Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over-ear headphones protect your ears and create an invisible barrier between you and external sounds. This gives them an enormous advantage in terms of sound quality, with the best models boasting huge soundstages as well as audiophile-level features.

Over-ear headphones tend to be heavier and bulkier than earbuds, but many fold and come with a carrying case to make it easier to carry. They can have longer battery life and also offer superior noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

Over-ear headphones are a great choice for those who want to listen on public transport or at work. They offer superior sound quality and noise cancellation technology. For many, this is a deal-breaker and over-ear headphones are their preferred choice.

Over-ear headphones have a larger design, allowing them to have a larger driver than earbuds. This results in a higher sound quality and better sound quality. This is especially true at lower frequencies, where headphones provide more power and a deeper bass than earbuds.

Over-ear headphones also shield your ears from the outside noise which makes them an intimate and private experience. Active noise cancellation can boost the soundproofing of over ear headphones by emitting reversed sounds that block out external sounds. Many over-ear wireless headphones which come with ANC have multiple modes to let you select the amount of volume you desire.

Another feature that differentiates over-ear headphones from earbuds is their open-back design. This means that the audio can leave the earcups and interact with the surrounding area, which enhances immersion. This isn't something you'll find in every pair of over-ear headphones, but those that do have it generally have a wider and more spacious soundstage to listen to your music.

Master & Dynamic headphones are the newest Wireless bt headphones headphones that take this approach, with their model MW75, which debuted in June. The combination of leather, aluminum and glasses that are tempered make them look classy. The MW75 also has a variety of ANC modes to suit different environments, and a longer battery life.

Focal's debut headphones for over-ears are a different set with an open-back design and feature an expansive soundstage that complements their music-centric features. Their default sound profile is rich in bass, with plenty of thump and a punch to go with EDM and hip-hop. The bass can block out instruments and vocals, but the graphic EQ available in the companion app lets you adjust the sound to fit your preference. The devices can be used in USB-C mode using a wired cable to support high-resolution audio up to 24bit/192kHz.

Isolation

Sound isolation is a crucial aspect to take into account when selecting headphones. The most effective headphones for noise-isolation are closed-back, over-ear models with large ear cushions that effectively wrap around the ears. They block the majority of outside sounds and create a solid seal, which helps to reduce the sound of ambient sounds such as music or voices. Some wireless headphones have active noise cancellation, which improves isolation further by removing sound from your surroundings without compromising audio quality.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro wireless over-ear headphones have excellent isolation of sound. They're lightweight and provide excellent noise isolation which makes them a great choice for long listening sessions. They have a natural and balanced sound quality with good bass and treble. They are also suitable for use in studios and come with a top-quality microphone for calls.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another great option. They are designed to be comfortable, featuring a pliable fit and soft ear pads that are covered in soft fabric. They also have a noise-canceling mic and are compatible with numerous smartphones.

They're designed to be a true all-rounder, offering premium features that you won't find on less expensive models. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 to provide speedier transmission speeds and less video delay. They're also waterproof, which makes them a good option for your next outdoor adventure.

The Sennheiser HD 25 II also offers a high level of passive sound reduction, reducing ambient noise levels by 20 decibels. This is a staggering amount of reduction, making it possible to enjoy your favourite songs even in noisy environments.

Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable than earbuds. Although every person will be different, many users find that earbuds cause discomfort during long listening sessions. Earbuds are also more likely to slip out of your ears, and are often covered with ear wax. Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, are less likely to cause hearing damage and are closer to your eardrums.

Portability

Over-ear headphones have large ears that cover your ears, Wireless bt headphones which makes them more comfortable to wear for longer durations. Over-ear headphones are also ideal for long commutes and flights because they block out the world outside. The larger earcups on over-ear headphones typically allow them to deliver the best audio quality, with larger drivers and a bigger frequency range than earbuds.

Headphones are available in many different styles, sizes and price points. They can be tailored to meet your budget and needs. The cheapest headphones are typically wired and connected via the standard 3.5mm plug, whereas premium models come with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB-DAC for high-resolution audio playback, wireless bt headphones as well as additional features such as noise cancellation.

There are even sports-specific over-ear headphones that come with sweat-proof or washable earpads as well as stronger clamping force to hold them in place during intense exercise. For the most portable choice, opt for headphones that fold into a compact case that can be easily tucked away in your bag or jacket pocket.

Certain wireless headphones with over-ears have built-in microphones that allow you to make calls using your phone or tablet, without removing the headphones. This is especially useful in noisy areas, where it can be difficult to hear someone at the other end of the line.

Over-ear headphones can also be a better choice for listening to podcasts and audiobooks because the earphones block out some ambient sound, so they are more comfortable to hear while you read or lounge at your home.

In our tests, we found the best pair of wireless over-ear headphones to be the Focal Bathys wireless headhpones. They are specifically designed for music fans. The companion app comes with a graphic EQ with presets, as well as an audio profile that can be altered. They use an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution music using apps such as Tidal.

Some over-ear headphones can be bulky, and fitting them into luggage or in a backpack is a major challenge. The weight and size of over-ear headphones is sacrificed in exchange for superior audio quality and comfort that earbuds cannot provide.

Battery Life

The top headphones for over-ears offer long battery life. They don't need to work as hard to keep your ears insulated and therefore their batteries will last longer than the ones in on-ears. These are ideal for listening on the go during travel or while commuting.

These headphones are ideal for students and office workers who need to concentrate on their work. The Marshall Major IIIs have a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear, and can last up to 44 hours on one battery charge. They also offer Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect with multiple devices simultaneously, and physical buttons for on-board control.

The Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Headphones that are over-ear Bluetooth headphones are among the top-rated. They come with an adapter that recharges the case and provides up to 60 hours of playback and can be used hands-free for calls due to their built-in microphones. The headphones feature smart active noise cancellation technology that automatically adjusts the sound settings to your environment. You can activate it with a single button. Automatic ear detection stops the playback when you remove them, and resumes it automatically when you put back on.

Other headphones with impressive battery life include the Focal's debut Bluetooth headphones The Bathys. These high-end headphones are designed to impress audiophiles, and feature a soundstage that can fully transport you to a sonic landscape. These headphones come with a variety of features and a sophisticated system for noise cancellation. They can also last for up to 34 hours on the full battery.

Over-ears can also provide more listening time than on-ears thanks to their bigger earcups that can house larger batteries. Some budget models can offer up to 95 hours of listening time on one battery charge (EdifierW830BT), more than twice the amount you get with the best on-ear headphones.

In the end it is no wonder that over-ear Bluetooth headphones are the best option for audiophiles seeking a premium, reliable pair that can last them for a long time. Because they are positioned further away from the eardrums they are less likely to harm your hearing. In fact, according to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as secure for long listening sessions as in-ear headphones.