Why Over Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over-ear wireless headphones are more effective in isolating you from external noises due to their large ear cups. They are also able to utilize active sound cancellation more efficiently than earbuds. This is useful in noisy environments.

The Sony WH1000XM5 is a class-leading pair of over-ear headphones with a superb sound and active noise cancellation. They support a variety of audio formats including lossless high-resolution audio streaming through the LDAC codec.

Comfort

Over-ear headphones fit around your ears, offering more comfort than in-ear headphones. They can also be lighter in weight because they don't have a cord that runs to your head as earbuds do. Additionally, they generally have more components inside (like microphones, batteries and drivers) because of their larger dimensions. This makes them more portable and better suitable for travel.

A comfortable pair of headphones should feature softly padded earcups which wrap around your ear and a lightweight non-stressing, non-stressing band. They should also be adjustable so that you can adjust the earcups to an ideal position and the headband to suit your head shape. For listening for longer periods choose headphones with extra soft memory foam inside the ear cups.

Some headphones for over-ear use active noise cancellation features which can reduce ambient noise, so you'll be able to focus on your music without distraction of the outside world. This makes it easier to listen to your podcasts or music, and may even assist you in staying focused at the workplace or on the plane.

Over-ear headphones can also reduce ambient noise by creating an excellent seal. Although you'll still hear outside noise, it's less audible than with in-ear headphones and won't disturb in the same way when you walk into a busy area.

On-ear headphones rest on your ears rather than over them, which is more comfortable for people who have certain ear piercings or glasses shapes that make in-ear headphones uncomfortable. They are also lighter and more portable because they have a smaller design and can easily fit into your bag.

Some headphones feature extra padding in the ear cups to further increase comfort, and they'll often be designed with open-back models that let you hear your surroundings, too. This is a great choice for anyone who enjoys being able to hear their environment as well as their music.

Sound

When you're spending this kind of amount of money on headphones you want them sound great. Bluetooth headphones have improved in recent years. Even models with over-ears can produce a rich, balanced sound that rivals wired headphones. Modern Bluetooth chips should be energy efficient, include audio codecs like aptX and THX, as well as have comfortable earcups.

Over-ear headphones offer an even more immersive listening experience than on-ear models because they surround your ears completely. This could result in an even more expansive, clear soundstage that is more distinct of instruments and vocals. Larger earcups can also accommodate larger drivers that can give your music the kind of clarity and depth that serious audiophiles want.

Over-ear headphones can let more ambient sound out than models that are on-ear. This is a small price to pay for the secludedness that they offer, especially in noisy environments such as public transport or work. These headphones are also larger and heavier than on-ear ones and are therefore more difficult to carry around in a bag.

Over-ear headphones typically provide 20 to 60 hours of playback. The amount of noise cancellation you use will affect this as will the volume you listen to.

Wireless headphones on the ear typically last for around 30 to 40 hours, depending on the model. The average is between the two, and the models that last longer tend to be lighter and less bulky.

The Sony WHCH720Ns offer numerous features for an affordable price. They're not as luxurious as the WH-1000XM4s, which is the flagship model of the company, but they still come with features like multi-point pairing, adaptive active noise cancellation and support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio and DSEE upscaling technology.

If you're on a tight budget but still want the best wireless over-ear headphones for your money, check out the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2. These fashionable headphones sport an elegant design as well as a solid feature set that includes a full ANC mode.

Noise Cancellation

Over-ear wireless headphones are typically better at active noise cancellation than earbuds. The reason for this is because they cover a greater area around your ears with their larger outer housings which means they can generate and produce more sound that can cancel out any ambient sounds you're listening to.

Some models may come with different ANC modes to choose from depending on the situation you're listening to, including the option of allowing external audio to pass through for HeadphonesShop when you're in public or working. Focal's entry into the premium market for over-ear noise-canceling headphones is a good example, with its stunning Bathys which deliver an astonishingly high-quality, resonant sound that adds mixing booth level quality to your daily listening.

Other wireless headphones for over-ear use that we've been enjoying testing include Sony's XM4s, which offer remarkable passive noise isolation that lets you to concentrate on your music with ease and include a wealth of useful features such as voice control and LDAC support for high-res playback, as well as a sophisticated app that lets you adjust the EQ settings of any song. From the powerful chorus of Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U to the trembling bridge, these headphones are able to detect every sound and sibilant cry with unerring precision.

When it comes to choosing the right pair for you, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget. Over-ears are more comfortable than earbuds and are less likely to come loose. If you plan to wear them for a long time it is worth investing in a pair that has an earbud that is properly fitted.

Over-ear headphones are bigger than regular headphones, which allows them to have a bigger battery and more advanced features, such as enhanced active noise cancellation. They're also a less expensive alternative to audiophile headphones which can cost up to $250 or AU$450 for a set.

Earbuds are a less expensive and smaller option, but they don't block out as much ambient noise and don't come with the same range of features.

Battery Life

For a pair of headphones to be truly portable they should have long playback time. The top wireless headphones can play for up to 30 hours of uninterrupted music with active noise cancellation activated (this significantly reduces the battery's life). The models that have ANC typically have longer playback time.

Over-ear wireless headphones come with larger ear cups that can take larger batteries, which provide more battery life than smaller in-ears or on-ears. Over-ear headphones sacrifice some portability to offer longer run times as well as additional features like earcups that fold and a carry case.

The majority of wireless headphones over-ear connect to an audio source via an audio cable that terminates in 3.5mm jacks, though professional-grade over-ears may use larger 6.3mm or XLR connectors. Over-ear headphones with wired connections can be connected to external audio outputs with a separate cable. Wireless models connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone.

Many over-ear wireless headphones offer built-in microphones, which let you take hands-free calls with your mobile phone. Some have a separate volume control that allows you to skip tracks, stop and resume playback. Some over-ear wireless headphones can even charge your phone while in use, although it is typically only used on high-end models.

Over-ear headphones that feature wireless technology can provide superior audio quality regardless of whether you prefer the bassy sound of EDM music or the well-balanced sound of classical music. Many over-ear headphones are open-back, meaning they don't block the ears from ambient sounds, and have larger drivers of varying sizes and types to help reproduce more expansive, richer-sounding music.

Focal's first headphones are audiophile-grade wireless headphones that bring mixing-booth quality to everyday listening. The headphones are specifically designed to work with Apple devices which limits their use. However, if you want to use the PHILIPS SHP2500/10 Hi-Fi TV Headphones - Extra Long Cable on your iPhone or iPad they provide the most powerful and expressive sound experience.

The wireless headphones for over-ear use have a premium build and design with aluminum detailing covered in soft Nappa leather. They're made for HeadphonesShop serious listeners. They can be adjusted to fit the shape of your ear and come with a custom-fit carrying pouch that ensures an optimum fit. The MW08s come with 11mm berylium speaker for a full and immersive sound that is reminiscent of the acoustics of a live performance. The MW08s are compatible with aptX Bluetooth codecs and AAC Bluetooth codes. The companion app provides a range of options to customize the sound profile, allowing you to customize the sound profile to suit your tastes.