In-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear Headphones - Which should you buy?
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- Опубликовано: 16 дек 2020
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When shopping for a new pair of headphones, there are three main categories to choose from - each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The three main categories are in-ear, on-ear, and over-the-ear headphones. In this video we are going to talk about the different features and use-cases for each type of headphone and why a serious music lover would consider owning one of each.
First, we’re going to go over the biggest differences for each headphone-style, and then we’ll dive into why each one is a must-have for any serious music lover. Sometimes called earphones or “earbuds”, in-ear headphones are perhaps the most common type of headphone, today. Due to their small size, in-ear headphones rate the highest when it comes to portability. Most in-ear headphones fit just inside the opening of your ear canal, which creates one the best sealing conditions you can get.
On-ear headphones are up next. This type of headphone sits directly against or on top of your ears. While they don’t really have any unique advantages over in-ear or over-the-ear headphones, they are more about balancing your needs and finding a happy medium between portability and sound quality. The earcups are smaller than you will find on over-ear headphones. Many even fold up for easy transport - and some of these will also come with a nice case that protects them when you throw them in your bag. On-ear headphones won’t typically get as hot as over-ears because air can circulate through them easier - however, this can be a downside when considering their lack of noise isolation. While over-ear headphones are typically regarded as the most comfortable option, on-ear styles will be a big improvement over the in-ear style.
Finally, we have the over-the-ear headphone style. If you ask any typical audio enthusiast about their favorite pair of headphones, their answer will likely be a pair of over-the-ear headphones. This style is meant to be worn mostly at home or at work - not on-the-go as much - but most of the best-sounding and the most comfortable headphones are this over-the-ear style. Audeze is a good example of a brand that specializes in this larger style simply because the larger size allows the headphone to present the best sound quality possible. While some over-ear headphones can be folded up - and may even come with a travel case - portability is sometimes not their strong suit. The oversized ear cups on this style covers your ear entirely, so you don’t have to worry about your ears getting sore. Some of the higher-end over-ear headphones can get pretty heavy, however, so be sure to look for a pair that has good padding on the headband and comfortable pads on the earcups. Because they have the largest drivers, the higher-end over-ear headphones can usually reproduce the widest range of frequencies - from silky smooth highs - to tight, deep bass. From a sound perspective, all of the very best headphones in the world are in fact the over-the-ear headphone style. Now, there is another factor to consider if you’re looking at a great pair of over-ears for use at home or at the office - and that’s open-back vs. closed-back. We won’t dive too deep into this here, but the main thing to keep in mind is that closed-back headphones provide much better isolation from outside noises from getting into your headset - and they do a much better job at keeping the music in your ears - and not out there for everyone else to hear. The Open-back style - because of the nature of its “open” design - does not do as well at isolating you from the outside world nor do they do as well at keeping the music where only you can hear it - but they do offer a much, much wider soundstage and a more open, airy feel to the sound that’s really similar to listening to a great pair speakers.
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I never thought I'd be convinced to own three different types of headphones... Not that I can currently afford that, but hey, it definitely sounds appealing aha
Same, I don't really need it but I want it situation.
Nice pun lol
You don't need expensive stuff.
15€ Lenovo Thinkplus X3 pro for outdoor sports and driving.
23€ Ugreen HiTune X6 earbuds for some nice portability and noise cancelation.
45€ Jabra Elite 45h at 50% discount rn, Great value!
45€ AKG K72 if the Jabra sale ended.
@@pedroclaro7822 u think the jabras for 85 usd are a bad deal?
very nice introductory description of uses and sound signatures of the different kinds of headphones. thank you!!
Only with over ear, you won't get head or ear pain even with extended hours of usage
Solid advice, thank you!
Best headphone type comparison I've found after months of searching ! Great, solid facts !
Thanks very much! We appreciate your comments
Just the info I needed. Thank you.
Do you know where you will spend eternity? Please watch Robert Breakers video titled HOW TO GET SAVED
Very concise and helpful video - worth the less than 10 minute time investment. My trusty vintage Pro4-AA's have never let me down when at home but clearly are not portable. A long plane ride without my Bose noise cancelling over the ear but light weight headphones is a much longer ride indeed. The freedom to move anywhere in the house as well as outside is the important aspect of my great sounding, over the ear bluetooth HiFi Elite headphones from Modern Portable at an amazingly low price for the sound.
Great video! I didn't know the difference in sound between open and closed backs.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching
As an audiophile, these are great points to consider when you're in a dilemma. Right now, my greatest dilemma is me being an audiophile while being a vocalist on stage as well. While we do use a different iem on stage, there's a part of me that wants to keep using it outside of stage, or maybe it's just because I use it for a short amount of time. I do have a personal over ear headphones, but I feel like I'm missing out with the new over ear headphones as well from sennheiser. While my old one is still reliable, I have this urge to get a new one after using it for 5yrs now.
So yeah, this gives me an overview of my dilemma and might go buying both style for me since I think it's a benefit for my part in having both. Though I think I'll go first with the iems in my part.
Thanks a lot for this!
Glad it was helpful
The best video on RUclips about this topic. Thanks for all the info!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Great tutorial, thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
This is such wonderful information! I'm looking to buy new headphones pretty soon, and I'm seriously leaning towards the over the ear headphones. Up until this point all I've been getting was basically cheap dollar store ON THE EAR ones that only last for so long & are not comfortable over time 😞.
Not to mention I wear glasses too. Though I'll never be able to blow $300+ on a pair of the more expensive brand headphones I did get an Amazon gift card for Christmas... So at the very least I can get a good decent pair of budget over ear headphones 🤷.
Glad it was helpful!
@@konz2891 thank you for the suggestion 😁! However I did decide to and did buy a pair of headphones from OneOdio (A30). So far they are pretty good 👍.
I have to say as someone who has around 8 ear piercing - On-ear headphones are not comfortable to me even for a short time wear.. it hurts as it presses down on the earrings as well on the ear itself.
I wanted to mention this because I didn't see any reviewer mention this (haven't encounter one that have ear piercings).
The In-ear are my go to when going out, Over-ear are perfect for working on my computer/studying :)
Thanks for sharing!
I've had all three of these and when listening to music I loved the in ear ones. I just find music a very personal thing so when someone else hears what I'm listening to I just don't feel comfortable. These headphones make it sound like music is playing inside my head and I just feel safe and immersed.
Edit: Oh come on 🙄
Thanks for sharing
@@bleachlicker1236 yea he got lick by headphone
Inside you?
“what do you mean by that”🤨
I aslo prefer in-ears since I wear glasses. I couldn't use the other types without getting uncomfortable only after a short while.
Thanks, that was very helpful!
You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
Fantastic!! So useful. thank you.
Thank you for watching!
very informative ...thanks for the video.
You are most welcome. Thanks for watching
Man, your intro audio design was really good. Appreciate that!
Glad you like it!
Guess nice tune.
Thank you for such a wonderful information ❤
Glad it was helpful! Thanks very much!
Absolutely groovy video. Information everyone needs. Thanks.
Glad you liked it, thanks!
7:00 love the honesty and how fair you are.
Thanks!
Great review... thanks !1
Thank you and thanks for watching.
Great job man! You rock..
Thanks!
Great Work! with on ear headphones is sometimes the bracket too tight and it can hurt with prolonged use and large ears. have i made experience with, then you always have to move them. but over ear headphones are not for me, because i want to hear the environment already something. in case of emergency or it burns (smoke detector) or someone rings the doorbell. since i rather take the tweak of the on ear headphones and find myself with it.
Thanks for watching!
Brilliant! I was confused about which type I should be buying but now I have a little clarity.
Great! Glad this video helped you. Thanks for watching.
@@AudioAdvice good evening sir, iam just searching for a headphones which I want to use for all purposes like class, games , and music etc,tour ,..... Which type will u recommend me to buy on ear or over ear or in ear
I've always had this issue with headphones that go over my ear, the noise canceler ones, but I feel suction in my ears! The pair my nephew bought me cause discomfort and so did the ones I had on during my MRI. I've always had this issue. I mean, what's the problem that causes? Is this just a mental issue, or what? I wanna get over this so I can wear noise canceling headphones! SERIOUSLY!
Many people think the Sony over the ear model is very comfortable, you should give those a try. www.audioadvice.com/headphones-portables/headphone-style/over-ear-headphones/sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones
Personally I think in ears the most comfortable. As long as you get silicone/rubber/foam tips I have never had any problems, listening for hours on end.
I find on ear headphones press down on my ears too much and can't wear them for much over an hour without my ears going sore and red.
And over the ears are more comfortable but the ones I've used have been quite heavy and the pressure from the band makes the top of my head hurt.
But it's all personal preference. Maybe I just haven't used very good on ear/over ear headphones. But I have used many cheap in ears and as long as they have a soft tip they have never caused me any pain
Great points. Thanks for sharing!
Hi two years ago I bought Bose QuiteComfort noise cancelling headphones. I love them but after 30 minutes my ears are "burning" from the warmth. Any solution? Other types of ear pad?
Sorry. We are not a Bose dealer. Some people are more sensitive the the heat that can build up in over ear headphones. The catch is to make them work they need to have a tight seal which causes heat build up in some people. A design with a larger cup might work better for you. Thanks for watching
Great video!
The optimal choice really is very person specific based on ear/headshape and use cases.
I like good quality mids and crisp highs.
In-ear ones have low battery life/very fragile cables does not last long and cost way too much imho for the quality you get.
On-ears are much more comfortable and much longer use for wireless but suffer from the cheap plastic used, have to break just outside the warranty time design. I think this category would be the best overall use wise for me. (walking outside/listening to audiobooks, music, movies at home)
Trying to find one with decent quality, battery life and does not instantly break in half as I look at it design at a reasonable price.
Over-ears are way bulky/tend to be heavy/making sweaty ears have best quality but at high pricetags.
Glad you liked it and thanks for sharing your thoughts
Nice explanation
Thank you for watching!
Hello! Great content, which headphone would you recommend for traveling?
Hi Francisco! For travel, here are three recommendations at three different price-points so if you are looking for the best headphone to travel with, these are the best for the money. 1.) Mark Levinson No5909 www.audioadvice.com/mark-levinson-5909-premium-high-resolution-wireless-anc-headphones 2.) B&W PX7 www.audioadvice.com/bowers-wilkins-px-7-carbon-wireless-over-ear-headphones 3.) Sony WH-1000XM4 www.audioadvice.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones
I love over ear headphones but its really not for the walk or gym. Espacially summer its burning. At home its perfect. Looking good in ear headphone. Thanks for informations.
Thanks for watching!
IEMs are best for me because I wear glasses and the clamp of over hears feels a little bit uncomfortable
Yes, they are great for eye glass wearers. Thanks for watching
Me wanting to hear some super strong bass while training in gym
🥲
Someone gotta invent an in-over ear headphones
Ha Ha, interesting idea! Thanks for watching
Good, helpful, video.
Glad it was helpful!
I have all 3
But I mostly wear my beats over the ear headphones
Thanks for sharing
I miss behind the neck headphones like the Sony MDR G45. The only pair I could find that would stay perfectly still while head banging and could wear them for several hours with my glasses, comfortably. I can't stand ear pods. Seriously SONY I am begging for a wireless version of the MDR G45!!!
Greetings Jim. If you like behind the neck earphones, and you appreciate having great sound, we would recommend checking out the P Series from Bowers & Wilkins: www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/bowers-wilkins-p-series-headphones/ There's an exciting announcement coming up, so be sure to subscribe and click the notification bell so you are one of the first to know! Thanks for watching.
@@AudioAdvice I will look into them. Thank you for the advice!
I actually can't do in ear earphones, it's not just a mild discomfort, it causes wax buildup in my ears which causes my hearing to go, plus most times they won't fit in my ears!
Thanks for watching!
@DreSaidSo it's not that easy unfortunately. It's a genetic thing x but thanks I guess
When listening to music or playing games i use over-ear headphones. if your music lover and want to experience every small detail of the music and block the noise of your surrounding then over-ear headphones are perfect for you.
I despise in-ear & on-ear design. You wear inside your ears and can be downright painful. Not to mention playing music so close to your eardrums can damage the cells in the ear. And when the damage is done, inner ear damage never heals.
Always choose 🎧🎶🆗
Thanks for sharing.. you make some good points.
wow you are so underrated
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome 😊
I was thinking of getting a headphone. But, i already have an earbud and was thinking what if headphone wont be great as earbud since, earbuds give great sound for music and movies. There were no content in youtube which clearly explains what are the main differences between these and finally found a useful video which explained all my doubts and made me easy to choose. Great content and thanks for this great info with great detail on differences
@Emily i got a JBL LIVE 650BTNC headphones and i have to say, i'm quite disappointed since i cannot really find any big difference between earbud and headphone(even the BASS feels almost same other than you get the vibration on ear for headphone. What you hear is same and sometimes feels earbud is delivering a better sound).. and to add on to it, the JBL was the best mid range noise cancelling headphones and still you can get a proper cancellation once you put ur sound above 80. My earbud on the other hand delivers the same sound of JBL at 80 in just 40-50 range of volume. So, if you are going to spend money get a decent earbuds which does deliver good sound like Headphone.. The earbud im using in Sennheiser CX 275s. Its only 1/4th of the price of JBL and still delivers decent sound and much better separation on instruments and sounds....
@Emily Both have its advantages and disadvantages.. Earbuds are super portable and you can wear it anywhere and everywhere, on the other hand headphones you might be bit conscious to wear in public etc.. Then earbuds are light but might hurt the ear a bit inside.. but headphones you will have to remove time to time bcz it hurts your outer ears if the fit is not perfect.. Then headphones when you start wearing(for beginners), your neck will have a very discomforting pain(according to the weight of headphone) which will take few weeks to go and get used to that weight. Then headphones might have slightly better bass than earbuds on low volume, but on mid to high volume you might find earbuds sound better and clear.. But again from manufacturer to manufacturer it changes too.. Like Sony earbuds are different from JBL which is different from sennheiser.. each have its own characteristics on bass, mid and treble... So far i have only used few which is samsung, apple, sony, jbl and sennheiser.. All had its own ups and down except JBL and Sennheiser were exceptional. I was planning to buy an Soundcore model as my headphone, but then found the one i bought now(JBL 650BTNC) was a better model and bought this.. But, it has this JBL character of too much BASS on low volume and when you put it to high u dont find any diff between this and earbud.. So you will have to find the characteristics of Anker models you are going to buy and decide i guess..
All that said, i'm using a headphone daily(i know hypocrisy 😜) and love to hear music in low volumes which sounds better in headphone than earbud.. 1 reason i think im rooting for the earbud over headphone is due to the earbud im using and how good it sounds.. if i was using a normal entry level earbuds, i would have actually felt the headphone as a better one..
At the end have to tell a final thing.. i.e, people say headphones due to the bigger driver have a more accuracy to sound than an earbud which i too think is true.. but you really don't notice this unless you compare it multiple times.. Also, experts say, headphones can get better frequency than earbud. Yes it is, but now most good earbuds match the same frequency as good headphones.. So just see what are the frequencies that the models you have shortlisted supports. At-least 20hz to 20KHZ is considered good. If it goes beyond, better. (20khz)
@Emily btw in paper Anker Q30 looks good.. there are some good reviews for both models against best headphones and earbuds.. take a look before you buy
@@SmiluVarghese I'm 13 what should I choose
@Emily what you buy?
which of these category is best if we want least sound from the surrouding and least leakage ?
Over ear, thanks for watching
@@AudioAdvice thank you :)
how about half / semi in-ear? how does that compare to in-ear?
What would that be? Its either in the ear or not? We do not know of anything like that. Thanks for watching
Spencer Nolan Rice? It's spencer from Kenny vs Spenny!
Does anyone knonw of any headphones like the "Monster iSport Strive."
Monster stop making these and I can't find any more. I'm not a fan of the in-ear types, they feel uncomfortable.
Thanks!
We are not familiar with those, sorry.
@@AudioAdviceThanks for getting back to me. Do you have anything similar that has decent sound quality for music, and not the uncomfortable in-ear types?
Best combo-
TWS/Earphones + Over the ear headphones
at the same time?? Thanks for watching
Cant wait for over-the-head phones.
Come on its 2023 already!
Haha
Is on ear headphone really bad?they say it would be uncomfortable bc im choosing between on ear and over ear but over ear is very expensive so i consider which i want to buy
On ear have a different feel and may bother you after long listening sessions. We'd recommend you give them a try before buying if you are able to.
@@AudioAdvice does the sound quality of on ear is very far from the over ear or just a little different?
Over ear will provide a little more sound isolation
I'm student studying 6-7 hours so which one would be I prefer
Over ear
Discuss ear health effects
Which is more comfortable for long usage?
We would have to say over ear.
Very knowledge but i need to hear my voice when i am talking or singing in a mic etc
Fair enough! Thanks for watching!
Hi. I ve got a question. First u need to know that i own AirPods pro and listened to the sennheiser pxc 550 quite a lot but dont own them. I was never into hifi Hardware i just love to listen to musik. I want to upgrade from my AirPods to something better sounding. Those sennheisers sounded great but i want more / i dont need Bluetooth, anc,... on overears. I just want to listen to musik. How much do i have to spend for a good (better than the pxc550) pair of headphones? Do i need an amplifier? What would u recommend?
Thanks!
All depends on what type of headphone you're looking for. I know it's a vague answer but there are a lot of things to consider like your budget, type of music, etc.
For amps, if you're getting hadphones at or under 150 ohms, the e10k fiio dac/amp is a good, cheap starter dac that'll be able to drive those headphones. It's what I have with my momentum 2.0s. I needed to grab a more powerful amp for some hd6xx I just ordered, though.
Do tons of research but understand what the reviewer is looking for in their headphones because you'll get a lot of conflicting opinions on high/mid/lows, depending on the person. Hope that helps!
@@TheJbh147 yeah. Thank you!
@@lol-vq8dh what type of music are you trying to listen to, out of curiousity?
@@TheJbh147 thats a tough question. I listen to quite a lot of genres. So theres modern us hiphop, 90 rap, lota heavy metal and jazz, sometimes to the pop charts or techno. Nearly everything except country, classic and reggae lol
@@lol-vq8dh so based on the hiphop and techno, I would suggest making bass a priority. So any headphones that have underwhelming bass or are described as "cold, bright, flat, neutral, analytical, etc." You might want to think twice on. But like I said, keep in mind people have subjective listening experiences so people will give different descriptions for the same headphones, hence why I said make sure you do lots of research so you get a fuller picture of what those headphones might sound like.
What's your budget looking like and what exactly are you trying to get out of your headphones? I might be able to point you towards certain products if you want a headstart on research haha
Which are the most comfortable for driving?
We would not recommend any headphones for driving
I pay a couple of 12-year old Pervuvians to sing my music right into my ears
Wise choice
Thats crazy. Crazy? I was crazy once. They put me in a room, a rubber room, with rubber rats, and rats make me crazy.
*_ty_*
You are welcome! Thanks for watching.
Bought 160 watt portable party speaker thak you
Ok, thanks for sharing!
Which one would you prefer for normal daily use cases on ear/ over ear and in ear. Please pick my question ❤️
The video was about how to choose which style
on ear or in ear.
In ear give me massive headaches and I feel over ear has better noise cancellation
Thanks for sharing. Everyone seems to be different on these
I can’t stand over-ear headphones. I have small ears so they feel way too heavy and bulky to wear for long periods of time. I prefer on-ear headphones - they’re way more comfortable, feel lightweight, and the sound is still so good. Currently using the Skullcandy riff wireless 2. Skullcandy headphones are always amazing quality for a midrange/affordable price.
Thanks for sharing. Lots of opinions on this topic
Do they hurt after wearing them for a while?
@@Playinfakeepzzzwhich ones
Over the ears for life and for good sounding although yes I search that earbud are loud but will beat the headphone? Nope
Thanks for watching!
If you sweat a lot on the ear headphones can be very annoying.
Totally true
Highest poorability?? bro...
It was portability. :) Thanks for watching
@@AudioAdvice oh my god sorry bro
nothing but thankyou
Our pleasure, Anantha! Thanks for watching.
over the ear>
Thanks for sharing
Is on ear good for the gym?
I prefer in ear for the gym, since the sweat + weight can be annoying
@@kaanb5949 oh thanks bro i have bought both of em and returned the over ear in ear is the best for gym..
@@amalsoorya1175 bro what about on ear headphones?🤔 Please tell me bro😊😊😊
@@user-zp5wb2wl9c I've bought in ears bro on ears won't go good for gym
@@amalsoorya1175 ty for this.
Which type makes u look more attractive
Haha! Thanks for watching
Over ears probably do the opposite. It kinda depends on the headphone itself ngl
On ear are the worst for me
I find on ear headphones very uncomfortabale
Thanks for sharing
you didnt show any on-ears wtf
zxc vbnm klasqəe rtyuiop şad jkl zxfcv gbnm hlkj❤❤
Bought a pair of on-ear headphones for the gym. In-ear always fall out my ears.
Thanks for sharing. Yes, for some people that is a better option, but most do prefer the in ear.
bruh i hope u changed ur hairstyle
Thanks for the suggestion
Damn bro. If he likes it, let him rock it. Sheesh.
💀