Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds
Over-ear headphones create a physical barrier to external sounds by sealing your ears. That gives them a huge advantage in sound quality, with the best models featuring huge soundstages and audiophile-level features.
Over-ear headphones are typically larger and bulkier than earbuds. However, they can fold down and come with a carry case for portability. They can have longer battery lives, and provide superior noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
While the earbuds are excellent for portability and ease of use Over-ear headphones provide superior sound quality and often come with noise cancelling technology which allows them to be used on public transport or in the office. Over-ear headphones are the most popular choice for many people because they offer superior sound quality and noise cancellation technology.
The larger design of the over-ear headphones enables them to have much bigger drivers than earbuds. This results in a better sound quality and audio reproduction. This is particularly true in the lower frequencies, which is why over-ear headphones typically have more rich and powerful bass than earbuds.
Over-ear headphones isolate you from background noises, resulting in a more immersive experience. Active noise cancellation can enhance the soundproofing of over ear headphones by emitting reversed noises that reduce external sounds. The majority of wireless headphones with ANC have several modes that let you select the volume or level at which you would like to listen.
Another aspect that separates over-ear headphones from earbuds is their open-back design. The sound can leave the earcups and interact with the environment and enhance immersion. This is not something you'll find in every pair of over-ear headphones, but those with it typically provide a larger and more spacious soundstage to let you enjoy your music.
Master & Dynamic headphones are the most recent over-ear wireless headphones to adopt this approach. They have a model MW75 that was launched in June. Leather, aluminum and glasses with tempered lenses give them a premium look. The MW75 comes with various ANC modes that can be adapted to various environments, and longer battery life.
Focal's new over-ear headphones are another set that uses an open-back design. They feature an expansive soundstage that complements their music-centric features. Their default sound profile is a bit rich in bass and full of thump and punch to complement EDM and hip-hop. The bass can drown out the instruments and vocals, however the graphic EQ feature in the companion app lets you alter the sound to your preferences. You can also use them using a wired connection USB-C mode to allow high-res audio up to 24bit/192kHz.
Isolation
When selecting headphones for sound isolation, noise is an important consideration. The best headphones to isolate noise are closed-back over-ear headphones with large cushioning for the ear. These models block out the majority of outside sounds and offer a secure seal, which helps to reduce the sound of ambient sounds such as voices or music. Some over-ear wireless headphones also have active noise cancellation, which further improves the isolation by blocking out the sounds from your surroundings, without sacrificing sound quality.
If you're in search of an over-ear wireless headphones with outstanding sound isolation the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is an excellent choice. They offer impressive passive noise isolation and are extremely light and comfortable, making them an ideal option for long listening sessions. They have a well-balanced and natural sound, with excellent bass and high-frequency. The headphones are also great for studio use and come with a high-quality microphone to make calls.
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is a different option. These headphones are made for comfort and have a swivel fitting and soft earpads that are covered in soft, luxurious fabrics. They also have a noise-canceling mic and are compatible with a variety of smartphones.
These headphones are designed to be all-rounders and include features you won't see on cheaper models. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 to provide more efficient transmission speeds and a lower video delay. They are also waterproof, making them ideal for your next outdoor adventure.
The Sennheiser HD 25 II also offers a high level of passive sound reduction, reducing ambient noise levels by 20 decibels. This is a remarkable amount of reduction, making it possible to enjoy your music even in noisy surroundings.
Over-ear headphones also provide more comfort than earbuds. While every user will feel this differently, a lot of users find that earbuds cause discomfort after long listening sessions. Earbuds are also more likely to slip out of your ears and they are frequently covered with ear wax. Conversely, over-ear headphones are less likely to cause this problem and are positioned closer to your eardrums, reducing the risk of hearing damage.
Portability
Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that cover your ears, making them more comfortable to wear for longer durations. The design of the over-ear headphones also helps to keep you away from the world which makes them a good option for long commutes and flights. Over-ear headphones are generally larger, and provide higher quality sound. They also have bigger drivers and a greater frequency range.
Headphones come in various styles, sizes, and price points to suit different needs and budgets. The cheapest headphones are usually connected by wire and via a standard 3.5mm port, while higher-end models come with bluetooth connectivity and a USB DAC to allow high-resolution audio playback, as well as other features like noise cancellation.
There are even sports-specific over-ear headphones that feature comfortable earpads that can be washed or cooled and more secure clamping force to keep them in place during intense exercise. Find headphones that can be folded in a small bag that can be tucked inside your jacket or bag.
Some wireless over-ear headphones have built-in microphones that allow you to make calls using your phone or tablet, without having to remove the headphones. This is especially useful in noisy environments where it is hard to hear the person on the other end of the line.
Over-ear headphones are also an excellent choice for listening podcasts and audiobooks, since the ear cups block some ambient noise. This helps you listen while reading or sitting at home.
In our tests, we found the best pair of wireless headphones over-ear to be the Focal Bathys Wireless. They are designed for music lovers and have an app companion to the headphones that includes an EQ in graphic form and presets to customize the sound profile. They employ an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution music with apps such as Tidal.
On the flip side there are headphones that are heavy and require some thought before packing them away, especially in a suitcase or backpack. The size and weight of over-ear headphones is sacrificed in exchange for higher quality of audio and the convenience that earbuds do not offer.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important characteristic of the best over-ear headphones. They don't require as much effort to keep your ears insulated, so their batteries can last longer than those in on-ears. Over-ears are great for listening while in motion, whether you're travelling or just commuting.
They are also a good option for office workers and students who need to stay focused on their work. The Marshall Major IIIs are incredibly light and comfortable to wear. They offer up to 44 hours of continuous playback on one charge. They also have Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, allowing them to pair with several devices simultaneously.
best wireless in-ear headphones -1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are among the top-rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones. They come with a rechargeable case that offers up to 60 hours of playback and they can also be used hands-free to make calls thanks to their built-in microphones. They come with intelligent active noise cancellation technology, which automatically applies personalized sound settings that are suited to your environment and can be activated at the touch of the button. Automatic ear detection will stop the playback when you take off them, and resumes it automatically when you put them back on.
Other over-ears that have a long battery life include the Focal's debut Bluetooth headphones that are the Bathys. These premium headphones are made to impress audiophiles, and feature a soundstage that can fully transport you to a musical landscape. These headphones come with a variety of features and an advanced system for noise cancellation. They can also last for up to 34 hours on an all-day battery.
Over-ears can also provide more listening time than on-ears, due to their larger earcups, which can hold larger batteries. Certain budget models can last up to 95 hours of listening time on one battery charge (EdifierW830BT) more than twice what you get with the best on-ear headphones.
Over-ear Bluetooth headphones will be the best option for audiophiles in search of an affordable pair of premium headphones that last for years. Because they are positioned further away from the eardrums, they are less likely to damage your hearing. According to the British Hearing Foundation over-ear headphones are suitable for longer listening sessions than in-ear buds.