Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over-ear headphones provide a physical barrier to external sounds by encapsulating your ears. The best models come with large soundstages and audiophile features.

Over-ear headphones tend to be more bulkier and larger than earbuds. However, wireless headphones many fold up and come with a carrying case for portability. They can provide longer battery life and better noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

Over-ear headphones are a better option for those looking to listen on public transport, or in the office. They offer the best sound quality and noise cancelling technology. For many people this is a major issue and over-ear headphones are the preferred option.

The larger design of these headphones allows them to have much bigger drivers than earbuds, resulting in a better audio quality and better sound reproduction. This is especially true in the lower frequencies, and where over-ear headphones typically have more acoustic and powerful bass than earbuds.

Over-ear headphones also isolate your ears from the outside noise and provide a more intimate and private experience. The soundproofing capabilities of headphones can be improved by using active noise cancellation which emits reversed noise, which reduces external sounds. Most wireless headphones that have ANC have several modes that let you select the level of loudness or silence you'd like to hear.

The open-back design is yet another aspect that differentiates over-ear headphones from earbuds. This means that the sound can leave the earcups and be able to interact with the surrounding area which increases the sense of immersion. This isn't something you'll discover in every pair of over-ear headphones, but the ones with it typically provide a larger and more spacious soundstage to enjoy your music.

Master & Dynamic headphones are the most recent over-ear wireless headphone to take this approach. They have a model MW75, which debuted in June. The MW75's premium design is more than skin deep with leather, aluminum and tempered glass to create a look that stands out from the crowd. The MW75 also features a range of ANC modes that can be used to adapt to different environments, and a longer battery life.

Focal's first over-ear headphones are a different model that uses an open-back design and feature an expansive soundstage that complements their music-centric features. Their default sound profile is deep in bass, and has plenty of thump and a punch to compliment EDM and hip-hop. The bass can block out the instruments and vocals, however the graphic EQ in the companion app lets you alter the sound to suit your preferences. It is also possible to use them with a wired connection in USB-C mode to allow high-res audio with a maximum of 24bit/192kHz.

Isolation

When choosing headphones, sound isolation is a crucial factor. The best headphones to isolate the sound are closed-back headphones with big ear cushions. 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 over-ear headphones feature active noise cancellation that enhances isolation further by removing any sound from your surroundings without compromising sound quality.

If you're looking for an over-ear pair of wireless headphones with excellent sound insulation, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is an outstanding option. They're lightweight and provide excellent noise cancellation which makes them a great option for long listening sessions. They have a natural and balanced sound quality, with a excellent bass and treble. These headphones are ideal for studios and include a high-quality mic for calls.

Another option that is great is an alternative is the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. These headphones are made for comfort, with a flexible fitting and soft earpads covered in soft, luxurious fabrics. These headphones also come with an audio mute feature and are compatible with numerous smartphones.

These headphones are designed to be a multi-purpose device and come with premium features that you won't find on lesser models. They also come with Bluetooth 5.0 to provide more efficient transmission speeds and a lower video delay. They are also waterproof, making them a great choice for your next outdoor adventure.

In addition to ANC, the Sennheiser HD 25 II offers an impressively high amount of passive noise reduction, which cuts down the sound level of ambient environments by 20 dB. This is a remarkable amount of reduction that makes it possible to listen to your favourite songs even in noisy environments.

Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable than earbuds. Although every person will be different, many people find that earbuds can cause discomfort after extended listening sessions. Earbuds are also more likely to slip out of your ears and they are frequently covered in ear wax. Over-ear headphones on the other hand, are less likely to cause damage to your hearing and are more close to your eardrums.

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 journeys and commutes because they block out the world outside. Over-ear headphones are generally larger and offer higher quality audio. They also have bigger drivers and a wider frequency range.

Headphones are available in various designs, sizes and price points to meet different requirements and budgets. Cheap headphones are generally connected with wires and the standard 3.5mm port, while the more expensive models have bluetooth connectivity and a USB DAC to allow high-quality audio playback, and other features such as noise cancellation.

There are even sports-specific over-ear headphones that feature sweat-proof or washable earpads as well as stronger clamping force to hold them in place even during intense exercise. Look for headphones that fold in a small bag that can be tucked inside your jacket or bag.

Some wireless headphones include microphones, allowing you to make calls on your phone or tablet without removing the headphones. This is particularly helpful in noisy environments in noisy areas, where it may be difficult to hear the person at the other end of the line.

Over-ear headphones are also ideal for listening to audiobooks and podcasts, as the earphones block out some of the background noise. This allows you to listen while reading or sitting at home.

In our tests, the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones ranked as the top wireless headphones for over-ear use. They are made to be used by music fans. The companion app offers a graphic EQ as well as presets and an audio profile that can be altered. They come with an aptX-Adaptive codec to stream high-res video using compatible apps, like Tidal.

Some over-ear headphones can be bulky, and packing them into luggage or in a backpack is a major challenge. The weight and size of these headphones are sacrificed to provide high-quality audio and comfort that earbuds can't provide.

Battery Life

The top headphones for over-ears offer long battery lives. They do not require as much effort to keep your ears warm, so their batteries can last longer than those in on-ears. These are ideal to listen on the go, while travelling or commuting.

They are also a great choice for office workers and students who must stay focused on their tasks. The Marshall Major IIIs are lightweight, wireless Headphones comfortable to wear and offer up to 44 hours of continuous playback on one charge. They also offer Bluetooth multipoint connectivity to pair with multiple devices simultaneously and physical buttons for on-board control.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 buy wireless headphones Headphones are among the top-rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones. The headphones come with the ability to charge them for up to 60 hours playing back. They can also be used to make calls hands-free thanks to the built-in microphones. They feature the latest technology for active noise cancellation that automatically adjusts sound settings to fit your environment and can be activated with the push of one button. They also feature automatic hearing detection that stops playback when you remove the headphones, and they will resume playing when you put them back on.

Focal's Bathys, their first Bluetooth headphones with a long battery life, are another option. These high-end headphones were designed to be awe-inspiring to audiophiles. They have a soundstage which can transport you into a musical environment. These headphones have a wealth of features as well as an advanced system for noise cancellation. They can also last for up to 34 hours with the full battery.

Over-ears can also provide more listening time than on-ears thanks to their larger earcups, which can accommodate larger batteries. Some budget models can provide up to 95 hours of listening time on a single battery charge (EdifierW830BT) more than twice the amount you can get with the top on-ear headphones.

Over-ear Bluetooth headphones will be the best choice for audiophiles in search of a pair of durable, premium headphones that last for years. Because they are positioned further away from the eardrums they are less likely to harm your hearing. According to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as safe for long listening sessions as in-ear headphones.