In the three years I’ve been testing headphones, I thought I’d tried them all. From wired headphones, over-ear headphones, Bluetooth headphones, and more. But, alas, I was wrong. I’ve been usingMarshall’s Major IV on-ear headphonesfor the past few weeks and – as I’m learning – there are some major differences between on-ear and over-ear headphones.
These on-ear headphones pass the vintage vibe check, but not soundcheck
Marshall’s Major IV on-ear headphones fit nicely on my ears and in my budget, but compromised on sound quality.
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 substantial difference in sound quality, comfort, and overall features available. In the past, I’ve usedBose,Sony, andApple’sover-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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On-ear makes for an easier, longer wear
Marshall Major IV
Okay, I know I said I preferred 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.
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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, butBose’s QuietComfort Ultraover-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
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
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 on Zoom calls.
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.
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Over-ear headphones have more to offer
Apple AirPods Max
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. OnSony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, for example, the noise-cancelling levels will automatically adjust based on your surroundings and the surrounding noise.
On-ear headphones, on the other hand, are more limited in the features offered. Marshall does offer an app which allows users to adjust theEQ presetsand 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.
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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 leaving 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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