It’s time to get real about headphones. Over ear or on ear, which is better for you? We break it down so you can make the best decision for your listening pleasure.
Introduction
When it comes to headphones, there are two main types: over ear and on ear. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know which is better for you before you make a purchase.
Over ear headphones are great for people who want a more immersive experience. They sit on top of your ears and often have plush padding, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They also tend to provide better sound quality since they’re able to seal out external noise more effectively. However, over ear headphones can be bulky and difficult to transport, and they’re not ideal for people who want to be able to hear what’s going on around them.
On ear headphones are a good compromise between size and sound quality. They’re small enough to be portable, but they still provide reasonably good sound quality. They don’t seal out external noise as well as over ear headphones, but they allow you to hear your surroundings – which can be important if you’re walking or biking outdoors. On ear headphones can also be less comfortable than over ear headphones since they press directly against your ears, so they might not be the best choice if you plan on wearing them for long periods of time.
Over ear vs on ear headphones
There are a few key differences between over ear and on ear headphones that might make one or the other a better choice for you. Over ear headphones are generally more comfortable, because they sit on top of your ears rather than pressing directly on them. They also tend to provide better sound quality, because they seal out more external noise.
On the downside, over ear headphones tend to be bulkier and more expensive than on ear headphones. And if you wear them for too long, they can start to feel hot and uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for headphones to wear for long periods of time or for use in a noisy environment, over ear headphones are probably the way to go. But if you want something more portable and affordable, on ear headphones might be a better choice.
On ear headphones are headphones that sit on your ears. They don’t go over your ears like over ear headphones do. On ear headphones are sometimes also called supra-aural headphones. They’re usually lighter and more compact than over ear headphones, which makes them a good choice if you want something portable. And because they don’t go over your ears, they might be a little cooler to wear in hot weather. On the downside, on ear headphones can cause discomfort after awhile, and they might not block out noise as well as over ear headphones can.
Pros and cons
The main difference between over-ear and on-ear headphones is, well, where they sit on your head. Over-ear headphones cup the entire ear while on-ear headphones, as the name suggests, sit directly on top of the ear. This can make on-ear headphones a bit more uncomfortable for long listening sessions, but it also means they’re generally smaller and more portable.
Now that you know the difference between over-ear and on-ear headphones, let’s take a look at their pros and cons in more detail:
Over-Ear Headphones: Pros
Comfort: Because over-ear headphones cup the entire ear, they’re generally much more comfortable for long listening sessions.
Sound quality: Over-ear headphones tend to provide better sound quality thanks to their larger drivers (the part of the headphone that produces sound). They also tend to do a better job of blocking out external noise.
Isolation: The larger cups on over-ear headphones also do a better job of isolating your ears from external noise. If you’re looking for headphones to use in noisy environments (like an airplane), over-ears are your best bet.
Styles: Over-ears come in lots of different styles, from sleek and modern to vintage and retro. And because they don’t have any wires connecting the ear cups, they tend to look a bit more high-tech than on-ears.
Over-Ear Headphones: Cons
Size: The tradeoff for all that comfort is size — over-ears can be a bit bulky, which makes them less than ideal for use while working out or traveling.
On-Ear Headphones: Pros
Portability: On-ears are much smaller and lighter than over-ears, making them easier to pack up and take with you on the go. And because they don’t have any wires connecting the ear cups, they can be folded up into a smaller space for easy storage.
Style: On-ears come in lots of different styles, from sleek and modern to vintage and retro. And because they don’t have any wires connecting the ear cups, they tend to look a bit more high
Which is better for you
There are many different types of headphones on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which type is right for you. In this article, we’ll be comparing over ear and on ear headphones, to help you make a decision about which type is right for you.
Over ear headphones are bigger and bulkier than on ear headphones, and they go over your entire ear rather than just sitting on top of it. They’re usually more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they provide better noise isolation since they’re bigger and fit more snugly around your ears. However, they can be more expensive than on ear headphones, and they’re not as portable since they’re larger and require more storage space.
On ear headphones are smaller and more lightweight than over ear headphones, making them more portable and easier to store. They’re also typically less expensive than over ear headphones. However, they don’t provide as much noise isolation since they don’t fit as snugly around your ears, and they can be less comfortable to wear for long periods of time since they put pressure directly on your ears.
How to choose
The type of headphone you choose will largely depend on your intended use as well as personal preference. If you’re looking for headphones to take to the gym or for running, in-ear headphones are a good choice because they’re small and lightweight. If you want headphones for listening to music at home or on the go, over-ear or on-ear headphones are a better option because they tend to provide better sound quality.
Over-ear headphones
Over-ear headphones enclose your ears in soft pads, providing complete isolation from outside noise. They’re usually larger and heavier than on-ear headphones, which can make them less comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Over-ear headphones also tend to be more expensive than other types, but they offer the best sound quality and noise isolation.
On-ear headphones
On-ear headphones sit on top of your ears and have pads that press lightly against your earlobes. They’re smaller and lighter than over-ear models, making them a good choice if you want something that’s portable and easy to pack. On-ear headphones don’t isolate noise as well as over-ear models, but they tend to be less expensive.
Conclusion
We’ve taken a look at the pros and cons of both over ear and on ear headphones, and it’s really up to you which type you prefer. If you want headphones that will give you the best sound quality, then over ear headphones are the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something that is more portable and less expensive, then on ear headphones might be a better option.