Feel the Beat With the Best On-ear Headphones

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Finding Your Next On-ear Headphone: A Buyer’s Guide

With advancements in technology being made every day, headphones have come a long way. On-ear headphones are a great choice for anyone who wants to take their listening experience to the next level, as these headphones offer a crisp, deep bass sound for an immersive experience when listening to music or watching movies or TV. Unlike in-ear headphones that can slip out of your ear, on-ear headphones can give you more freedom of movement. On-ear headphones are ideal to use during exercise, outdoor activities, and even in crowded spaces like airports when everyone around you seems to be yelling into their phones at the same time. In this list, we’ve reviewed some of the leading on-ear headphones of 2023 to help you find the perfect pair with ease.

The TREBLAB On-Ear Headphones feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can move around without restrictions. They block any external sounds, enhancing focus on demanding physical activities. These headphones incorporate water-resistant padding to keep your ears dry and comfortable even after long hours of use at the gym or on your hiking trip. 

The long battery life and quick charging enable people to enjoy their favorite audio content without interruptions. Also, its lightweight body and customized fitting put no pressure on your ears. It allows you to make calls and use Google Assistant and Siri. This best overall pick comes with a portable case, so you can store it safely. 

Pros

• Easy to store and maintain quality 
• Stores playlists from different devices
• Enables users to make calls  

Cons

• Might have trouble connecting with Apple products 

These Sony on-ear headphones feature neodymium dynamic drivers that deliver deep bass and crystal clear sound for a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Their wide frequency range of up to 22 kHz helps these headphones deliver crisp highs as well as deep lows, and they come in both mic and mic-less versions — perfect for use with smartphones and other music players. 

These on-ear headphones are available in three colors — you can choose from black, white, or pink for a pair that matches your style. Since these headphones are also tangle-free, you won’t have to worry about dealing with any pesky knots either. These on-ear headphones are a great blend of style, comfort, and high-fidelity sound.

Pros

• Swiveling earcups make them great with glasses
• Lightweight and compact for maximum portability
• Comfortable, skin-friendly ear cup material

Cons

• May be lacking in durability

The Beats Solo3 on-ear headphones are a great choice for anyone who wants to listen to their favorite music on the go or at home. These high-performance wireless headphones boast an Apple W1 chip and Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity for seamless streaming and easy connectivity on both iOS and Android devices. With fast charging capabilities and up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones can let you jam out for hours without interruption. 

These on-ear headphones also offer cushioned ear pads and an adjustable fit, making them more comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. With the sleek, streamlined design of these headphones, you’ll be able to tune out the noise around you and focus on your music, whether it’s rock, classical, hip-hop, or anything in between.

Pros

• Adjustable fit and cushioned earcups
• Carrying case included for convenient portability
• Compatible with both Apple and Android phones

Cons

• Might be a little bulky

These Panasonic RP-HT21 on-ear headphones can be a great addition to your workout routine. These headphones feature 30mm large neodymium drivers that deliver impressive sound, and the XBS port magnifies low-frequencies to improve bass response and treble, letting you hear every beat of your favorite song in its full glory.

These on-ear headphones’ wide headband and cushioned earpads offer a comfortable fit, and they’re also extremely portable, weighing in at less than 5 oz. These headphones also come equipped with a 4.5 ft cord to let you conveniently listen to your music without the wire getting in the way while you’re out walking or exercising.

Pros

• Improved bass response and enhanced treble
• Extra-long cord for convenient use
• Lightweight and easy to carry around

Cons

• Only available in one color

When it comes to comfort and convenience, these Skullcandy on-ear headphones tick all the boxes. These headphones can deliver a powerful sound to keep you rocking all day long, and thanks to their soft-touch finish and plush ear pads they’re as comfortable as they are stylish. 

Charging these on-ear headphones for only 10 minutes can provide an impressive two hours of playback time, so you won’t have to worry about being caught without your tunes again if you forgot to charge them. These headphones also feature voice assistance, letting you change songs or make calls without having to take your phones out of your pocket. Available in four colors — black, blue, deep red, and gray — these headphones can be a hit with everyone from hip teens to trendy parents.

Pros

• Fast-charging capabilities
• Ultra-durable headband design
• Voice control features for hands-free use

Cons

• Headband can slip off while running

These JBL wireless on-ear headphones boast JBL Pure Bass sound, so you can enjoy deep lows and soaring highs while listening to your favorite tunes. These headphones come equipped with a microphone and a convenient button to let you make hands-free calls, skip songs, and easily adjust the volume, and with up to 16 hours of battery life, they’re a great choice for the long haul. 

These on-ear headphones’ lightweight material and soft ear cushions make them pretty comfortable, and their non-slip headband offers a secure fit, even if you’re exercising or running around town. Did we mention that these headphones have a foldable design? Yup, that’s right — now you can listen to your favorite podcast anytime, anywhere, and you won’t have to worry about lugging around a bulky pair of headphones.

Pros

• Multi-point Bluetooth connectivity
• Non-slip headband keeps them in place
• Foldable design for convenient portability

Cons

• Plastic headband is prone to breaking

Can I use on-ear headphones while working out?

On-ear headphones are often favored over other types of headphones during workouts because they’re lightweight and comfortable. They’re also less likely to get caught in your hair or dislodge from your ears during exercise, making them perfect for working out.

Are on-ear and over-ear headphones the same?

On-ear and over-the-ear headphones differ only in their design — on-ear headphones rest on your ears, while over-ear headphones cover them completely. The latter tend to be heavier, bulkier, and warmer than on-ear headphones, but they can offer better sound isolation and bass response.

How much do on-ear headphones cost?

On-ear headphones are much more affordable than other headphone options available. You can expect to pay around $50 to $100 for a quality pair of on-ear headphones depending on how nice they look and whether they have active noise cancellation or not.