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 24 on-ear headphones products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 779,378 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 $38.93.
The on-ear headphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of on-ear headphones, including JBL, Beats, RORSOU, AILIHEN, Marshall. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
