Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over-ear headphones provide a physical barrier to external sounds by creating a sonic barrier around your ears. The best models have huge soundstages and audiophile features.

Over-ear headphones tend to be heavier and bulkier, however many come with a carrying bag that folds into a compact size for Bluetooth headphone transportability. They can offer longer battery life and superior noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

While headphones are ideal for portability and convenience over-ear headphones have better sound quality and usually feature noise cancellation technology that allows them to be used on public transport or in the office. For many this is a huge issue and over-ear headphones are the preferred option.

The larger design of the over-ear headphones enables them to have larger drivers than earbuds, which results in a better sound quality and audio reproduction. This is especially true for lower frequencies, when over-ear headphones provide more power and a deeper bass than earbuds.

Over-ear headphones also isolate your ears from the outside noise, making them a more intimate and private experience. Active noise cancellation can boost the soundproofing of over ear headphones by emitting reversed noises that reduce external sounds. Most wireless headphones that have ANC have different modes that allow you to choose how loud or quiet you'd like to hear.

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

Master and Dynamic headphones are the most recent over-ear wireless headphone to take this approach, with their model MW75, which debuted in June. The MW75's premium design is more than skin deep with leather, aluminum and tempered glass for a look that stands out in a crowd. The MW75 also comes with a variety of ANC modes to accommodate different environments and improved battery life.

Focal's first over-ear headphones are another set with an open-back design and feature a wide soundstage to complement their music-centric features. The default sound profile of these headphones is a bass-heavy mix with plenty of punch, thump and thump that complement EDM and hip hop. The bass can obscure instruments and vocals, but the graphic EQ in the companion app lets you adjust the sound to fit your preferences. It is also possible to use them with a wired connection in USB-C mode to support hi-res audio with a maximum of 24bit/192kHz.

Isolation

When choosing headphones the sound isolation is an important consideration. The best headphones for separating noise are closed-back over-ear headphones with big ear cushions. These headphones block out the majority of external sounds and provide solid sealing that minimizes ambient noises, such as music or voices. Some wireless headphones come with active noise cancellation, which improves isolation further by removing sound from the surrounding without compromising audio quality.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro wireless over-ear headphones provide outstanding isolation from sound. They're lightweight and provide excellent noise cancellation which makes them a great choice for listening to long periods of time. They have a natural and balanced sound quality with good bass and treble. They are also suitable for studio use and come with a premium microphone for calls.

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

They're designed to be a true all-rounder, with features that aren't available on less expensive models. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 for more efficient transmission speeds and a lower video delay. They are also waterproof and a great choice for your next outdoor adventure.

The Sennheiser HD 25 II also comes with a very high level of passive sound reduction, reducing ambient noise levels by 20 decibels. This is a massive reduction, which lets you enjoy your favorite music in noisy environments.

Over-ear headphones also provide a better level of comfort than earbuds. Many users report that earbuds cause discomfort during prolonged listening sessions. Earbuds are also more likely to slip out of your ears and they often get covered in ear wax. In contrast, headphones that are over-ear are less likely to cause this issue and are positioned closer to your eardrums. This reduces the chance of hearing damage.

Portability

Over-ear headphones have large cups that protect your ears, which makes them more comfortable to wear for longer periods. Over-ear headphones are also suitable for long flights and commutes as they keep you away from the outside world. Over-ear headphones tend to be larger and offer higher quality audio. They also have bigger drivers and a greater frequency range.

Headphones are available in a variety of different sizes, styles, and price points. They can be tailored to suit your budget and needs. Cheap headphones are typically connected by wire and via the standard 3.5mm port, whereas more premium models feature bluetooth connectivity and a USB DAC to allow hi-res audio playback and extra features such as noise cancellation.

There are also sports-specific over-ear headphones with washable or breathable earpads and stronger clamping force to hold them in place during intense exercise. For the most compact choice, opt for a pair that folds up into a small bag and fits snugly in your bag or jacket pocket.

Some wireless over-ear headphones have built-in microphones that allow you to make calls on your tablet or phone without having to remove the headphones. This is especially useful in crowded places where it may be difficult to hear other people.

Over-ear headphones are also ideal for listening to podcasts and audiobooks, since the earphones block some ambient noise. This makes it easier to listen to them while reading or Bluetooth headphones uk relaxing at home.

In our tests, we discovered the best pair of wireless over-ear headphones to be the Focal Bathys Wireless. They are designed for those who love music and come with an accompanying app that comes with a graphic EQ and presets to customize the sound profile. They employ an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution music with apps such as Tidal.

Some over-ear headphones can be bulky, and fitting them into the suitcase or backpack is a hassle. However, their size and weight are a trade-off for improved comfort and a higher quality of audio that's not available through headphones.

Battery Life

The top headphones for over-ears have long battery lives. They do not require as much effort to keep your ears warm which means their batteries last longer than those in on-ears. Over-ears are ideal for listening moving around whether you're traveling or just commuting.

These headphones are a great choice for students and office workers who must concentrate on their work. The Marshall Major IIIs have a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear, and can run for up to 44 hours on a single battery charge. They also come with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which allows them to connect with multiple devices simultaneously.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are among the top-rated over-ear Bluetooth headphone headphones. They come with a rechargeable case that offers up to 60 hours of playback, and they can be used hands-free for calls thanks to their built-in microphones. They feature smart active noise cancellation technology that automatically adjusts the sound settings to your environment. You can turn it on with a single button. Automatic ear detection stops the playback when you take off them and resumes it automatically when you put them back on.

Focal's Bathys, their first Bluetooth headphones with a long battery life, is another alternative. These high-end headphones were designed to delight audiophiles. They feature a soundstage that will transport you into a musical setting. These headphones have a wealth of features as well as a sophisticated system to block out noise. They can also last for up to 34 hours on the full battery.

Over-ears also offer more listening time compared to on-ears thanks to their larger earcups, which can accommodate larger batteries. Some budget models can offer up to 95 hours of listening time on a single battery charge (EdifierW830BT), more than double what you can expect from the top on-ear headphones.

As a result it is no wonder that over-ear Bluetooth headphones are the best option for audiophiles looking for a premium, reliable pair that will last for a long time. As they are located further away from the eardrums they are less likely to cause damage to your hearing. In fact, according to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as safe for long listening sessions than in-ear buds.