Here’s an in-depth look at 4 Headphone Styles Depending on Fit available today. With millions of models created and sold yearly, the headphones sector is one of today’s fastest-growing markets. As a result, purchasing a new set of headphones couldn’t be more difficult, given the vast array of options. Each headset style is designed for a certain purpose, further complicating matters. So you can’t just go out and buy a pair of headphones and expect to use them for everything. It may appear not easy, but it does not have to be. In this article, we’ll review the various types of headphones and their benefits and drawbacks. We’ll also explain which types of headphones are most suited for certain lifestyles and hobbies so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
4 Headphone Styles
Conventional headphones have two ear cups with speaker drivers or transducers that convert audio signals into analog sound waves that can be heard by your ears. They can be classified based on their design, connectivity, and technology kind. The most prevalent classification for headphones, however, is fit.
1. Over-ear headphones
These headphones, often known as “circumaural headphones,” have thicker headbands and wider ear cups that encircle both ears. They’re also significantly larger than other sorts of headphones. Read more about over ear headphones here.
Advantages of Over-Ear Headphones
- Comfort: Wider ear cups allow for more comfortable padding. As a result, they’re more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Sound: Over-ear headphones typically have larger drivers because of the extra room inside the ear cups. They can produce arguably better and louder sounds. This, however, is dependent on how well-tuned they are.
Disadvantages of Over-Ear Headphones
- Portability: Over-ear headphones take up more room than other types of headphones and may not be suitable for persons on the go.
- Cost: While there are inexpensive over-ear headphones, larger and greater features come at a higher price. After all, developing cutting-edge technology to increase sound quality is time-consuming and costly.
Who should invest in over-ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones are primarily designed for comfort. The ear cups are large enough to occupy the full ear, allowing wearers to wear them for extended periods of time. This makes them perfect for people with larger ears.
Unfortunately, due to their size, they are not suitable for on-the-go use. Over-ear headphones are also useful for people who wear glasses. There is less pressure on the temporal bone and ear cartilage because they press around the ears rather than on the ears themselves. As a result, they will not harm the area where you keep your glasses. Read more about over ear headphones here.
2. On-ear headphones
On-ear headphones have smaller ear cups than over-ear headphones. As a result, rather than totally concealing the ears, the ear cups lie on top of them. They are also known as “supra-aural headphones,” which imply “on top of” or “pushed against” the ears. Read more about on ear headphones here.
Advantages of On-Ear Headphones
- Portability: On-ear headphones are lighter and smaller than over-ears, making them more portable.
- Comfort: Because on-ear headphones are lighter and less bulky, they seem more sturdy when worn. This lets you wear the headphones during more activities without worrying about their falling off.
3. Open-ear headphones
Open-ear headphones, unlike over-ear and on-ear models, do not cover the ears. They also lack the standard headband and ear cup foams. Instead, they are worn over the neck or the ear, with the speakers placed over the face and jawbone. As a result, they are the most distinctive of the three fit kinds.
Advantages of Open-Ear Headphones
- Increased awareness: Because nothing is covering or implanted in your ear canals, ambient noise can freely enter. As a result, wearing on-ear headphones outside improves situational awareness.
Because they don’t have large ear cups or headbands, these headphones are easy to store and transport. - Comfort: Because open-ear headphones have a thinner profile, they are lighter and more comfortable to use than over-ear and on-ear headphones.
Disadvantages of Open-ear headphones.
- Sound quality: Open-ear headphone speakers sit somewhat forward of the ear, close to the ear canal. Because your audio needs to contend with ambient noise, you won’t get the same immersive sound quality as you would with over-ear headphones.
- Sound leakage: Because open-ear headphones have exposed speakers, people around can hear your music, especially if you’re listening at a high volume.
Who should invest in open-ear headphones?
Open-ear headphones will assist commuters and those who routinely exercise outside the most. This fit-type keeps you alert to what’s going on around you, whether you’re jogging through a crowded street or waiting for boarding calls while traveling.
4. Clip-on headphones
This style does away with the headband and bulky ear cup design found in open-back and closed-back headphones. Thinner, flatter discs that house speaker drivers and hooks that fit around your ears take its place. The design of clip-on headphones is similar to that of traditional earbuds with ear hooks, such as the Bose Sports Open Earbuds. The former, on the other hand, vary in that they have larger drivers (13-30mm) than standard earbuds (8-15mm). There are even varieties that may be attached to motorbike helmets with adhesive or velcro strips.
Advantages of Clip-On Headphones
- Stability: Clip-on headphones feature a remarkably secure fit that makes them feel sturdy than earbuds. This feature allows you to jog, run, and do other activities without worrying about them slipping out.
- Breathability: Because clip-on headphones have thin discs that go over the ears, they provide better ventilation than open-back and closed-back headphones.
Disadvantages of clip-on headphones
- Noise isolation: Unlike closed-back headphones, clip-on headphones do not have an enclosed structure. The drivers are also more exposed than open-back headphones due to the lack of cushioning. As a result, noise isolation isn’t the best with these headphones.
- Durability: Most clip-on headphones are made of weak materials, with a tiny cable connecting the two speaker discs. Most are also not water resistant, making them unsuitable for wet weather.
Who should invest in clip-on headphones?
Clip-on headphones are ideal for those who want to communicate without using their hands. If you frequently take work calls or perform activities that need constant use of your hands, such as lawn mowing or comparable duties, these headphones can be useful. If the weather permits, clip-on headphones are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, motorcycling, and motorcycle riding.
With this post, we hope that now you know which one out of the 4 Headphone Styles you can choose from.
