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 the outside sounds. They also have a significant advantage in sound quality, with the best models boasting huge soundstages as well as audiophile-quality features.
Over-ear headphones tend to be heavier and bulkier, however many come with a carrying bag that folds in order to be portable. 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 offer better sound quality and usually have noise cancelling technology that allows them to be used on public transport or in the office. Over-ear headphones are a popular option for a lot of people due to the fact that they provide superior sound quality and noise cancelling technology.
Over-ear headphones have a larger design, which allows them to have a much larger driver than earbuds. This leads to better sound reproduction and sound quality. This is especially true for the lower frequencies, which is why over-ear headphones typically have a richer and more powerful bass than earbuds.
Over-ear headphones isolate you from background noises, resulting in a more immersive experience. The soundproofing of over-ear headphones can be improved by using active noise cancellation which emits reversed sound that blocks out external noise. The majority of wireless headphones with ANC have multiple modes that let you choose the level of loudness or silence you'd like to hear.
Another thing that separates over-ear headphones from earbuds is their open-back design. This means that the audio will exit the earcups and connect with the surrounding area that enhances the experience. It's not something you'll find in every pair over-ear headphones, but those that do have it generally have a wider and more spacious soundstage to let you enjoy your music.
Master & Dynamic headphones are the latest over-ear wireless headphone to take this approach. They have a model MW75, which debuted in June. Their premium look is more than skin deep with aluminum, leather and tempered glass to create a look that is distinctive in a crowd. The MW75 features a variety of ANC modes that can be adapted to different environments, and a longer battery life.
Focal's first over-ear headphones feature an open-back design that has a large soundstages that complement their music-centric features. The default sound profile of these headphones is a bass-heavy mix with plenty thump, punch and thump to complement EDM and hip hop. Instruments and vocals are obscured by the bass, but you can alter the sound to suit your preferences via the companion application's graphic EQ and presets. The devices can be used in USB-C mode with an Ethernet cable to allow high-resolution audio up to 24bit/192kHz.
Isolation
When choosing headphones the sound isolation is an important consideration. The best headphones for noise reduction are closed-back over-ear headphones with large ear cushions that comfortably wrap around your ears. These headphones block out the majority of outside noises and create a solid seal that reduces ambient noises, such as music or voices. Some over-ear wireless headphones have active noise cancellation, which further enhances isolation by blocking out the sounds from your surroundings, without sacrificing quality audio.
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro wireless over-ear headphones provide outstanding sound isolation. They're lightweight and provide excellent passive noise isolation which makes them an excellent choice for long listening sessions. They have a natural and balanced sound quality, with a good bass and treble. They are also suitable for studio use and come with a high-quality microphone for calls.
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another excellent choice. These headphones are designed for comfort, with a flexible fitting and soft earpads covered in plush fabric. These headphones also come with an earpiece that can be used as a noise cancelling microphone and are compatible with a variety of smartphones.
These headphones are designed to be an all-rounder and include features you won't see on cheaper models. They include Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX support for improved speed of transmission and less video delay. wireless bluetooth headphones are also waterproof and a great choice 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 significant reduction that lets you listen to your music even in noisy environments.
Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable 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 slide out of your ears, and they are frequently covered in ear wax. Over-ear headphones on the other hand, are less likely to cause damage to your hearing and are more close to your eardrums.
Portability
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for prolonged periods of time because they have large ear cups. The design of the over-ear headphones also helps isolate you from the outside world which makes them a great option for long commutes and flights. The larger ear cups of over-ear headphones generally allow them to deliver the best audio quality, with larger drivers and a bigger frequency range than earbuds.
Headphones come in different styles, sizes and price points to meet different requirements and budgets. The cheapest headphones are usually connected with wires and an ordinary 3.5mm port, while the more expensive models have bluetooth connectivity and a USB DAC to allow high-quality audio playback, and 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 even during intense exercise. If you want the most portable choice, opt for headphones that fold into a small bag and can be easily tucked away in your jacket or bag pocket.
Certain wireless headphones with over-ears have built-in microphones that allow users to make calls from your tablet or phone without removing the headphones. This is particularly useful in busy places in noisy areas, where it may be difficult to hear someone who is on the other side of the line.
Over-ear headphones are also ideal for listening to audiobooks and podcasts, as the earphones block some of the background noise. This allows you to hear them while reading or sitting at home.
In our tests, the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones were the best wireless headphones for over-ear use. They're designed for those who love music. They come with a companion app with an EQ graphic and presets to alter the sound profile. They also have an aptX-Adaptive Codec for high-res streaming with compatible apps, such as Tidal.
Some over-ear headphones can be bulky, and packing them in luggage or in a backpack is a challenge. However, their size and weight can be a sacrifice for greater comfort and superior audio quality which isn't accessible with earbuds.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important feature of the best over-ear headphones. They don't require as much effort to keep your ears warm and therefore their batteries will last longer than the ones in on-ears. This makes over-ears perfect for listening while on the move, while travelling or commuting.
They are also a good option for office workers and students who need to stay focused on their tasks. The Marshall Major IIIs feature a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear, and can run for up to 44 hours on a single charge. They also have Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which allows them to pair with several devices simultaneously.
The Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Headphones which are over-ear Bluetooth headphones, are among the best-rated. They come with an adapter that recharges the case and provides up to 60 hours of playback, and they can be used hands-free to make calls thanks to their built-in microphones. They feature smart active noise cancelling technology that automatically adjusts audio settings to suit your environment and is activated by the push of a button. They also have an automatic hearing aids that stop playback when you remove the headphones. They return to playback automatically when you put them back on.
Focal's Bathys, their first Bluetooth headphones with a long battery life, are a different option. These premium headphones are made to impress audiophiles, with an audio stage that can transport you to a music-filled landscape. These headphones have a wealth of features and a sophisticated system for noise cancellation. They can also last for up to 34 hours with the full battery.
Over-ears can also provide more listening time than on-ears thanks to their larger earcups, which can accommodate larger batteries. Certain budget models provide up to 95 hours of playback on a single charge (Edifier W830BT), which is more than double what you get from the best on-ear headphones.
Over-ear Bluetooth headphones are the ideal choice for audiophiles looking for a pair of reliable, premium headphones that can last for many 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 twice as secure for long listening sessions than in-ear buds.