Best Wireless On Ear Headphones

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5
Overall Audio features Comfort Control Wireless audio features Wireless connectivity Battery
Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT 7.3 9 7 8 3 9 8 Check price
Sennheiser RS120 7 7 7 inapt inapt inapt inapt Check price
Beats Solo Pro 6.6 6 10 8 5 5 6 Check price
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 6.2 6 8 6 0 5 6 Check price
Beats Solo3 6.1 6 10 6 0 5 10 Check price
Bose Soundlink On-ear 5.8 6 10 6 0 5 8 Check price
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 5.6 7 7 6 0 6 7 Check price
Plantronics Backbeat Sense 5.6 6 7 6 3 5 7 Check price
Skullcandy Grind 5.3 7 6 8 0 5 6 Check price
Plantronics BackBeat 500 5 5 7 6 0 5 7 Check price

Trying to choose the best on ear wireless headphones, it is easy to become puzzled among hundreds of devices. That is the reason to read my comparison where I am telling about the main advantages and disadvantages of pretty popular headphone models. This time I decided to check on ear wireless appliances since they can provide high-quality sound and are comfortable to use. So, what information can you get here?

I mention all the technical features of each device because you will not be happy with ultra-comfortable headphones if they lack a lot of bass or do not provide clear audio. Another thing worth considering is the outlook of the device. If you want to get a nice pair of on ear headphones, then probably you plan to go out with them. Considering this fact, I selected good-looking appliances and described how they look in real life. After reading this, you will know what headphones are great for long listening sessions and traveling. Also, I am going to tell you about the considerable reasons to use wireless devices.

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Budget (under $100)

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Sennheiser RS120 - best budget

Our rating
7/10

Sennheiser RS120

These are open-back on ear headphones made in Germany. This country of manufacture is known for high-quality products, so you can be sure that Sennheiser RS120 is durable. The headphones are budget and this is truly the greatest device you can get for this money. Its sensitivity is 106 dB and the frequency response is 19 Hz - 22 kHz. Another technical feature you have to know is the impedance — 24 Ohm. This means you can connect the appliance with your phone without an AMP. It is a pity, but you cannot fold these headphones. The device does not have a microphone, however, it does have built-in buttons for volume control.

These headphones are wireless, they are equipped with an AAA battery which provides approximately 20 hours of operation. It can be recharged by just placing the headphone on the transmitter base. You also can listen to music with a detachable audio cable that plugs in a 3.5 mm jack. Unfortunately, the model RS120 does not support aptX. If you want to find a really comfortable pair of headphones, pay attention to the weight, which is 230 g/8.1 oz.

Sound

The sound quality has an incredibly detailed resolution. The reception is clean and free from background noises. The headphones Sennheiser RS120 have a smooth and warm response. Speaking of the midrange, it is not boosted, the sound is absolutely non-fatiguing. Their highs are clear and have good detail, without becoming harsh. The strong bass, provided by the device, is perfect for Hi-Fi and TV audio use. The great thing is that the bass quantity does not muddy up the whole sound signature. Sennheiser RS120

Key specs

  • Enclosure: open back
  • Impedance, Ohm: 24
  • Frequency response: 22Hz-19KHz
  • Sensitivity, dB: 106
  • Weight, g/oz: 230/8.1
  • Battery life, hrs: N/A
  • aptX: no
  • aptX HD: no
  • Full specs

Pros

  • Comes with extra HDR 120 headsets to let several people listen to music at the same time
  • Pretty light, so there is no problem with wearing them for extended periods of time
  • Although it is mostly plastic, it does not feel cheap
  • Can easily be connected to any device with analog audio output
  • LED light indicates the charging status
  • Capable of covering large areas – up to 328 feet – due to the RF (Radio Frequency) technology which is used in their operation

Cons

  • The hissing noise that appears when the transmitter is somewhere near another electronic device that has a remote control
  • It is not a noise canceling device, therefore you might be hearing some ambient noise, for instance, the sound of vacuum cleaner
  • Not compatible with Bluetooth devices

Plantronics Backbeat Sense

Our rating
5.6/10

Plantronics Backbeat Sense

A little unusual looking pair of headphones with an on ear wearing style. This device is wireless and works from a rechargeable battery. Plantronics Backbeat Sense can produce music for about 18 hours. All you have to do is to charge them for 2.5 hours before. These headphones come with a wire, so you can enjoy your favorite songs using an audio cable, too. It is worth mentioning that the appliance is closed-back and weighs 140 g/4.95 oz, which makes it incredibly light. When it comes to frequency response, the headphones work in a range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz.

They do not provide active noise canceling and are not foldable. Speaking of benefits, you will have two microphones with it, one is in-line and another one is built-in. The detachable wire you get with the Backbeat Sense is 120 cm/3.9 ft long. You will be able to adjust the volume, switch a track, and use some other functions with built-in buttons. There is also in-line control.

One more good news is that Plantronics Backbeat Sense supports Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX. The device comes with a canvas carrying pouch.

Sound

The audio is powerful, and at optimum volume levels, the audio is significantly clean. The headphones produce great sound quality with powerful lows. The bass is well-balanced, pretty tight and musical, however, not especially deep or overpowering. Its frequency response covers the entirety of the audible range. Overall, they offer versatile sound quality that will work with most types of music. Plantronics Backbeat Sense

Key specs

  • Enclosure: closed back
  • Impedance, Ohm: N/A
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
  • Sensitivity, dB: N/A
  • Weight, g/oz: 140/4.95
  • Battery life, hrs: 18
  • aptX: yes
  • aptX HD: no
  • Official website
  • Full specs

Pros

  • To help orient users, the letters L and R are exposed in the perforations in the ear cups
  • A nice elastic band with a lot of memory foam pad stretches across the inside of the steel headband to help ensure a secure fit
  • If you want to hear the people talking near you through your headphones, just press the little red button on the left ear cup
  • Lifting the headphones off your head immediately pauses the music
  • The earpads with a good amount of memory foam make it the best on ear wireless headphones for long-listening sessions
  • Available in two colors: black with espresso-colored padding, or white with tan padding

Cons

  • Balance emphasizes lows and highs at a slight expense to high-mids
  • The proximity sensor can activate when around the neck
  • No Siri or Google Now integration

Mid-price (under $200)

Jump to

Beats Solo3 - best for the money

Our rating
6.1/10

Beats Solo3

Let's talk about this amazing pair of headphones made by the famous brand. Beats Solo3 is a closed-back device that can be easily folded and carried in a nice porch. You have to know that these on ear headphones are quite light since they have only 215 g/7.5 oz. It is comfortable to speak with people on the phone with them as this model has a built-in microphone. The considered headphones are wireless, however, you can use them with a detachable audio cable that comes with it. Its length is 130 cm/4.2 ft. For control, you do not even need any buttons, since you can just call Siri. Anyway, the device is equipped with built-in buttons for skipping tracks, play/pause, etc. These are the best wireless on ear headphones for its money.

If you are going to exchange music files with someone, then it is good to know that this appliance made by Beats has Bluetooth. Unfortunately, aptX is not supported by the mentioned headphones. I have also checked the battery life of this appliance. Beats Solo3 lasts extremely long, they can work up to 40 hours, but it highly depends on the volume of music and frequency of changing tracks. If you are late and have no time for full charging, there is a speed charge function available: three hours of music playback from just five minutes of charging. I really liked that the appliance has a battery level indicator, so I always see how much battery power is left. Sound

These headphones will definitely appeal to those bass lovers who like a sound profile that accentuates the bass but manages to avoid being too boomy. Here is a bonus bass, but it is mostly centered around fairly low frequencies. Pop, hip hop and dance tracks sound pretty good. Beats Solo3

Key specs

  • Enclosure: closed back
  • Impedance, Ohm: N/A
  • Frequency response: N/A
  • Sensitivity, dB: N/A
  • Weight, g/oz: 215/7.5
  • Battery life, hrs: 40
  • aptX: no
  • aptX HD: no
  • Official website
  • Full specs

Pros

  • The W1 chip makes it easy to switch between Apple devices
  • Passively blocks a lot of ambient noise
  • The plastic construction helps keep them lightweight
  • Available in five different colors
  • The tight fit and wireless design mean they will not fall off your head, even when doing sports
  • The fit might be too tight for some heads

Cons

  • If you choose the headphones with white color, consider that they have a tendency to get a little grubby
  • There is not enough of finesse in the frequencies where treble and mids meet which can lead to some hard edges to certain vocals

Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT

Our rating
7.3/10

Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT

Want to buy the best on ear Bluetooth headphones? Let me introduce you to this amazing device with a really wide frequency response 5 Hz - 40 kHz. They are closed-back and have 47 Ohm of impedance. Also, I would like to mention their sensitivity which is 103 dB. The on ear wearing style makes the device lightweight, its weight is only 185 g/6.5 oz. Keep in mind that there is no active noise canceling but the appliance has voice control. So, you can use different functions calling Siri or Google Assistant. There are also some other options for adjusting volume and skipping tracks, such as built-in buttons and in-line control.

Consider the variants of wireless connectivity you get with Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT. First of all, it is Bluetooth 4.1. In addition, the device supports aptX. Moreover, this model has NFC support as well. Since the appliance I am talking about is wireless, it is important to know the length of its battery life. The ATH-SR5BT works up to 38 hours which is impressive. The headphones have an average charging time (4 hours) but you have to charge it approximately one time per week. Remember that you get an audio cable with the headphones, so a free-battery listening mode is available. The length of the cable is 120 cm/3.9 ft. In the package, you will also find a nice carry case for this device. This is an excellent pair of on ear wireless headphones for working out.

Sound

Pumped-up bass and drums in rhythmic music are great. Mids are impressively well-rendered. Sound is pretty balanced across the entire frequency range, though there are hardly noticeable trebles and mid-bass boost. The highs really crackle, without distortion but with knife-like precision. Speaking of the soundstage, it is very wide for an on ear device, thanks to the tilt towards the upper frequencies. Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT

Key specs

  • Enclosure: closed back
  • Impedance, Ohm: 47
  • Frequency response: 5Hz-40KHz
  • Sensitivity, dB: 103
  • Weight, g/oz: 185/6.5
  • Battery life, hrs: 38
  • aptX: yes
  • aptX HD: no
  • Official website
  • Full specs

Pros

  • Features metal ear cups with very soft leather earpads that are the definition of comfortable
  • Its small design makes it quite neck-able
  • Controlling playback with the ear cup controls is extremely simple
  • You will not need an AMP to properly drive them
  • Can remember eight different devices
  • The earpads are padded with memory foam and feel fantastic, even after long listening sessions

Cons

  • Is not good at blocking outside sound
  • You may feel some pressure for the first few minutes you are wearing them as the foam adjusts

Premium (under $500)

Beats Solo Pro - best premium

Our rating
6.6/10

Beats Solo Pro

These are headphones with minimalist design and some nice features I am going to tell you about. The first thing worth mentioning is that they are wireless, so you will not have any troubles with a wire that gets twisted that does not let you walk far from your computer or phone. Beats Solo Pro is a closed-back and foldable appliance. The big advantage of these headphones is their noise canceling function. You can block all ambient noise just with one button. Moreover, you can easily adjust it to the most comfortable level. With regard to the weight of the device, it is 267 g/9.4 oz.

The Solo Pro is equipped with two microphones and has built-in buttons. But you also can use voice control and call Siri or Google Assistant. For connecting the headphones made by Beats with electronic appliances you will have Bluetooth. It is a pity but aptX is not available for this model. The battery life of this pair of headphones is fantastic, they can work 40 hours if you do not use noise canceling. In the case you have ANC on, the device will produce music for about 22 hours. You do not necessarily have to spend plenty of time on charging since there is a speed charge option.

Sound

These Bluetooth on ear headphones provide a great bass-heavy sound. There is a lot of low-end kick and a nice full-bodied overall tonality, but they’re extremely well balanced. This appliance does a wonderful job of rendering a very realistic representation of 3D space. The Solo Pro packs some very pleasant thump, especially in such genres as hip-hop, electronic, and booming metal. Beats Solo Pro

Key specs

  • Enclosure: closed back
  • Impedance, Ohm: N/A
  • Frequency response: N/A
  • Sensitivity, dB: N/A
  • Weight, g/oz: 267/9.4
  • Battery life, hrs: 22
  • aptX: no
  • aptX HD: no
  • Official website
  • Full specs

Pros

  • Makes it possible to do multi-device switching with all Apple devices
  • The physical design of the appliance is clean and nice
  • The leatherette ear cups are very well padded
  • Has sensors that turn them on and off when you unfold and fold the headphones
  • Although you get it with a soft carry case, they feel pretty robust to toss them in a bag
  • iPhone users will get the most advantages out of these headphones because of the H1 chip

Cons

  • Requires a lightning cable to charge
  • Lacks 3.5mm Aux port

What are on ear headphones

There are really great models among on ear headphones. Such devices are comfortable to wear and they produce a decent sound, too. They are called on ear since they rest on your ears. Such construction allows the device to block a lot of annoying noise and be quite convenient to use. There are several reasons to buy one of the appliances mentioned in this comparison. For example, on ear headphones protect your hearing as you do not have to increase the volume to maximum. Another nice thing about it is the good outlook of most of such models. They are not too big and bulky so you can wear them for a walk or jogging.

If you are looking for headphones that would be perfect for traveling, on ear devices are a great choice. They do not take much space and usually, they fold. As a rule, you get a sturdy carry case with it, so it is easy to protect the device from scratches and damage. In addition, there are a lot of affordable on ear models that have a solid quality of sound and attractive design.

On ear headphones pros and cons

Pros

  • Can provide incredibly good passive noise isolation and some have active noise canceling
  • Doctors tend to recommend on ear headphones as one of the safest options
  • Would be an amazing option for those who feel very uncomfortable in jamming an earbud into their ear canal
  • Usually much more durable than some other headphone models
  • Delivers superior sound quality, especially when it comes to capturing bass tones

Cons

  • They can get hot while doing some exercises
  • Not as portable as in ear headphones

What are wireless headphones

Most people are used to headphones with an audio cable, but modern wireless devices seem to be much more comfortable in many ways. Let me explain to you what I mean by that. With wireless headphones, you do not need to be afraid that when moving you can catch on the wire. This makes these appliances great for bicycle riding, walking, commuting. The range of wireless devices allows you to use them even if the phone is charging in another room, which is very convenient. After all, now modern society is simply tied to sockets, which are required for the constant recharging of mobile devices. There are many ways of connecting such appliances to other electronic devices. For instance, it can be Bluetooth, aptX, or Wi-Fi.

Although the need to charge this type of headphone can be considered a drawback, given how long they work without charge, you really should not worry about this. The simplest inexpensive models will provide sound for about five hours, but you can also find headphones that will last a few times longer. Nowadays, the selection of wireless models is really huge. So, you can find a device that has perfect color, size, and sound quality.

Wireless headphones pros and cons

Pros

  • The operational life of wireless headphones is longer since in most cases of headphone failures, it is the wires that get damaged
  • Looks neat and elegant
  • Some of such headphones allow you to connect to multiple phones at the same time
  • They are popular among gamers because they allow you to move freely without worrying about wires

Cons

  • Some older phone models simply don’t support Bluetooth, which means that there is no possibility to connect wireless headphones
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