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

Over-ear headphones are usually the best choice for commuters and workers. They are great for passive noise isolation and are less likely to leak sound, which could disturb people around you.

They also come with larger ear cups that completely surround your ears, which can enhance active noise cancellation. However, they tend to be bigger and heavier than on-ear models and can be more expensive due to this.

Sound

Over-ear headphones are the best bluetooth over ear headphones when it comes to sound. They can cut down on the background noise due to their larger earcups. This, along with the larger driver that is typically found in these headphones allows you to listen to music with more distinct bass and a larger soundstage.

These headphones are also more comfortable as their cushioned ears provide more protection for your ears. You can listen to podcasts or music for longer. Some headsets with over-ears can be folded down into smaller sizes to make storage simpler.

Some models have touch controls and gestures. These features might not be a deal breaker for everyone. They may also require additional hardware, for example, phones.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the features that many over-ear headphones offer. This minimizes the impact that ambient sound can have on the audio quality. This is useful if you are looking to block distracting background noise while listening to music. Some ANC models come with a transparent feature that allows you to listen to sounds in the surrounding.

Over-ear headphones are typically more expensive than on-ear or in-ear models. However, they typically have advanced features, such as active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio support. For instance the Focal Bathys Wireless are a great option for both casual use and critical listening with a natural, warm tone and plenty of details. They also have an exclusive DAC to support high-res music via USB.

Some headphones for over-ear use come with an in-line microphone for hands-free calls. This is a great feature to use them for a phone conversation. Some even have a built-in rechargeable battery to allow wireless listening without an external source of power. It's worth noting that the battery life of these headphones is likely to be shorter than those that have wired connections.

Comfort

Over-ear headphones are more comfortable than on-ear models because the ear cups completely enclose your ears. This means that you'll hear less ambient noise, which can be a real boon in loud environments and on public transport. Over-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear for long listening sessions as they don't rest directly on your ears.

Over-ear headphones feature larger drivers than on-ears in general. This allows them to offer a wider spectrum of frequencies. This means they are able to reproduce bass deeper and with more punch than on-ears, while also being able to handle treble notes more accurately. Many over-ear headphones come with a companion application that lets you adjust the sound according to your preferences with graphic EQ settings.

Another benefit of the larger earcups is that they aid to create a seal around your ears, which makes passive noise cancellation (PNC) a more effective alternative to on-ear headphones. On-ear headphones still have the ability to cancel out noise but they're much more limited. They can also only work at higher volumes.

Some headphones over-ear provide ANC in different modes that can be tailored to your environment. For instance, you can choose to have the performance adjusted to indoor, outdoor or on a plane. This is a great feature for those who travel and commuters who want to make the most of their headphones, without having to manually tweak settings within an app or play around with buttons on the headphones themselves.

One of our most loved headphones that are wireless is the Focal Bathys that are designed for more serious audiophiles who appreciate high-resolution music. They feature an DAC mode for USB-C that allows hi-res playback up to 21bit/192kHz. Additionally, they can be switched between outdoor, indoor and transit modes to help block out sounds when you're in a noisy area.

While over-ear headphones are a good option for a majority of people, there are times where on-ear headphones could be more appropriate. For instance, if you intend to listen during your run or workout or running, then earphones might be more comfortable for sports, and they'll fold up to make less space in your bag. They also come with Ear cups that fit comfortably inside your ear. This can help you feel more secure when doing strenuous activity.

Noise Cancellation

A good pair will improve your listening experience. But a great pair will raise it to a higher level by creating an acoustic barrier between you and your environment. A great pair of noise cancelling headphones can make a hectic commute or at work more enjoyable.

Headphones that feature active noise cancellation (ANC), use the built-in microphones on the headphones to listen for external sounds, and then create a mirror image of the sounds to block them out. You can adjust the intensity of this ANC through a dedicated app or an actual button on the headset and the majority of them offer 10 levels to choose from, along with three "favorite" settings that can be controlled by a device that is paired.

For noise cancelling to work, you'll need a bit of a separation from the outside world; this generally requires either earbuds that fit tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that fully enclose your earlobes. It is important to ensure that the headphones are comfortable when you try them on. Even a slight wiggle could cause them to go out of balance and allow ambient noise to enter, even if there's a refrigerator nearby.

There are a variety of different pairs with ANC capabilities; for example, Monoprice's BT-600ANC headphones are light, inexpensive and come with a decent level of ANC and audio codec support that allows for high-quality playback. The headphones come with a sturdy carry case and long battery lifespan, which should be enough for most commuters as well as workers.

In higher-end price ranges, you'll find high-end ANC options like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH-CH720N. Both are comfortable to wear and have features like an automated voice assistant as well as support for high-res audio, and Android-powered phones. The newest model to join the roundup is the spring 2023-issue Sony WH-CH720N, which boasts some of the best ANC available and is now available for a very competitive price.

You'll need to ensure that your headphones have a decent microphone for video meetings and phone calls. Some models allow you to switch from an internal mic to a headset mic. This allows you to talk with colleagues, or give a presentation in front of your team without having to raise your hands or interrupt anyone other.

Design

Over-ear headphones are more spacious than earbuds, and provide more bass. This is due to the larger driver design, with more space and ear cup that allows audio waves to communicate more naturally with your pinna in order to recreate the soundstage of your most loved music tracks.

Over-ear headphones are also known to provide a more stable, comfortable fit and typically offer greater battery life than their smaller counterparts. They are also less bulky, and easier to store in a bag for listening while on the go. Our selection includes a range of models that will allow you to get back to your work and bbarlock.com face the day.

Many of our over-ear headphone selections are Bluetooth-enabled for wireless convenience and come with a carrying case, so you can carry them with you wherever you go, without worrying about tangling cords and running out of battery. They also sport an elegant, sleek design that makes them a great option for your office or out and out and about. Some of our picks even have extra designer flair with a sleek, chic colour scheme or sleek steel and leather finishes.

If you're looking for a pair of high-end over-ear headphones we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 as our top choice. They're made of premium materials and come with many clever features that ensure you get the most from your music experience. From automated audio controls to ambient awareness and more, they'll make your next listen-in a breeze.

Look into the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 for an affordable alternative. They are comfortable and provide an impressive 44 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. They also have a DAC mode that can support high-res audio, resulting in a wide soundstage, clear and clear with excellent dynamic range and instrument separation.

Take a look at the Sony WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony. They're a great option for use on the go. They feature an ergonomic, lightweight design that offers a comfortable fit, outstanding noise cancellation and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge. They also have a built in microphone to make calls while on the move.