Tips & Guides
Spring Clean Essentials
Top TV Tips
Vacuums & Cleaners
Transform Your Kitchen
Televisions Explore More
All TVs
OLED TVs
QLED TVs
Ultra HD TVs
Full HD TVs
HD TVs
Projectors
Media Players
Wall Mounts & Stands
TV & Projector Accessories
Buying Guides
Trending Articles
Trending Brands
ARTICLE
for your living room
Audio Explore More
Home Audio
Portable Audio
Headphones
upgrade your workspace
Fridges & Freezers Explore More
Refrigerators
Freezers
Fridge Accessories
top kitchen trends 2023
Cooking & Dishwashers Explore More
Ovens
Cooktops
Rangehoods
Microwaves
Dishwashers
Sinks & Taps
Kitchenware
Kitchen Packages
for your kitchen reno
Small Kitchen Appliances Explore More
Benchtop Cooking
Grills & Sandwich Presses
Mixers & Food Processors
Toasters & Kettles
Coffee Machines & Beverages
Specialty Appliances
for easy weekend dinners
Laundry Explore More
Washing Machines
Dryers
Ironing
Laundry Storage & Organisation
Sewing
your washing machine
Vacuums & Cleaners Explore More
Vacuum Cleaners
Floor Cleaners
Vacuum & Cleaning Accessories
get a spotless floor
Heating & Cooling Explore More
Air Conditioners
Coolers
Air Treatment
Heaters
the best pet air purifiers
Computers & Tablets Explore More
Desktop Computers & Laptops
Computer Monitors
iPad & Tablets
Wifi & Networking
Computer Storage
Computer Software & Accessories
Printers, Paper & Ink
Tech Gadgets
Guide to the best laptops
Phones & Wearables Explore More
Mobile Phones
Mobile Phone Accessories
Wearables
GPS
Home Phones & Walkie Talkies
top 5 phones 2023
Health & Grooming Explore More
Hair Styling
Grooming
Health & Fitness
Personal Care
Nail your hair at home
Smart Home Explore More
Connected Home
Home Security
Smart Speaker
Automatic Lawn Mowers
Smart Pet Technology
that get the job done
BBQs & Outdoor Cooking Explore More
BBQs
BBQ Accessories
tasty vegetarian recipes
Sport, Outdoors & Fitness Explore More
Home Gym Equipment
Gardening
Outdoor Living
for your post-workout
Gaming Explore More
Gaming Consoles & Hardware
Gaming Accessories
CREATE FAMILY FUN
Digital Cameras Explore More
Cameras
Camera Accessories
with great value cameras
Choose The Good Guys Home Services for your Installation!
Which product do you need installed?
MORE SERVICES
CHOICES, EVERY DAY
To save you time, you can now use our online form for all Returns, Refund, Repairs and Exchanges.
MEMBER HUB
Gold Service Extras Members get access to product care from day one, plus extra benefits from 90 Day StoreCash> to exclusive offers and sales!
Learn more about your benefits.
Members start your report online for speedy service.
Get your Digital Wallet here.
Lodge a claim to begin the swap or screen replacement process.
No stores can be found within 500km of the search data. Please try a different postcode or suburb
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.
Here's what you need to know before shopping for an extra big-screen TV.
Take a look at some of the hi-tech features you’ll find in affordable security cameras.
Is your child using the right tech at school? View our top tips, suggestions and more.
How to find the right TV that is suited for viewing and wall mounting.