8 best on-ear headphones available today

Between two extremes, there's usually a middle ground. Between small and large is medium and in the case of headphones, on-ear headphones exist between over-ear and in-ear headphones.

While startlingly similar to over-ear headphones in appearance, they fit to your head a little differently. Instead of enveloping your ears with a soft cushion, on-ear headphones create a light, breathable seal around your ear. Thus, the noise isolation is much less effective than in-ear or over-ear options. This might be a dealbreaker for some, but there are big benefits to consider here.

On-ear headphones are usually more portable than its over-ear brethren and as such, they appeal to travelers and the fitness crowd. Taking a walk or a jog around town won't be as dangerous since you can hear traffic go by and be aware of potential hazards before it's too late.

Check out our favorite picks below and you're sure to find something for every budget and taste in style.

1. Bang and Olufsen H2

Posh headphones with grand sound and comfort

Comfortable

Warm sound

Not cheap

Inline controls aren't universal

When you wear the B&O H2, people will look at you with intrigue, desperately trying to figure out who makes it so they can buy their own later online. I should know: it's how I found out about them.

The H2 sounds as good as it look. The sound performance should please even picky listeners with its warm, evenly-balanced sound. We're trained to assume that good looks are a guise, but the H2's slick design complements the sound performance quite nicely.

2. Grado SR60e

Truly excellent sound performance for a stellar price

Very comfortable

Impressive definition for the price

No inline controls or microphone

For your money, you can't do better than Grado's SR60e. The third-generation of the Brooklyn, NY-based company's Prestige Series is its best and most refined yet.

The SR60e in particular is a smart choice if you're looking for an entry-level set of headphones that sounds like it should cost you way more than it does. Its open-backed ear cup design makes them a more breathable experience than what most on-ear headphones can deliver.

(Our review is for the SR60i, but the newer SR60e headphones are largely similar in design and performance)

3. Plantronics BackBeat Sense

Street-wise wireless headphones with smart features

Universal controls

Easy, fun to use

Ear cups don't fold

Might be pricey for some

Plantronics' BackBeat Sense is a home run on nearly all accounts. The design yields comfort and appeal. Its sound performance, battery life and features all deliver without a hitch.

Usually, there are a few things that I'd like to see fixed in a set of headphones. In the case of the BackBeat Sense, I wish that the ear cups could fold into the headband to be ultra-portable. But for a set of headphones that gets so much right, I can't nitpick. These cans are worth every penny for someone looking to leap for a classy-looking set of wireless headphones.

4. Skullcandy Grind

These headphones pack a ton for a tiny price

Stellar sound

Unbeatable price

Divisive style

No volume controls

You, like everyone else, probably wants a set of headphones that nails the tricky blend of design, useful features and incredible sound. You might think that you need to flush your savings to enjoy such a pair of cans. Protip: you don't.

At $60 (£40, about AU$77), the Skullcandy Grind is priced well below its competitors, but the low price tag isn't a trick to get you in the door. It's an invitation to find everything you want in a set of headphones (and then some) for an unbeatable price.

5. Klipsch Reference On-Ear

A near-perfect blend of comfort, performance and style

Full sound reproduction

Comfy as all get-out

Error-prone inline controls

Klipsch has delivered on making a set of on-ear headphones that are perfect for music lovers looking for true, unbiased sound reproduction of their music. Not to mention that this is the most comfortable pair of on-ear headphones I've worn yet.

While their design may not offer the most amount of flexibility, the awesome sound reproduction of the Klipsch Reference On-Ear make them one of the more versatile options for headphones and a fantastic value at that.

6. Jabra Move Wireless

Sporty Bluetooth headphones that aim to surprise

Bold design

Lightweight

Full sound

Little noise isolation

The Jabra Move Wireless may be a budget buy, but don't let that fool you: this set of on ear Bluetooth headphones is nothing but an all-around stellar product. From the fun and edgy design to excellent performance, these cans come recommended for anyone interested in wireless on the cheap.

7. Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series 2

These raise the bar for design and performance

Full, balanced sound

Superb build quality

Inline control is iOS only

The Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series 2 isn't the most feature-rich option, but in terms of sheer sound and build quality, they easily raise the bar for the competition to follow. These audiophile-grade headphones are a must-buy for anyone serious about hearing music the way it was intended. So long as you have the money, there's not much else in the on-ear market that can match this package at this price point.

8. Moto Pulse

Features and good looks on a budget

Universal controls,

18-hour battery life,

Very affordable

Somewhat confusing button layout

The Moto Pulse are on a mission to include the most value possible into a set of on-ear headphones. And Moto triumphs by including Bluetooth, stellar battery life and universal controls in this $59 (about £37, AU$80) package.

The sound performance (save for the pulpy bass) doesn't measure up to what you'll find in the $59 Skullcandy Grind. However, on the whole, these are an easy recommendation if you're looking for a budgeted set of Bluetooth headphones that doesn't skimp out on features.

Mobile phone Reviews

Thursday, September 17, 2015

On-ear Headphones