10 Places Where You Can Find Over-Ear Headphones
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones typically have longer battery lives than earbuds. They also offer superior noise cancellation.
Sony's WH-1000XM5s lead the pack for wireless headphones over-ear. They sound great with a deep bass that lets vocals and other instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on the device, they can last for more than 40 hours on one charge.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys wireless are a premium audiophile entry into the highly sought-after premium Bluetooth headphone market, which has been for a long time dominated by Bose. However, with a history of creating the highest quality, high-fidelity speakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this crowded market. It decided to design its own earbuds with built-in ANC using the same transducers, amplifiers and other components as its flagship products.
The result is an earbud that is top-of-the-line in performance but also feels sturdy and luxurious. Focal reduced the size and weight from its more upmarket headphones to make these lightweight headphones more suitable for travel, but still uses magnesium for the yokes, which keeps them lightweight. The design is sleek and stylish with the circular, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are located on the sides of the headphones and actually glow.
The ear cups fold flat for convenient storage, and the cable can be removed to use with other devices that lack Bluetooth like many cell phones. The earcups fold flat for easy storage, and the cable is detachable for use with other devices that lack Bluetooth like many cell phones.
For those who are serious about audio The headphones can be used in DAC mode, which disables internal processing and provides superior sound quality than the majority of Bluetooth headphones with their built-in DAC. 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 developed to be used on planes, in noisy environments, and many other locations. However, the DAC mode makes them suitable for more critical listening. The Bathys are an excellent alternative to closed-back headphones, which are tuned for bass. These headphones would be a perfect gift for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones featuring active noise cancellation. They have a bass profile that gives your audio depth and a long battery life. They are made to last, which makes them ideal for use on commutes and trips. However, their tight fit can make them uncomfortable for long listening sessions.
The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the music and your call settings. They include buttons for volume levels up down, power and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by tiny LEDs and you can tap it to change the display of light. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and are well-padded however they do not sit well on your head and might be uncomfortable for listeners who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient sound by analyzing and interpreting sounds coming from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sounds and blocks out the background noise, leading to a quieter listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volumes and reduces the risk of fatigued ears. The headphones also have a microphone that allows you to make calls hands-free and also activate voice assistants.
These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and a majority of mobile phones. These headphones work with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio however they are not able to communicate with your teammates. They also have an USB port for charging and streaming audio from your computer.
The JBL 760NCs are designed to be portable and compact, with a foldable design that makes them easy to carry with you on the go. They're equipped with a built-in battery that can last up to 40 hours of continuous usage, and they're equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distracting sounds. They can also be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you can switch from watching an online video on your tablet and then taking a call on your phone without missing a beat.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of headphones on-ear that deliver what people want from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They provide a reasonable price point and a battery that lasts all day as well as an additional aux cable for backup, and peace of mind due to Tile finding technology. It has a simple control set on the earcup and it can be connected to wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a companion app that lets you personalize your listening experience. It also lets you to reduce delay in video and audio when connected to smart TVs or computers, and also set up a multi-device pairs.
These headphones are very comfortable and have a cushioned headband. They are made to be used for travel and commute. They can be folded to be easily stored in backpacks or bags. The plasticky material is sturdy and they click when you bend or move them. over ear headphone case don't have noise cancellation which can be a challenge for some users, however they do block out some of the rumble of buses and passenger chatter.
These headphones have decent audio quality, especially considering their price. The midranges aren't as rich as the more expensive headphones, but they do have decent detail at all volume levels. The bass is powerful and punchy, whereas the highs are a little rolled off but still not too loud. They are great for rock and pop but may not be the ideal choice for genres that feature full, deep bass.
The Riff Wireless 2 headphones have more features than the previous version. They have an unison sound profile, which could appeal to certain users. They also have a better microphone performance and support several devices. They also have an increased volume and have longer battery life.
They're a good pair of headphones, but don't offer the same level of comfort as some other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. These headphones are still an excellent choice for the majority of users, but they're not necessarily the most suitable for use in a gym or on a run. They could lose their elasticity when performing intense exercise.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a headphone set that is designed for a lifestyle and it's a great one. Its target market is likely to be more diverse than the gamers market and it comes with a premium sound that's comparable to top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.
The design is a bit restrained even by Razer's standards. There's no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. Additionally, the Tri-Snake is not visible. The headset is a lot like any other Bluetooth headphone, sporting semicircle swivel hinges that fold flat and swivel over the earcups to create an adjustable, comfortable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than most gaming headphones, weighing only 265g when folded.
Onboard controls can be found on the right earcup, with power and track control buttons beside a recessed multi-function button which doubles as an active noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls were responsive and simple to use. They functioned as advertised during my testing.
The Opus' bass has a punchy, well-rounded sound that has clarity and depth that you won't find in many budget headphones. The sound is not as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a price of $200. Vocals and lead instruments can be heard with a good clarity. The mids sound solid. I did notice a little low-end slackness, but switching the EQ to Vocal fixed the problem.
In the case that you carry, you'll also get an 3.5mm audio cable as well as a USB C-to-A converter and an airplane-style audio plug for those who haven't yet made the switch yet. It's a tiny but appreciated feature that makes it easier to use headphones while traveling.
As with other THX-certified items, the Opus performed admirably in my tests. I was able to walk around town with ANC turned on without the need to increase volume to drown out ambient noise and I never felt the need to play my music at a higher volume to hear it. That's the kind of quality that can help you avoid hearing loss as a result of excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.