This article first appeared on Mashable targeting a US audience and has been modified for the UK audience.

In the world of headphones, there’s an ideal compromise between bulky over-ear designs and small earbuds: on-ear headphones. With the traditional on-ear style, you genuinely experience the advantages of both types. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?

Here’s the reasoning: On-ear headphones provide the benefit of having sufficiently large speakers to offer high-fidelity sound (akin to over-ear headphones) while still being compact enough for convenient transport (like earbuds). Quality on-ear variants can come with sophisticated features, such as active noise cancellation and radio frequency technology, while ensuring they stay lightweight and produce exceptional audio with deep bass and clear mid frequencies.

Typically, on-ear headphones come with adjustable headbands to accommodate various head sizes, along with cushioned pads that relieve pressure on the ears, no matter their price range. All that’s left for you to do is pick a pair that fits your needs. Here’s a brief guide and a compilation of the top on-ear headphones currently available.

What are on-ear headphones?

On-ear headphones, as the term suggests, rest on your ears rather than enveloping them like over-ear options or fitting into your ears like earbuds. On-ear headphones were once the standard design but have now become more niche, often saved for budget-friendly choices or specialized audiophile models. The perks of on-ear headphones include a more comfortable fit and improved environmental awareness since they don’t isolate you as effectively. Additionally, some individuals simply prefer the traditional on-ear design.

Are headphones or earbuds better?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question. It ultimately depends on individual preference. Some listeners favor the immersive experience of on-ear or over-ear headphones, whereas others appreciate the direct ear placement of buds. Both offer their own benefits. On-ear headphones usually provide superior sound quality, making them appealing for audiophiles. Conversely, earbuds are more compact, portable, and discreet, making them perfect for commuting, flying, or working out.

Can you still purchase wired headphones?

Even though wireless technology has taken over the market, wired headphones remain a viable choice. They are often favored by serious audiophiles since Bluetooth can sometimes struggle with decoding high-resolution audio formats (although Bluetooth codecs assist with this). Finding good quality wired headphones is becoming increasingly challenging, but there’s one mentioned below that delivers superb wired audio performance.

Do on-ear headphones have noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation effectively blocks out outside sounds, allowing you to become fully immersed in the music without interruptions. There are two primary forms of noise cancellation: Passive noise cancellation, which physically obstructs noise via the design of the cups, and active noise cancellation (ANC). This utilizes small microphones to detect incoming sounds and generate anti-noise sound waves that counteract them. Both types are more prevalent in over-ear headphones and earbuds since they form a seal around or in your ear. However, you can find noise cancellation options for on-ear headphones if you look around. In fact, there’s a solid ANC choice listed below.

What is the top headphones brand?

We’re all familiar with the leading brands — Sony, Beats, JBL, etc. — but you’ll also discover many excellent (and often more affordable) choices from lesser-known brands like Skullcandy. Continue reading to find out some of the best options.

What are the top on-ear headphones?

Since nearly every brand claims its headphones deliver the best sound, materials, and features, we consulted reviewers to identify which on-ear headphones are genuinely worth your investment.

These are the top on-ear headphones in 2025.