Why Over Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over ear wireless headphones are more effective at isolating you from external noises due to their large ear cups. They are also able to use active noise cancellation more effectively than earbuds which can be helpful in noisy environments.

The Sony WH1000XM5 is an industry-leading pair of over-ear headphones that offer excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation. They can be used with a variety of audio formats including lossless high-resolution audio streaming using the LDAC codec.

Comfort

Over-ear headphones fit around your ears, providing more comfort than in-ear headphones. They are also lighter since they do not require a cord to reach your head, as earbuds do, and they are able to fit more hardware (like batteries and microphones) inside because of their larger dimensions. This can make them more portable and to take on trips.

A comfortable pair of headphones will have softly cushioned earcups that wrap around your ears and a headband that is lightweight and doesn't put too much pressure on the top of your head. The headphones should be easily adjustable, so that you can adjust the headband and earcups to get a better fitting. For extended listening sessions Look for a pair of headphones that have extra plush memory foam inside the ear cups.

Certain headphones with over-ears have active noise cancellation functions that can help reduce background noise, meaning you can concentrate on your audio without the distracting sounds of the outside. This will make it easier to listen to your music or podcasts and can assist you in staying focused at the workplace or on the plane.

Another benefit of headphones with over-ears is the ability to create an excellent seal, which reduces the sound of ambient noise. Although you may be able to hear some noise outside but it's usually less noticeable and does not interfere as much with walking into a busy place.

On-ear headphones are worn around the ears, rather than over your ears. This is more comfortable in the event that you have specific earrings or glasses that make in-ear headphones uncomfortable. They are also lighter and more portable because they are smaller in size and can easily fit into your bag.

Some headphones come with extra padding in the ear cups to enhance comfort. They'll typically have open-back designs that allow you to hear your surroundings, too. This is a great option for those who like listening to their environment as well as their music.

Sound

If you're spending this amount of money on headphones you want them to sound amazing. Luckily, Bluetooth headphones have come a long way in recent years, and even over-ear wireless models can deliver an impressive, balanced sound that rivals their wired counterparts. Find modern Bluetooth chips that are energy efficient and support audio codecs like aptX and even THX, along with headphones made of comfortable materials.

Over-ear headphones provide a more immersive experience than models that are worn on the ear, because they completely cover your ears. This could result in a larger, more detailed soundstage with greater separation of instruments and vocals. Larger earcups allow for larger drivers, giving your music the clarity and fullness that audiophiles seek.

The downside of over-ear headphones is that they tend to let in a bit more ambient sound than models with on-ear headphones. This is a small price to pay for the isolation they provide, especially in noisy places like public transport or at work. They're also larger and heavier than the on-ear models, which makes them less convenient to pack in a bag.

Over-ear headphones typically offer 20 to 60 hours playback. This is determined by the amount of noise cancellation and the volume you listen to.

On-ear wireless headphones can last between 30 and 40 hours, depending on the model. The average ranges between the two, and models that last longer tend to be heavier and less bulky.

The Sony WH-CH720Ns are a good example of a pair that comes with an impressive array of features for a budget price. The Sony WH-CH720Ns are not as luxurious as the WH1000XM4s however they do offer a number of features that include adaptive active noise cancellation, multi-point pairing and support for Sony 360 Reality Audio, DSEE scaling and more.

Bowers & Wilkins' PX7 S2 is the top wireless over-ear headphones for the money, if you're on a tight budget. These stylish headphones feature an elegant design, with a solid feature-set that includes a full ANC.

Noise Cancellation

Over-ear wireless headphones are usually better in noise cancellation and active than earbuds. The reason for this is because they can cover a larger area around your ears due to their bigger outer housings, which means they can generate and produce more sound to cancel out any background sounds you're listening to.

Some models may include several ANC modes to select from depending on your listening scenario, with the option of allowing external audio to pass through for when you're in public or working. Focal's entrance into the burgeoning premium market for over-ear noise-canceling headphones is a good example, with its stunning Bathys that deliver a stunningly powerful, high-res sound that adds mixing booth level quality to your everyday listening.

Other wireless headphones for over-ear use that we've enjoyed testing include the XM4s from Sony, that offer impressive passive noise isolation that allows users to focus on their music with ease and include a wealth of useful features, including voice control, LDAC support for hi-res playback, as well as a sophisticated app that lets you tweak the EQ settings of any song. These headphones capture every twang of Sinead's "Nothing Compares 2 You" to the bridge's trembling.

It's your choice and your budget to decide which pair is best over ear headphones 2023 for you. Over-ears are more comfortable than earbuds and less likely to come loose. If you plan to wear them for a long period of time, it's worth investing in a pair of the right earbuds.

Over-ear headphones are larger than regular headphones, which allows them to have a larger battery and more advanced features such as improved active noise cancellation. They are also a cheaper alternative to the audiophile models that can cost as much as $250 / AU$450 per set.

Earbuds are a cheaper and smaller alternative, but they don't block out as much ambient noise, and don't offer the same variety of features.

Battery Life

To truly be portable, headphones should offer an extended playback time. The top wireless headphones can play for up to 30 hours of music uninterrupted without active noise cancellation turned on (this drastically reduces the battery's life). Models with ANC typically have longer playback time.

The larger earcups found on over-ear wireless headphones are able to accommodate bigger batteries that offer longer battery life than smaller in-ears or on-ears. However, over-ears typically sacrifice some portability in order to offer longer run times as well as extra features such as foldable ear cups and carrying cases.

Most over-ear wireless headphones connect to an audio source via an audio cable that terminates in 3.5mm connectors, but premium over-ears might use larger 6.3mm or XLR connectors. Over-ear headphones with a wired connection can be connected to an external audio output with an additional cable, whereas wireless models connect to mobile devices over Bluetooth.

Some wireless headphones with over-ears feature built-in microphones, which allow users to make hands-free calls with your mobile. Some models have a volume control button which lets you skip tracks or begin and stop playback. Some over-ear headphones charge your smartphone while they are used, but this is usually only found on high-end models.

Over-ear headphones with wireless technology provide excellent audio quality, regardless of whether you prefer the deep sound of EDM music or the balanced sound of classical music. A majority of over-ear headphones feature an open-back design, meaning they do not block out sounds from the outside. They also have drivers of different dimensions and types that enable to reproduce more rich, expansive music.

Focal's first headphones are audiophile-grade wireless headphones that bring mixing-booth sound to your everyday listening. The headphones are designed to be compatible with Apple devices only which limits their use. However it is possible to use them on your iPhone or iPad, they offer an incredibly rich and dynamic sonic experience.

These wireless headphones over-ear are built to last and feature a luxurious design that features aluminum detailing, encased in soft Nappa leather. These headphones are designed for serious music lovers. They can be adjusted to your ears' shape and come with a customized carrying pouch. The MW08s have 11mm berylium speakers to provide a full and immersive sound that resembles the acoustics from a live performance. They support the aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs, with the companion app that offers various options for over-ear customization to adjust their sound profile to your liking.