When people are buying headphones, they often confuse on-ear with over-ear. Everyone can tell the difference between these two larger kinds and in-ear headphones – those that use a bud that is placed inside your ear. However, fewer people appreciate the difference between on-ear and over-ear.

Both consist of two speakers that are connected over the head by a band, with speakers cushioned with pads for comfort. As their names suggests, on-ear headphones sit with the speaker pads on the ear, while over-ear headphones completely surround the ear, with the edges of the pads made larger.

It's a small difference in design, but it makes a big difference to your listening experience. Here are just three reasons why over-ear headphones tend to be superior.

1. Long-Lasting Comfort

Most people involved in music professionally, such as studio engineers, will use over-ear headphones, so they are designed to be used for very long periods without causing any kind of discomfort. Materials will generally be superior, but the main advantage is that the pads don't squash against the ear. This might not seem like a problem at first, but wearing on-ear headphones can get a little uncomfortable after an hour or so. If you're going to be wearing them for a long flight or to watch movies, over-ear make a better choice.

2. Noise Cancellation

If you're looking for noise-cancelling headphones, you need to look at over-ear models. The fact that they form a complete seal around the ear means that outside sound will be kept out; this blocking out of sound is known as passive noise cancellation. Many models will also offer active noise cancellation, emitting unnoticeable white noise that blocks out ambient sound.

And this provides benefits both ways. It's great not being bothered by the chatter of the bus or café around you, but it's equally nice knowing you can listen at a decent volume without disturbing everyone else. The same seal that keeps sound out also helps prevent sound from escaping.

3. Superior Sound Quality

Finally, and probably most importantly, over-ear headphones produce outstanding sound quality, which is the main reason you'll see them employed by professionals. Over-ear headphones should be able to accept any frequency range, and bass should be richer. This is partly because the speakers are larger and partly because the increased distance between ear and speaker helps improve sound response. Additionally, the fact that these are normally made for professionals means that anyone after industry-leading sound will be probably be disappointed when they check out their local selection of on-ear headphones.

For more information, contact companies like Tivoli Hi-Fi Pty Ltd.