When it comes to over-the-head headphones, there are two major types – on ear and over ear headphones. In short, on ear headphones feature an ear cup design which sits right on top of your ears, while over ear headphones have ear cups that go around your ear, therefore enclosing your entire ear. But what does this mean for your listening experience? Well, because of their design differences, each type will have different features, will have varying levels of sound quality, and will fit the user’s head differently.


On Ear HeadphonesNVX XBLT6

On-ear headphones, such as the Sennheiser Momentum on ear headphones, are great because they are lightweight and compact for added portability and extended use. With the earpads resting directly on the user’s ear, they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and still give off great sound. On-ear headphones are available in various operating principles including closed, open, and semi-open acoustic headphone styles. In addition, you can find on ear headphones that have various popular features such as Bluetooth and in-line microphones. However, because of their on ear design, these headphones do not isolate sound as well as over ear headphones. Therefore, if you are looking for noise isolation or noise cancelling, these are probably not the headphones for you. But, if you have an on-the-go lifestyle or are mostly concerned about comfort and portability, on ear headphones are probably the best choice for you.

Over Ear HeadphonesAudio Technica ATH-M50X

In contrast, over-ear headphones, with their enclosed ear design, offer the most immersive experience in personal audio. While not the most portable type like on ear headphones, full sized over-ear headphones enclose the ear and deliver rich sound through large drivers for the most detailed sound achievable. Available in closed-back, open-back, and semi-open back designs, these headphones’ acoustic detail can be incredible. In addition, over ear headphones, such as Audio Technica’s ATH-M50X headphones, feature impressive noise isolation, since the ear cups surround the ear, as well as other features such as Bluetooth, swivel ear cups, and in line mics. While these headphones can be a bit heavier to wear, they feature excellent sound quality for the everyday listener, recording artists, musicians, DJs, and even video gamers!

If you need more assistance on whether on ear or over ear headphones fit your lifestyle best, you can always call our knowledgeable, friendly staff at 1-877-289-7664. Happy listening!

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