
Over-ear headphones are able to encapsulate your ears and create physical barriers between you and external sounds. That gives them a huge advantage in sound quality with the most effective models boasting massive soundstages and audiophile-quality features.
Over-ear headphones are usually larger and bulkier than earbuds, [Redirect-302] but they can fold down and come with a carry case for portability. They may have longer battery life and provide superior noise cancellation.
Sound Quality

The more spacious design of the over-ear headphones enables them to have larger drivers than earbuds. This results in better audio quality and sound reproduction. This is especially true for lower frequencies, where headphones are more powerful and richer bass than earbuds.
Over-ear headphones block out the outside noises, creating a more immersive experience. The soundproofing of headphones can be enhanced by using active noise cancellation, which works by emitting reversed noise, which reduces external noise. Many wireless headphones that have ANC come with multiple modes that allow you to select the level of volume you desire.
The open-back design is a different aspect that distinguishes over-ear headphones from earbuds. This means that the sound will exit the earcups and interact with the space around it, which enhances immersion. This is not something you'll discover in every pair of over-ear headphones but the ones with it typically have a wider and more spacious soundstage to enjoy your music.
Master & dynamic headphones, featuring their MW75 model, debuted in June. The MW75's premium design is more than skin-deep with leather, aluminum, and tempered glass for a look that stands out from the crowd. The MW75 also features a range of ANC modes to accommodate different environments and improve battery life.
The first headphones from Focal's over-ear range feature an open-back design and large soundstage that compliments their music-centric features. Their default sound profile is deep in bass and full of thump and a punch to go with EDM and hip-hop. The vocals and instruments are a little veiled by the bass, but you can alter the sound to your preference through the app's graphic EQ and presets. The devices can be used in USB-C mode using an Ethernet cable to support high-resolution audio up to 24bit/192kHz.
Isolation
Sound isolation is an important factor to consider when choosing headphones. The most effective headphones for noise-isolation are closed-back, over-ear models with large ear cushions that comfortably wrap around your ears. These headphones block out the majority of outside noises and create solid sealing that minimizes background noises such as music or voices. Some wireless headphones come with active noise cancellation which further improves isolation by removing the sound from your surroundings without sacrificing audio quality.
If you're in search of a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that offer outstanding sound insulation, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is an outstanding option. They're lightweight and provide excellent passive noise isolation which makes them a great choice for long listening sessions. They have a natural and balanced sound profile with good bass and treble. They are also suitable for use in studios and come with a high-quality microphone for calls.
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is another excellent choice. These headphones are designed to be comfortable and are fitted with a pliable fit and soft earpads that are covered in plush fabric. They also come with a built-in noise-canceling microphone that works with the majority of smartphones.
They're designed to be a true all-rounder with features that aren't available on lower-end headphone models. These include Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX support to improve speed of transmission and less video delay. They're also waterproof, which makes them a good option for your next outdoor adventure.
In addition to ANC in addition to ANC, the Sennheiser HD 25 II offers an impressively high amount of passive noise reduction, which cuts the ambient sound levels by 20 dB. This is a remarkable amount of reduction that makes it possible to listen to your favorite songs even in noisy surroundings.
Over-ear headphones are also more comfortable than earbuds. Although every person will feel this differently, a lot of people find that earbuds can cause discomfort after extended listening sessions. Earbuds can also slip out of your ear and are usually covered with earwax. In contrast, headphones that are over-ear are less likely to cause this issue and are more positioned to your eardrums, which reduces the risk of damage to your hearing.
Portability
Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for long periods of time because they feature large ear cups. The over-ear design also helps to keep you away from the world which makes them a great choice for long flights. The larger earcups in over-ear headphones usually permit them to provide superior audio quality, with larger drivers and a bigger frequency range than earbuds.
Headphones are available in a variety of different styles, sizes, and price points. They can be adapted to meet your budget and preferences. The cheapest headphones are usually wired and connected via an ordinary 3.5mm port, while more premium models feature bluetooth connectivity, a USB DAC for hi-res audio playback and extra features like noise cancellation.
Even sports-specific headphones with earpads that are washable or breathable, and a stronger clamping force will help keep them in place when working out. For the most compact option, choose a pair that folds up into a compact case that can fit comfortably in your bag or jacket pocket.
Some over-ear headphones wireless come with built-in microphones that allow you to make calls using your phone or tablet without taking the headphones off. This is particularly useful in crowded places where it may be difficult to hear someone else.
Over-ear headphones can also be an ideal choice for listening to podcasts and audiobooks because the earphones block out any background noise, meaning they are more comfortable to listen to while you read or relax at home.
In our tests, we found the best pair introduction of bluetooth technology wireless over-ear headphones to be the Focal Bathys Wireless. They are made to be used by music enthusiasts. The companion app offers an EQ with graphic graphics, presets and a sound profile that can be altered. They use an aptX adaptive codec to stream high-resolution music using apps such as Tidal.
Some headphones for over-ear use can be heavy, and fitting them in a backpack or suitcase is a challenge. However their weight and size are a trade-off for improved comfort and better audio quality that's not available through earbuds.
Battery Life
The best over-ear headphones have long battery lives. They don't have to work as hard to keep your ears insulated, so their batteries can last longer than the ones in on-ears. Over-ears are great to listen while in motion regardless of whether you're on the move or commuting.
These headphones are a great choice for office workers and students who need to concentrate on their work. The Marshall Major IIIs are light comfortable to wear and offer up to 44 hours of continuous playback per charge. They also feature Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect with multiple devices at once and physical buttons for on-board control.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are among the top-rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones. They come with a charging case that allows up to 60 hours of playback. They can also be used to make calls hands-free due to the built-in microphones. They feature smart active noise cancelling technology that automatically adjusts audio settings to suit your environment and can be activated at the touch of one button. Automatic ear detection will stop the playback when you remove them and then resumes it when you put them back on.
Focal's Bathys are their first Bluetooth headphones with a long battery life, is another alternative. These high-end headphones are designed to impress audiophiles, and feature an audio stage that can transport you to a musical landscape. The headphones are loaded with a myriad of features and an advanced system to block out noise. They can also last for up to 34 hours on an all-day battery.
Over-ears also offer more listening time than on-ears, thanks to their bigger earcups that can accommodate larger batteries. Certain budget models provide up to 95 hours of playback on one charge (Edifier W830BT) which is more than double the amount you can get from the top headphones for on-ears.
Over-ear Bluetooth headphones will be the best option for audiophiles who are looking for a pair of reliable, premium cordless headphones that can last for years. They are also wire less headphone likely to harm your hearing than in-ear headphones because they are further from your eardrums. According to the British Hearing Foundation, over-ear headphones are twice as safe for long listening sessions as in-ear buds.