Why Over Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

With their large ear cups, the over-ear wireless headphones can better isolate you from external sounds. They also are able to use active noise cancellation more effectively than earbuds which is useful in loud environments.

The Sony WH1000XM5 is a top over the ear headphones-of-the-line pair of over-ear headphones that offer outstanding sound quality and active noise cancellation. They support a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution lossless audio streaming via the LDAC codec.

Comfort

Over-ear headphones fit around your ears, providing more comfort than in-ear headphones. They are also lighter in weight since they don't have a cord that runs over your head like headphones do. They also generally have more components inside (like microphones, batteries and drivers) due to their larger size. They are also more portable, and therefore better suited to travel.

A comfortable pair of headphones should feature softly padded earcups that wrap around your ear and a lightweight and non-stressing headband. The headphones should be able to be adjusted to allow you to adjust the ear cups and headband to get a better fitting. For extended listening sessions, look for headphones that have extra plush memory foam in the ear cups.

Certain headphones for over-ear use have active noise cancellation, which reduces the background noise. This allows you to concentrate on your audio without being distracted by other sounds. This will make your podcasts or music easier to listen to, and can aid in focusing more at the office or when you're traveling by plane.

Another advantage of over-ear headphones is their ability to create an effective seal, which helps to reduce the sound of ambient noise. While you'll still hear some outside noise, it's usually less audible than with in-ear headphones and won't disturb with your walk into a busy area.

On-ear headphones rest on your ear instead of over them, which is more comfortable for people who have certain ear piercings or glasses shapes that make in-ear headphones uncomfortable. They are also more lightweight and portable due to the fact that they have a smaller design and can easily fit into your bag.

Some headphones come with extra padding in the earcups for extra comfort. They're also usually constructed with open-back models which let you hear your surroundings. This is a great choice for those who like being able to listen to their environment as well as their music.

Sound

When you're spending this kind of amount of money on headphones you want them sound great. Luckily, Bluetooth headphones have come far in recent years, and even over-ear wireless models can deliver a rich, balanced sound that's comparable to wired counterparts. Look for Over-Ear Headphones Wireless new Bluetooth chips that are energy efficient and have audio codecs that support aptX and THX, as well as earcups that are made of soft materials.

Over-ear headphones can provide an immersive listening experience than on-ear models, because they encase your ears completely. This can create a more expansive and clear soundstage, as well as more separation between vocals and instruments. The larger earcups will allow for bigger drivers, which will give your music the clarity and fullness that audiophiles desire.

Over-ear headphones are known to let more ambient sound out than models that are on-ear. It's a small price to compensate for the isolation that they provide, particularly in noisy settings such as public transport or work. These headphones are also larger and heavier than on-ear versions which makes them harder to carry around in a bag.

Battery life is a different factor to consider headphones that are over-ear typically providing 20 to 60 hours of playback. This is influenced by the degree of noise cancellation and the volume you listen to.

On-ear wireless headphones last anywhere between 30 and 40 hours, depending on the model. The average will be somewhere in between, and the longer-lasting models tend to be lighter and more compact.

The Sony WH-CH720Ns are good example of a pair that comes with an impressive number of features for a budget price. They're not as expensive as the WH-1000XM4s, which is the flagship model of the company however they're still equipped with the likes of multi-point pairing as well as adaptive active noise cancellation, and support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio and DSEE upscaling technology.

If you're on a limited budget but still are looking for the best wireless over-ear headphones take a look at the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2. These stylish headphones have an elegant design and good set of features, including an entire ANC mode.

Noise Cancellation

Although earbuds can be useful to block out ambient noise (just put them in your ears) Over-ear wireless headphones typically offer a more active noise cancellation experience. The reason is that they can cover a wider area around your ears with their larger outer housings which means they're able to generate and produce more sound that can cancel out any sounds that you're listening to.

Some pairs may even include multiple ANC modes that you can choose according to your listening scenario, with the capability of allowing external audio to pass through for when you're in public or working. Focal's entry into the burgeoning market for premium over-ear noise cancelling headphones is a great example. Its Bathys offer a stunningly vivid high-resolution sound that brings mixing-booth quality to everyday listening.

Other over-ear wireless headphones that we've enjoyed testing include Sony's XM4s, which feature impressive passive noise isolation that lets you to concentrate on your music with ease, and a plethora of useful features like voice control and LDAC support for high-res playback, and a clever app that lets you tweak the EQ settings of any track. These cans capture every inflection of Sinead's "Nothing Compares 2 You" to the trembling Bridge.

When it comes to selecting the most appropriate pair for you, it is dependent on your personal preferences and budget. Over-ears tend to be more comfortable than earbuds and are less likely to fall out of your ears, so if intend to wear them for a long period of time, it's well worth the extra expense of the right pair.

Over-ear headphones are bigger than regular headphones, allowing them to have a bigger battery and more advanced features, such as improved active noise cancellation. They're also a cheaper alternative to audiophile-style headphones for listening to analytic music, which could cost upwards of $250 or AU$450 per pair.

Earbuds are a cheaper and smaller alternative, but they aren't as effective at blocking out ambient noise, and don't offer the same variety of features.

Battery Life

For headphones to be truly portable, they need to offer long playback time. The best wireless headphones over-ear provide around 30 hours of uninterrupted music with no active noise cancellation turned on (this drastically reduces the battery's life) and models that offer ANC are typically much longer.

Over-ear wireless headphones come with larger ear cups that can accommodate larger batteries, which can provide longer battery longevity than smaller in-ears and on-ears. Over-ear headphones aren't as portable to offer longer run times as well as additional features like foldable earcups and a carrying case.

The majority of wireless headphones over-ear connect to an audio source with cables that connect to 3.5mm ports, although professional-grade over-ears may use larger 6.3mm or XLR connectors. Over-ear headphones that are wired can be connected to audio outputs from external sources using a separate cable. Wireless models connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone.

Some wireless headphones with over-ears feature built-in microphones, which allow you to make hands-free calls using your mobile. Others have an adjustable volume button that allows you to skip tracks, or to start and stop playback. Some over-ear headphones charge your smartphone while they are used, but this is usually only found on high-end models.

Whether you prefer the rich bass of EDM or the more balanced sound of classical music, over-ear wireless headphones provide outstanding audio performance. A lot of over-ear headphones are open-back. This means they don't close off the ears from ambient sounds and feature drivers of varying sizes and types to reproduce more expansive, richer-sounding music.

Focal's newest headphones are premium audiophile-grade wireless headphone that brings mixing booth quality to your daily listening. The headphones are designed to be compatible with Apple devices only, which limits their functionality. However, if you want to use them on your iPhone or iPad they provide an incredibly rich and dynamic sonic experience.

The wireless headphones for over-ear Headphones Wireless use have a premium build and design that features aluminum detailing, encased in soft Nappa leather. They're designed for serious listeners and can be adjusted to suit the shape of your ear and come with a custom-fitting carrying pouch that guarantees a secure fit. The MW08s feature 11mm berylium drivers to provide rich, clear and resonant sound that resembles the acoustics of live performance. The MW08s are compatible with aptX Bluetooth codecs as well as AAC Bluetooth codes. The companion app offers a variety of customization options so you can tailor the sound profile to suit your preferences.