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December 12, 2023 – 3 min read
A good pair of headphones is the third most important piece of personal technology you can own, after your computer and phone. The form they take – earbuds, in-ear, on-ear or over-ear, true wireless headphones – comes down to personal preference and comfort. If you are looking for headband-style headphones, you need to choose between on-ear and over-ear. Here is everything you need to consider, along with our best product picks.
Over-ear headphones are the most common style of headband headphones: they’re better at both passive and active noise cancellation, and they tend to be a more comfortable fit for more people. These headphones have ear cups that go around the whole ear and form a seal to block out other sounds. Because of the larger size and cupping style, it’s easier for manufacturers to get a fuller sound and more bass with larger drivers and bigger batteries. There also tends to be less audio bleed (people sitting around you are less likely to hear what you’re listening to).
Best for commuting, noise cancelling and Zoom meetings. If you want to tune out the rest of the world and focus on what you’re listening to, this is the style for you.
On-ear headphones are like a scaled-down version of over-ear headphones. Instead of the ear cup surrounding the whole ear, it sits on the ear shell to provide a slightly more open listening experience. Some people with certain piercings or glasses shapes prefer this style because they find it more comfortable. They also tend to be more affordable than over-ear headphones because they are smaller and don’t have as many bells and whistles.
Because on-ear headphones don’t have that natural seal around the ear, they’re better suited for situations where you need to be more aware of your surroundings, like at the gym. Although there are some really good active noise-cancelling models now.
Best for fitness fans who don’t like earbuds, and people wanting a more affordable headband-style pair of headphones.
The biggest difference between on-ear and over-ear is how well the headphone cups seal on your ears to block out outside noise. Good, well-fitted, over-ear headphones should block out a fair bit of background noise, while on-ear headphones will allow you to stay more aware of your surroundings (unless they’re a model with active noise cancelling, which will give you the option). Over-ear headphones will give a more audiophile experience, while on-ear headphones tend to be more affordable.
Before buying headphones, consider what you’ll be using them for: are you taking them to a gym and need breathable fabric ear cushions and sweat resistance? Or if it’s for Zoom meetings, then a beam-forming microphone is a priority so your colleagues can hear you. The most important thing, though, is that your new headphones are comfortable. Take the time in store to try on different styles and see what works for you.
Are you ready to buy your perfect headphones? Visit us in-store or online for expert advice, the biggest range and the best prices.
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