Why Is Over-Ear Headphones So Popular?
best over ear headphones for music Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones typically have longer battery lives than earbuds. They also provide superior noise cancellation.
Sony’s WH-1000XM5s lead the pack for over ear headphones beats-ear wireless headphones. They sound fantastic with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows instruments and vocals to shine. They can last for akg over ear headphones 40 hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the highly sought-after premium Bluetooth headphone market which has been dominated for years by Bose. Focal’s reputation as a maker of the most high-quality speakers available meant that it wasn’t able to cut back to be competitive. So it opted to build its own set of earbuds with built-in ANC made with the same transducers and amplifiers found in its flagship products.
The result is an earbud that not only provides top-quality performance, but also feels luxurious and robust. Focal reduced the size and weight of its higher-end headphones to make them lighter and more portable, while still using magnesium for the yokes. The design is sleek and stylish, with a the circular, “skeletonised”, design similar to Focal’s high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are placed on the side of the headphone and actually glow.
The ear cups fold flat for storage and the cable is able to be separated to be used with other devices that do not have Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The earcups can be folded flat for easy storage. The cable can also be removed to use with devices without Bluetooth like many cell phones.
The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode which omits internal processing to provide better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones that have built-in DACs. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results–including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.
The Focal Bathys were created to be used on planes, in noisy environments and other places. However the DAC mode makes them ideal for listening with greater attention. The Bathys are an excellent alternative to closed-back headphones that are tuned to bass. These headphones would make a great gift for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They feature a bass profile that gives your music depth and an extended battery life. The headphones are made to last, making them perfect for travel and commutes. However their tight fit may make them uncomfortable for long listening sessions.
The headphones come with a set of buttons that you can use to control the music and your call settings. They include buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC off and on. The buttons are enclosed by a small section that has an LED that you can tap it to switch the headphone’s light display. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and are padded, however they do not sit well on your head and might be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.
JBL’s Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and interpreting sounds coming from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sounds and cancels them out, creating a quieter listening experience. This allows you listen at lower volumes and prevents the aches and fatigue of your ears. The headphones are equipped with a microphone that lets you make hands-free phone calls and also activate voice assistants.
These headphones are compatible with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and mobile phones. These headphones work with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio but not for communication with your teammates. The USB port lets you charge them and listen to audio on your computer.
The JBL 760NCs are designed to be portable, with a compact foldable design that makes them easy to carry with you on the go. They have an internal battery that can last up to 40 hours of continuous use, and they’re equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distractions. They can be connected to two Bluetooth devices at once, so you don’t have to miss a beat when switching from watching a movie on your tablet to making a phone call.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair on-ear Bluetooth headphones that offer what users expect from Bluetooth headphones. They are priced at a reasonable price, have an extremely long-lasting battery, an aux cable backup, and provide peace of mind thanks to Tile-finding technology. It comes with a simple control set on the earcups, and it can be connected to wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an app companion that lets you customize your listening experience. It also lets you to reduce delay in video and listening audio when paired with smart tvs or computers, and to set up a multi-device pairing.
These headphones are very comfortable and have a cushioned headband. These headphones are designed for use on commutes and trips. They can be folded into a compact size to fit in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky build quality but are fairly sturdy and provide a solid click when you move or bend them. They don’t feature noise cancellation which could be a problem for some users, however they do block out some of the noise of buses and passengers chatter.
The sound quality of these headphones is quite good, especially for their budget price. The midranges are not as rich as the more expensive headphones but they do have decent detail at all levels of volume. The bass is strong and has plenty of punch and the highs are slightly dispersed, but not overly so. They are great for pop and rock, but not for genres that require deep full bass.
The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the previous version. They have a neutral sound profile which could appeal to certain users. They also have a superior microphone and can be used with several devices. They also have a much longer battery life, and they can support a higher volume.
They’re an excellent pair of headphones but don’t offer the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They’re still a solid option for the majority of users however they’re not the best over ear headphones for gym choice for intense usage and could fall off during high-intensity workouts.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer’s first attempt at a lifestyle headphone set, and it’s an impressive one. The target market is likely to be much larger than gamers, and it offers a premium sound that rivals top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.
The design is somewhat restrained, even by Razer’s standards. There’s no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. Additionally, the Tri-Snake isn’t visible. Rather, the headset looks like other Bluetooth headphones, sporting semicircle hinges that swivel and fold flat on top of the earcups to create an incredibly comfortable headband. They’re also more lightweight and portable than most gaming headsets, and weigh only 265g when collapsed.
Onboard controls can be found on the right earcup with track and power buttons beside a recessed multi-function button that doubles as an active noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls are simple to use and responsive, and they functioned as expected in my tests.
The Opus bass is an energizing, well-rounded sound that has clarity and depth that you won’t get from many budget headphones. The sound is not as full-bodied as Bose’s Extra Bass, but it’s far superior for a $200 price tag. The mids are a solid sound and vocals and lead instruments are able to be heard with good clarity. I did notice a slight veiledness to highs however changing the EQ to the Vocal preset fixed the problem.
As a bonus as a bonus, you’ll find a 3.5mm analog cable and USB-C-to A adapter inside the case, as well as an audio jack for airplanes that is standard for those who haven’t yet made the switch to all-cable audio. It’s a minor but welcome addition that makes it much easier to use apple headphones over the ear while traveling.
Like other THX-certified devices such as the Opus performed admirably in my tests. I was able to stroll around town without having increase the volume to overcome the background noise and I never felt that I needed to turn my music up to hear it. This is the kind of quality that will help you avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.