On-ear headphones are a popular type, so I bring to your attention the TOP-10 on-ear models, based on expert reviews and user reviews. I tried to present models that were different in style and capabilities - from classic to sports with moisture protection. The price run is large. I hope my rating of the best on-ear headphones years will help you choose the model that is most appropriate in terms of price / quality.
Sony WH-CH500
Opens the ranking of budget headphones brand Sony. Price - total , but the quality of this gadget matches the manufacturer's name. They reproduce sound in the frequency range of 20-20000 Hz, connecting to devices via Bluetooth 4.2. Built-in NFC makes connection simple, fast. They can serve as a headset. The built-in microphone isn't of the best quality, but it's there. Battery life - up to 20 hours. I would like to note the ergonomics of the device - the swivel design of the bowls, the plastic headband and soft ear pads provide comfort to the user. I would classify the design of the headphones as sporty, they are presented in 4 colors - white, gray, blue, black.
Pros:
- price;
- good sound;
- high-quality assembly;
- rotary mechanism of bowls;
- NFC;
- autonomy;
- stable connection.
Minuses:
- poor bundle (only headphones and USB charging cable);
- poor sound insulation;
- small volume reserve;
- no sound or LED battery discharge indicator;
- weak microphone;
- glossy surface;
- ill-conceived management;
- very tight start button;
- do not support connecting multiple devices;
- automatically connect to the last device without the ability to reconnect to another without disconnecting Bluetooth;
- sound delay in games.
Sony has proven that they have good, inexpensive headphones. With all the disadvantages, taking into account the price, I definitely recommend buying. Looking ahead, I note that the listed disadvantages apply to many models in the rating.
JBL T450BT
The next model in the ranking was released in 2016, and they still continue to break sales records. Their highlight is the bass-oriented sound. This is achieved by installing large-volume acoustic chambers in the speakers. There is a built-in microphone, although, as in the Sony WH-CH500, using it as a headset will not always be convenient. Compared to the Sony WH-CH500, these headphones are less comfortable - the headband is strongly pressed against the head and presses on the ears. The quality of the materials is also more questionable. Finishing eco-leather ear cushions seems especially short-lived. Headphones lose to the previous ones in the rating for autonomy (11 hours versus 20). Foldable design for easy transport. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- good sound - powerful bass with an emphasis on high frequencies;
- folding design;
- stable connection;
- battery status LED.
Minuses:
- equipment;
- tight headband;
- no low frequencies;
- weak microphone;
- no Multipoint support;
- audio delay in movies and games;
- tight buttons.
In 2016, these headphones were the leader in terms of price-performance ratio. In the budget segment, this model is still one of the best, especially for supporters of pronounced bass in sound. The headphones are 2016, so you shouldn't expect NFC from them. If availability of such a module at a reasonable price is important, take the Sony WH-CH500.
Xiaomi Mi Headphones Light Edition
Wired on-ear headphones from a fast-growing Chinese brand. Connection - mini-Jack 3.5 mm. Note the weight - they are almost twice as heavy as the competitors described. At the same time, thanks to a well-thought-out design, a soft headband, this fact does not cause any discomfort. Compared to competitors, this model has an extended frequency range (20-40,000 Hz). There is a microphone located on the cable. The entire surface of the left bowl protrudes as a control panel. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- design;
- quality of materials and workmanship;
- case included;
- sit comfortably;
- good sound insulation;
- convenient control.
Minuses:
- mediocre sound;
- lack of bass.
An inexpensive device for those who are not picky about the sound quality, which may differ when connected to different devices. Some users note that the headphones sound good when used with the brand's smartphones. I cannot recommend it unambiguously. If possible, test them before buying with your device, but the low price and recommendation of 81% of buyers on Yandex. They have a market. If you need wireless headphones, these are not them. I recommend JBL T450BT or Pioneer SE-MJ553BT. The latter already support Multipoint.
Pioneer SE-MJ553BT
Wireless headphones from the budget segment of the legendary Japanese brand. They use Bluetooth v 3.0 for connection, which was not very relevant even in the fall of 2016, when the model went on sale. But the connection is stable within a radius of 10 meters. Multipoint is supported (simultaneous connection of up to 9 devices), which favorably sets these headphones apart from the budget Sony WH-CH500 and JBL T450BT. In terms of sound quality, they are also slightly ahead - a good volume reserve and powerful bass, high frequencies are frankly muffled. But expect something more from headphones for not worth it, they justify their price. The appearance at first glance may seem cheap and unreliable compared to competitors. Design is a subjective matter, but from the standpoint of reliability, the model is not inferior to competitors. They sit comfortably on the head. The built-in microphone is good enough for conversations in rooms with moderate noise levels. Autonomy of work - up to 15 hours.
Pros:
- price;
- materials and build quality;
- comfort;
- convenient control;
- bass surround sound;
- good sound insulation;
- autonomy;
- Multipoint.
Minuses:
- look cheap;
- minimum delivery set;
- the sound is deaf, especially the high frequency;
- Bluetooth v 3.0;
- audio delay in movies and games.
Headphones flush with the JBL T450BT. It is difficult to determine objectively which model sounds better. But Pioneer SE-MJ553BT can connect to several devices at the same time, work up to 4 hours longer. For this and overpay can.
Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT
Headphones of the Japanese brand with a frequency range of 5-32000 Hz are the absolute record holder for this indicator in the ranking. Together with a relatively flat frequency response, this is a real gift for music lovers. Battery life - up to 40 hours. Bluetooth v 4.1 is used for connection. There is a built-in microphone. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- design;
- great sound;
- autonomy;
- good sound insulation.
Minuses:
- awkward rigid construction;
- weak microphone;
- small volume margin;
- no Multipoint support.
Headphones with great sound and amazing battery life. 84% of Yandex. Users deserve a recommendation. Market. The best in their price segment for those who consider music an integral and important part of life. I do not recommend saving: save a few hundred, significantly losing in sound quality and autonomy. Of the more expensive options, I recommend Marshall Mid Bluetooth and Bowers & Wilkins PX.
AfterShokz Trekz Titanium
The only sports headphones in the ranking. They differ from all others in the transmission of sound through bone conduction and IP55 moisture protection.They are not afraid of falling into the rain, theoretically you can even take a shower in them. They are connected via Bluetooth v 4.1. They have noise cancellation. Supports Multipoint. Operating time from the built-in battery - 6 hours. Weight - only 36 g. Price - .
Pros:
- do not close their ears, do not detach from reality;
- lungs;
- stable connection;
- moisture protection.
Minuses:
- overpriced;
- sound quality;
- inconvenient control;
- inconvenient to use with glasses;
- no hard case included;
- autonomy (only 6 hours of work via Bluetooth);
- lack of sound insulation;
- work poorly on multiple devices, do not switch;
- weak microphone.
Taking advantage of a little competition in this segment, the manufacturer unreasonably raised the price tag for this model. But for athletes, AfterShokz Trekz Titanium will be a good alternative to the bulky on-ear headphones presented in the ranking above.
Harman kardon soho wireless
Premium headphones. This is indicated by the design and assembly materials. The headband is made of metal, and the rectangular ear cushions are trimmed with leather. They look especially elegant and expensive in brown. Suitable for a business suit. They can be used both via Bluetooth 3.0 and mini-Jack wire (3.5 mm). Autonomous working time - up to 10 hours. The sound is mediocre, the emphasis is on the midrange, the bass and treble are lacking. The situation is saved by good sound insulation, support for AptX. An NFC module is provided for quick connection. Price - .
pros
- design;
- good materials and build quality;
- compactness, lightness;
- equipment (headphones, carrying case, audio cable, USB-microUSB cable and documents);
- folding design;
- convenient touch control;
- soundproofing;
- aptX and NFC support.
Minuses:
- price;
- Bluetooth 3.0;
- mediocre sound;
- with long listening, the head and ears get tired;
- background noise when connected via Bluetooth;
- according to user reviews, the cable in the headband breaks after about a year of use;
- weak microphone;
- sit loosely on the head.
For those who, by the nature of their activity, must look solid in all the little things, they are suitable. By purchasing these headphones, you can forget about good sound. If you need quality sound, I recommend Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT or Marshall Mid Bluetooth. The latter look solid with good sound. True, they cost almost 1,500 more.
Marshall Mid Bluetooth
English quality, exquisite design, excellent sound - this is how this model can be described in a few words. The sound is spacious, rich, and soft - in the style of the manufacturer. The design is simple, laconic. Supported by aptX.
Assembly materials - metal and eco-leather. The rectangular bowls give the device even more solidity. Connection - via Bluetooth v 4.0 and mini-Jack wire (3.5 mm). The cable has a microphone, control panel. Autonomy - up to 30 hours. Control - with the KNOB joystick button. Price - .
pros
- design;
- good materials and build quality of headphones and bundled cables;
- convenient joystick control;
- good sound;
- AptX support;
- connection stability;
- good microphone;
- autonomy;
- support the connection of second headphones via an audio cable.
Minuses:
- price;
- the set does not include a cover or case for transportation;
- no Multipoint;
- not very good sound insulation;
- not very convenient for long-term use.
The model is good in everything - from design to sound, even the built-in microphone, according to user reviews, gives a good result, unlike the absolute majority of rating models. But the price can become a stop factor at the time of buying. If this device is too expensive for you, I recommend Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT.
Beats Solo3 Wireless
The redesigned Beats Solo 2 received an Apple W1 chip. This managed to achieve perfect sound and amazing autonomy (up to 40 hours). There is a Fast Fuel fast charging mode - 5 minutes is enough for 3 hours of work. Hybrid connection - mini-Jack (3.5 mm) and Bluetooth. Unlike Marshall Mid Bluetooth they have a carrying case included. The sound is accentuated at the high frequencies, the lows are also good. Price - .
Pros:
- materials and build quality;
- ergonomics;
- good sound;
- autonomy;
- quick pairing with Apple devices;
- folding design;
- good sound insulation;
- Multipoint.
Minuses:
- price;
- turn off in the cold;
- weak microphone;
- charging connector - lighting.
I definitely recommend these headphones to owners of Apple devices - simple pairing, perfect compatibility. If you plan to use them with Android devices, it would be appropriate to consider the cheaper Marshall Mid Bluetooth or Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT. The latter are not inferior to the Beats Solo3 Wireless even in terms of battery life.
Bowers & wilkins px
It differs from Beats Solo3 Wireless in support of aptX HD, active noise cancellation system - 3 modes of operation (flight, city, office). The sound is accentuated in the low frequencies, the mids and highs do not suffer much from this. The design is maximally adapted to the user. Compared to other models in the rating, there is no excessive pressure on the head and ears. The control is simple, push-button. There is a "donning" sensor: automatic pause when taking off with continuing playback after putting on. Autonomy - up to 22 hours via Bluetooth with ANC and up to 30 hours without it. Price - .
Pros:
- assembly and materials;
- good sound;
- large volume reserve;
- ANC availability;
- aptX HD support;
- proprietary application with the ability to fine-tune;
- ergonomics;
- Multipoint;
- autonomy;
- good microphone;
- “donning” sensor.
Minuses:
- awkward design;
- it is impossible to use in a discharged state via a cable;
- short complete cables;
- heavy (weight - 335 g);
- weak microphone;
- no NFC.
Premium headphones with good sound, good noise cancellation and a proprietary application with fine-tuning options. Ideal for music lovers. If you are not confused by the price, feel free to buy this model. From the more budgetary I recommend Marshall Mid Bluetooth, Beats Solo3 Wireless, and Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT. There is no active noise cancellation in them, but the sound quality is excellent.
