Best On-Ear Headphones in 2024 are:
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Forget heavy over-ear headphones and ear fatigue – try on-ear headphones for a sleek experience. Perfect for audiophiles on the go or casual listeners, these compact champs deliver powerful sound in a comfortable, portable package.
Ideal for commuting, exercising, or chilling at a café, on-ear headphones offer ambient awareness. This guide helps you navigate through features, specs, and styles to find the best on-ear headphones for 2024. Get ready to unleash your inner audiophile, one beat at a time!
Reviews for best on ear headphones 2024
Over-all Best on-ear headphones
Sony | Sony WH-CH520 Pros
Cons
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Elevate your audio experience with the Sony WH-CH520, these Headphones, offering a balanced and customizable sound profile, impressive 50-hour battery life, and convenient features.
Weighing in at a mere 147g, these headphones prioritize comfort, supporting Fast Pair and Multipoint pairing. While lacking active noise cancellation and a 3.5mm jack, their affordability and reliability make them a choice pick for casual listeners seeking a wireless solution.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Wireless |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours |
| Additional Features | Built-in microphone, Volume control, Bass boost button |
Overall Verdict
The Sony WH-CH520 On-Ear Headphones are a great deal. They give you clear and customizable sound, a long battery life, and important features.
Even though they don’t have some fancy features, they’re comfy and reliable. These headphones are a top pick if you want an affordable wireless audio solution.
Read Our Full Sony WH-CH520 Review.
Best Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Audio-Technica | Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTB Pros
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The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTB Headphones deliver exceptional sound clarity and comfort. Boasting an extended battery life of up to 60 hours, these headphones offer multipoint connectivity and a lightweight, relaxed-fit design for prolonged usage.
The 40 mm drivers ensure powerful audio reproduction from Bluetooth wireless signals, catering to various sources. Incorporating a low latency mode enhances synchronicity between audio and video for seamless streaming and gaming.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Professional Monitor |
| Drivers | 45 mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Cable | Detachable |
| Application | Studio, Broadcast, Mobile |
| Design | Closed-back for sound isolation |
Overall Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTB offer an excellent balance of extended battery life, impressive audio quality, and convenient features.
Even though the wireless mic quality isn’t the best and they don’t have active noise cancellation, these headphones are a great choice for people who want lasting comfort and a super cool audio experience.
Read Our Full Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTB Review.
Best On Ear Headphones With Microphone
PHILIPS | PHILIPS H4205 Pros
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The PHILIPS H4205 strike a balance between lightweight design and adjustability, offering an impressive 29 hours of playtime. Featuring a cushioned headband and generously padded earcups with memory foam, these headphones prioritize comfort.
With support for Bluetooth 5.0 and a noise-canceling microphone, they provide a seamless wireless experience. The sound quality is characterized by punchy, controlled, and detailed audio, although the noise-canceling feature could be more effective.
Despite not being the most dynamic, these well-made headphones boast reliable battery life.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Wireless |
| Drivers | 32 mm neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | Up to 29 hours |
| Additional Features | Bass boost button, Built-in microphone, Foldable design |
Overall Verdict
The PHILIPS H4205 are really comfy and reliable. They give you a good audio experience with Bluetooth 5.0 and a microphone that cancels out noise.
Even though the noise-canceling could be better, these headphones are a good pick if you want something lightweight, adjustable, and with a decent battery life.
Read Our Full PHILIPS H4205 Review.
Best Lightweight On Ear Headphones under %50
Sound Blaster | Sound Blaster JAM V2s Pros
Cons
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The Sound Blaster JAM V2 is a lightweight headphone equipped with dual microphones and Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise cancellation technology. This dynamic duo efficiently captures your voice while suppressing background noise.
Supporting Bluetooth 5.0 with a multipoint feature, these headphones enable seamless switching between two Bluetooth source devices. With a commendable battery life of up to 22 hours and advanced audio codecs, they cater to diverse usage scenarios.
Featuring high-performance 32 mm Neodymium drivers and a Bass Boost button, these headphones deliver compelling, rich, and clean sound.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Ultralight Wireless |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | aptX HD, aptX Low Latency |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours |
| Microphone | Dual with noise cancellation |
| Additional Features | Multipoint connectivity, Low latency mode |
Overall Verdict
The Sound Blaster JAM V2 offers an impressive audio experience with its dual microphones, noise cancellation technology, and Bluetooth 5.0 support. While the build quality may not be top-notch, these headphones provide excellent value for the price.
With a comfortable fit, Koss-like sound signature, and effective Bass Boost, they are well-suited for extended periods of use, offering a balanced and immersive sound profile.
Read Our Full Sound Blaster JAM V2 Review.
Best Noise Cancelling On Ear Headphones
AKG | AKG N60 Pros
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The AKG N60NC headphones are renowned for delivering Grammy award-winning AKG superior sound, coupled with best-in-class active noise-canceling technology to minimize disruptive sounds.
They seamlessly blend AKG Signature sound with superior noise cancellation, all packed in a light, flat-foldable design, offering up to 15 hours of playback time. Designed for high-quality audio and effective noise cancellation, the N60NC headphones are an excellent choice for immersive listening experiences in diverse environments.
AKG N60NC Priced under $200.00, they have garnered positive ratings for their exceptional sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Wireless |
| Noise Cancellation | Active |
| Drivers | 40 mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours |
| Additional Features | Foldable design, Detachable cable, Built-in microphone and remote |
Overall Verdict
The AKG N60NC deliver an exceptional blend of Grammy award-winning sound and top-tier noise-canceling technology. With a lightweight and flat-foldable design.
They provide up to 15 hours of immersive playback, making them an excellent choice for those seeking premium audio quality and effective noise cancellation.
Read Our Full AKG N60 NC Review.
Best Budget On Ear Wired Headphones
GRADO | GRADO SR80x Prestige Series Wired Open Back Pros
Cons
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The GRADO SR80x Prestige Series Wired headphones stand out with their unique open-back design, offering a distinctive aesthetic and comfortable fit. Known for delivering fantastic sound quality, these headphones cater to audiophiles seeking an immersive audio experience.
However, the open-back design contributes to sound leakage, which may not be suitable for all environments. Furthermore, as wired headphones, they lack the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Priced at around $125 to $130, the SR80x headphones present an affordable option for those prioritizing high-quality sound.
Read our Full GRADO SR80x Prestige Series Review.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Open-back |
| Drivers | 44 mm dynamic |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Design | Lightweight, Comfortable, Adjustable slider |
| Cable | 4-conductor with 3.5 mm jack |
Overall Verdict
The GRADO SR80x excel in delivering fantastic sound quality and comfort with their unique open-back design.
They are an excellent choice for audiophiles. However, potential buyers should consider the limitations of sound leakage due to the open-back design and the absence of wireless connectivity.
Also: Best Headphones That don’t Leak Sound.
Best on-ear headphones with Closed-Back Design
Audio-Technica | Audio-Technica ATH-M60X Pros
Cons
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Designed for studio, broadcast, and mobile applications, the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x is a low-profile, closed-back, on-ear professional headphone. It features proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers for exceptional clarity and accurate bass response.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-ear, Wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | Up to 60 hours |
| Additional Features | Quick charge, Multi Pairing function, Built-in microphone and control, Siri and Google Assistant compatible |
Overall Verdict
The ATH-M60x is an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts seeking accurate and detailed sound reproduction.
However, users should be aware of the neutral sound profile and consider the on-ear design limitations.
Read our Full ATH-M60x Review.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the array of on-ear headphones presented here offers a diverse selection catering to various preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritize wireless convenience, exceptional sound quality, or a balance between comfort and performance, there’s an option suited to your needs.
From the Sony WH-CH520‘s affordability and customizable sound to the AKG N60NC‘s Grammy award-winning audio and top-tier noise cancellation, each pair brings something unique to the table.
However, it’s crucial to consider factors like comfort, connectivity, and intended usage before making a decision.
Ultimately, the best on-ear headphones for you will be the ones that align with your specific requirements and enhance your audio experience to the fullest.
