Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones

The best headphones for commuting and working usually feature over-ear designs. They are great for low-frequency noise cancellation and are less likely to leak sound which could disturb people who are around you.

These headphones also come with larger ear cups which surround your ears completely, which can help with active noise cancellation. However, they tend to be larger and heavier than the on-ear models and can be more expensive because of this.

Sound

When it comes to the sound quality, headphones that are over-ear generally provide the best experience. They can block out ambient noise because of their larger earcups. The larger size driver that is typically included with this headphone, lets you to listen to music with more distinct bass.

They are also more comfortable, as their padded ears cover more of your ears. This means you can listen to podcasts or music for longer durations. Some over-ear headphones can even fold down to a smaller size for easy storage.

Some models include touch controls and gestures. These features may not be a deal breaker for all buyers. They might also require additional hardware like a phone.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is an option that a lot of over-ear headphones provide. This reduces the impact that ambient sound can have on your audio performance. This is useful when listening to music on the go and need to block out distracting background noise. Some ANC models have a transparency feature that allows you to hear sounds around you.

Over-ear headphones tend to be more expensive than in-ear or on-Ear over headphones models. However, they typically include advanced features like active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio. For instance the Focal Bathys Wireless are a great choice for both casual use and critical listening with a natural sound and plenty of details. They also come with a dedicated DAC mode that can handle high-res audio via USB.

Other over-ear headphones come with an in-line microphone for hands-free calls. This is a welcome addition for those who plan to use them for phone conversations. Some have a built-in rechargeable battery to allow wireless listening without an external source of power. These headphones will likely have less battery life than headphones that use a cable connection.

Comfort

Over-ear headphones are more comfortable than traditional on-ear models because the ear cups surround your ears completely. You'll be able to hear less ambient sound which is ideal for noisy environments and public transportation. Since they do not rest on your ears, over-ears can be more comfortable for long listening sessions as well.

Over-ear headphones feature larger drivers than on-ears. This enables them to offer a wider spectrum of frequencies. They can reproduce bass notes with greater impact and depth than headphones on ear, while also handling the treble notes with greater precision. Many over-ear headphones have a companion app that allows you to adjust the sound to suit your preferences by using graphic EQ settings.

Another benefit of the larger earcups is that they help to create a tight seal around your ears, which makes passive noise cancellation (PNC) a more effective option than on-ear headphones. On-ear headphones can still be used to block out noise, however they are much less effective. They also can only function at higher volume levels.

Some over-ear headphones can even come with ANC with different settings to adapt the performance to your surroundings, such as outdoors at home, in the office, or on the plane. This is a great feature for travelers and commuters who want to get the best performance of their headphones without having to play around with buttons or manually adjust settings in an application.

Focal Bathys are among our favorite wireless over ear and on ear headphones-ear headphones. They're designed for ear over headphones audiophiles with a passion for high-resolution music. They feature an DAC mode for USB-C that supports hi-res playback at up to 21bit/192kHz, and can be changed between indoor, outdoor, and transit modes to help keep out any sounds in a noisy environment.

On-ear headphones can be a good alternative to over-ear headphones for some users. On-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear when running or exercising. They also take up less space in your bag. Additionally, the ear cups of these models are designed to fit snugly into your ears, which can be more comfortable during strenuous activity.

Noise Cancellation

A good pair of headphones can enhance your listening experience however, a good pair of headphones will bring it to a new level by creating a gorgeous sound barrier between you and your surroundings. This means that a good pair of headphones that block out noise can make even a long commute or a busy office more enjoyable experience.

Headphones that have active noise cancellation (ANC) use built-in microphones to detect external sounds, then create a mirror image of the sound and block it out. You can adjust this ANC intensity through a dedicated application or a physical switch on the headset. Most headsets come with 10 levels of intensity, and three "favorite settings" that can be programmed using the connected device.

To make noise cancellation work, you'll need a bit of separation from the world; this generally calls for earbuds that are sealed tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that completely cover your earlobes. No matter what style you choose you'll need to be careful when you try on a pair to make sure that they fit comfortably, as even an innocent movement could cause them to fall off balance and let in ambient noise even if it's just the sound of refrigerators in the vicinity.

There are many headphones that support ANC. For instance, Monoprice BT-600ANC is a pair of light, affordable headphones with an adequate amount of ANC. They also include audio codecs to playback high-quality sound. They also come with a sturdy carry case and a long battery life that will be enough for the majority of work and commute needs.

At higher prices, you'll find top ANC options such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH-CH720N. Both are comfortable to wear and have features such as an automated voice assistant as well as support for high-res audio and phones powered by Android. The most recent model we've reviewed is the Sony WH-CH720N spring 2023 issue that boasts the top ANC and is available at a the most affordable price.

For phone calls and video meetings, it's important to ensure that your headphones have a decent quality microphone, too. Most over-ear headphones use internal microphones for this, but you'll often be able to change to a headset mic on certain models. This allows you to chat with your coworkers, or present a presentation in front of your team without having to raise your hands or interrupt anyone else.

Design

Over-ear headphones are more spacious than earbuds, and provide more 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 of your most loved music tracks.

Over-ear headphones can provide a more stable and comfortable fit, and usually offer greater battery life than smaller models. Moreover, they're usually less bulky and are more convenient to put in your bag to listen on the go when you travel throughout your day. Our selection of models includes a variety of models that will help you get back to your work and face the day.

A majority of our top picks for over-ear headphones are Bluetooth-equipped to offer wireless comfort. They also come with a carry bag so you can bring them with you wherever you go without having to worry about tangled cords or running out of battery. These headphones are stylish and elegant, making them ideal for work or for use on the go. Some of our picks have a distinct designer look and are characterized by a sleek, stylish colour palette, and sleek leather and metal finishes.

If you're looking to purchase a top-of-the-line pair of headphones for over-ears, our top pick is the Sennheiser Momentum 4. The headphones are made of premium materials and include a number of smart features that will allow you to maximize your music experience. They'll make your next listening session a breeze, with automated audio controls and smart ambient awareness.

If you're looking for Ear over headphones a less expensive option, consider the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 headphones. They are comfortable and can provide an impressive 44 hours of continuous use with a single charge. They also feature a DAC setting that supports hi-res sound to create a crisp wide soundstage that is detailed with instrument separation.

If you prefer, look into the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. These headphones are ideal for use on the go. They have a lightweight ergonomic design that provides a snug fit and impressive noise cancellation. They also have a battery life of up to 24 hours per charge. They also come with a built in microphone to take calls on the move.