15 Gifts For The Headphones Over Ear Headphones Lover In Your Life

Why Over-Ear Headphones Are Better Than On-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are usually ideal for commuters or workers. They are good at passive noise isolation and are less likely to leak sound which could disturb people around you.

These headphones also have larger ear cups that surround your ears completely, which could help with active noise cancellation. However, they do tend to be bigger and heavier than on-ear models and can be more expensive because of this.

Sound

Over-ear headphones are the best when it comes to sound. They can reduce ambient noise because of their larger earcups. This, combined with the larger driver that usually comes with these headphones allows you to enjoy music with more pronounced bass and a wider soundstage.

They're also more comfortable than on-ear and in-ear headphones, with their padded earcups that cover more of your ears. This means you can listen to music or podcasts for longer periods of time. Some over-ear headsets can fold down into an incredibly compact size, making storage easier.

Some models have touch controls and gestures. While these features aren't a major issue for certain buyers however, they may not be for everyone and might require additional hardware like smartphones.

Many headphones over ear for over-ear use have active noise cancellation (ANC), which reduces the impact of ambient sound on your audio performance. This is useful when you are looking to block distracting background noise while listening to music. Certain ANC models come with a transparent feature that allows you to hear sounds around you.

Over-ear headphones are generally more expensive than on-ear or in-ear models. However, they often include advanced features like active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio. Focal Bathys wireless headphones, for instance, are a great choice for casual listening and critical listening. They offer natural sound quality and lots of detail. They also come with a dedicated DAC mode that supports high-res audio via USB.

Some over-ear headphones have an in-line mic to allow hands-free phone calls. This is an excellent feature if you plan to use them as a phone conversation. Some headphones even come with rechargeable batteries to enable wireless listening without external power sources. It's worth noting, however, that the battery longevity of these headphones could be shorter than those that have wired connections.

Comfort

Over-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear than on-ear models, wired as the ear cups encapsulate your ears completely. You'll be able hear less ambient sound, which is great for noisy environments and public transportation. Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for long listening sessions because they don't place a direct pressure on your ears.

In general, over-ear headphones also have bigger drivers than on-ears, which allows them offer a wider frequency range. They can reproduce bass notes with greater volume and clarity than on-ear headphones, while also handling high-frequency notes with greater precision. Many over-ear headphones also come with an app companion that lets you adjust the sound to your preferences using graphic EQ settings and presets.

Another benefit of the larger earcups is the fact that they help to create a seal around your ears, which makes passive noise cancellation (PNC) more effective alternative to on-ear headphones. While on-ear headsets can block out sound, they are much more limited and typically only works at higher volumes.

Some headphones over-ear come with ANC in a variety of modes that can be tailored to your specific environment. For example you can select to adjust the sound to outdoor, home or on a plane. This is a great feature for travelers and commuters who want to get the most of their headphones without having to play around with buttons or manually adjust settings in an application.

Focal Bathys are one of our favorite wireless over-ear headphones. They're aimed at audiophiles who are enthralled by high-resolution music. They feature the USB-C DAC mode, which supports high-res playback of up to 21bit/192kHz, and can be switched between outdoor, indoor, and transit modes to help to block out noise when in a noisy area.

While over-ear headphones are a great option for a majority of people but there are instances when on-ear headphones might be more appropriate. For instance, if are planning to listen to music while exercising or running or running, then earphones might be more comfortable for you to use during your workout, and they'll fold up to take up less space in your bag. These models also have ears that fit comfortably within your ear. This can make you feel more secure exercising for a long time.

Noise Cancellation

A quality pair of headphones will improve your listening experience. However, a good pair will elevate it to a new level by creating an acoustic barrier between you and the surrounding. That means a great pair of noise-canceling headphones can make even a hectic commute or busy office a more enjoyable experience.

Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) make use of built-in microphones to listen for external sounds, and then create a mirror image of that sound and block it out. You can adjust this ANC intensity through a dedicated application or a physical switch in the headset. Most headsets have 10 levels of intensity and three "favorite settings" that can be programmed using an connected device.

To ensure that noise cancelling works it will require a little bit of a separation from the outside world. This typically calls for earbuds that are sealed tightly around your ears or over-ear headphones that completely cover your earlobes. You should ensure that the headphones fit comfortably before you try them on. Even a slight wiggle can cause them to fall out of alignment and allow ambient noise to pass through, even if the refrigerator is nearby.

There are many headphones that support ANC. For instance, Monoprice BT-600ANC is a pair of low-cost, lightweight headphones that offer an adequate amount of ANC. They also include audio codecs to playback high-quality sound. The headphones come with a durable carrying case and a long battery life, which should be enough for wired most commuters and workers.

At higher prices, you'll find premium ANC options such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH-CH720N. Both are comfortable to wear and feature features such as an automated voice assistant as well as support for high-res audio and Android-powered phones. The most recent model to be included in the roundup is the spring 2023-issue Sony WH-CH720N, which boasts some of the best over ear headphones under 100 ANC available and is available at an extremely competitive price.

For phone calls and video meetings, it's important to ensure that your headphones come with a good quality microphone as well. Certain models let you switch from an internal microphone to a headset microphone. This allows you to chat with your coworkers, or present an address to your team without having raise your hands and disturb everyone other.

Design

Over-ear headphones are more immersive than earbuds and offer more bass. This is due to their bigger, more spacious driver and ear cup design that allows the audio waves to interact with your pinna in a more natural manner to recreate the soundstages of your favorite music tracks.

Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable and provide a longer battery life. They're also smaller and easier to store in your bag for listening on the go when you travel throughout your day. Whether you're on the hunt for a premium pair of over-ear headphones that offer a wide soundstage, or one that will allow you to return to work and tackle your day, there's a range of models in our selection to choose from.

Many of our over-ear headphone picks are Bluetooth-equipped to provide wireless convenience. They also come with a case to take them wherever you go, without having to worry about tangling cords or running out of battery. These headphones are stylish and sleek, making them perfect for the office or on the go. Some of our picks even include a touch of style with a chic, sleek color palette or sleek steel and leather finishes.

If you are looking for a pair of premium over-ear headphones we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 as our top pick. These headphones are made from premium materials and include many clever features that ensure you get the most from your music experience. They'll make your next listening session easy, thanks to automated audio controls and intelligent ambient awareness.

If you're looking for a less expensive option, consider the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 headphones. They are comfortable and provide an impressive 44 hours of continuous playtime on just one charge. They also come with an DAC setting that can support high-res sound, which creates a clear, expansive soundstage with detailed separation of the instruments.

If you prefer, look into the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. They're a great option for mobile use and feature an ergonomic, lightweight design that offers a comfortable fit, outstanding noise cancellation, and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge. Additionally, they come with an integrated microphone to take calls while traveling.