Choosing Between In-Ear and Over-Ear HeadphonesWhen it comes time to pick headphones there are plenty of choices. The first thing you should consider is whether you want earbuds or headphones that cover your ears.Over-ear headphones are larger and generally provide better noise cancellation than other types of headphones. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time if you choose the appropriate pair.ComfortComfort is an important factor when selecting headphones, especially for long listening sessions. There are many headphone options that offer great sound quality while also being comfortable. The best headphones are usually comfortable and well-padded. They fit comfortably around your ears without applying too much pressure on your head. They should be lightweight and feature good noise cancellation. The battery life is also an important aspect to take into consideration since nobody wants to run out of power while listening. A decent pair of headphones should be able to provide about 20 hours of playback on one charge, and longer is always better.Over-ear headphones are the most comfortable choice of all because their large earcups enclose your ears and prevent external noise from entering your ear canal. Based on the design, they can be lightweight and comfortable, or bulkier and heavier than on-ear headphones. Certain over-ear headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation which blocks out ambient noise and can help you concentrate on your music.The Razer Seiren Pro Over-Ear Wireless Headphones are the most expensive of the over-ear headphones we've reviewed but they're also among the most comfortable. They're made of premium plastic with soft earcups that are adjustable and have memory foam padding that kept my ears from sweating even when I listened for long periods of time. They come with a great noise cancellation feature and a sturdy carrying case with the USB-C cable.A close second in terms of comfort was the V-Moda M-200 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones. They're a bit less expensive than Sony's and are a ideal choice for those looking for a stylish sturdy headphone that doesn't break the bank. They're Hi-Res audio certified and feature 50mm drivers with neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils. They have a very neutral sound profile, and a dazzling amount of bass response for a pair of over-ear headphones.Other aspects to look out for in a headphone that is comfortable include clamping pressure and frequency range. The first refers to how tight the headband fits over your head; you want it to be snug enough to form a seal and block out external noise but not too tight that it creates discomfort or feels like it's being hammered into the skull. The second refers to the frequency response; excessively pushed treble can quickly become fatiguing to listen to for long durations.SoundOver-ear headphones are of high-quality audio. They feature drivers with large dimensions that are able to produce much more sound than in-ear or on-ear headphones, with numerous models that offer a rich soundscape and superb detail reproduction. Over-ear headphones are able to seal around your ears better than headphones that are in-ear or over-ear. This means that less background noise will leak through. But, this will depend on the model of headphone and the quality of its construction. The top over-ear headphones are typically sealed with earcups. This reduces leakage.In addition to sound quality, over-ear headphones can also feature active noise cancellation, which eliminates external sounds using the earcups' microphones. This feature is ideal for those who commute and travel and allows you to listen to your music without having to worry about outside noise. But, remember that this can impact battery life, so search for a pair that has ANC that is specifically designed for long listening sessions.Both wireless and wired versions are available for the majority of over-ear headphones. The wired models are terminated in 3.5mm connectors, while professional-grade headphones use larger 6.3mm or an XLR connector. Wireless headphones operate over Bluetooth and don't require a cable to work. However the quality of their sound can be lower and they may lose connectivity with your device if you go beyond the range.When you're choosing a pair over-ear headphones, consider the quality of their audio and how comfortable they are to wear. Choose a pair made from premium materials, with padded earcups and headband that sit softly against the ears. You should also check the clamp force that measures how tight they fit around your head and could impact comfort.Over-ear headphones can be found in high-end materials such as rubber and plastic. They are durable and comfortable to wear for long durations of time. Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 headphones are a good example. They're costly, but they feel well-constructed, with the sturdy case for carrying along with an aeroplane adapter and an 6.3mm stereo plug that is included in the box. The headphones sport an oval-shaped design with a lot of bass and clear treble. Fans of rock and pop are sure to love this. They also have a dedicated application that has graphic EQ settings and presets that can be used to alter the sound profile.Noise cancellationNoise cancelling headphones are made to block out ambient sounds to let you enjoy your music or take sleep during a long flight. They are the best choice for reducing steady, continuous sounds such as airplane engines and trains tracks. However they aren't as effective at reducing sudden, high-frequency sounds, like screeching breaks or your neighbor's animated conversations.Over-ear headphones, which cover your ears with ear cups, are known to be more effective in passively blocking out background noise than smaller earbuds or models that are on-ear. They also have larger speakers which means they are able to deliver a rich and full sound that is more faithful to the source of the original audio.The most advanced over-ear headphones also come with active noise cancellation, which makes use of built-in microphones that detect sounds around them. The headphones then create opposing soundwaves to cancel out any unwanted sound. Although this technology isn't quite as advanced as premium audiophile speakers that have noise cancellation capabilities, it's still very effective at minimizing the background noise.Some headphones have a "transparent mode" that allows you to hear sounds around you. This is an excellent option when you want to hear what's going on around you or make a phone call but want to keep the volume down.Over- where can you buy headphones are also more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time than smaller earbuds. A majority of headphones come with headbands and the earcups are cushioned with soft substances like memory foam. Some earcups can be folded flat for easy storage or portability. Many of the top over-ear headphones come with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which can let listen to podcasts and music wherever, and often have long battery life and fast charging capabilities.PortabilityHeadphones allow a user to listen to audio sources privately without disrupting others. They can also block out ambient noise. Headphones can be used with a variety of mobile devices, including smartphones as well as tablets and computers. In-ear and earbud headphones are the most portable, however over-ear models are a good option. Over-ear models are generally bulkier than other types of headphones, however some can fold up to be smaller and come with a carry case for easier transportation.The quality of the sound produced by headphones is affected by several aspects. This includes the size of the driver. The size of drivers can affect the frequency response, harmonic distortion, and other factors. Larger drivers provide better bass performance, and open-back designs provide a larger soundstage. The design of the headband and earcups are also crucial. The most effective headphones will feature earpads with cushioned padding and headbands constructed of materials which are comfortable for long listening sessions.The best headphones are light and have comfortable earcups. Before you buy, search for headphones that weigh less than one pound and read reviews to determine how they work with.Audiophiles looking for premium headphones should look for Bluetooth wireless headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They also need to be able to adjust the headband. These are great for commuters that need a headset to wear on multiple trips. They'll likely be more expensive in cost however, they're also more durable and typically have a premium design that can make them an elegant and comfortable choice for listeners who are casual.A pair of wireless over-ear headphones that have active noise cancellation and an intuitive smartphone app are perfect for travelers who want to listen to music with them wherever they go, and they'll usually have a battery life that lasts for a good amount of time. Make sure you choose models with premium components, like a powerful digital processor. This can automatically adjust the settings to provide a fantastic audio experience while on the go. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a fantastic example, and they have smart features that can help you get the most out of your audio experience.