Everything You Need To Know About Over-Ear Headphones

best cheap over ear headphones over-ear headset Headphones

over the ear headphones beats-ear headphones typically have more battery life than earbuds. They also provide superior sound cancellation.

Sony's WH-1000XM5s are the top choice for wireless headphones over ear headphones beats-ear. They sound great with a deep, bass-heavy sound quality that still allows vocals and instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) on the device, they can last for more than 40 hours on a single charge.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry point into the huge, premium, travel-focused Bluetooth headphone market, a category long dominating by Bose and Sony products. Focal's reputation for making the best over ear headphones wired ear headphones noise-cancelling (resource for this article) high-fidelity speakers meant that it wasn't able to cut back to be competitive. So it opted to build its own set of earbuds, which have built-in ANC made with the same transducers and amplifiers that are found in its flagship products.

The result is a pair of headphones that offer high-quality performance, but feel luxurious and durable. Focal reduced the size and weight of its premium headphones to make them lighter and more portable, while still using magnesium for the yokes. The look is stylish and sleek with a circular "skeletonised" design reminiscent of the company's premium, full-sized Focal Celestee and LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the side of each headphone that actually glow (you can turn off this feature on the accompanying app).

The earcups fold flat for storage and the cable is able to be separated to use with other devices that do not have Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The ear cups fold flat to make storage and the cable is detachable for use with other devices that lack Bluetooth like many cell phones.

The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode which bypasses internal processing to deliver a better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones with 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 for use on planes, in noisy environments and other locations. However the DAC mode makes them suitable for listening with greater attention. The Bathys are an excellent alternative to closed-back headphones, which are tuned for bass. These headphones would make a great present for any audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones featuring active noise cancellation. They feature a rich bass profile which adds depth to your music. They also have long battery life for listening sessions. They also have a sturdy design that is perfect for travel and commutes however, they may feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to their tight fitting.

The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the music and your call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC off and on. The buttons are enclosed by a small section that is lit by an LED, and you can tap on it to alter the headphone's lighting display. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and are well-padded however they do not sit well on your head, and may be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient sound by analyzing and understanding the sounds coming from outside the headphone. It then reverses those sounds and cancels them out, resulting in a more tranquil listening experience. This lets you listen at lower volume and avoid the ear fatigue. The headphones also have a microphone that lets you make hands-free calls and activate voice assistants.

These headphones work with a majority of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop and mobile phones. They're also compatible with most PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio, but you can't make use of them to talk with your co-workers. The USB port lets you charge them and play audio through your computer.

The JBL 760NCs are designed to be compact, with a compact design that folds down, making them easy to pack and take with you on the move. They're equipped with a built-in battery that can last up to 40 hours of continuous usage and are equipped with noise cancellation technology to block out any distractions. They can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously which means you don't need to wait for a second when switching from watching a film on your tablet to making a phone call.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of on-ear headphones that deliver what people want from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They are priced at a reasonable price, feature a long-lasting battery, additional cable backup, and provide peace of mind thanks to Tile-finding technology. It has an easy control on the earcups, and is able to connect wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a great companion app that lets you modify your listening experience as well as reduce the delay of video and audio when paired with a smart television or computer and create multi-device pairing.

They have a padded band that is extremely comfortable. They are made to be used for commute and travel and can be folded to make it easy to store in bags or backpacks. The material is strong and best over ear headphones noise-Cancelling they click when you bend or move them. Noise cancelling may be an issue for some users but they block some of the low rumble from buses and the chatter of passengers.

These headphones have a decent sound quality, particularly given their low cost. They don't have luscious midranges like the more expensive models however they do have good overall detail at most volume levels. The bass is strong and punchy, while the highs are a bit dispersed but aren't too loud. They are great for rock and pop, but not for genres that need a deep full bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the older version. They have a neutral sound profile which could appeal to certain users. They also have a better microphone performance and support several devices. They also support an increased volume and have longer battery lives.

They're a great pair of headphones, but they don't offer the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy models, such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're an option for most users, but they're not the best choice for those who exercise. They could be prone to falling off during intense exercises.

Razer Opus

The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a headphone set that is designed for a lifestyle, and it's an impressive one. Its intended audience is likely to be much larger than gamers and offers quality 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 and no trademark green accents. Additionally, the Tri-Snake isn't evident. The headset is similar to any other Bluetooth headset, with semicircle hinges that fold flat and swivel on top of the earcups, creating a comfortable, adjustable headband. The headsets are also lighter and more portable than other gaming headphones, weighing only 265g when folded.

On the right earcup is the onboard controls. The power and track control buttons are close to a multi-function button in the earcup that doubles as a noise cancelling button. The controls were easy to use. They worked as advertised during my testing.

The Opus' bass has an intense, well-rounded and punchy sound with depth and clarity that you won't find in many budget headphones. It's not as full as the Bose Extra Bass headphones, but it still exceeds expectations for headphones in the $200 price point. The mids are a solid sound, and vocals and the lead instruments be heard clearly with good clarity. I did notice a small lack of clarity in the highs however, changing the EQ to the Vocal preset resolved the issue.

In addition there's a 3.5mm analog cable as well as a USB-C to-A adapter inside the case, along with an ordinary airplane audio jack for those who haven't yet made the switch to all-cable audio. It's a small but welcome addition that makes it much easier to use the headphones when traveling.

As with other THX-certified items, the Opus performed admirably in my tests. I was able to walk around town without having raise the volume to block out the background noise, and I never felt like I needed to turn the volume of my music up to hear it. This is the type of sound quality that will allow you to avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.