Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds
Over-ear headphones encapsulate your ears and create an invisible barrier between you and the outside sounds. The best models have huge soundstages and audiophile features.
Over-ear headphones are typically larger and bulkier, but they often come with a carrying bag that folds up for portability. They can offer longer battery life and superior noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
While headphones are ideal for portability and convenience over-ear headphones have superior sound quality and often come with noise cancelling technology which allows them to be used in public transport or at the office. For many this is a major issue and over-ear headphones are their preferred option.
The larger design of the over-ear headphones enables them to have much bigger drivers than earbuds, which results in a better audio quality and sound reproduction. This is especially true for the lower frequencies, and where headphones with over-ears tend to have a richer and more powerful bass than earbuds.
Over-ear headphones also isolate you from ambient sounds and provide a more intimate and private experience. The soundproofing capabilities of headphones can be enhanced using active noise cancellation that emits reversed sound that blocks out external noise. Many over-ear wireless headphones which come with ANC have multiple modes to let you select the amount of volume you desire.
The open-back design is a different feature that differentiates over-ear headphones from earbuds. The sound can out of the ear cups and interact with the surroundings and enhance the immersion. This isn't something you'll find in every pair over-ear headphones but the ones that do offer a wider and more spacious soundstage to enjoy your music.
Master and Dynamic headphones are the newest wireless headphones that take this approach. They have a model MW75, which debuted in June. The MW75's premium design is more than skin-deep with leather, aluminum, and tempered glass for a look that stands out from the crowd. The MW75 also features a range of ANC modes to accommodate different environments and improved battery life.
Focal's new headphones for over-ears are a different set which feature an open-back design and feature large soundstages to complement their music-centric features. The default sound profile of these headphones is a bass-heavy mix that has plenty of punch, thump and thump to match EDM and hip hop. The vocals and instruments are a little veiled by the bass, but you can adjust the sound to your liking via the companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They can also be used via a wired connection in USB-C mode to allow high-res audio with up to 24bit/192kHz.
Isolation
Sound isolation is a crucial factor to consider when selecting headphones. The most effective headphones for noise-isolation are closed-back, over-ear headphones with large ear cushions that can comfortably wrap around your ears. These models block out most outside noises and create a solid seal that reduces background noises such as music or voices. Some over-ear wireless headphones also have active noise cancellation, which further improves isolation by blocking out the sounds from your surroundings, without sacrificing quality audio.
If you're looking for an over-ear pair of wireless headphones with outstanding sound insulation the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is an excellent choice. They're light and provide excellent passive noise isolation, making them an ideal option for long listening sessions. They have a balanced and natural sound, with excellent bass and high-frequency. They are also suitable for studio use and come with a premium microphone for calls.
Another option that is great is the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. These headphones are made for comfort, with a flexible fitting and soft earpads that are covered with soft fabrics. They also have a built-in noise-canceling microphone and are compatible with most smartphones.
These headphones are designed to be a multi-purpose device and include features you won't find on lesser models. They also come with Bluetooth 5.0 to provide faster transmission speeds and reduced video delay. They're also waterproof, making them an ideal option for your next outdoor adventure.
In addition to ANC, the Sennheiser HD 25 II offers an impressively high amount of passive noise reduction that cuts down the sound level of ambient environments by 20 decibels. This is an incredible amount of reduction that makes it possible to listen to your music even in noisy environments.
Over-ear headphones can also provide more comfort than earbuds. Many people report that earbuds cause discomfort after prolonged listening sessions. Earbuds can also slip out of your ear and are usually covered with earwax. In contrast, headphones that are over-ear are less likely to cause this problem and sit closer to your eardrums, which reduces the risk of hearing damage.
Portability
Over-ear headphones feature large ear cups that protect your ears, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The design of the over-ear can also help isolate you from the outside world, making them an ideal choice for long flights. Over-ear headphones are generally larger and offer better audio quality. They also have bigger drivers and a broader frequency range.
Headphones come in a variety of designs, sizes and price points to meet different requirements and budgets. Cheap headphones are usually wired and connected using a standard 3.5mm plug, while high-end models include Bluetooth connectivity, a USB-DAC for high-resolution audio playback, and other features like noise cancellation.
Even sporting headphones that best wireless headphones have earpads that can be washed or breathable and a more secure clamping force will hold them in place when exercising. For the most compact option, choose headphones that fold into a compact case that can fit comfortably in your jacket or bag pocket.
Certain wireless headphones for over-ear use have built-in microphones, allowing you to take calls with your tablet or phone without taking the headphones off. This is particularly useful in crowded areas where it can be difficult to hear someone else.
Over-ear headphones are a better choice for listening to podcasts or audiobooks since the ear cups block out any background noise, meaning they are more comfortable to hear while you read or just relax at home.
In our tests, we found that the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones were our top choice for wireless over-ear headphones. They're made for those who love music and come with an app companion to the headphones that includes an EQ in graphic form and presets to customize the sound profile. They use an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution audio using apps such as Tidal.
On the other hand there are headphones that are heavy and require some thought prior to packing them away, especially in a backpack or suitcase. The weight and size of these headphones is sacrificed in exchange for high-quality audio and convenience that earbuds do not offer.
Battery Life
The top headphones for over-ears offer long battery life. They don't need to work as hard to keep your ears cool which means their batteries last longer than those in on-ears. Over-ears are great for listening on the move, whether you're travelling or just commuting.
These headphones are a great choice for office workers and students who must concentrate on their work. The Marshall Major IIIs are lightweight and comfortable to wear. They offer up to 44 hours of continuous playback on one charge. They also provide Bluetooth multipoint connectivity that allows you to pair with multiple devices simultaneously and physical buttons to control the device on board.
The Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Headphones that are over-ear Bluetooth headphones, are among the best-rated. The headphones come with a charging case that allows for up to 60 hours playing back. They can also be used to make calls hands-free thanks to the built-in microphones. The headphones come with the latest technology for active noise cancellation that automatically adjusts sound settings to the environment in which you are. You can turn it on by pressing a single button. They also feature automatic ear detection that pauses playback when you take off the headphones. They will resume playing when you put them back on.
Other over-ears that have a long battery life include the Focal's debut Bluetooth headphones, the Bathys. These high-end headphones were designed to delight audiophiles. They feature an impressive soundstage that can take you into a music-filled environment. The headphones are loaded with a myriad of features as well as a sophisticated system for noise cancellation. They can also run for up to 34 hours with an all-day battery.
Over-ears can also provide better listening time than traditional on-ears, thanks to their bigger earcups, which can hold larger batteries. Certain budget models provide up to 95 hours of playback time on a single charge (Edifier W830BT) that's more than double what you get from the best on-ear headphones.
Therefore, over-ear Bluetooth headphones are the best option for audiophiles seeking an expensive, reliable pair that can last them for years to come. Since they are 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.