In-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear Headphones - Which should you buy?

Read our full headphone comparison article here:

When shopping for a new pair of headphones, there are three main categories to choose from — each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The three main categories are in-ear, on-ear, and over-the-ear headphones. In this video we are going to talk about the different features and use-cases for each type of headphone and why a serious music lover would consider owning one of each.

First, we’re going to go over the biggest differences for each headphone-style, and then we’ll dive into why each one is a must-have for any serious music lover. Sometimes called earphones or “earbuds”, in-ear headphones are perhaps the most common type of headphone, today. Due to their small size, in-ear headphones rate the highest when it comes to portability. Most in-ear headphones fit just inside the opening of your ear canal, which creates one the best sealing conditions you can get.

On-ear headphones are up next. This type of headphone sits directly against or on top of your ears. While they don’t really have any unique advantages over in-ear or over-the-ear headphones, they are more about balancing your needs and finding a happy medium between portability and sound quality. The earcups are smaller than you will find on over-ear headphones. Many even fold up for easy transport — and some of these will also come with a nice case that protects them when you throw them in your bag. On-ear headphones won’t typically get as hot as over-ears because air can circulate through them easier — however, this can be a downside when considering their lack of noise isolation. While over-ear headphones are typically regarded as the most comfortable option, on-ear styles will be a big improvement over the in-ear style.

Finally, we have the over-the-ear headphone style. If you ask any typical audio enthusiast about their favorite pair of headphones, their answer will likely be a pair of over-the-ear headphones. This style is meant to be worn mostly at home or at work — not on-the-go as much — but most of the best-sounding and the most comfortable headphones are this over-the-ear style. Audeze is a good example of a brand that specializes in this larger style simply because the larger size allows the headphone to present the best sound quality possible. While some over-ear headphones can be folded up — and may even come with a travel case — portability is sometimes not their strong suit. The oversized ear cups on this style covers your ear entirely, so you don’t have to worry about your ears getting sore. Some of the higher-end over-ear headphones can get pretty heavy, however, so be sure to look for a pair that has good padding on the headband and comfortable pads on the earcups. Because they have the largest drivers, the higher-end over-ear headphones can usually reproduce the widest range of frequencies — from silky smooth highs — to tight, deep bass. From a sound perspective, all of the very best headphones in the world are in fact the over-the-ear headphone style. Now, there is another factor to consider if you’re looking at a great pair of over-ears for use at home or at the office — and that’s open-back vs. closed-back. We won’t dive too deep into this here, but the main thing to keep in mind is that closed-back headphones provide much better isolation from outside noises from getting into your headset — and they do a much better job at keeping the music in your ears — and not out there for everyone else to hear. The Open-back style — because of the nature of its “open” design — does not do as well at isolating you from the outside world nor do they do as well at keeping the music where only you can hear it — but they do offer a much, much wider soundstage and a more open, airy feel to the sound that’s really similar to listening to a great pair speakers.

[IMbirdieful]

I never thought I'd be convinced to own three different types of headphones... Not that I can currently afford that, but hey, it definitely sounds appealing aha

[JK]

Only with over ear, you won't get head or ear pain even with extended hours of usage

[themastroiannis]

very nice introductory description of uses and sound signatures of the different kinds of headphones. thank you!!

[AKAnothing]

I have to say as someone who has around 8 ear piercing - On-ear headphones are not comfortable to me even for a short time wear.. it hurts as it presses down on the earrings as well on the ear itself.
I wanted to mention this because I didn't see any reviewer mention this (haven't encounter one that have ear piercings).
The In-ear are my go to when going out, Over-ear are perfect for working on my computer/studying :)

[EveninB]

I've had all three of these and when listening to music I loved the in ear ones. I just find music a very personal thing so when someone else hears what I'm listening to I just don't feel comfortable. These headphones make it sound like music is playing inside my head and I just feel safe and immersed.

Edit: Oh come on 🙄

[johnsosito]

As an audiophile, these are great points to consider when you're in a dilemma. Right now, my greatest dilemma is me being an audiophile while being a vocalist on stage as well. While we do use a different iem on stage, there's a part of me that wants to keep using it outside of stage, or maybe it's just because I use it for a short amount of time. I do have a personal over ear headphones, but I feel like I'm missing out with the new over ear headphones as well from sennheiser. While my old one is still reliable, I have this urge to get a new one after using it for 5yrs now.

So yeah, this gives me an overview of my dilemma and might go buying both style for me since I think it's a benefit for my part in having both. Though I think I'll go first with the iems in my part.

Thanks a lot for this!

[auriti]

Best headphone type comparison I've found after months of searching ! Great, solid facts !

[kweenjade]

7:00 love the honesty and how fair you are.

[CombatBanana]

Great video! I didn't know the difference in sound between open and closed backs.

[TheMeloettaful]

This is such wonderful information! I'm looking to buy new headphones pretty soon, and I'm seriously leaning towards the over the ear headphones. Up until this point all I've been getting was basically cheap dollar store ON THE EAR ones that only last for so long & are not comfortable over time 😞.

Not to mention I wear glasses too. Though I'll never be able to blow $300+ on a pair of the more expensive brand headphones I did get an Amazon gift card for Christmas... So at the very least I can get a good decent pair of budget over ear headphones 🤷.

[charleswhaley]

Very concise and helpful video - worth the less than 10 minute time investment. My trusty vintage Pro4-AA's have never let me down when at home but clearly are not portable. A long plane ride without my Bose noise cancelling over the ear but light weight headphones is a much longer ride indeed. The freedom to move anywhere in the house as well as outside is the important aspect of my great sounding, over the ear bluetooth HiFi Elite headphones from Modern Portable at an amazingly low price for the sound.

[ItsNicolau]

The best video on YouTube about this topic. Thanks for all the info!

[bandita]

Great video!
The optimal choice really is very person specific based on ear/headshape and use cases.
I like good quality mids and crisp highs.

In-ear ones have low battery life/very fragile cables does not last long and cost way too much imho for the quality you get.
On-ears are much more comfortable and much longer use for wireless but suffer from the cheap plastic used, have to break just outside the warranty time design. I think this category would be the best overall use wise for me. (walking outside/listening to audiobooks, music, movies at home)
Trying to find one with decent quality, battery life and does not instantly break in half as I look at it design at a reasonable price.
Over-ears are way bulky/tend to be heavy/making sweaty ears have best quality but at high pricetags.

[vzx]

Man, your intro audio design was really good. Appreciate that!

[SmiluVarghese]

I was thinking of getting a headphone. But, i already have an earbud and was thinking what if headphone wont be great as earbud since, earbuds give great sound for music and movies. There were no content in youtube which clearly explains what are the main differences between these and finally found a useful video which explained all my doubts and made me easy to choose. Great content and thanks for this great info with great detail on differences

[charmedpipper]

I actually can't do in ear earphones, it's not just a mild discomfort, it causes wax buildup in my ears which causes my hearing to go, plus most times they won't fit in my ears!

[basudevojha]

This answers all my questions helped me to understand which headphone to buy. many thanks

[matt_pick]

Personally I think in ears the most comfortable. As long as you get silicone/rubber/foam tips I have never had any problems, listening for hours on end.
I find on ear headphones press down on my ears too much and can't wear them for much over an hour without my ears going sore and red.
And over the ears are more comfortable but the ones I've used have been quite heavy and the pressure from the band makes the top of my head hurt.

But it's all personal preference. Maybe I just haven't used very good on ear/over ear headphones. But I have used many cheap in ears and as long as they have a soft tip they have never caused me any pain

[mayankpatel]

Thank you for such a wonderful information ❤

[trebleclef]

I love over ear headphones but its really not for the walk or gym. Espacially summer its burning. At home its perfect. Looking good in ear headphone. Thanks for informations.