Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds
Over-ear headphones create a physical barrier to external sounds by encapsulating your ears. This gives them an enormous advantage in terms of sound quality, with the top models featuring huge soundstages and audiophile-level features.
Over-ear headphones are typically heavier and bulkier, however they often come with a carrying bag that folds in order to be portable. They can offer longer battery life and better noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
While headphones are ideal for portability and convenience Over-ear headphones provide better sound quality and usually have noise cancelling technology that allows them to be used on public transport or at the office. Over-ear headphones are the preferred choice for many people because they have superior sound quality and noise cancellation technology.
The more spacious design of over-ear headphones allows them to have 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 rich and powerful bass than earbuds.
Over-ear headphones isolate you from background noises, resulting in an immersive experience. Active noise cancellation can enhance the soundproofing of these headphones by emitting reversed noises that reduce external sounds. The majority of wireless headphones with ANC have multiple modes that let you choose the level of loudness or silence you would like to listen.
Another aspect that separates over-ear headphones from earbuds is their open-back design. This means that the sound will exit the earcups and connect with the surrounding area which increases the sense of immersion. It's not something that you'll find on every pair of headphones, but the ones which do offer it usually have an expansive and spacious soundstage for your music.
Master & dynamic headphones, featuring their MW75 model that debuted in June. Aluminum, leather and glasses that are tempered provide a stylish appearance. The MW75 also has a variety of ANC modes to accommodate different environments and improve battery life.
Focal's new over-ear headphones are another set that uses an open-back design. They feature large soundstages to complement their music-centric features. The default sound profile of these headphones is a thumping bass mix with plenty thump, punch and thump to complement EDM and hip hop. The bass can obscure vocals and instruments, but the graphic EQ available in the companion app lets you alter the sound to suit your preference. The devices can be used in USB-C mode using an Ethernet cable to provide high-resolution audio to 24bit/192kHz.
Isolation
When choosing headphones, sound isolation is a major consideration. The best headphones for noise isolation are closed-back, over-ear headphones with large ear cushions that comfortably wrap around your ears. They block the majority of outside sound and offer a secure seal, which reduces background noises like music or voices. Some over-ear wireless headphones come with active noise cancellation which further enhances isolation by removing sounds from your surroundings, without sacrificing quality audio.
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro wireless over-ear headphones offer excellent isolation from sound. They offer impressive passive noise isolation and are light which makes them a comfortable option for long listening sessions. They offer a balanced and natural sound profile with excellent bass and treble. The headphones are ideal for studios and come with high-quality microphones for calls.
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another great option. These headphones are designed to be comfortable, and feature a flexible fit and soft ear pads which are covered with soft fabric. They also come with a built-in noise-canceling microphone that works with the majority of smartphones.
They're designed to be an all-rounder with features you won't find on cheaper headphone models. These include Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX support for improved speeds of transmission and a lower delay. They're also water-resistant, making them an ideal choice for your next outdoor adventure.
The Sennheiser HD 25 II also comes with a very high level of passive sound reduction, reducing ambient noise levels by 20 dB. This is a huge reduction, which lets you enjoy your favorite music in noisy environments.
Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable than earbuds. Many say that earbuds can cause discomfort after prolonged listening sessions. Earbuds can also fall out of your ear and are typically covered with earwax. Conversely, over-ear headphones are less likely to cause this issue and are more positioned to your eardrums, reducing the risk of hearing damage.
Portability
Over-ear headphones have large cups that cover your ears, making them more comfortable to wear for longer periods. The over-ear design also helps isolate you from the outside world, making them an ideal choice for commutes and long flights. The larger earcups of over-ear headphones generally permit them to provide the best audio quality, with larger drivers and a bigger frequency range than earbuds.
Headphones come in a variety of styles, sizes, and price points to suit different requirements and budgets. Cheap headphones are typically connected by wire and via a standard 3.5mm port, whereas higher-end models come with bluetooth connectivity and a USB DAC to allow high-quality audio playback, and other features such as noise cancellation.
There are even sports-oriented over-ear headphones with comfortable earpads that can be washed or cooled and more secure clamping force to keep them in place during vigorous exercise. Look for headphones that fold into a compact bag that can be tucked inside your bag or jacket.
Some wireless headphones include microphones, allowing you to make calls on your tablet or phone without removing the headphones. This is especially useful in noisy environments, where it can be difficult to hear someone at the other end of the line.
Over-ear headphones are an excellent choice for listening audiobooks and podcasts, as the earphones block some of the background noise. This makes it easier to listen when you are reading or at home.
In our tests, the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones were the best wireless over-ear headphones. They are made to be used by music enthusiasts. The companion app offers an EQ with graphic graphics with presets, as well as an audio profile that can be altered. They utilize an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution music using apps like Tidal.
On the flip side there are headphones that are a bit bulky and require some thought prior to packing them away, especially in a suitcase or backpack. However, their size and weight are a trade-off for improved comfort and better audio quality that isn't available with earbuds.
Battery Life
Battery life is a major feature of the best over-ear headphones. They don't require as much effort to keep your ears cool, so their batteries can last longer than those in on-ears. Over-ears are perfect for listening on the move whether you're traveling or commuting.
They are also a good option for office workers as well as students who need to remain focused on their tasks. The Marshall Major IIIs feature an ultra-lightweight design that is comfortable to wear and can run for up to 44 hours on one battery charge. They also come with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which allows them to connect with multiple devices simultaneously.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are among best wireless over ear headphones the most highly rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones. They come with an charging case that can allow for up to 60 hours playback. They can also be used to make calls hands-free thanks to the built-in microphones. The headphones come with smart active noise cancellation technology that automatically adjusts sound settings to the environment in which you are. You can activate it with a single button. Automatic ear detection pauses the playback when you remove them and resumes it automatically when you put them back on.
Focal's Bathys, their first Bluetooth headphones with a long battery life, is another option. These premium headphones are made to impress audiophiles with a soundstage that can fully transport you to a musical landscape. These headphones come with a variety of features as well as an advanced system to block out noise. They can also run for up to 34 hours when using a full battery.
Over-ears can also provide more listening time than on-ears due to their larger earcups that can house larger batteries. Certain budget models can last 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 are the best option for audiophiles who are looking for a pair of reliable, premium headphones that last for a long time. As they are located further away from the eardrums, they are less likely to damage your hearing. According to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as safe for long listening sessions than in-ear buds.