What’s best? Overear vs onear vs inear headphones
When it comes to choosing headphones, some of the main types are overear, onear, and inear. Each has its own pros and cons.
Overear headphones are the largest of the three. They completely cover your ears, which helps block out external noise. That makes them a top choice for immersive listening, whether you’re enjoying music streaming services or watching films. They often prioritise sound quality and comfort, and they’ll tend to have active noisecancelling, too.
However, they can be a bit bulkier, something that can make them less ideal for travel. Some also find them too hot to wear for a long time, particularly in the summer. On the other hand, they can be great for keeping your ears warm in the winter months.
Onear headphones are a subcategory of overear headphones. They still go over your head, but sit directly on your ears rather than around them. They’re lighter and more compact than fully overear models, making them easier to carry around.
They don’t tend to have noisecancelling, and also may not block out background sounds as much as overear headphones can. Onears do tend to be a little more breathable and comfortable, though.
Inear headphones, also known as earbuds, are the smallest and most portable option. They fit directly into your ear canal, which can provide good sound isolation and make them great for onthego listening.
They come in a variety of styles, including wireless models with no cable connecting the left and right sides. However, some might find them uncomfortable for long periods, and the sound quality can vary widely depending on the brand and model.
Ultimately, the best choice for you is going to depend on your needs. If you prioritise sound quality and comfort for home use, overear headphones might be perfect. If you want something portable and lightweight, consider onear or inear options.
You may find it worthwhile to have one pair of earbuds and a comfortable overear pair, too. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, so think about how you plan to use them before you decide!
Are overear headphones good for the gym?
So you want a pair of headphones for exercising? Any of the best overears will technically work fine for listening to music during a workout, but they’re certainly not our preferred choice to pop in the gym bag.
Most will come loose with rigorous physical movement, and they don’t have enough water protection to survive a sweaty session. There’s also the simple fact that having them on your head and covering your ears will quickly become uncomfortable as you inevitably get warmer.
Beats is one brand that’s always marketed as being suitable for sports or the gym, but none of its overear headphones are sweat or waterproof. They are IPX4rated, so can theoretically withstand splashes of water, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to take them to your next marathon.
Instead of overear headphones, we advise buying a set of wireless earbuds for the gym. Our favourites include Apple AirPods, Beats Fit Pro and Sennheiser Sport.
