Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds
Over-ear headphones are able to encapsulate your ears and create an invisible barrier between you and outside sounds. That gives them a huge advantage in terms of sound quality, with the most effective models boasting huge soundstages as well as audiophile-quality features.
Over-ear headphones are usually larger and bulkier than earbuds, although many fold and come with a carrying case for portability. They can provide longer battery life as well as superior noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
Over-ear headphones are a great option for those who wish to listen while on public transport, or in the office. They have superior sound and noise cancellation technology. For many, this is a deal-breaker and over-ear headphones are the preferred choice.
The larger design of over-ear headphones allows them to have much bigger drivers than earbuds, resulting in better audio quality and sound reproduction. This is particularly true at lower frequencies, when over-ear headphones provide more power and a deeper bass than earbuds.
Over-ear headphones can also block your ears from the outside noise which makes them an immersive and private experience. Active noise cancellation can boost the soundproofing of these headphones by emitting reversed sounds which reduce the sound of outside. Most over-ear wireless headphones with ANC come with different modes that let you choose the volume or level at which you want to listen.
Another thing that separates over-ear headphones from earbuds is their open-back design. This means that the sound can exit the ear cups and interact with the surrounding space that enhances the experience. This is not something you'll find in every pair over-ear headphones, but the ones that do have a wider and more expansive soundstage to let you enjoy your music.
Master & Dynamic headphones are the latest wireless headphones that take this approach. They have a model MW75, which debuted in June. The premium design is more than skin-deep with leather, aluminum, and tempered glass for a look that stands out from the crowd. The MW75 has various ANC modes that can be adjusted to various environments, and longer battery life.
Focal's first over-ear headphones are a different model with an open-back design and feature an expansive soundstage that complements their music-centric features. The default sound profile is rich in bass, and has plenty of thump and punch to complement EDM and hip-hop. The bass can block out the instruments and vocals, however the graphic EQ available in the companion app lets you tweak the sound to suit your preference. It is also possible to use them via a wired connection in USB-C mode to support hi-res audio up to 24bit/192kHz.
Isolation
Sound isolation is a crucial aspect to take into account when selecting headphones. The best headphones for noise reduction are closed-back over-ear headphones with large ear cushions that can effectively wrap around the ears. These models block out the majority of outside sounds and create a solid seal, which helps reduce ambient sounds like voices or music. Some wireless headphones come with active noise cancellation that enhances isolation further by removing any sound from your environment without compromising audio quality.
If you're in search of an over-ear pair of wireless headphones with outstanding sound insulation, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is an outstanding option. They're lightweight and provide excellent noise isolation, making them an ideal option for long listening sessions. They have a well-balanced and natural sound with good bass and high-frequency. They are perfect for studios and come with a high-quality mic for calls.
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another great option. These headphones are designed for comfort and have a swivel fitting and soft earpads encased in soft, luxurious fabric. They also have a built-in noise-canceling microphone that works with the majority of smartphones.
These headphones are designed to be a multi-purpose device and offer premium features you won't see on cheaper models. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 for faster transmission speeds and reduced video delay. They are also waterproof, making them a great choice for your next outdoor adventure.
In addition to ANC, the Sennheiser HD 25 II offers an impressively high level of passive noise reduction that cuts down ambient sound levels by 20 dB. This is a massive reduction, which lets you enjoy your favorite music even in noisy environments.
Over-ear headphones also provide more comfort than earbuds. Although every person will be different, many users report that earbuds cause discomfort after extended listening sessions. Earbuds are also more prone to slip out of your ears and they are frequently covered in ear wax. In contrast, headphones that are over-ear are less likely to cause this problem and are more positioned to your eardrums. This reduces the risk of damage to your hearing.
Portability
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for long durations of time due to the fact that they feature large ear cups. The over-ear design also helps isolate you from the outside world which makes them a great choice for commutes and long flights. Over-ear headphones are generally larger, and have a better audio quality. They also have larger drivers and a greater frequency range.
Headphones are available in a variety of different sizes, styles, and price points. They can be tailored to meet your budget and requirements. The cheapest headphones are typically wired and connected through an ordinary 3.5mm plug, whereas premium models have Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-DAC for high-resolution audio playback, and extra features such as 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 vigorous exercise. Look for headphones that can be folded into a compact bag and fit in your bag or jacket.
Some wireless headphones include microphones, allowing you to take calls with your phone or tablet without taking off the headphones. This is particularly useful in noisy areas where it can be difficult to hear someone else.
Over-ear headphones are a good choice for listening podcasts or audiobooks since the earphones block out some ambient noise. This allows you to hear them while reading or relaxing at home.
In our tests, the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones were the best wireless headphones over-ear. They're designed for those who love music and over-ear headphones wireless come with an accompanying app that comes with an EQ in graphic form and presets that allow you to personalize the sound profile. They also have an aptX-Adaptive Codec to stream high-res video using compatible apps, like Tidal.
Some headphones for over-ear use can be bulky, and fitting them in a backpack or suitcase is a major challenge. However, their size and weight are a trade-off for improved comfort and a higher quality of audio which isn't accessible with earbuds.
Battery Life
Battery life is a major characteristic of the top over-ear headphones. They last longer because they don't need to work as hard in order to keep your ears warm. Over-ears are ideal for listening while on the move whether you're traveling or just commuting.
They are also a great choice for office workers and students who must stay focused on their tasks. The Marshall Major IIIs are lightweight, comfortable to wear and offer up to 44 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. They also come with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which allows them to pair with several devices at once.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are among the most highly rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones. The headphones come with a charging case that allows for up to 60 hours playback. They can also be used to make calls hands-free due to the built-in microphones. They have smart active noise cancelling technology that automatically adjusts sound settings that are suited to the surroundings and can be activated at the push of a button. Automatic ear detection pauses the playback when you take off them and resumes it automatically when you put back on.
Other over-ears that have a long battery life include the Focal's newest Bluetooth headphones that are the Bathys. These premium headphones were created to be awe-inspiring to audiophiles. They feature a soundstage which can transport you into a musical setting. The headphones are loaded with a myriad of features and an advanced system for noise cancellation. They can also run for up to 34 hours when using a full battery.
Over-ears can also provide better listening time than traditional on-ears, due to their larger earcups, which can hold larger batteries. Some budget models offer up to 95 hours of playback on one charge (Edifier W830BT) which is more than double what you will get from best on-ear headphones.
Over-ear Bluetooth headphones are the ideal choice for audiophiles in search of a pair of durable, premium headphones that last for years. They are also less likely to harm your hearing than in-ear headphones, because they are further from your eardrums. According to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as secure for long listening sessions as in-ear buds.