On-ear headphones vs. Over-ear headphones: Which sounds higher?

Key Takeaways

On-ear headphones are extra snug for longer put on, lighter, and fewer isolating, whereas over-ear headphones provide higher sound high quality and options like energetic noise-cancelling.
Marshall’s Main IV on-ear headphones are snug and versatile however lack immersive audio and superior options in comparison with some over-ear choices.
In the end, the selection between on-ear and over-ear headphones is determined by finances, desired options, and utilization preferences.

Within the three years I have been testing headphones, I believed I might tried all of them. From wired headphones, over-ear headphones, Bluetooth headphones, and extra. However, alas, I used to be flawed. I have been utilizing Marshall’s Major IV on-ear headphones for the previous few weeks and — as I am studying — there are some main variations between on-ear and over-ear headphones.

Associated

These on-ear headphones pass the vintage vibe check, but not soundcheck

Marshall’s Main IV on-ear headphones match properly on my ears and in my finances, however compromised on sound high quality.

Sure, each headphones have related designs and people not as in tune with the completely different headphone fashions might imagine they’re the identical factor (I do know I used to). After utilizing on-ear headphones for the previous few weeks, I’ve seen a considerable distinction in sound high quality, consolation, and total options obtainable. Prior to now, I’ve used Bose, Sony, and Apple’s over-ear headphones, all of which range in high quality however provide comparatively related options. Marshall’s Main IV on-ear headphones are noticeably completely different from all three manufacturers.

Whereas Marshall’s on-ear headphones are the one expertise I’ve had thus far with on-ear headphones, I can confidently say I want my over-ear headphones nearly all of the time. Over-ear headphones as a complete are higher for day by day use, however on-ear headphones nonetheless have some perks. Listed here are some issues you need to know earlier than deciding between over-ear and on-ear headphones.

Associated

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and take a look at our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have truly reviewed.

Consolation

On-ear makes for a neater, longer put on

Marshall Main IV

Battery Life: 80 hours
Appropriate With: Android, iOS
Connection Sort: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm jaack
Weight: 5.8 ounces
Noise Cancellation: No
Foldable: Sure
Waterproof: Waterproof
Charging sort: USB-C

Okay, I do know I mentioned I most popular over-ear headphones, however Marshall’s on-ear headphones are by far one of the vital snug pairs of headphones I’ve but to check. The headphones have sq. earcups which comfortably match on my ears. I’ve a number of piercings on each ears, so I am at all times looking out for a pair of headphones that will not irritate them. For the reason that on-ear headphones do not totally embody my ears, there’s much more breathability.

On prime of the form of the earcups, the on-ear headphones are lighter. The headphones weigh solely 5.8 ounces and really feel tremendous gentle on my head, making me overlook I used to be sporting headphones in any respect.

A woman with a white running hat wears a pair of Shokz Open Run Pro bone conduction headphones in front of a blurred out forest background.

Associated

These are the 3 reasons why I exclusively use bone conduction headphones for running

As a runner, I solely use bone conduction headphones. This is why.

Whereas the on-ear headphones win in consolation, that is to not say that over-ear headphones are completely uncomfortable. Over-ear headphones consolation positively varies by model. Apple’s AirPods Max are the heaviest by far, however Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones are comparatively light-weight sufficient so that you can comfortably put on them for a number of hours.

For glasses wearers, observe that on-ear headphones sit on prime of the ear moderately than going round it, which might contribute to constructed up strain or make for a clumsy match.

Sound high quality

Over-ears have made for a extra immersive expertise

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wi-fi Headphones

Battery Life: 30 hours (NC on) / 40 hours (NC off)
Noise Cancellation: Auto NC optimiser, Atmospheric strain optimising, Ambient mode
Bluetooth: 5.2
Weight: 250g
Battery cost time: 3.5 hours

Over-ear headphones have a transparent benefit on the subject of sound high quality. Over-ear headphones give a extra encompass sound listening expertise whereas on-ear headphones have extra stereo sound. Over-ear headphones elevate the bass when listening to music and amplify voices when you’re a podcast fan like myself. Plus, over-ear headphones give extra crisp and clear sound throughout Zoom or Google Meet calls, which is a should for distant employees who’re continuously on Zoom calls.

On-ear headphones aren’t dangerous, however positively do not stack as much as the sound high quality of over-ear headphones. Granted, I actually solely have expertise with Marshall’s on-ear headphones, so it could range by model. I have been sporting the on-ear headphones whereas casually doing work exterior or for morning walks and the sound high quality is common, however with sound leakage and lack of an immersive audio format, I’d suggest switching to over-ear headphones for vital calls.

Whereas I’ve personally solely examined Marshall’s on-ear headphones, observe that usually, on-ear headphones haven’t got as targeted isolation and listeners report sound leakage.

Associated

Best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds: Audiophile tested and reviewed

Based on our in and on-ears listening, these fashions from Apple, Bose, Sony, and extra prime the market in high quality, quiet, and luxury.

Options

Over-ear headphones have extra to supply

Apple AirPods Max

Battery Life: As much as 20 hours
Noise Cancellation: ANC, Transparency modes
Waterproof: IPX4
Charging sort: Lightning
Compatbility: iOS and Android
Dimensions: 187. 3 x 168.6 x 83.4mm, 385g
Foldable: No

Though each model is completely different, most over-ear headphones provide a big choice of completely different options for listeners. Most of the time, over-ear headphones provide energetic noise-cancelling (ANC), a function Marshall’s on-ear headphones excludes. With the ANC, over-ear headphones permit for much more customization. Customers can select whether or not they need a clear mode, how a lot noise-cancelling they need and extra. The customization permits customers to have a extra customized listening expertise. On Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, for instance, the noise-cancelling ranges will mechanically regulate based mostly in your environment and the encompassing noise.

On-ear headphones, alternatively, are extra restricted within the options supplied. Marshall does provide an app which permits customers to regulate the EQ presets and add a timer, however I have never discovered that the app tremendously modifications the sound. The apps for Sony and Bose’s over-ear headphones have a extra noticeable affect on the listening expertise than the app for Marshall’s on-ear headphones.

kz-zsn-pro-x-wired-headphones feature image (1)

Associated

7 reasons wired headphones won me over

Reducing cables appears to be the best way of the long run, however conserving your cords hooked up nonetheless has appreciable benefits.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra leather behind close up 1

On-ear vs over-ear headphones: Which do you have to purchase?

On the finish of the day, it is determined by how a lot cash you wish to spend — and the way a lot you wish to get out of your cash. You may simply discover Marshall’s on-ear headphones on Amazon for underneath $100, however you get what you pay for. I’ve loved utilizing the on-ear headphones and see myself bringing them alongside for extra informal actions, however leaving them behind for calls or once I need extra interactive options.

Over-ear headphones are much more costly, starting from $250-600, however they provide total higher high quality than the on-ear headphones. I’ll proceed to make use of my over-ear headphones for work calls and to dam out all of the noise whereas using the London tube or New York Metropolis subway.