Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over-ear headphones create a physical barrier against external sounds by sealing your ears. The best models come with massive soundstages, and audiophile features.

Over-ear headphones tend to be larger and bulkier than earbuds, but they can fold down and come with a carrying case to make it easier to carry. They may have longer battery life and provide superior noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

While the earbuds are great for portability and convenience over-ear headphones have superior sound quality and often come with noise cancelling technology which makes them ideal for listening on public transport or at the office. For many people this is a major issue and over-ear headphones are the preferred option.

The larger size of over-ear headphones allows them to have much bigger drivers than earbuds, which results in better audio quality and better sound reproduction. This is especially true at lower frequencies, where headphones provide more power and richer bass than earbuds.

Over-ear headphones block out the outside noises, creating a more immersive experience. The soundproofing capabilities of headphones can be improved by using active noise cancellation, which works by emitting reversed noise that reduces external sounds. Most over-ear wireless headphones with ANC have multiple modes that let you choose the volume or level at which you want to listen.

The open-back design is yet another thing that differentiates over-ear headphones from earbuds. This lets the sound out of the ear cups and interact with the environment and enhance immersion. It's not something you'll find in every pair over-ear headphones, but those that do have it generally have a wider and more expansive soundstage to listen to your music.

Master & dynamic headphones, including their MW75 model, which debuted in June. The combination of leather, aluminum and tempered glasses make them look classy. The MW75 also features a range of ANC modes to suit different environments and improved battery life.

Focal's debut over-ear headphones are a different model with an open-back design. They feature a wide soundstage to complement their music-centric features. Their default sound profile is deep in bass and full of thump and a punch to go with EDM and hip-hop. The bass can obscure vocals and instruments, but the graphic EQ available in the companion app lets you alter the sound to your preference. They can also be used with a wired connection in USB-C mode, which can support high-res audio with a maximum of 24bit/192kHz.

Isolation

Sound isolation is a crucial aspect to take into account when selecting headphones. The best headphones for noise reduction are closed-back, over-ear models with large ear cushions that effectively wrap around the ears. These headphones block out the majority of outside sound and offer a secure seal, which helps to reduce background noises like voices or music. Some wireless headphones feature active noise cancellation, which further enhances isolation by removing the background noise without sacrificing audio quality.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro wireless over-ear headphones provide great isolation from sound. They offer excellent noise isolation and are lightweight which makes them a comfortable option for long listening sessions. They have a natural and balanced sound profile with good bass and the treble. The headphones are ideal for studios and include an excellent microphone to make calls.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another great option. These headphones are designed to be comfortable, and feature a pliable fit and soft ear pads which are covered with soft fabric. They also come with a built-in noise-canceling microphone, and are compatible with the majority of smartphones.

They're designed to be an all-rounder with features you won't find on less expensive models. They come with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX support for improved transmission speeds and lower video delay. They're also waterproof, making them a good choice for your next outdoor adventure.

The Sennheiser HD 25 II also comes with a very high level of passive sound reduction that reduces the noise in the surrounding by 20 dB. This is a remarkable amount of reduction that makes it possible to enjoy your favourite songs even in noisy surroundings.

Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable than earbuds. While each user will experience this differently, many users report that earbuds cause discomfort after long listening sessions. Earbuds are also more likely to slide out of your ears and they are frequently covered with ear wax. Over-ear headphones, on other on the other hand, are less likely to cause damage to your hearing and are more close to your eardrums.

Portability

Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for prolonged periods of time because they feature ear cups that are large. Over-ear headphones are also suitable for long flights and commutes because they isolate you from the outside world. Over-ear headphones are typically larger and offer higher quality audio. They also have larger drivers and a greater frequency range.

Headphones come in different styles, sizes and price points to meet different requirements and budgets. Cheap headphones are typically wired and connected via a standard 3.5mm port, whereas more premium models feature bluetooth connectivity as well as a USB DAC for high-quality audio playback, and other features like noise cancellation.

Even sporting headphones that have earpads that washable or breathable and a more secure clamping force will help keep them in place when exercising. For the most portable option, look for headphones that fold into a compact case that can fit comfortably in your jacket or bag pocket.

Some wireless headphones come with built-in microphones that allow you to make calls on your phone or tablet, without having to remove the headphones. This is particularly useful in crowded areas where it can be difficult to hear someone else.

Over-ear headphones are also a good choice for listening podcasts or audiobooks since the earphones block out some background noise. This allows you to listen to them when you are reading or at home.

In our tests, we found that the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones were the best wireless over-ear headphones. They are designed for those who love music. They come with an app companion to the headphones that includes a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to personalize the sound profile. They employ an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution music using apps such as Tidal.

On the flip side there are headphones that are a bit bulky and require some thought before packing them away, especially in a suitcase or backpack. The size and weight of these headphones is sacrificed in exchange for higher quality of audio and the comfort that earbuds can't provide.

Battery Life

The best over-ear headphones have long battery life. They do not have to work as hard to keep your ears cool which means their batteries last longer than the ones in on-ears. Over-ears are ideal for listening moving around regardless of whether you're on the move or just commuting.

These headphones are an excellent choice for students and office workers who need to focus on their work. The Marshall Major IIIs are incredibly light and comfortable to wear. They provide up to 44 hours of continuous playback per charge. They also come with bluetooth headpones multipoint connectivity, which allows them to connect with multiple devices at once.

The Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Headphones that are over-ear Bluetooth headphones, are among the best-rated. They come with a charging case that allows for up to 60 hours playing back. They can also be used to make calls without hands thanks to the built-in microphones. They have intelligent active noise cancellation technology that automatically adjusts audio settings to suit the surroundings and can be activated at the touch of a button. They also have an automatic ear detection that pauses playback when you take off the headphones, and they return to playback automatically when you put them back on.

Other over-ears that have a long battery life include the Focal's first Bluetooth headphones that are the Bathys. These high-end headphones are designed to impress audiophiles, and feature a soundstage that will transport you to a music-filled landscape. They also have a rich feature set and a sophisticated noise cancelling system, and they can last for Bluetooth Headpones up to 34 hours on a single charge.

Over-ears also provide better listening time compared to on-ears thanks to their larger earcups, which can house larger batteries. Some budget models can provide up to 95 hours on one battery charge (EdifierW830BT) which is more than twice the amount you can expect from the top on-ear headphones.

In the end, over-ear bluetooth headpones wireles headphones are the best option for audiophiles looking for a premium, reliable pair that can last them for many years to come. They are also less likely to damage your hearing than in-ear headphones, since they are positioned further from your eardrums. According to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as safe for long listening sessions than in-ear headphones.