headphones, particularly high-frequency sounds such as drums or vocals. On-ear headphones will need to increase the volume to compensate, which could result in hearing loss over time.
Over-ear headphones generally have a superior sound quality than headphones that are on-ear. However, this can differ depending on the manufacturer or model. There are many top-quality headphones for under $200 that sound great in every area as well as higher-end models that offer outstanding active and passive noise isolation and excellent audio quality.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable due to the fact that they have larger ear cups. They are heavier, however they are usually more comfortable. The best over-ear headphone features comfortable earpads that are breathable and well-padded that are able to distribute the weight evenly. This reduces pressure on your ears, which can lead to the ear to fatigue after just a few hours.
They also feature a more closed-back design, which can aid in separating outside noise better. They're a great option for listening to music in noisy environments. However, they could be more susceptible to sound leakage than ear headphones and disturb others. Some headphones with over-ears come with ANC features, which could cost more than on-ear models.
Portability refers the extent to which the headphone can be carried. This is a matter of the amount of space they take up when folded and the carrying options that come with the headphones. On-ear headphones are the most convenient headphones as they fold down and take up a lot less space than over-ear headphones. Many on-ear headphones also sit on the top of your ears instead of covering them which can be a good option for those wearing glasses and is less intrusive than over-ear headphones. They still exert pressure on your earlobes, and they can become uncomfortable after a couple of hours.
Over-ear headphones aren't the smallest portable type of headphone, but there are many wireless models that are designed to be used on the move. These headphones can fold in order to fit into a case or pouch however they'll be more bulky than on-ear models.
Your headphone selection will also be dependent on the type of media that you listen to. Stereo music that is standard will be fine on either type, but people who play games that rely on audio cues will require over-ear headphones to ensure they can hear the sounds in front of them. Over-ear headphones are also a good choice for commuters or travellers who want to reduce the amount of noise. It may cost more than on-ear models, but the increased functionality is worth it for some people.
Battery Life
When it comes to choosing the most suitable headphones for you, there are numerous aspects to consider. You should think about your listening style and whether or not you want active noise cancelation and how important portability is to you. The type of headphones you select will also impact the quality of audio and comfort of wearing them.
Over-ear headphones generally have longer battery life than models that are on-ears. This is because they have larger ear cups that can hold larger batteries. Features like active noise cancelation can cause battery drain quickly. If you're planning on using them for lengthy listening sessions, it may be a good idea to purchase a pair with a more powerful battery or bose over ear headphones one that lets you remove ANC.
The majority of headphones on the market can provide up to 40 hours of playtime on one charge. This is more than twice the length of over-ear headphones, but it's contingent on the volume of your music and whether you are using the other features.
The Sony WH1000XM4 is a great example of a top-quality pair of over-ear headphones. These headphones have some of the highest quality audio that are available. The XM4s provide premium sound and a range of cutting-edge features. They include DSEE-upscaling of low quality music files multipoint pairing, as well as adaptive cancellation of sound.
The Focal Bathys Wireless are a great option for audiophiles who want to enhance their listening experience. These headphones are full of bass, meaning they can deliver plenty of thump and punch for dance and rock music. They also come with an excellent app that lets you adjust the equalizer to any music genre.
On the other side, there are budget over-ear headphones that can be purchased for less than $50. These headphones are usually smaller and lighter than their high-end counterparts, which can be useful when you travel frequently. These headphones are often foldable and come with a carrying case making them easy to carry around.