10 Things Everybody Hates About Headphones Over Ear Headphones Headphones Over Ear Headphones
Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones
The best headphones for commuting and working usually feature over-ear designs. They are excellent for low-frequency noise cancellation and are less likely to leak sound which could disturb people who are around you.
They also come with larger earcups that fully surround your ears which can improve active noise cancellation. They are heavier and larger than the on-ear headphones, and may be more expensive because of this.
Sound
When it comes to the sound quality, headphones that are over-ear tend to offer the best experience. Because of their larger earcups, they better seal around the ears and block out any ambient noise. The larger driver size which is usually provided with this headphone, allows you to enjoy music with a stronger bass.

These headphones are also comfortable as their cushioned cups are more comfortable and cover your ears. You can listen to podcasts or music for longer. Certain headsets for over-ears can fold down into smaller sizes to make storage simpler.
The majority of over-ear headphones have physical buttons for control on one or both of the earcups. certain models incorporating gesture control and touch controls. These features might not be a problem for all buyers. They may also require additional hardware such as phones.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a feature that many over-ear headphones have. This helps reduce the impact that ambient sound can have on your audio performance. This is useful when listening to music while traveling and want to block out distracting ambient noise. Some ANC models come with a transparent feature that allows you to hear sounds in your surroundings.
Over-ear headphones typically are more expensive than on-ear and in-ear models however, they often come with advanced features like active noise cancellation or high-res audio support. For instance the Focal Bathys Wireless are a great choice for casual use as well as critical listening with a natural, warm tone and lots of detail. They also come with a dedicated DAC mode that supports high-res audio over USB.
Some headphones with over-ears have an in-line mic to allow hands-free phone calls. This is an excellent feature to use them for a phone conversation. Some even have a built-in rechargeable battery for wireless listening without an external power source. It's worth noting, however, that the battery lifespan of these headphones will likely be less than those with wired connections.
Comfort
Over- over ear apple headphones provide more comfort than traditional on-ear models due to the fact that the ear cups completely enclose your ears. You'll be able to hear less background noise which is ideal for noisy environments and public transportation. Because they do not rest on your ears, the over-ears can be more comfortable for long listening sessions, too.
Over-ear headphones have larger drivers in general than on-ears. This enables them to provide a greater range of frequencies. This means they are able to reproduce bass more effectively and with more power than on-ears, and also handle treble notes with greater precision. Many over-ear headphones come with an accompanying app that allows you to adjust the sound to suit your preferences using graphic EQ settings.
Another benefit of the larger earcups is the fact that they help to create a seal around your ears, which makes passive noise cancellation (PNC) an even more efficient option than on-ear headphones. On-ear headphones are still able to cancel out noise but they're much more limited. They will also only function at higher volumes.
Some over-ear headphones can even come with ANC with a variety of settings to adapt the performance to your surroundings, such as outdoors at home, in the office, or on a plane. This is a great feature to have for travelers and commuters who want make the most of their headphones, without having to manually alter settings on an app or mess with the buttons on the headphones themselves.
One of our most loved pairs of wireless over-ear headphones is the Focal Bathys that are designed for more serious audiophiles who enjoy high-resolution music. They feature the USB-C DAC mode, which allows hi-res playback up to 21bit/192kHz, and can be changed between indoor, outdoor and transit modes to block out sounds when you're in a noisy environment.
On-ear headphones are a good alternative to headphones with over-ears for certain users. On-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear while running or exercising. They also take up less room in your bag. Additionally the ear cups in these models are made to fit snugly into your ears, which can feel more secure during rigorous exercise.
Noise Cancellation
A good pair will improve your listening experience. But a top pair will elevate it to a new level by creating an acoustic buffer between yourself and your surroundings. A great pair of noise cancelling headphones can make your commute or office more enjoyable.
Headphones that have active noise cancellation (ANC) utilize the built-in microphones on the headphones to listen for external sounds and then create a mirror of those sounds to cancel them out. You can adjust this ANC intensity by using a specific application or a physical switch in the headset. Most headsets come with 10 levels of sensitivity, and three "favorite settings" that are programmable via an paired device.
To make noise cancellation work it requires a certain amount of a separation from the outside world. This typically calls for earbuds that are sealed tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that completely cover your earlobes. Regardless of design you'll need to be cautious when putting on a pair to ensure that the fit is comfortable as even an innocent wiggle could set them off-balance and let in ambient noise even if it's just the sound of the nearby refrigerator.
You can find a number of different pairs with ANC capabilities; for example Monoprice's BT600ANC headphones are light, inexpensive and come with a decent level of ANC and audio codec support for high-quality playback. They also come with a robust carry case as well as an extended battery life that is sufficient for most commuting and working needs.
In higher 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 come with features like an automated voice assistant as well as support for high-res audio, and Android-powered phones. The latest model in our roundup is the Sony WH-CH720N issue for spring 2023 that boasts the top ANC and is priced at a the most affordable price.
You'll need to ensure that your headphones have an adequate microphone for video conferences and phone calls. Most over-ear headphones have internal microphones for this purpose, but you'll often be able to switch to a headset mic with certain models. This lets you converse with colleagues or give presentations to your team members without disrupting everyone else.
Design
Over-ear headphones are more immersive than earbuds and deliver more bass. This is due to the larger, more spacious driver design and earcup that allow audio waves to interact more naturally with your pinna to recreate the soundstage of your favourite music tracks.
Over-ear headphones are also known to have a more solid and comfortable fit, and usually offer greater battery life than their smaller counterparts. They are also less bulky, and easier to store in a bag to listen while on the go. Our selection of models includes a variety of models that will help you return to job and tackle the day.
Many of our headphone over-ear selections are Bluetooth-enabled to provide wireless convenience. They also come with a carry case so you can take them with you wherever you go without worrying about tangling cords and running out of battery. These headphones are stylish and elegant, making them ideal for work or on the go. Some of our picks even include a touch of style with a sleek, chic color scheme or sleek steel and leather finishes.
If you're looking for a premium pair of headphones for over-ears, our top pick is the Sennheiser Momentum 4. These headphones are made from premium materials and come with numerous intelligent features that will ensure you get the most out of your music experience. They'll make your next listening experience easy, thanks to automatic audio controls and ambient awareness.
Take a look at the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 for a more affordable alternative. They are comfortable and provide 44 hours of continuous use on a single battery charge. They also feature a DAC setting that supports hi-res sound to create a clear wide soundstage that is detailed with separation of the instruments.
Take a look at the Sony WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony. They are a great choice for mobile use and feature a lightweight, ergonomic design that offers a comfortable fit, impressive noise cancellation and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge. Additionally, they come with an inbuilt microphone that can be used to make calls when you're in the move.