On-ear headphones come in many different designs and are ideal whether you run, work out, or are simply looking for a solid pair of headphones for everyday use.
However, the market for on-ear headphones is also very large – and it can be difficult to figure out which model suits your exact needs and your ears.
That's why we've put together a small guide to choosing on-ear headphones – so you can avoid making a bad purchase and instead get a pair of headphones that perfectly suit you and your active everyday life.
ON-EAR HEADPHONES: WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR?
When buying on-ear headphones, there are three things in particular you should be aware of.
- Fit: What type of on-ear fit suits your head and ears best?
- Sound: Do the headphones have good enough sound components to play your favourite tracks loud or clear enough?
- Functionality: Are the on-ear headphones built to withstand use? Do they have the necessary functionalities?
If these three points don't align, you will most likely find that the headphones are left at home – or that they need to be replaced much sooner than intended. Read on as we explain why these things are important.
ON-EAR HEADPHONES - FIND THE RIGHT FIT!
The first thing you should look at when searching for new on-ear headphones is their fit. In other words – how do they fit? Or even better: how do you want your headphones to fit?
Because on-ear headphones come in many different sizes and shapes, and they also come with and without wires. So what should you go for?
ON-EAR HEADPHONES SHOULD ALWAYS BE WIRELESS
At MIIEGO, we will always primarily recommend you opt for wireless headphones. This way, you are guaranteed complete freedom of movement and won't be hindered by wires that get tangled around your fingers, arms, or perhaps even trees or bushes when you're on the move.
But what then? After that, you can assess whether you prefer on-ear headphones with a headband that goes over or around the head, whether they should have small or larger earcups, and whether the headband should be adjustable or not.
HEADBANDS - WHICH ONE SUITS YOU BEST?
When you choose a headband that goes over your head, you are guaranteed a classic on-ear headphone that can be used for both exercise and everyday life. Here, you should also be aware of whether the headband is adjustable, so you can get the ear cushions to sit as comfortably as possible on your ears. If the headband is not adjustable, you risk it being either too short or too long, and the ear cushions will therefore irritate your ear during use.
If, on the other hand, you prefer on-ear headphones that do not go over your head, we recommend you take a closer look at models with a band around the back of the head, like our AL4 FREEDOM.
Here, the band wraps around the ear and sits snugly behind the head, ensuring it stays firmly in place through all activities. Because models like this cannot be adjusted in the band, we at MIIEGO have chosen to make two different sizes: AL4 FREEDOM and AL4 FREEDOM MINI. This way, both larger and smaller heads can find a fit that suits them perfectly.
ON-EAR CUSHIONS - DO YOU PREFER PLUMP OR LIGHTWEIGHT?
Next, we come to the ear cushions. Do you prefer plump cushions, as found on more classic on-ear headphones, or is it more important that your cushions are as light as possible so you can sprint away? The more classic ear cushions have the advantage that they can easily be used for a visit to your local gym, as well as for everyday commuting or walks. A thinner, lightweight cushion, on the other hand, is ideal if you plan to use your headphones for intense runs or training sessions where lightness is crucial.
ON-EAR HEADPHONES - DO YOU HAVE YOUR SOUND IN ORDER?
As with all other headphones, sound is also a crucial factor when buying on-ear headphones. What constitutes good sound is very individual. Therefore, we recommend that before purchasing, you consider what requirements you have for the sound of your on-ear headphones. Should they be able to play with maximum bass and depth? Or should you be able to hear every nuance in the music? And is sharp treble important to you? Do you perhaps have some very specific sound components that you know your headphones should have?
Feel free to spend some time researching what different specifications mean – so you can ensure you get precisely the good sound you deserve. And don't be fooled. Just because on-ear headphones are often smaller than over-ear headphones, you shouldn't compromise on sound. Good headphones will also have good sound components – even if they are smaller.
ARE YOUR NEW ON-EAR HEADPHONES FUNCTIONAL ENOUGH?
The third thing to consider before choosing a new pair of on-ear headphones is your requirements for functionality. In other words: what will your headphones be used for? And what should they be able to withstand?
For example, if your headphones are to be used for sports, running, or training, certain features are important. For instance, whether they are water and sweat resistant – or perhaps even waterproof. Because when you're running in the forest and get caught in a typical Danish cloudburst, or training with sweat dripping from your forehead, it's important not to end up with a dead pair of headphones.
Here you can also consider whether your on-ear headphones should have interchangeable cushions. Because detachable cushions can mean a longer lifespan for your headphones. Either because the cushions can be replaced, so you have different ear cushions for sports and relaxation respectively. Or because the headphone's ear cushions can be replaced if they become worn – thus saving you from buying entirely new headphones just because of damaged ear cushions.
RUN - WITHOUT RUNNING OUT OF POWER
You might also know the scenario where you start the treadmill, and before you've reached 1 km, your headphones report low battery. Therefore, it's a good idea to research how long the battery life of your new on-ear headphones is per charge. All our on-ear headphones at MIIEGO are built with robust batteries that provide many hours of music on just a single charge. Because the most important thing for us is that our customers have great experiences with movement and strong sound – without interruptions and disturbances.
EASY OPERATION OR NOT?
Finally, it's important to consider functionality in relation to operating your new headphones. Should you be able to change songs directly on the headphones so you don't have to take your phone out of your pocket? Is it crucial for you to be able to turn the volume up or down during your run or workout? And would you like headphones where you can answer calls on the go? These are all things that should be part of your considerations before purchasing new on-ear headphones.
Our wireless on-ear headphone AL4 FREEDOM is a classic that is bought again and again. The AL4 FREEDOM is both IPX6-certified, which means it is completely waterproof. The headphone has interchangeable cushions and a comfortable headband that sits around the back of the head, securing it completely. In addition, the AL4 FREEDOM has fantastic sound quality and a guaranteed battery life of more than 36 hours.
Now we have guided you through the most important points, so you are well-equipped to buy a good pair of on-ear headphones. Are you still a little unsure whether it should be on-ear, over-ear or in-ear? Then you can see more of our large selection here.
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