TOP 15 best on-ear headphones - wireless and wired models with a microphone

In today's article, we have ranked the best on-ear headphones of 2022 ! This is a great intermediate option between bulky over-ear headphones and wireless TWS headphones. That is why such a universal design will suit everyone.

1. How to choose over-ear headphones?
2. Rating of the best on-ear headphones: 2022 ranking

This name is based on the fact that the pads are pressed against the ears rather than completely enveloping them. More information can be found in our article on types of headphones. This model is more compact and does not take up much space in your bag when traveling or traveling. Most people find that they are often more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than in-canal devices (aka vacuum or plugs).

On-ear headphones are suitable for those who travel a lot, commute to work and are constantly on the move. But full-size gadgets are more suitable for home, studio or other specific purposes where noise reduction and sound insulation are extremely important.

It is precisely so that you can choose the best on-ear headphones, Earphones-Review has compiled a TOP-15 rating of the best on-ear headphones, including wireless ones!

Which over-ear headphones are best to choose?

Below I have presented several factors to consider when choosing the best on-ear headphones.

1. Convenience and comfort . This is perhaps the most important point. Whether you enjoy the music or not will depend on how comfortable you are.
2. Be sure to try on the gadget before purchasing . If you place an order in an online store, it may well be that on-ear headphones will not suit you (at least everyone’s head size is different). And in the current realities, a return is not always possible, so take care of your nerves and your wallet.
3. Soundproofing. Not all gadgets of this type have sound insulation due to their design (closed and open type). However, it is also worth considering how tightly the ear pads press against your ears. For listening to music in noisy places (for example, a subway, a cafe or a street), this aspect is especially important!
4. Quality of sound and design. Decide in advance on what device you will listen to music on (PC, smartphone, player), for what purposes and what musical genre is a priority - all this directly affects the choice.
5. Microphone. If you use the model as a headset, be sure to look for a model with a microphone. But if you work stationary, then this addition is absolutely not necessary, since the cost will immediately increase.
6. Cable connection. The cable allows you to use on-ear headphones like ordinary wired gadgets without wasting time.
7. Weight. Properly selected weight will give comfort to the on-ear headphones during use. Cordless models are a little heavier due to the presence of a rechargeable battery - such models can put pressure on the head and, over time, the neck begins to hurt.
8. Frequency range. Most often, this indicator is in the range of 20-20000 Hz. Music lovers and lovers of high-quality sound should take a closer look at devices from 5 to 60,000 Hz.
9. Ear pads. This factor is also very important. Comfort and convenience when working with over-ear headphones depends on the quality of the ear pads. In order to evaluate the level of convenience and comfort of the gadget, be sure to try on several options before purchasing - it’s very easy to make a mistake!

If the headphones are not planned to be used in noisy places, there is no need for a noise reduction function, since all models a priori have passive noise reduction due to their design.

Types of headphone emitters

Dynamic driver is the most common type of driver used in most headphones and traditional speaker systems. Dynamic drivers use a circuit with a fixed magnetic system, in the gap of which a moving voice coil connected to a diffuser is placed. In a magnetic field, an alternating force acts on a coil with alternating current, which begins to vibrate the coil, and with it the emitter diffuser. The advantages of dynamic radiators include technology that has been very well developed over decades, a wide range of operating frequencies, a large diffuser stroke and high output power. The disadvantages of the speakers are the relatively large mass of the moving system and the associated inertia of the diffuser, which limits the response speed with small changes in the signal, which makes it more difficult to achieve extreme detail in reproduction. The intrinsic resonances of dynamic emitters often lead to increased frequency response unevenness in the high frequency region.

Example of a dynamic headphone driver

Comparison of the operating principles of a dynamic and reinforcement emitter

Armature emitter

‒ a special class of drivers, widely used in in-ear headphones. The drivers use a metal U-shaped “armature”, one side of which is fixed, and the other, with a wound voice coil, is precisely centered in the gap of the field created by permanent magnets. The interaction of the electrical signal passing through the voice coil and the magnetic field causes the free part of the “armature” to move, and with it the driver diaphragm begins to vibrate. An armature driver is usually placed in a metal case that looks like a rectangular bottle, and the sound “pours” out through the neck. The advantages of an armature driver are that it can be made very small, the sound is detailed and fast, demonstrating good sensitivity, and allows you to work with low-power amplifiers. Disadvantages - small stroke of the membrane, which limits the maximum volume and operating range of the driver in the low-frequency region; non-linear dependence of impedance on frequency, which may cause compatibility problems with some amplifiers that have high output impedance. Some manufacturers get rid of the problem of limited bandwidth by using several drivers in one headphone, working together or in different frequency bands. But this path, while solving some problems, faces others - the presence of a crossover can lead to phase distortions of sound, the dependence of impedance on frequency becomes even more complex, reminiscent of the behavior of traditional multi-band speakers.

Hybrid in-ear earphone circuit

The limitation of the frequency range of one armature driver can be solved using an additional low-frequency band, which will be voiced by a dynamic driver. Such systems are usually called hybrid. The advantages of “hybrids” are obvious - a wide frequency band, detail and high sound dynamics across the entire spectrum. However, a competent combination of two dissimilar drivers in one system requires serious effort from engineers, plus the system cannot do without a crossover, which leads to the aforementioned nonlinearity of the frequency dependence of the impedance and problems with accurate phase matching of the drivers.

On the left is a typical planar driver membrane, on the right is a working model of isodynamic headphones from the main apologists of this direction - the Audeze company

Planar (isodynamic, orthodynamic) emitter

differs from a conventional speaker in that it has a flat diffuser - a very light, thin membrane, with “voice coil” tracks applied to it. Permanent magnets, usually made in the form of grids, are installed above and below the membrane. The denser the conductive tracks are applied, the better - the more uniform the force acting on the diffuser will be, and the less nonlinear distortions will be. The advantages of “planars” are natural and very detailed sound; minus - small stroke of the membrane, limiting the response at low frequencies. To improve bass reproduction, engineers are forced to use large-area drivers, which is why the most efficient and high-quality planar headphones are full-size.

Among the few companies promoting electrostatic headphones, the Japanese company STAX occupies a special place; on the right photo is their flagship - models SR-009S

Electrostatic emitter

similar in design to a planar driver, but uses a different principle. A thin membrane (usually mylar), charged from a high-voltage power supply, is suspended between two grid electrodes, to which an audio signal is applied. In an alternating electric field formed between the electrodes, the charged membrane begins to oscillate at the frequency of the sound signal. The minimum weight of the membrane and the uniformity of the force acting on it lead to the fact that electrostatic radiators have no equal in transmitting transient processes and sound detail. However, like “planars”, electrostatic emitters have a small membrane stroke and, therefore, require a large diffuser area. Another disadvantage of “electrostats” is that they require a special amplifier.

The best on-ear headphones of 2022 - Rating of on-ear models

TOP 15 best on-ear headphones (wireless and wired models)

V-Moda XS

Wireless multifunctional headphones for travel.

Opening the ranking of the best on-ear headphones, the V-Moda XS ($175) is the ideal companion for audiophiles. Their sound is balanced and rich in detail, a joy to listen to, and they're built like a tank. Although the bass could have been given a little more, the sound quality itself is at a very high level. The XS has a loose fit on the head and little sound blocking, which isn't great for working out or commuting.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Headphone type: on-ear, closed, full-size Over-Ear
• Foldable
• Frequency range: 5 – 30000 Hz
• Weight: 195 g
• Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
• Cable length: 1.5 m

Equipment

• Headphones
• Protective case with carabiner
• Documentation

Video review

• Detailed and balanced sound.
• Reliability. One gets the impression that the headphones are made of bulletproof materials.
• Compact for travel.

• Loose fit on the head.

JBL Tune 750BTNC

Review of JBL Tune 750BTNC - inexpensive JBL on-ear headphones.

The TOP 14 best on-ear headphones are occupied by JBL Tune 750BTNC ($45 or 3,400 rubles). This model can be safely used in different circumstances: training, games, travel and work. The comfortable fit and excellent sound quality caught my eye - they made the gadget one of the best in its segment, especially for such a low cost. The JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones sound great, look good and fit into any style - reliable and easy to use. Of course, there is no waterproofing (moisture protection) and some other features, but with such excellent quality and cost, this is the best option!

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Weight: 220 g
• Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Noise Cancellation: Active (ANC)
• Work profile support: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Battery capacity: 610 mAh
• Working time: 15 h
• Charging time: 2h

Equipment

• Headphones
• Case/case
• Documentation

Sony WH-CH510

Budget on-ear headphones from Sony

Sony WH-CH510 ($40 or 2900 rubles) are excellent on-ear Bluetooth headphones with good sound, long battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. An excellent option for budget headphones. The slightly flimsy build may put some people off, but for most it's not a big deal at all for the price. Looking at the Sony WH-CH510, it's hard to believe that wireless headphones can cost so little, not to mention decent sound, a USB Type-C port, and 35 hours of battery life.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Weight: 132 g
• Range: 10 m
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Noise cancellation: no
• Work profile support: AAC, SBC, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Moisture protection: no
• Working time: 30 h
• Charging time: 4.5h
• Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Good sound quality
• Nice price
• Light weight
• Working hours

• Light pressure on ears
• Not enough bass
• Build quality is not the best

In-ear and in-ear headphones on wires/frames/earbuds

Honor Sport

Pros:

- Price. Models of this form factor give you the cheapest entry into the world of wireless audio.

– Possibility of sharing. No matter how strange this plus may seem when looking for wireless headphones, for many it is an important factor.

Minuses:

– Battery life. Small headphones require even smaller batteries, which naturally puts you much closer to the power outlet.

- Comfort. Despite the fact that many models offer interchangeable ear pads of different sizes, not everyone can listen to music in them for a long time without the appearance of unpleasant sensations. Also, devices of this form factor can get tangled like their fully wired forefathers.

- Life time. Having wires connecting your ears increases the risk that they may break or fray over time.

There are a whole sea, if not an ocean, of models of this form factor. First, take a look at famous manufacturers, for example, the popular JBL T205BT or Beats Beats X.

Adidas RPT-01

The best on-ear headphones for sports

Adidas RPT-01 ($100 or 7,500 rubles) – wireless on-ear headphones for running, quite comfortable. It is worth noting that these sports headphones put pressure on the ears, which makes them tired. However, for morning exercises and jogging, it’s a good option - 100% you won’t have to constantly adjust them and worry that they will fall. RPT-01 look stylish thanks to the fabric covering. The sound can be called almost excellent, external noise is isolated in most cases. And 35-40 hours of work will last you a long time!

The name Adidas itself tells us that this model is for running and sports. The model definitely needs to be tested and it’s not for nothing that it’s included in our rating of the best on-ear headphones!

Adidas RPT-01
Find out more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Weight: 209 g
• Range: 10 m
• Noise cancellation: no
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Moisture protection: IPX4
• Support for operating profiles: SBC, AAC, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Working time: 40 h
• Charging time: 2.5h
• Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Working hours. 40 hours of operation is a huge advantage compared to competitive models
• Control. The joystick makes it very easy to control your music and calls. The multifunction button is responsible for everything else.
• Assembly. High-quality plastic headphones, pleasant fabric and comfortable rubber padding. We can safely say that they will serve you for a very long time, even with long and active runs.
• Sound. The sound is optimal, listen to any music - everything is smooth and balanced
• Application. It is possible to adjust the equalizer just for yourself, as well as specify the percentage of battery charge
• Connection. No problems identified, running headphones work well, synchronized with any device
• Ergonomics. Lightness and flexibility are what are important when playing sports. It's not easy to break them

• Convenience. Headphones put pressure on your ears, causing them to sweat and ache. However, there will be enough time for running. Adidas RPT-01 – running headphones for your phone
• Can't listen with audio cable
• Doesn't fold
• Difficult to adjust bowl height

Grado SR-325e

Open-back, on-ear headphones with great sound.

Grado SR-325e ($380) are open-back, on-ear headphones with great sound. Rugged, durable construction is matched by excellent sound quality, and the expansive sound space truly allows each instrument to breathe. If you are serious about sound quality and they fit your budget, what are you waiting for?

Be warned: The Grado SR-325e are open-backed, great for home listening (as the sound is more open and spacious), but not so good for everyday driving. Unless you want everyone to know about your musical preferences.

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 18 – 28000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 Ohm
• Connection type: wired
• Connection: mini-Jack (3.5 mm), Jack (6.35 mm) / adapter /
• Plug: straight
• Cable connection: double-sided

Equipment

• Headphones
• Protective case
• Documentation

Video review

• Clear, balanced sound. Frequency transparent. Ideal for instrumentals.
• Comfortable.
• Build quality and materials.

• Price.

Jabra Elite 85h

Excellent premium on-ear headphones

The Jabra Elite 85h ($160 or 11,700 rubles) is clearly superior to many competitors with its relatively low price and similar noise reduction characteristics. If you're looking for a great, premium over-ear Bluetooth headphone with long battery life and water-resistant nano coating, the Elite 85h is definitely your best choice. The Jabra Elite 85h is an exceptional pair of headphones with an attractive price and design. If we talk about sound, then there is something to complain about for music lovers. But 99% of people will be satisfied with the detail and sound balance. Jabra Elite 85h is your best feature-rich option.

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 10 – 20000 Hz
• Weight: 296 g
• Range: 10 m
• Cable length: 1.20 m
• Noise cancellation: active
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Work profile support: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Moisture protection: no
• Operating time: 36h (41h without ANC)
• Charging time: 2.5h
• Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

• Headphones
• Case
• Charging cable
• Airplane adapter
• Documentation

Video review

• Ease of wearing and connection
• Good sound
• Noise suppression
• Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC
• Can be used as a headset
• Non-touch controls

• Fabric design of the headband and speakers (will collect dust)
• Can't handle powerful bass

Bowers & Wilkins PX5

Quality Bowers & Wilkins on-ear headphones

Bowers & Wilkins PX5 headphones ($205 or 14,990 rubles) offer effective noise cancellation and high sound quality. It's worth highlighting the rich bass depth, balanced sound with bright highs, and high-quality ANC with in-app controls. But, alas, there are problems with the equalizer, which in principle does not exist. The model is decent and can compete with similar overhead gadgets. I advise you to consider buying it, given that the price has dropped significantly.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 10 – 30000 Hz
• Weight: 241 g
• Range: 10 m
• Cable length: 1.20 m
• Noise cancellation: active
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Support for operating profiles: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Operating time: 30h (25h with noise canceling)
• Charging time: 3h
• Charging connector: USB Type-C
• Additional information: 4x microphones for ANC, 2x microphones for telephony

Equipment

• Headphones
• Case
• Charging cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Good sound and rich functionality
• Great design and quality materials
• High-quality communications and wireless technologies
• Effective noise reduction
• A range of SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and new aptX Adaptive codecs

• Due to the material, the headphones quickly collect dirt
• The bulky design does not fold and can fall off your head

The best gaming headphones

Gaming headphones are a category of devices for true gamers, distinguished by those properties that are simply necessary for comfortable playing computer “toys”.

A4Tech Bloody G501

A4Tech Bloody G501 are, according to many gamers, the best headphones for computer games. They are produced by a company specializing in the creation of gaming devices, so there is no doubt about the quality of the products.

Reviews Review

Advantages:

• high quality (1 year warranty);
• easy to use, full-size headphones with a good headband;
• sensitivity of 105 dB and excellent sound quality (there is a surround sound function);
• Beautiful design;
• presence of volume control;
• connection via USB port;
• ease of search for purchase.

No deficiencies identified.

Most likely, for playing computer games and periodically listening to tracks, it will not be easy to find something better than the Bloody G501.

Beats Solo 3 Wireless

The best Beats on-ear headphones

Beats Solo 3 Wireless ($125 or 9,000 rubles) are smart wireless on-ear headphones that have truly breakthrough technical features, but the sound could use some improvement. The Beats Solo 3 Wireless has received many improvements and additional features, but there are also negative aspects. Its list of achievements includes class-leading battery life and wireless connectivity, whether you're using Android or iPhone.

They also interact with iOS devices a little differently than past headphones, which is a huge plus especially when the iPhone doesn't support NFC.

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 20 – 31000 Hz
• Weight: 215 g
• Range: 30 m
• Cable length: 1.30 m
• Noise cancellation: no
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Work profile support: AAC, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Working time: 40 h
• Charging time: 3 hours (fast charging available)
• Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

• Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones
• Case
• Charging cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Stylish design
• Battery life
• Fast charging function (5 minutes of charging lasts for 3 hours)
• Good ergonomics
• High quality bass

• High price
• Too much bass (even though it is very clean)

Over-ear headphones - what are they?

Let's start with the fact that the concepts of “over-ear” and “full-size” headphones often mislead the average user. What's the difference? The main difference is in the method of fixing the devices. The first type is applied to the ear. This is where the concept of “invoices” comes from. Such models do not cover the user’s ear 100%. The signal source is located outside the ear, so models of this type are most often equipped with more powerful emitters, which allow you to get fairly high quality sound and also provide a decent volume reserve.

Interesting : in overhead-type devices there are two types of mounts - behind-the-ear or arc-shaped, which connects the “ears” to each other. Individual ear hooks are usually most often found in sports-type models.

Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT

Best on-ear headphones based on battery life

Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT ($82 or 6,000 rubles) are stylish on-ear headphones with a 70-hour battery! Alas, the functionality here is not the most advanced, but everything works very clearly and without interference. The gadget received 40 mm drivers that enhance the bass, balance the mids and achieve high frequencies. The material from which the ear pads and headband are made is slightly rougher than in more expensive models, but the ATH-SR30BT was still comfortable. In terms of sound, the headphones can be called bass-heavy and also retain music detail well.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 5 – 35000 Hz
• Weight: 190 g
• Range: 30 m
• Noise cancellation: no
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Work profile support: AAC, SBC, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Working time: 70 h
• Charging time: 4h
• Charging connector: microUSB

Equipment

• Headphones Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT
• Case
• Charging cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Minimalist design
• Comfortable design
• Huge battery life
• Great sound

• High price
• I would like a wired connection

Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless

TOP 6 rating of the best on-ear headphones

Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless ($470 or 35,000 rubles) are high-quality on-ear Bluetooth headphones for connoisseurs of perfect sound who don’t mind paying a significant amount for it. Surround sound, customizable in the application. The Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless have excellent sound for wireless headphones, and their software is useful but quite unreliable. However, there were some drawbacks - the device did not receive noise cancellation.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 10 – 40000 Hz
• Weight: 238 g
• Range: 10 m
• Noise cancellation: no
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Support for operating profiles: AAC, SBC, aptX HD, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Working time: 30 h
• Charging time: 2h
• Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

• Headphones Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT
• Case
• Charging cable
• 3.5mm cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Superb sound
• Touch control
• Stylish appearance
• Build quality and packaging
• Individual settings via the application

• Plastic guide mounts
• Huge cost
• No noise cancellation

Additional headphone features

Headphones

have a built-in microphone. The microphone can be integrated into the cable, supporting the Hands Free function, desirable for those who use headphones with a smartphone. Or the microphone can be mounted on a rotating arm - a computer headset that can be used for work or in video games.

The microphone is integrated into the headphones for conversations: on the phone, Skype, video games, etc.

Remote control

- some headphones have a remote control on the cord, so the user does not have to reach into his pocket with a music player or phone every time to adjust the volume or switch tracks.

Active Noise Canceling Headphones

use a special electrical circuit. A tiny sensor detects external noise and feeds it to an analyzer circuit, which generates an electrical signal equal to, but out of phase with, the external noise. After this, the additional signal is mixed into the sound of the headphones, leveling out external interference.

Wireless headphones

are very popular because they are able to work without annoying, always tangled cables, and will be useful both on the street and at home. Wireless headphones can use different interfaces: Bluetooth, infrared frequencies, radio frequencies and Wi-Fi. All of the listed wireless interfaces have different communication parameters and subtleties that affect signal reception and performance. Among portable audio equipment, the leader in popularity is the Bluetooth interface, which implies a certain sound compression. Thus, the playback quality of wireless headphones will be slightly worse than that of wired models of the same class. However, to recognize the differences, you need to have fairly good hearing. Therefore, many users are more than satisfied with the sound of wireless headphones, especially if the headphones are used on a noisy street or at home to watch television programs or movies.

Modern wireless headphones are not necessarily large (with a headband and cups); there are many wireless in-ear headphones and earbuds on the market.

Active noise canceling headphones and wireless models use electronics that require batteries - rechargeable batteries or replaceable batteries, the charge of which must be monitored.

Marshall Monitor II ANC

Marshall Monitor II ANC Review - Best On-Ear Headphones for Music 2022.

Marshall Monitor II ANC ($270 or 19,900 rubles) again entered our rating, but only for on-ear headphones! The sound quality is significantly superior to all previous models, thanks to a balanced sound, smooth mids, as well as powerful hardware and a customizable equalizer. Good noise reduction, simple controls and a convenient application - all this makes the Marshall Monitor II an interesting alternative to the fashionable Sony WH-1000XM3. However, to fully compete in the TOP rating of on-ear headphones, the company should reduce the price.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Weight: 320 g
• Range: 10 m
• Noise cancellation: active
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Support for operating profiles: SBC, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Operating time: 45 hours (with noise reduction - 30 hours)
• Charging time: 2h
• Charging connector: USB Type-C

Equipment

• Headphones
• Detachable 3.5mm audio cable
• Instructions and documentation
• USB-C charging cable
• Carrying bag

Video review

• Sound. The headphones have really good sound quality
• Good noise reduction
• Customizable equalizer settings
• Stylish design. The Marshall Monitor II ANC headphones will be a pleasure to use.

• Sound stage. Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of this model. The sound stage could have been wider
• High price
• No AptX or AAC codec support

Customer Reviews

Evgeniy B.

JBL Tune 660NC

These are my first full-size headphones. At the time of review they are 2 weeks old. Before this, there were TWS headphones with cases. It infuriated me that they lasted for 3-4 hours and had to be charged constantly. An important criterion for the purchase was the presence of Bluetooth 5.0, type-c charging, ANC and battery life of 20+ hours with ANC. These headphones met all parameters. I also had a discount coupon for 5% plus a 6% discount from the store and for some reason an 11% discount on white. The total discount was 22% and they cost me only 3,400 rubles. The first thing I was surprised by was the sound. Very soft and gentle bass. The sound itself is so tube-like. Very pleasant to the ears. Maybe everyone is like this? Don't know. The TWS headphones in the case did not have this. Then I liked the build quality. No backlash. Everything is very neat and very beautiful design. With such a weight, such great autonomy. For the entire day of listening, 80% of the charge remained. I work as a courier, so I stay in them for 10 hours without turning off the sound. I only take breaks for calls. In 10 hours and only spent 20% of the charge. Well within the stated 44 hours. I was also very surprised that these are the first headphones for me. And since I am not in the habit of using full-sized ears, it was a surprise for my ears that on the first day after 10 hours of use my ears did not hurt. The ear pads are very soft and very delicate to the touch, as if you were touching silk. Overall, I'm very pleased with the headphones. Even if I bought them for 4400, I wouldn’t feel sorry for the money. Maybe they are a little weak for hardened music lovers, but they really suited me.

Konstantin I.

Marshall Major IV

I bought it recently, so everything below is based on pure subjective assessment. Since I am the owner of 2, 3, and now 4 majors, I must say the following. Until this moment, the majors were preparing their loyal fans for medieval torture with head stocks, making them extremely reliable and iron-clad people. Now the 4s have a slightly lower pressure than average, and you can even recommend your mother to wear them. Definitely, humanity and philanthropy came to Marshall 100 years late. In terms of sound, they sound more interesting than 3s. Something like well-finished 2s. The sound is rich, the bass is soft and expressive. The joystick was moved to the right ear, I just became ambidextrous and relearned again. The microphone became normal, you heard it right, NORMAL. Now our prayers to be able to make calls without removing the headphones, at least on our deathbed, have been heard. Knowledgeable people say that the engineer who came up with the idea of ​​installing a normal microphone was promoted to senior engineer, and the entire department was drinking for the bonus. This fact explains the new design, invented by the designer in a fit of burning black envy of the engineer. The design came out clearly crude without traditional features. It gives the impression of cheap materials. The “leather” and gold-plated ones are the handle and the joystick. Gypsies may not like it. But there is one misleading impression based on the axiom “heavy means reliable.” The weight has become less, which will lead to a loss of tone in the neck muscles, but it is very pleasant to wear. Subjectively, the ear pads have become softer and less hot than in the 3s. For those who like it harder and hotter, there is the opportunity to change the ear pads from 3 to 4, they fit together. The bottom line is, I'm happy with the purchase. I think that they are the most successful of the series, despite some nuances.

rmanik

Philips TAH4205

A very cool topic here, when I can boost the bass with a button, it starts to beat powerfully, even some styles, such as techno, come with overkill, then I just turn it off, I’ve never seen anything like this anywhere. They can work for a very long time without charging, I can’t even say how long they last, I go for weeks and comfortable, light Excellent ears for their price, cool rare function for enhancing the bass, comfortable, don’t put pressure on your head, charge lasts for a very long time and fast charging saves you when I forget to charge, they charge really quickly, fold up compactly and are easy to carry with you Very versatile and I run in them and go for rides on errands, in short, I have no complaints, I recommend

Denis K.

Sony WH-CH510

As I already said, the ears are quite well assembled, they don’t put pressure on my head (size 58), my friend has a larger head, and it was unpleasant for him out of the box. The sound is certainly not hyzer, but if you play around with the equalizer it quite satisfies my needs. The microphone and connection to devices were a little disappointing. It doesn’t always find it the first time when connecting to a new one, you have to relog your ears several times. The microphone during conversations, you hear an echo of yourself in the speakers. In general, I’m happy with the purchase, I used to have earplugs, hyzers, Sony and Panasonic, the bluetooth ones were JBL 110 t, the ear fell off, there were also several earplugs with wire, hyzers, Sony, braid and Panasonic.

Csuyoi

JBL Live 400BT

Good sound and noise insulation. Easy to manage. Figured it out in 2 minutes. It is possible to enhance ambient sounds so that you can speak without removing your headphones. There is no charging block included, only a cable. There is a wire for plugging into the telephone, that is, when it sits down you can use it as a wired one. This is the first time they are purchasing on-ear wireless headphones. Before that, I only used Sonya overhead ones for 1.5k and Chinese wireless ones for 500r. So for me these headphones are just space. The sound is simply fantastic. True, at first I thought that they would press my head, but after 5 minutes I got used to it, everything is ok. The design allows not only to increase the size of the headphone rim, but also has the ability to rotate the speakers, so they can be adjusted to fit any ear.

Andrey S.

Marshall Major IV

— Very rich sound when playing music over the entire range — High-quality microphone — Conveniently located joystick eliminates accidental operation. You can put your head on either side of the pillow and not be afraid that a button or sensor will accidentally work. Comparing the sound with other headphones, I came to the conclusion that the majors are simply tuned louder than all the other headphones I have. However, there is no overload. The sound is clear. It is clear that listening to music on them is more pleasant than on monitors. In terms of range of reliable reception, they lost only to the flagship SONY WH-1000MK4, but their price and size are larger. Regarding the pressure on the ears, yes they do. But this is not a full-size format. You can always move it a little. But this won’t work with full-size ones. The ear pads are thick and soft. I don’t consider USB Type-C an advantage for the 2022 model, but mini USB would be a disadvantage. Wireless charging works, but you need to install the headphones correctly, fold the charger in a horizontal position, do not breathe so that the headphones do not fall, or wrap them with electrical tape, because there is no fixation for the headphones. Inconvenient, in short. I bought these headphones to listen to audiobooks, but it’s also nice to listen to music with them. Plus it’s convenient to answer calls. The microphone quality is good.

Andrey S.

Sony WH-CH510

Those who write about the sound during a conversation are nothing more than nit-picking. The ears fit very tightly and during a conversation you can hear what is happening around you, which in itself is useful (so that you don’t get run over, for example). The sound quality is adjusted using equalizers on the phone (on Samsung, at least). About the wire, which is visible, was written by amateurs or to order. My previous headphones with the same wire lived for 5 years and are still working (I gave them to my mother), nothing will break there.

Mikhail Baramovich

JBL Tune 660NC

Good materials and workmanship. Noise reduction. When watching movies and listening to music, all buttons work (play/pause, louder/quieter). Video communication in Viber is excellent. The microphone was rated excellent by our interlocutors. I was pleased with the price on the market. I bought it to watch movies on my PC. With the bt 4.0 module there are almost no lags or sticking. 4.5 to 5 points in this regard. But I still ordered module 5.0. The sound seemed simple. The bass is not as tight as I would like. But it apparently depends on the composition. We need to listen more. Compare with in-ear redmi airdots. More than good for streaming services. It's still not audiophile quality.

Ilya

JBL Live 400BT

The wildest delight. They fit perfectly, rotate in different directions - it’s convenient to choose for any head)) Great style, good weight. The most important thing is absolutely amazing sound! The battery has very good capacity. Convenient to use both wirelessly and with a cord. An amazing opportunity to suppress external noise, or, on the contrary, turn on the surroundings. At the same time, an excellent price of 3100 rubles for such capabilities. Definite recommendations!

Name

Marshall Major IV,

Very light, in comparison with the most expensive wireless headphones of the Marshall brand - over-ear, almost full-size MONITOR II ANC, which are significantly more massive and larger in bowls. MAJOR IV are very loud headphones that produce a powerful, rich sound with good bass, it immediately catches your ears)), in comparison with the more enveloping and muffled sound, MONITOR II ANC, whose sensitivity is 96 dB. MAJOR IV has a sensitivity of 99 dB, which is the highest of all Marshall over-ear and over-ear wireless headphones currently in production. This was only the case with their legendary “ancestors” - MAJOR II BLUETOOTH, which came out about 5 years ago. Very capacious battery. According to estimates, they should work even more than MAJOR II BLUETOOTH, for which the charge was not displayed in the smartphone (apparently due to the old version of Bluetooth in them), but on one charge they could easily work for up to two weeks in daily intensive listening mode. There is wireless charging on the cup, but this is more of a marketing gimmick, a tribute to fashion, than a really useful function for NOT miniature, on-ear headphones without a case, but still... Let it be, it’s not superfluous and won’t hurt. For the first time in the MAJOR line, a modern Type-C charging port appeared. Before this, Marshall, or more precisely the Swedish company Zound Industries, which owns the license to produce consumer acoustics under this brand, was clearly late in its widespread implementation in its headphones. It appeared on their Bluetooth speakers much earlier. Before this, in Marshall headphones, a modern universal USB-C charging port appeared about a year ago only in the flagship, most expensive stereo headset model of this brand - MONITOR II ANC So far, the most positive impressions. Unfortunately, my previous Marshall MONITOR II ANC headphones were a little out of order, stopping charging normally for some time (however, after a few days the bug disappeared), and since without heavy rock music of the hard-heavy genres on the road or on the street, I can’t imagine life, I had to buy MAJOR IV, fortunately at a good price (9999 ₽) I managed to snatch them on the Yandex market with free delivery

Sony WH-CH710N

Review of Sony WH-CH710N - TOP 3 best on-ear headphones of 2022

The top four in the ranking of the best on-ear Bluetooth headphones is opened by the Sony WH-CH710N ($110 or 8,000 rubles) - a relatively new gadget from the popular Sony brand. The Bluetooth headset has good sound, an NFC chip and new adaptive noise reduction technology, but Sony was disappointed with the quality of the material and workmanship of this set. Many still prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3, but this gadget still deserves your attention.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Bluetooth 5.0
• Cable length: 1.2 m
• Range: 10 m
• Frequency range: 7 – 20000 Hz
• Noise cancellation: active
• NFC chip: Yes
• Codec support: AAC
• USB: Type-C
• Working time: 35 h
• Waiting time: 200 h
• Weight: 223 g

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging cable
• 3.5mm cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
• Comfortable soft pads
• Transparent noise insulation
• Battery life
• Relatively low cost
• NFC chip.

• Plastic assembly
• No travel case
• Takes a long time to charge

The best over-ear wired headphones

The quality of the sound equipment determines how enjoyable listening to music will be. Full-size headphones reproduce all frequencies with high quality and also have excellent noise insulation. The rating presents 5 models that are the best according to buyers.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Model from a famous German brand . Features a high level of noise reduction

thanks to the tight fit of the ear pads. This model is highly reliable for 2021-2022.

With support for frequencies from 0.008 Hz to 25 kHz and a sensitivity of 102 dB, they reproduce natural sounds without distortion at any volume.

Due to the 2.0 format, you can create high-quality tracks with good acoustics.

There are 2 plugs on the case with a diameter of 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm. The model is suitable for professional use.

It comes with a 3-meter cable and weighs only 220 g.

Characteristics:

• frequencies - 8-25000 Hz
• sensitivity - 102 dB;
• impedance - 64 Ohm;
• cable length - 1 m, 3 m;
• weight - 220 g.

pros

• excellent sound insulation;
• sit comfortably on the head;
• good frequency characteristics;
• long wire.

Minuses

• they warm the head a lot;
• don't add up.

Sony MDR-XB950AP

Dynamic headphones supporting frequencies from 3 Hz to 28 kHz . Equipped with universal

connector with a diameter of 3.5 mm, so they can be connected to a PC and any smartphone.

Due to the sensitivity of 106 dB and the resistance of 40 Ohms, the device reproduces high-quality sound regardless of the musical direction.

The model is equipped with a built-in microphone on the wire.

There is also a button for adjusting the volume and answering a call.

Characteristics:

• frequencies - 3-28000 Hz;
• sensitivity - 106 dB;
• impedance - 40 Ohm;
• cable length - 1.2 m;
• weight - 245 g.

pros

• powerful bass;
• loud noise;
• comfortable fit;
• high-quality assembly.

Minuses

• lacks equalizer;
• The cord is short and cannot be disconnected.

Koss UR20

High-quality stereo headset for those who want to enjoy music of different genres.

Excellent sound reproduction is due to support for a wide frequency range from 30 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity of 97 dB and impedance of 32 ohms.

Due to the closed configuration of the device, you can be sure that external sounds will not distract from listening to music.

The model is equipped with a universal 3.5 mm jack and an additional 6.5 mm port.

The long cord provides freedom of movement.

Characteristics:

• frequencies - 30-20000 Hz;
• sensitivity - 97 dB;
• impedance - 32 Ohm;
• cable length - 2.4 m.

pros

• low price;
• comfortable fit;
• balanced sound;
• durable wire.

Minuses

• ears sweat, especially in summer;
• quite massive.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Closed-back dynamic stereo headset capable of reproducing audio frequencies from 15 Hz to 28 kHz.

Combined with a sensitivity of 99 dB and an impedance of 38 ohms, this provides spacious and clear sound.

The device weighs only 285 g and the membrane diameter is 45 mm.

Equipped with a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack and supplied with a 6.3 mm adapter.

Due to the wide and soft headband, the headphones do not cause discomfort during long-term use. The set includes 2 straight and 1 twisted wire.

Characteristics:

• frequencies - 15-28000 Hz;
• sensitivity - 99 dB;
• impedance - 38 Ohm;
• cable length - 3 m;
• weight - 285 g.

pros

• good fit;
• balanced sound;
• excellent bass;
• good equipment;
• high-quality assembly.

Minuses

• high frequencies are too clear;
• Not suitable for smartphones with weak audio.

Sennheiser HD 559

These headphones allow you to enjoy sound quality when listening to tracks and watching videos..

This is due to audio reproduction in the range from 14 Hz to 26 kHz, sensitivity of 108 dB and impedance of 50 ohms.

The model is equipped with a 3-meter wire and soft ear pads, due to which the ears are not compressed.

The headphones are suitable for use with professional audio equipment.

Characteristics:

• frequencies - 14-26000 Hz;
• sensitivity - 108 dB;
• impedance - 50 Ohm;
• cable length - 3 m;
• weight - 285 g.

pros

• surround and clear sound;
• rich bass;
• soft ear pads and headband;
• long wire.

Minuses

• The kit does not include a 6.3 mm adapter;
• tight bow.

AKG N60NC Wireless

Wireless on-ear headphones with the best price-quality ratio.

Bronze for the best over-ear headphones goes to the AKG N60 NC ($240), one of the most compact and comfortable pairs of noise-cancelling headphones we've ever tested. They provide excellent performance for the money. These are a beautiful pair of headphones with a great fit. Battery life is 15 hours with noise cancellation and Bluetooth enabled, and increases to 30 hours when noise cancellation is turned off.

Bass is powerful yet transparent, with clear, detailed vocals, treble and compelling dynamics. You'll be quite happy wearing these all day, and for the money they're hard to beat.

Main characteristics

• Weight: 199 g
• Autonomy: up to 30 hours on a single charge
• aptX codec support
• Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset
• Possibility of cable connection
• Bluetooth range: 10 m
• Resistance: 32 Ohm
• Frequency range: 10 – 22000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 111 dB
• Charging connector: mini-Jack (3.5 mm)

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging case
• Cable
• Airplane adapter
• Documentation

Video review

• Clear and crisp sound. Balanced and musical.
• Appearance. Thoughtful design.
• Noise suppression.
• Good battery life.
• Connection by cable.

• Price.

Marshall Major III Bluetooth

2022 Universal Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

Second place in the ranking of the best on-ear headphones goes to Marshall Major III Bluetooth ($75 or 5,500 rubles) - Bluetooth headphones with a battery life of up to 30 hours and high-quality bass. This model is very versatile - it has very powerful low frequencies, a rise in high frequencies, and the entire sound range is worked out quite well. But users experience unpleasant pressure on the head with prolonged use.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Weight: 178 g
• Autonomy: up to 30 hours on a single charge
• Time to fully charge: 3 hours
• aptX codec support
• Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset
• Possibility of cable connection
• Possibility of connecting second headphones
• Bluetooth range: 10 m
• Resistance: 32 Ohm
• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 97dB
• Charging connector: microUSB

Equipment

• Headphones
• Audio cable
• USB-microUSB cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound quality. Headphones with high-quality bass and high overall sound reproduction
• Appearance. Stylish appearance typical of Marshall headphones
• Clear and convenient controls
• Good battery life
• Connection by cable

• Convenience. Unfortunately, the headphones are not very comfortable and constantly put pressure on the ears. You can't sit in them for many hours
• Poor sound insulation
• Price

Main technical characteristics of headphones

What technical parameters of headphones should you pay attention to? Sensitivity is the ratio of the volume level of the headphones to the level of the signal supplied to them from the amplifier, measured in dB/V or dB/mW. In principle, the higher the sensitivity of the headphones, the less power will be required from the amplifier to get good sound volume from the headphones. Accordingly, headphones with low sensitivity require more power from the amplifier and may not be suitable for portable music players.

An example of nonlinear impedance behavior of multi-driver armature headphones

Impedance

headphones - impedance, taking into account resistive and reactive (capacitive and inductive) components. There is a very wide range of headphone resistance values ​​on the market, from units to thousands of ohms. Impedance is a tricky parameter and the number given in a headphone specification may refer to a specific frequency, while the actual impedance may be variable. According to Ohm's law, at the same voltage, the headphones will consume current depending on the resistance. Therefore, high-impedance headphones need an amplifier capable of producing a high output voltage, and low-voltage amplifiers in portable devices are less suitable for such headphones. Low-impedance headphones, for the most part, will work well with portable amplifiers. Another question is that impedance is not the only parameter that influences the choice of a headphone amplifier; sensitivity must also be taken into account. Therefore, in the group of dynamic headphones with average sensitivity, low-impedance headphones (suitable for “portables”) are considered to be headphones with an impedance of up to 32 Ohms, and at the same time, individual reinforcement models will sound with a good volume reserve, having an impedance of 100 Ohms.

If the audio system is represented as an electrical circuit, the output impedance of the amplifier will create a so-called voltage divider, which reduces the power output to the load (headphones). Therefore, it is desirable that the impedance of the headphones be much higher than the output impedance of the amplifier.

Typical frequency response of headphones, which will be subjectively perceived as close to uniform

frequency range

speaks of the spectrum reproduced by the headphones and, in principle, the wider it is, the better. However, in reality, the definition of the frequency range in headphones turns out to be too vague. Firstly, there are no standards in the world for measuring the amplitude-frequency characteristics (AFC) of headphones; everyone uses different stands, obtaining different results. Secondly, specifications often indicate frequencies of tens of kHz, but the range audible to the human ear extends only up to 20 kHz, and this is at best - with age, hearing sensitivity to higher frequencies steadily decreases. Although a very wide (uniform) operating band can be very favorably perceived by the amplifier. Thirdly, manufacturers usually do not indicate any tolerances, irregularities, or headphone frequency band measurements. And they can be understood. These are traditional speakers that create a sound field around the listener and are designed to produce as flat a frequency response as possible over as wide a frequency band as possible. As practice has shown, with headphones one has to take into account diffraction and interference of sound in the auricle and/or ear canal, as well as natural variations in the sensitivity of human hearing at different frequencies. For example, in a number of laboratories, when hardware testing headphones, corrections are used in the form of transfer functions HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function). But you need to understand that all these tricks are approximate, because each person has their own HRTF. Therefore, one can only focus on general approaches in measurements with caution. And lastly, the frequency range and frequency response of the assembled audio system can be significantly influenced by the matching of the resistance of the headphones and the amplifier.

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

The best on-ear headphones of 2022!

Bose QuietComfort 35 II ($235 or 17,000 rubles) are on-ear headphones that, in comparison with the previous model, received Assistant profiles and active noise cancellation. ANC is still one of the best in this type of headphones and price category. Bose has always been at the forefront of quelling the constant rumble or hum, and with this device everything remains the same - the microphones inside and outside the headphones effectively cancel out any annoying background noise. I 100% recommend purchasing!

The QuietComfort 35 II are extremely effective: superior noise cancellation keeps your surroundings quiet, and they're exceptionally comfortable. In this regard they are unsurpassed!

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Weight: 310 g
• Range: 10 m
• Cable length: 1 m
• Noise cancellation: active
• Bluetooth: 4.1
• Work profile support: AAC, SBC, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Operating time: 40 hours (with noise reduction - 20 hours)
• Charging time: up to 3 hours
• Charging connector: microUSB

Equipment

• Headphones Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT
• Case
• Airplane adapter
• Audio cable
• Micro-USB charging cable
• Documentation

True Wireless in-ear and in-ear headphones

Apple AirPods

Pros:

– Complete absence of wires. This is where you really won’t find a single wire, except for charging. True, this does not always mean the ability to share or wear one earphone as a headset - some models cannot work even at a short distance from each other.

– Possibility of charging in the case. This form factor includes a charging case, which, in the absence of an outlet, will help you restore the charge of the headphones several times.

Minuses:

– Lowest autonomy indicators. This is where there really is no room left for batteries. Fortunately, there is a plus in the form of a case.

– Convenience. Such headphones can easily fall out of your habit and are very easy to lose. As always, a plus can turn into a minus.

There are not so many really worthwhile copies with stable operation in this form factor. First of all, these are the pioneers AirPods from Apple. If you are looking for something more budget-friendly, take a closer look at Xiaomi AirDots.