Over-Ear Headphones vs Earbuds: What to buy

If you want to enjoy some private listening – whether that’s on the train, in the gym, or kicking it at home – then you’re going to need something that delivers your favorite music or podcasts straight into your lugholes. We could’ve just called them headphones, but it isn’t as straightforward as that: when it comes to choosing a new pair of ‘phones, you actually have plenty of choice between cans that clamp to your bonce with the help of a headband, and earbuds that sit securely inside your ears. The big question is, then, which of these is right for you?

Table of Contents

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both over-ear headphones and earbuds, looking at key considerations like comfort, sound quality, and features, to help you make the right buying choice for your particular needs. Of course, there’s also a third category of on-ear headphones, which differ slightly from the over-ear variety. For now, we’re focusing specifically on over-ear cans and how they compare to their ear-inhabiting counterpart. By the time you’ve got to the bottom of the page, we reckon you’ll have your mind well and truly made up.

Here’s a list of some popular earbuds available on the market:

Apple AirPods Pro: Known for their seamless integration with Apple devices, the AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation and a customizable fit.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds feature industry-leading noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a comfortable fit.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: These earbuds from Bose provide top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and a secure fit for extended wear.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: Designed to complement Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds Pro offer ANC, clear sound, and a sleek design.
Jabra Elite 85t: With adjustable ANC levels and a snug fit, the Jabra Elite 85t earbuds deliver excellent sound quality and customizable sound profiles.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2: Renowned for their premium audio quality and comfortable fit, the Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds feature active noise cancellation and a stylish design.
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro: Offering ANC, personalized sound via the Soundcore app, and a budget-friendly price, the Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds are a popular choice for those seeking value.
Google Pixel Buds: Designed to work seamlessly with Google Assistant and Pixel devices, the Pixel Buds feature a compact design, adaptive sound, and touch controls.
JBL Free X: Known for their reliable connectivity and comfortable fit, the JBL Free X earbuds provide solid sound quality at an affordable price point.
Beats Studio Buds: These earbuds from Beats by Dre offer a balanced sound profile, ANC, and a lightweight design ideal for on-the-go use.

Here’s a list of some popular over-ear headphones:

Sony WH-1000XM4: Renowned for their exceptional noise cancellation, comfort, and high-resolution audio, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are a top choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers alike.
Bose QuietComfort 45: Offering best-in-class noise cancellation, plush ear cushions, and balanced sound quality, the QuietComfort 45 headphones are ideal for long listening sessions and blocking out ambient noise.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless: Known for their luxurious design, premium build quality, and superb sound signature, the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones deliver a high-end listening experience for discerning users.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Loved by audio professionals and enthusiasts, the DT 770 Pro headphones feature a closed-back design, detailed sound reproduction, and comfortable ear pads, making them suitable for studio monitoring and critical listening.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Recognized for their studio-grade sound quality, robust build, and swiveling ear cups for easy storage, the ATH-M50x headphones are a popular choice among music producers, DJs, and casual listeners alike.
AKG K371: With a neutral sound profile, foldable design, and comfortable fit, the AKG K371 headphones are favored by audio professionals and content creators for mixing, mastering, and editing tasks.
Beats Studio3 Wireless: Offering a stylish design, adaptive noise cancellation, and Apple’s W1 chip for seamless connectivity with iOS devices, the Studio3 Wireless headphones are a fashionable option for urban commuters and bass enthusiasts.
Shure SRH1540: Known for their premium build materials, expansive soundstage, and lightweight construction, the SRH1540 headphones provide audiophile-grade sound reproduction and long-term comfort for extended listening sessions.
V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless: Featuring customizable shields, durable construction, and immersive sound quality with deep bass, the Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones are a popular choice among fashion-forward users and bassheads.
Grado SR325e: Handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, the SR325e headphones offer a unique open-back design, lively sound signature, and retro aesthetics, making them a favorite among audiophiles seeking a distinct listening experience.

Sound Quality: Over-Ear Headphones Take the Lead

Generally speaking, over-ear headphones deliver better sound quality than earbuds, thanks to the larger drivers they can house and the better acoustic isolation provided by the ear-covering cups. That’s not to say that you won’t get a good listening experience with in-ears, though. Indeed, in our guide to the best in-ear headphones and earbuds, we praise Sony’s flagship earbuds for their “awesome audio delivery”, and the House of Marley Redemption ANC 2s for their “lovely warm sound”. And that’s just two examples. From AirPods to Bose Quiet Comfort buds, these discrete headphones have never sounded better.

Winner: Over-ear headphones

Comfort: A Draw Between Personal Preferences

Whether you prefer to have your ’phones over your ears or inside your ears ultimately comes down to personal choice (for example, we know people who hate having anything inside their lugholes, whether that be earbuds or cotton buds). One thing worth noting is that over-ear cans distribute their weight over your entire ear, rather than exerting pressure directly on your ear canal like earbuds. This can make the former option more comfortable during lengthier listening sessions. That said, over-ear headphones generally cause your ears to sweat more, so horses for courses and all that.

Winner: Draw

Noise Isolation: Over-Ear Headphones Create a Quieter Experience

Even though earbuds are stuffed inside your lugholes, it’s over-ear cans that typically provide better passive noise isolation, as they cover your entire ear area. Of course, some over-ear headphones and earbuds also offer active noise cancelling (ANC), where tiny microphones work to cancel out exterior noise by creating an equal and opposite noise.

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Notable examples include, in the over-ear category, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Mark Levinson No. 5909; and, in the earbuds category, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Earfun Air Pro. On the whole, though, ANC is better in over-ear headphones, largely due to there being more room inside for better technology.

Winner: Over-ear headphones

Battery Life: Over-Ear Headphones Win the Endurance Race

That comment we just made about more room inside equating to better technology? The same principle applies to batteries. Over-ear headphones are much bigger than earbuds and can therefore accommodate a weightier lithium-ion power pack. This means you’ll get more listening time between charges.

As an example, the AirPods (3rd Generation) will give you around six hours (up to around 30 hours with the charging case), while the Anker Space Q45 over-ear headphones offer up to 65 hours of playtime. Obviously, none of this applies if you’re using wired ’phones, which don’t rely on batteries.

Winner: Over-ear headphones

Durability: Earbuds Offer Portability and Resilience

Due to their smaller size and lighter weight, earbuds are clearly the more portable of these two options. Indeed, they should easily fit inside a jacket or trouser pocket when you’re not using them. Over-ear headphones will need to be hung around your neck or stowed away inside a bag – though a foldable set won’t take up too much room.

Winner: Earbuds

Suitability for Active Use: A Toss-up Between Convenience and Stability

Want something to listen to music on while you’re at the gym or pounding the pavement? Earbuds are much less cumbersome than over-ear headphones, which could start to feel heavy on your skull during a strenuous workout. On the downside, buds could fall out of your ears during a sprint on the treadmill or bike – and their generally flimsier sound might make it harder to hear them over the gym’s pounding dance music (though that shouldn’t be an issue with the more high-end buds).

Winner: Draw

Style: Earbuds for Discretion, Over-Ear Headphones for Statement

If you’re the shy and retiring type – or if you’d rather not draw attention to the fact that you’re wearing expensive cans – then you might prefer to wear earbuds, which are obviously more discreet than over-ear headphones. Discreet certainly doesn’t have to mean boring, though – as demonstrated by the Apple AirPods’ iconic long-stemmed design, beloved by millions. If you prefer over-ear headphones and want something really eye-catching, take a look at the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX or the Sennheiser Momentum 3.

Winner: Draw

Price: A Range of Options for Every Budget

Ultimately, your final decision is going to come down to what you can afford. The good news here is that, while the top-end over-ear headphones are considerably more expensive than the best earbuds, there’s a broad range of products in both categories, with all budgets catered for – just check out guides to the best budget wireless headphones, the best headphones for vinyl and the best headphones under £100.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match

Clearly, there are pros and cons to both styles of headphones. So, when deciding what is right for you, it’s important to first think about what you will use them for most and what your budget is. This should help guide you down the right path to audio nirvana.