Picking the right headphones can be a really tricky task as we are all used to a kind of pair and don’t like to drift away from them much. Therefore, shifting from in-ears took over-ear headphones or even on-ear to over-ear headphones can seem like a major change.
Over-ear headphones are the most comfortable range of headphones that provide the maximum noise isolation of the lot. Over-ear headphones would be great if you’re looking to switch and here is everything you need to know about them.
What are over-ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones are the ones that come with large ear cups that cover the whole ear and have a thick headband to support those huge ear cups. They bulky in nature as compared to earbuds, in-ear headphones, and even on-ear headphones.
Because of their huge size, they sit quite comfortably on the ears and can be worn for long hours. Since they encompass the ears, the noise isolation provided by the over-ear headphones is more than any other kind.
What are the advantages of the over-ear headphones?
Following are some of the best features of the over-ear headphones.
Comfort: Over-ear headphones come with large ear cups that come with soft foam that rests comfortably on the ear. Unlike the in-ears, they don’t hurt or damage the inside of the ear. Over-ears are regarded as the most comfortable of all headphones and thus, can be worn for a longer period of time. Therefore, many audio technicians and musicians make use of over-ear headphones while mixing.
Noise Isolation: Noise isolation is the strongest suit of an over-ear headphone. Since they cover the whole ear, it is difficult for an external to surpass and disturb you. The over-ear headphones provide one the studio-like experience, where you’re unable to hear any other sound except the one in your headphones. Most gamers, therefore, prefer over-ear headphones to avoid any kind of disturbance.
Sound Quality: Over-ear headphones usually offer a great sound quality because of their size and the isolation they offer. Many of the headphones made for professional use are over-ear headphones and thus, produce the high-quality sound one needs. Some of the over-ear headphones include DJ headphones, which include one ear cup but offers a high-quality sound.
You can love it for a good many other reasons too, including sound quality and the make. Bose QC series, for instance, have over-ear headphones that are a favorite of many. While audiophiles may not be particularly fond of it as it helps make music sound better than it originally is, if you are just looking for some great music with Bose’s patented noise isolating technology, it’s as good a bet as any.
What are the disadvantages of over-ear headphones?
Despite their qualities, over-ear headphones do have some issues as well:
Bulky: The large ear cups on the side of the headphones are supported by a thick headband which may feel bulky on the head of an individual. The headband, thus, must have proper cushioning if one needs to use the headphones for longer durations.
Not portable: Unlike the in-ear headphones or earbuds, the over-ear headphones are not portable. Since they are quite large in size, it gets difficult to carry them in a small bag. If portability is your concern, you can opt for slightly smaller on-ear headphones.
Who uses over ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones have a ton of uses, but are especially used by a lot of professionals due to the comfort and isolation they provide:
Gamers: Gamers value isolation of the noise more than anything to be able to concentrate on their game. Thus, they rely highly on the over-ear headphones. Gamers usually opt for the over-ear headphones that not only provide the isolation but can also minimize any leakage of the sound and help them communicate with the other players as well.
Musicians: Musicians value comfort along with great sound quality for their headphones. They opt for over-ear headphones that can be worn for longer durations and offer deep notes of the sound to allow them to hear their music clearly. Apart from that, they also opt for noise isolation and want a studio like an experience. Thus, they usually go for semi-open over-ear headphones.
DJs: DJs, on most occasions, use only one end of their headphones. Thus, many headphones are designed especially for their use that have only one ear cup. They are usually over ears because of the comfort they provide. It is also because they block the noise from the crowd well and allow them to be able to mix their music while paying attention to the crowd’s needs.
You would also love to use them if you are on travel, and want to shut out the noise from the outer world. Flight travelers, for instance, would love using one of these. They are light, and they can get the job done of keeping the outside noise well out. That being said, you do need to get hold of the right one – you wouldn’t want one that is uncomfortable to your ears since you would be wearing them of a good few hours while you are on the flight.
Should You Go For It?
Over-ear headphones may not be portable enough and do lie on the bulkier side of the headphone spectrum but offer the most comfort of them all. Thus, if you’re looking for a headphone that gives you a deep sound experience and is comfortable to wear for long hours, you should opt for an over-ear headphone.
Take the right pick, and we are sure you will not be disappointed.
