Over-Ear, On-Ear or Earbuds: Choosing Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones come in three main shapes, and the right one depends more on where you listen than on the spec sheet.
Over-ear
Over-ear headphones surround the ear with a cushion. They tend to be the most comfortable for long sessions and leave room for larger drivers and active noise cancellation, which makes them a good fit for flights and open-plan offices. The trade-off is size and weight.

On-ear
On-ear headphones rest on the ear rather than around it. They are lighter and fold smaller, and budget models often have very long battery life. Some people find the pressure tiring after a few hours.
Earbuds
Earbuds are the most portable and the easiest to wear during exercise. Look for a water-resistance rating if you plan to sweat in them, and check the battery life of both the earbuds and the charging case.
Before you buy
Whichever style you choose, check the controls and whether there is a wired option for when the battery runs out.




