Key Takeaways
- On-ear headphones are more comfortable for longer wear, lighter, and less isolating, while over-ear headphones offer better sound quality and features like active noise-cancelling.
- Marshall’s Major IV on-ear headphones are comfortable and versatile but lack immersive audio and advanced features compared to some over-ear options.
- Ultimately, the choice between on-ear and over-ear headphones depends on budget, desired features, and usage preferences.
In the three years I’ve been testing headphones, I thought I’d tried it all. From wired headphones, over-ear headphones, Bluetooth headphones and more. But, I was wrong. I’ve been using Marshall’s Major IV on-ear headphones the past couple of weeks and, as I’m learning, there are some major differences between on-ear and over-ear headphones.
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Yes, both headphones have similar designs and those not as in tune with the different headphone models may think they’re the same thing (I know I used to). After using on-ear headphones for the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a big difference in sound quality, comfort and overall features available. In the past, I’ve used Bose, Sony, and Apple’s over-ear headphones, all of which vary in quality but offer relatively similar features. Marshall’s Major IV on-ear headphones are noticeably different from all three brands.
While Marshall’s on-ear headphones are the only experience I’ve had so far with on-ear headphones, I can confidently say I prefer my over-ear headphones the majority of the time. Over-ear headphones as a whole are better for daily use, but on-ear headphones still have some perks. Here are some things you should know before deciding between over-ear and on-ear headphones.
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Comfort
On-ear makes for an easier, longer wear
Okay, I know I said I prefer over-ear headphones but Marshall’s on-ear headphones are by far one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones I’ve yet to test. The headphones have square earcups which comfortably fit on my ears. I have several piercings on both ears, so I’m always on the lookout for a pair of headphones that won’t irritate them. Since the on-ear headphones don’t fully encompass my ears, there’s a lot more breathability.
On top of the shape of the earcups, the on-ear headphones are lighter. The headphones weigh only 5.8 ounces and feel super light on my head, making me forget I was wearing headphones at all.
While the on-ear headphones win in comfort, that’s not to say that over-ear headphones are totally uncomfortable. Over-ear headphones comfort definitely varies by brand. Apple’s AirPods Max are the heaviest by far, but Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones are relatively lightweight enough for you to comfortably wear them for a few hours.
For glasses wearers, note that on-ear headphones sit on top of the ear rather than going around it, which can contribute to built up pressure or make for an awkward fit.
Sound quality
Over-ears have made for a more immersive experience
Over-ear headphones have a clear advantage when it comes to sound quality. Over-ear headphones give a more surround sound listening experience whereas on-ear headphones have more stereo sound. Over-ear headphones elevate the bass when listening to music and amplify voices if you’re a podcast fan like myself. Plus, over-ear headphones give more crisp and clear sound during Zoom or Google Meet calls which is a must for remote workers who are constantly in Zoom calls.
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On-ear headphones aren’t bad, but definitely don’t stack up to the sound quality of over-ear headphones. Granted, I really only have experience with Marshall’s on-ear headphones, so it may vary by brand. I’ve been wearing the on-ear headphones while casually doing work outside or for morning walks and the sound quality is average, but with sound leakage and lack of an immersive audio format, I would recommend switching to over-ear headphones for important calls.
While I’ve personally only tested Marshall’s on-ear headphones, note that in general, on-ear headphones don’t have as focused isolation and listeners report sound leakage.
Features
Over-ear headphones have more to offer
Although every brand is different, most over-ear headphones offer a large selection of different features for listeners. More often than not, over-ear headphones offer active noise-cancelling (ANC), a feature Marshall’s on-ear headphones excludes. With the ANC, over-ear headphones allow for even more customization. Users can choose whether they want a transparent mode, how much noise-cancelling they want and more. The customization allows users to have a more personalized listening experience. On Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, for example, the noise-cancelling levels will automatically adjust based on your surroundings and the surrounding noise.
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On-ear headphones, on the other hand, are more limited in the features offered. Marshall does offer an app which allows users to adjust the EQ presets and add a timer, but I haven’t found that the app tremendously changes the sound. The apps for Sony and Bose’s over-ear headphones have a more noticeable impact on the listening experience than the app for Marshall’s on-ear headphones.
On-ear vs over-ear headphones: Which should you buy?
At the end of the day, it depends on how much money you want to spend — and how much you want to get out of your money. You can easily find Marshall’s on-ear headphones on Amazon for under $100, but you get what you pay for. I’ve enjoyed using the on-ear headphones and see myself bringing them along for more casual activities, but leave them behind for calls or when I want more interactive features.
Over-ear headphones are a lot more expensive, ranging from $250-600, but they offer overall better quality than the on-ear headphones. I will continue to use my over-ear headphones for work calls and to block out all the noise while riding the London tube or New York City subway.
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