Best On-Ear Headphones of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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On-ear headphones are a popular type of headphones that sit on top of the ears rather than inside them. They are designed to provide high-quality audio while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. On-ear headphones are ideal for people who want to listen to music or other audio content while on the go, as they are portable and easy to store. They come in a variety of styles and price points, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features such as noise-canceling technology and wireless connectivity. Overall, on-ear headphones are a great choice for anyone looking for a convenient and comfortable way to enjoy their favorite audio content.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones Cover #TOP 2
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.8
JBL Tune 520BT Wireless Headphones Cover #TOP 3
JBL Tune 520BT Wireless Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 On-Ear Headphones

Amazon Basics Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Amazon Basics
MB6073B
Black
One Size
Amazon Basics Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Cover
Amazon Basics Bluetooth Headphones Wireless with Microphone, On Ear, 35 Hour Playtime, Foldable, One Size, Collapsible Travel Friendly, Black

The Amazon Basics Bluetooth Headphones offer a comfortable listening experience with their soft ear cushions and adjustable headband, allowing you to enjoy music for hours without discomfort. With Bluetooth 5.1 technology, these headphones deliver immersive sound, ensuring stable connectivity and crisp audio quality. They also feature a built-in rechargeable battery, making charging hassle-free with a Type-C USB cable. Plus, the omnidirectional microphone enables effortless hands-free calling, so you can stay connected while on the move. Whether you're traveling or just relaxing at home, these headphones are designed for convenience and enjoyment.

What We Like
Comfortable adjustable fit
Long battery life
Clear sound quality
Easy device pairing
Excellent value price
What We Don't Like
Minor bass weakness
Occasional Bluetooth quirks

Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones

MDRZX110/BLK
Black
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones Cover
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110

The Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with 1.38 in neodymium dynamic drivers that deliver a punchy, rhythmic response. The swiveling earcup design allows for easy storage and portability, and the wide frequency range—spanning 12 Hz to 22 kHz—delivers deep bass, rich midrange, and soaring highs. The cushioned earpads provide total comfort and the enfolding closed-back design seals in sound.

What We Like
Clear and crisp audio
Thick, durable cable
Comfortable fit
Folds for easy storage
Excellent value for price
What We Don't Like
Plastic headband somewhat vulnerable
Not ideal for bass enthusiasts

JBL Tune 520BT Wireless Headphones

JBL
JBLT520BTBLKAM
Black
Medium
JBL Tune 520BT Wireless Headphones Cover
JBL Tune 520BT - Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Up to 57H Battery Life and Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable and Foldable Design, Hands-Free Calls with Voice Aware (Black)

The JBL Tune 520BT Headphones deliver an exceptional audio experience with their impressive JBL Pure Bass sound, perfect for enjoying your favorite music. You can easily connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth 5.3 technology, eliminating the hassle of tangled cords. Personalize your listening with the free JBL Headphones App, allowing you to adjust the sound to suit your preferences. Plus, with a remarkable battery life of up to 57 hours, you can enjoy uninterrupted music, and a quick recharge feature gives you extra playtime when needed.

What We Like
Long battery life
Great sound quality
Comfortable fit
Easy device pairing
Excellent value
What We Don't Like
Instructions hard to read
Occasional ear pressure
#TOP 4

Kids Headphones - noot products K11 Foldable Stereo

Navy/Teal
4 x 5 x 2 in
Kids Headphones - noot products K11 Foldable Stereo Cover
Kids Headphones - noot products K11 Foldable Stereo Tangle-Free 3.5mm Jack Wired Cord On-Ear Headset for Children/Teens/Boys/Girls/Smartphones/School/Kindle/Airplane Travel/Plane/Tablet (Navy/Teal)

noot products K11 Foldable Stereo headphones are designed for kids aged 3 and above. With padded soft cushions and an adjustable headband, these headphones provide a comfortable fit. They come with a 5 feet long nylon braided cable and are compatible with all 3.5mm audiojack devices. These headphones are perfect for online school, training, and airplane travel. The foldable design makes them easy to store. They come with a 24-Month Hassle-Free Warranty and easy-to-reach customer service.

What We Like
Adjustable fit for all ages
Durable and sturdy build
Comfortable padded earpieces
Tangle-free long cord
Good sound quality
What We Don't Like
Not wireless
Slightly large for very young kids
#TOP 5

Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones

MUW23LL/A
Matte Black
One Size
Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones Cover
Beats Solo 4 - Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Up to 50-Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, Powerful and Balanced Sound, Apple & Android Compatible - Matte Black

The Beats Solo 4 Headphones deliver an impressive audio experience with custom acoustic design and updated drivers that ensure powerful sound quality. You’ll enjoy the immersive sound with personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking, which enhances your listening experience for movies and music. The ultralight ergonomic design provides comfort for long wear, thanks to its flexible headband and adjustable ear cups that offer a secure fit. Plus, the UltraPlush ear cushions add an extra layer of comfort, making these headphones ideal for extended use, whether you’re at home or on the go.

What We Like
Long battery life
Comfortable fit
Rich, balanced sound
Stylish design
Quick charging
What We Don't Like
Snug fit for some
Occasional hair pulling

EarFun Kids Headphones Wired with Microphone

EarFun K1
Black Red
14.8*13*7.7CM
EarFun Kids Headphones Wired with Microphone Cover
EarFun K1 Kids Headphones Wired with Microphone, 85/94dB Volume Limit Headphones for Kids, Portable Wired Headphone with Shareport, Stereo Sound Foldable Headset for School/Tablet/iPad, Black Red

EarFun Kids Headphones are specially designed for children, providing a healthy hearing environment with a limited sound level of 85dB/94dB. The headphones feature a built-in microphone for convenient online study and communication. With the in-line control, kids can easily play/pause audio, answer calls, and skip tracks. The 3.5mm sharing jack allows kids to share audio with friends or family without needing a splitter. The headphones are durable with a tangle-free Nylon braided cord and a sturdy design. Equipped with 40mm soundstage drivers, the headphones offer balanced stereo sound with rich bass and crisp highs. The ultra-soft ear caps and adjustable sliders ensure a perfect and comfortable fit. The foldable design makes it easy to carry, making these headphones the perfect companion for studying, playing, and listening. Compatible with various devices, EarFun Kids Headphones are a reliable choice for children.

What We Like
Durable build quality
Comfortable fit for kids
Safe volume limiter
Vibrant design and colors
Easy for children to use
What We Don't Like
Volume can get loud
Noise cancellation not strong
#TOP 7

JBL Tune 670NC Wireless Headphones

JBL
JBLT670NCBLKAM
Black
One Size
JBL Tune 670NC Wireless Headphones Cover
JBL Tune 670NC - Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Up to 70H Battery Life with Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable and Foldable Design (Black)

The JBL Tune 670NC headphones are designed to enhance your listening experience with several impressive features. Their adaptive noise cancelling technology helps you focus, whether you're studying or enjoying your favorite music, by minimizing distractions. When you want to stay aware of your surroundings, the Smart Ambient feature allows you to hear important sounds without removing your headphones. You can also enjoy high-quality JBL Pure Bass sound through Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures a seamless wireless experience. Plus, using the JBL Headphones app, you can customize your audio settings to perfectly match your preferences.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Impressive noise cancellation
Long battery life
Comfortable fit
Easy Bluetooth connectivity
What We Don't Like
Limited durability
On-ear fit may cause discomfort
#TOP 8

Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphone

KPH7
Black
One Size
Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphone Cover
Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphone, Black

The Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphone is an on-ear headphone that offers an adjustable headband for comfort and secure fit. It has a 3.5mm plug and 4 ft. cord, and provides deep base response with a frequency response of 80-18,000 hz and 91db SPL sensitivity. With 32 Ohms, it is perfect for those who want a lightweight and portable option for listening to music.

What We Like
Very low price
Lightweight and comfortable
Decent sound quality
Adjustable headband
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Thin connecting wire
Foam pads not easily cleaned

AILIHEN C8 Wired Headphones

C8-003
Black, Blue
Medium
AILIHEN C8 Wired Headphones Cover
AILIHEN C8 Kids Headphones Wired, On-Ear Headphones with Microphone and Volume Control Foldable Corded Stereo 3.5mm Headset for School Teens Smartphones Chromebook Laptop Tablets Travel (Black Blue)

The AILIHEN C8 Wired Headphones are collapsible, making them easy to take with you on the go. They feature hands-free talking and volume control with a built-in microphone and remote. The adjustable hinge allows for a perfect fit, while the noise isolation feature lets you enjoy your music without outside noise interference. These headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices and come with a flexible and durable braided cord.

What We Like
Comfortable fit for long wear
Good sound quality
Affordable price
Strong, tangle-free cord
Effective noise isolation
What We Don't Like
Slightly lower maximum volume
Can feel tight at first

OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones

Black
OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones Cover
OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones - Wired Over Ear Headphones with SharePort, Monitoring Mixing Foldable Headset with Stereo Sound, 3.5/6.35MM Jack for PC Computer DJ Guitar-Black

The OneOdio A71 headphones offer powerful bass and clear details with neodymium magnets drivers, making them great for playing musical instruments and listening to music. The soft padded ear cushions provide comfort and noise isolation, and the adjustable and stretchable headband allows for a personalized fit. The headphones come with both a standard-sized 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug, and the 9.8-foot cord is long enough to easily reach from the TV or stereo to your chair. The 90° swiveling earcups allow for single-ear monitoring, and the self-adjustable and flexible headband ensures a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours.

What We Like
Comfortable ear pads
Clear, balanced sound quality
Good value for price
Detachable and replaceable cable
Effective for studio and DJ
What We Don't Like
Cable durability concerns
Minor phone connectivity issues
Buying Guide Image

What You Need to Know About On-Ear Headphones

Use

You do not need the same type of headphones to listen to music at home as to play video games, nor of course to take a trip or listen to music on the way to class or work. In this way, if you are going to use them abroad either on trips or in your day-to-day, you are interested in more resistant ones.

If you are going to use them to play video games, you should choose one with a gaming profile. However, if what you want is to wear headphones with an attractive design, you should take a look at the on-ear headphones, although these are not the only ones that stand out for their design. Luckily, there are options for all tastes.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity is related to the sound power offered by the headphones and is measured in decibels (dB). In that sense, it is convenient for you to know that 3dB increases in sensitivity reduce the power needed to reach a given volume by half. Of course, keep in mind that the human ear can only support up to 100 dB.

Impedance

The impedance is measured in ohms, which indicates the resistance offered by the headphones to the transit of the electric current. The smaller it is, the higher the volume the headphones may sound for the similar power. Generally, values ​​such as 16-80 ohms impedance guarantee good performance.

Equalization

In addition to the sound quality, each headset is characterized by having a particular sound profile. This depends on your pre-set equalization, or what is the same, the reinforcement or decrease of certain frequencies (serious, medium or acute). Thus, for example, the on-ear headphones stand out for boosting the bass.

The most common equalizations are balanced or flat, V equalization and bass head. In that sense, the one that respects the original sound the most is the flat or balanced one. The equalization in power bass or treble and is the most recommended for listening to rock, hip-hop or electronic. The bass head especially reinforces the bass.

Comfort

If the headphones you buy are not comfortable for you, it won’t be two weeks before you stop using them. In general, comfort will depend mainly on the design, materials, softness, and padding of the pads and, of course, on the pressure they exert on the head.

In addition, in the specific case of on-ear headphones, a larger cup will generally result in greater comfort. Another aspect to consider is whether they are connected by cable or not.

Battery

Logically, this criterion only applies to wireless on-ear headphones. In this case, the autonomy of the battery is one of the most important aspects that you have to take into account when choosing which purchases. Nothing is more uncomfortable than running out of battery at the most inconvenient time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is better in-ear or on-ear headphones?

On-ear headphones are generally a better choice compared to in-ear headphones. They don't require inserting anything into the ear canal and are more comfortable to wear. Additionally, on-ear headphones provide a better listening experience as they don't have the same sound leakage issues as in-ear headphones.

2. Are on-ear headphones worth it?

Yes, on-ear headphones are worth it, especially if you prioritize factors like battery life and portability. They offer a good balance between audio quality and convenience. However, if you prefer slightly better audio quality, active noise cancellation, and don't mind heavier headphones, over-ear headphones would be a better choice.

3. What is the difference between on-ear and over-ear headphones?

On-ear headphones have smaller earpads that rest on top of the ears, while over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fully enclose the ears. Over-ear headphones offer better noise isolation and a more immersive audio experience. On the other hand, on-ear headphones are more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry around.

4. What are the disadvantages of on-ear headphones?

On-ear headphones have a few disadvantages. They may not provide the same sound quality as in-ear headphones due to the lack of a complete seal in the ear. Additionally, on-ear headphones tend to leak sound and provide less sound isolation compared to other types of headphones.

5. Why are on-ear headphones better?

On-ear headphones are better in terms of portability and convenience. They are smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones, making them easier to carry. However, they still allow some ambient noise to be heard, which can be beneficial in situations like traffic where awareness of your surroundings is important.

6. Are over-ear headphones damaging?

Overuse of headphones, including over-ear headphones, can lead to permanent hearing loss by damaging the inner ear's hair cells and the auditory nerve. It's important to take breaks when using headphones and avoid exposure to excessive noise levels to protect your hearing.

7. Which is safer over-ear or in-ear headphones?

Over-ear headphones are generally considered safer than in-ear headphones. They provide better passive noise isolation and can block out external noise, allowing you to enjoy your audio at lower volumes. This reduces the risk of hearing damage compared to in-ear headphones that may require higher volume levels to overcome external noise.

Editor's Notes

During our on-ear headphones research, we found 25 on-ear headphones products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,030,427 customer reviews through our big data system to write the on-ear headphones list. We found that most customers choose on-ear headphones with an average price of $19.67.

The on-ear headphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of on-ear headphones, including Sony, JBL, noot products, Beats, EarFun. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

On-Ear Headphones Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Sony JBL noot products Beats EarFun JBL Koss AILIHEN OneOdio
Color Black Black Black Navy/Teal Matte Black Black Red Black Black Black, Blue Black
Ear Placement On Ear On Ear On Ear On Ear On Ear Over Ear On Ear On Ear On Ear Over Ear
Form Factor On Ear On Ear On Ear On Ear On Ear Over Ear On Ear On Ear On Ear Over Ear
Frequency Response 20000 Hz 20000 Hz 20000 Hz 20000 Hz - 20 KHz 20 Hz 18000 Hz 20 KHz 40 KHz
Headphones Jack usb 3.5 mm Jack 3.5 mm Jack - 3.5 mm Jack 3.5 mm Jack 3.5 mm Jack 3.5 mm Jack 3.5/6.35 mm Jack
Model Name MB6073B MDRZX110/BLK ZX JBL Tune 520BT K11 - EarFun K1 Wired Kids Headphones JBL Tune 670NC KPH7 C8 Headphones-003 A71
Connectivity Technology Wireless Wired Wireless Wired - Wired Wireless Wired Wired Wired
Wireless Communication Technology Bluetooth 3.5mm Audio Jack Bluetooth Wired - Wired Bluetooth Bluetooth Wired Bluetooth
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Kids, teens - Kid Adult Adult,Kid Kids, Teen, Adult Adult
Material Plastic Faux Leather, Plastic Plastic Faux Leather, Metal, Nylon, Plastic - Leather; Plastic, others Plastic Plastic Faux Leather Plastic
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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