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Why Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Are Better Than Earbuds

Over-ear headphones create a physical barrier against external sounds by sealing your ears. That gives them a huge advantage in sound quality with the top models boasting huge soundstages as well as audiophile-quality features.

Over-ear headphones are typically more bulkier and larger than earbuds, although many fold and come with a carry case to make it easier to carry. They can offer longer battery life as well as superior noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

While the earbuds are ideal for portability and convenience over-ear headphones have superior sound quality and Gaming often come with noise cancelling technology which allows them to be used on public transport or at the office. For many people, this is a deal-breaker and over-ear headphones are the preferred option.

The more spacious design of these headphones allows them to have bigger drivers than earbuds. This results in a better audio quality and better sound reproduction. This is particularly true at lower frequencies, where headphones are more powerful and fuller bass than earbuds.

Over-ear headphones shield you from ambient noises, creating an experience that is more immersive. The soundproofing capabilities of headphones can be enhanced by using active noise cancellation, which works by emitting reversed sound that blocks out external noise. Many over-ear wireless headphones which have ANC come with multiple modes that let you select the amount of volume you want.

Another feature that differentiates over-ear headphones from earbuds is their open-back design. This means that the music can leave the earcups and be able to interact with the surrounding area, which enhances immersion. This isn't something you'll find in every pair of over-ear headphones, but those with it typically offer a wider and more expansive soundstages to enjoy your music.

Master & dynamic headphones, with their MW75 model, debuted in June. The combination of leather, aluminum and glasses that are tempered make them look classy. The MW75 also comes with a variety of ANC modes to accommodate different environments and improved battery life.

Focal's debut over-ear headphones are another set that uses an open-back design. They feature large soundstages to complement their music-centric features. The default sound profile is deep in bass, with plenty of thump and punch to compliment EDM and hip-hop. The bass can block out instruments and vocals, but the graphic EQ in the companion app lets you adjust the sound to your preference. The devices can be utilized in USB-C mode by using an audio cable that is wired to provide high-resolution audio to 24bit/192kHz.

Isolation

When selecting headphones, sound isolation is an important consideration. The most effective headphones for noise-isolation 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 sound and provide a solid seal, which helps to reduce background noises like music or voices. Some wireless over-ear headphones feature active noise cancellation, which improves isolation further by removing any sound from your environment without compromising sound quality.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro wireless over-ear headphones have excellent isolation from sound. They're lightweight and provide excellent noise cancellation which makes them a great option for long listening sessions. They have a balanced and natural sound with good bass and high-frequency. The headphones are also ideal for use in studios and come with a high-quality microphone for calls.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another great option. They are designed to be comfortable, featuring a pliable fit and soft ear pads which are covered with soft fabric. These headphones also feature a noise-canceling mic and are compatible with numerous smartphones.

These headphones are designed to be all-rounders and include features you won't see on cheaper models. They include Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX for faster speed of transmission and less video delay. These are also waterproof and ideal for your next outdoor adventure.

The Sennheiser HD 25 II also offers a high level of passive sound reduction which reduces ambient noise levels by 20 decibels. This is a remarkable amount of reduction that makes it possible to enjoy your music even in noisy surroundings.

Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable than earbuds. Although every person will experience this differently, many people find that earbuds can cause discomfort after long listening sessions. Earbuds are also prone to slip out of your ear and are often covered with earwax. By contrast, over-ear headphones are less likely to cause this problem and are more positioned to your eardrums, reducing the risk of damage to your hearing.

Portability

Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for prolonged periods of time because they feature large ear cups. Over-ear headphones are also ideal for long journeys and commutes as they keep you away from the world outside. The larger earcups of over-ear headphones generally provide the best audio quality, with bigger drivers and a wider frequency range than earbuds.

Headphones come in different styles, sizes and price ranges. They can be tailored to fit your budget and requirements. Cheap headphones are usually wired and connected via the standard 3.5mm plug, while high-end models include Bluetooth connectivity, a USB-DAC for high-resolution audio playback, as well as additional features such as noise cancellation.

Even sporting headphones that have earpads that can be washed or gaming breathable and a more secure clamping force will hold them in place when working out. For the most portable option, choose headphones that fold into a small bag and fits snugly in your bag or jacket pocket.

Some wireless over-ear headphones have built-in microphones that allow you to make calls on your phone or tablet, without having to remove the headphones. This is particularly useful in noisy areas where it is difficult to hear the other person.

Over-ear bt headphones wireless can also be an ideal choice for listening to audiobooks and podcasts because the earphones block out some background noise, which means they are more comfortable to listen to while reading or just relax at home.

In our tests, the Focal Wireless Bathys headphones ranked as the top wireless headphones over-ear. They're made for those who love music and come with an app companion to the headphones that includes a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to personalize the sound profile. They have an aptX-Adaptive codec for streaming high-res with compatible apps, like Tidal.

On the flip side there are headphones that are a bit bulky and require some thought before packing them away, especially in a suitcase or backpack. The weight and size of over-ear headphones are sacrificed to provide high-quality audio and comfort that earbuds cannot provide.

Battery Life

The top headphones for over-ears have long battery lives. Batteries last longer because they don't need to perform as hard to keep your ears warm. Over-ears are great for listening while in motion whether you're traveling or just commuting.

They are also a good option for gaming office workers and students who need to stay focused on their assignments. The Marshall Major IIIs have an ultra-lightweight design that is comfortable to wear and can last up to 44 hours on a single battery charge. They also have Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which allows them to connect to multiple devices at once.

The Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Headphones that are over-ear Bluetooth headphones are among the top-rated. They come with an rechargeable case that can provide up to 60 hours of playback and can be used hands-free to make calls thanks to their built-in microphones. They feature smart active noise cancelling technology, which automatically applies personalized sound settings that are suited to your surroundings and can be activated with the push of the button. Automatic ear detection will stop the playback when you take off them, and resumes it automatically when you put back on.

Focal's Bathys are their first Bluetooth headphones with a long battery life, are a different alternative. These premium headphones were created to be awe-inspiring to audiophiles. They feature a soundstage which can transport you into a music-filled environment. They also have a rich feature set as well as a sophisticated noise cancelling system. They also last for 34 hours on a full charge.

Over-ears can also provide more listening time than on-ears thanks to their bigger earcups that can house larger batteries. Some budget models can offer up to 95 hours of listening time on one charge (EdifierW830BT), more than twice what you can get with the top on-ear headphones.

Over-ear Bluetooth headphones are the best choice for audiophiles who are looking for a pair of durable, premium headphones that last for many years. As they are located further away from the eardrums, they are less likely to harm your hearing. According to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as secure for long listening sessions as in-ear headphones.