April 12, 2022, 5:46 am | Read time: 4 minutes

There are traditionally three types of designs: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear–with or without cables. In the realm of wireless in-ear headphones, we distinguish between conventional ones, such as Apple’s AirPods Pro, and specialized sports headphones.

Wireless In-Ear Headphones (with/without Noise Cancelling)

Wireless in-ear headphones–also called earbuds–fit directly in the ear. The diaphragm is therefore much closer to the eardrum and is smaller than in other models. Since the introduction of Apple’s first AirPods in 2016, these small wireless buds have been on the rise in the headphone market. The range has exploded, and there are now dozens of excellent alternatives to AirPods. A large portion of the wireless in-ears offered sit a bit deeper in the ear canal thanks to a silicone extension, sealing it off. Newer models of this design often already feature active noise cancelling (ANC).

Advantages:

• High wearing comfort
• Lightweight and handy
• Discreet in use

Disadvantages:

• Easy to lose
• Can fall out of the ear
• Sound quality usually only average

Perfect for:

• Pedestrians in traffic
• Depending on the model, for sports

Not suitable for:

• Enjoying music at home
• Very loud environments

Over-Ear Headphones (with Noise Cancelling)

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Over-ear headphones completely enclose the ear, providing passive insulation: external noises are somewhat blocked just by the design. Many current models are also equipped with active noise cancelling (ANC). This ensures that ambient noises or voices around the listener are even better shielded by the headphones and are sometimes not heard at all–the music experience is hardly affected.

Advantages:

• Highest sound quality
• Shielding from external noise
• Can be used with a cable if necessary

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes high price
• Depending on the model, uncomfortable over time
• Bulky and heavy

Perfect for:

• Traveling by plane or train
• Listening to music at home

Not suitable for:

• Sports
• Pedestrians in traffic
• Very loud environments

On-Ear Headphones

On-ears are the original headphones for music on the go. Sony’s Walkman already came with on-ear headphones resting on the ear. With the rise of wired earbuds in the 2000s, the popularity of on-ears waned. They experienced a renaissance with the highly popular “Beats by Dr. Dre” brand in the early 2010s. Suddenly, the on-ear models of the trendy brand became a kind of status symbol. However, the hype ended abruptly with the advent of AirPods and similar products. Objectively speaking, on-ears now fall short in headphone comparisons.

Advantages:

• High sound quality
• Secure fit on the head

Disadvantages:

• Depending on the model, very uncomfortable over time
• Bulky
• Little shielding from external noise

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Perfect for:

• Sports
• Pedestrians in traffic

Not suitable for:

• Very loud environments

Sports Headphones

Sports headphones are a special type of in-ears, usually equipped with a plastic hook. The earbuds of sports headphones are either connected by a cable or completely wireless, known as true wireless. The cable solution was very popular for a long time, as alternatives in the in-ear sector were still wired back then. Consequently, sports headphones have lost this unique selling point in recent years.

Advantages:

• Very secure fit on the ear
• Lightweight and handy

Disadvantages:

• Not aesthetically pleasing
• Often with connecting cable
• Sound quality only average

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Perfect for:

• Sports

Not suitable for:

• Enjoying music at home
• Very loud environments

General Note on Buying Headphones

If possible, it’s always worth trying on and listening to headphones before buying. You can also order them online and return them if necessary. Headphones are very individual, both in terms of fit and sound. It’s best to bring your own smartphone with the appropriate music.