Choosing Between In-Ear and Over-Ear Headphones
There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing headphones. The first thing to consider is whether you prefer earbuds or headphones that cover your ears.
Over-ear headphones tend to be larger and provide better noise cancellation compared to other headphone designs. They can be comfortable to wear for long periods of time if you select the right pair.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors when choosing headphones, particularly for long listening sessions. There are plenty of headphones that provide high-quality sound and comfortable fit. The best headphones are typically well-padded and fit snugly around your ears without applying too much pressure on your head. They should be light and feature good noise cancellation. The battery life is another important factor, as no-one would like to be without a charge while listening. A decent pair of headphones should provide around 20 hours of playback per charge, and the longer the duration is always better.
Over-ear headphones are the most comfortable choice of all, since their large earcups seal over your ears and prevent external noise from entering your ear canal. Based on the design they could be light and snug-fitting or heavier and bulkier than on-ear headphones. Some over-ear headphones are also available with active noise cancellation, which blocks out ambient noise and helps you concentrate on your music.
The Razer Seiren Pro Over Ear Wireless Headphones were the most expensive headphones we test, but also the most comfortable. They're made from high-end plastic, with plush earcups that are adjustable and have memory foam padding that kept my ears from sweating in long listening sessions. They have a great noise cancellation system, as well as a robust carrying bag that includes an USB-C cord, and an excellent noise cancelling system.
The V-Moda M-200 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ranked second in terms of comfort. They're slightly cheaper than the Sony's and are a ideal choice for those looking for a stylish, durable headphone that won't break the bank. They are Hi-Res Audio-certified and have 50mm drivers with the neodymium magnets and CCAW vocal coils. They have a neutral sound profile and an impressive bass response for a set of over-ear headphones.
The frequency range and the clamping pressure are other important aspects to consider when choosing the most comfortable pair of headphones. The former refers to how tightly the headband fits around your head; you want it to fit snugly enough to create a seal and block out outside noise however, not so tight that it causes discomfort or feels like it's being jackhammered into your skull. The frequency response is what's crucial. A treble that is too loud can be exhausting to listen to over an extended period of time.
Sound
Over-ear headphones provide the highest quality audio. Over-ear headphones have large drivers which are able produce more sound than on-ear or in-ear headphones. Many models offer immersive soundscapes with excellent quality reproduction. Over-ear headphones also seal around your ears more effectively than in-ear or on-ear headphones, which means less ambient noise will enter your ear. This depends on the model of the headphone and its construction quality. The best over-ear headphones are usually closed with sealed earcups. This reduces leakage.
Besides sound quality, over-ear headphones can feature active noise cancellation, which eliminates external sounds using the earcups' built-in microphones. This feature is ideal for commuting and traveling, as you can enjoy your music without the distraction of outside noise. This feature can impact the life of your battery. Look for headphones that have ANC that are designed for long listening sessions.
Most over-ear headphones are available in wired and wireless models. The cables of the wired models are terminated in 3.5mm connectors, while professional headphones use larger 6.3mm or an XLR connector. Wireless headphones work via Bluetooth and don't require a cable to work. However the quality of their sound can be lower and they may be unable to connect to your device if beyond range.
When selecting headphones for over-ear be sure to consider the quality of their audio as well as the level of comfort they offer. Choose a pair made of high-quality materials and has padded earcups and headband that sit softly against the ears. Also, you should check the force of clamping, which measures how tightly they fit around your head and may impact the comfort.
Over-ear headphones are available in high-end materials like rubber and plastic. They are durable and comfortable to wear for long durations of time. Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 headphones are a good example. They're costly, but they feel well-made, and come with the sturdy case for carrying with an aeroplane adapter as well as an 6.3mm stereo plug that is included in the box. The headphones have a V-shaped sound profile with plenty of thumpy bass and bright treble, which those who love pop and rock will appreciate. The headphones are also equipped with a separate app that offers graphic EQ settings as well as presets to aid in tweaking the sound profile.
Noise cancellation
Noise cancelling headphones block out all ambient noises, allowing you to listen to your music or sleep in a noisy airplane. They're typically best in reducing steady-state, continuous sounds such as trains or engines in airplanes however they're not as effective against sudden, high-frequency noises like the sound of a brake or your neighbor's animated conversation.
Over-ear headphones that cover your ears with ear cups are superior in blocking out background noise than earbuds that are smaller and on-ear models. They also have larger speaker drivers that means they can deliver a rich and full sound that is more faithful to the source of the audio.
The most advanced headphones for over-ear use also come with active noise cancellation, which utilizes built-in microphones to pick up surrounding sounds. Then, they electronically create opposing sound waves that block out the unwanted sound. This technology isn't as advanced as the noise-canceling capabilities of the top audiophile speakers, but it's extremely effective in reducing background noise.
Some headphones with over-ears come with a "transparent" mode that allows you to hear the sounds around you. This is a great feature when you want to hear what's going on around you or make a call, but want to keep the volume at a minimum.
Over-ear headphones also offer more comfort during wear than smaller earbuds. They often have ear cups with cushioning and headbands composed of soft materials such as memory foam. The earcups can even fold flat for easy storage and portability. Many of the best over-ear headphones also have Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which can let listen to music and podcasts anywhere and usually have long battery lives and quick charging capabilities.
Portability
A pair of headphones allows a person to listen to an audio source in private, without disturbing others and can block background noise. They can be used with a variety of mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. In-ear and earbud headphones are the most portable, however over-ear models can be an excellent choice. Over-ear headphones weigh more than other types, but some models fold down and are less bulky. Some even have headphones over ear a carry-case.
The quality of sound produced by a pair of headphones depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of their drivers, which can influence frequency response and harmonic distortion. Generally, larger drivers will offer better bass, and open-back designs allow for an even soundstage. The design of the headband and earcups are also important. The most effective headphones will feature earpads with cushioned padding and headbands constructed of materials which are comfortable for long listening sessions.
Alongside the padded headphones and earcups, top headphones should be lightweight for easy transport. Look for headphones that weigh less than a pound and ensure you read reviews on how well they are able to fit your head and ears before purchasing.
For audiophiles looking for the best headphones, choose Bluetooth wireless headphones that feature active noise cancellation and a movable headband. These types are perfect for frequent commuters who need headphones that they can wear on several trips. They'll likely come with a higher cost however they're more durable and offer a premium design that creates an attractive and comfortable choice for those who listen to music casually.
A pair of over-ear wireless headphones that feature active noise cancellation and a user-friendly smartphone app are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy their music on the go, and they'll usually come with a battery that can last for hours of continuous use. Look for models with high-end components such as a powerful digital signal processor that can automatically adjust settings to provide the best sound experience on the go. Sony WH1000XM5 headphones for instance, are equipped with intelligent features to help you get the best audio experience.