We live in an age where even the smallest smart speakers can deliver impressive sound, but it’s still hard to beat the audio immersion and precision you’ll feel with a great pair of headphones, whether wireless or wired. Hundreds of manufacturers are responsible for the endless myriad of cans that hit the market year after year. But before we start looking at the pros and cons of several brands, it helps to know the difference between over-ear and over-ear headphones. These are the two main models you’ll encounter, and determining which one is best for you will come down to personal preference.
Generally speaking, over-ear headphones are the most common type of headphones you can find. Featuring large earcups that cover your entire outer ear (hence the name), over-ears are often able to accommodate larger drivers, which often results in a more immersive soundstage and bolder bass. Over-ears also form a seal around your ears – called passive noise isolation – and are frequently combined with a battery-powered active noise cancellation (ANC) system to cancel out unwanted sounds like engine drone, HVAC hum, and chatty co-workers.
Over-ear headphones are the lighter equivalent of over-ear headphones. Designed to sit over your ears, over-ears tend to use smaller, flatter earcups, with much of the clamping force relegated to the headband. Over-ears generally cannot achieve the type of passive isolation that over-ears are known for, but they are often lighter and easier to carry.
Choose over-ear headphones for sound quality and opt for over-ear headphones for portability
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When it comes to available space, over-ear headphones have a lot more room to work with than over-ear headphones. Not only are over-ear speakers bigger, but they can also be aimed more effectively toward your inner ear. This makes the headphones superior in terms of overall sound quality, especially if you’re working with a closed-back pair that uses ANC. Headphones may use leather, velor, or fabric for the earcups and headbands, which is part of the reason they’re not ideal for outdoor use. They’re also not great at the gym, and even wearing them for too long at home can make your ears sweat.
If you prioritize portability and a lighter fit, over-ear headphones are the best option. These cans typically feature smaller ear cups and less heavy construction, making them easier to carry for longer listening sessions. And because there’s less clamping force applied to your ears, over-ears don’t generate the kind of seal that over-ears do; thus, you will often encounter more ambient sounds coming from your surroundings. Unfortunately, this also results in more audio leaks. We therefore recommend that you test your over-ears at home before taking them to work.
Over-ear and over-ear headphones aren’t the only two headphone designs; In-ear headphones (like the AirPods Pro 3) are arguably as popular as over-ear products, and many companies still offer regular old headphones, placed just outside your ear canal.
