Best on-ear headphones

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Best On-Ear (Supra-aural) Headphones: Welcome to TheIndianSubcontinent's guide to the best on-ear headphones you can buy in 2019. In the
world of headphones, on-ear headphones (also called supra-aural headphones) are the middle child between bulky over-ear headphones and
diminutive in-ear earphones
For most folks, they're just right. Their name comes from the fact that their cushions sit on, rather than over, your ears
This means they're more compact and can travel with you without taking up a ton of room in your bag
Conversely, they're bigger and more comfortable to wear for long periods than in-ear headphones. The reason you'd pick this form factor
over the other two, is that you're a traveler, a commuter or a home listener who needs a bit of noise cancelation without the bulk of
over-ears
It's a winning combination, honestly, and a form factor that we've tested extensively over the years.To that end, and to help you pick out a
great pair of on-ear headphones, we've put together a list of our top-rated on-ear headphone reviews, so that you can do all your research
and make a purchase in one place.Looking for a list of the finest cans you can buy in 2019? Check out our roundup of the best headphones for
our overall winners in every category.[Update: Bowers - Wilkins have just expanded their headphones range with the PX5 Wireless On-Ear
Headphones
We've only tested them briefly, but we like what we hear so far – stay tuned for our full review, and to see whether they make the list of
the best on-ear headphones.]What you need to know about Black Friday 2019It's no secret thatBlack Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the
best times to find fantastic wireless headphone deals
Usually you'll find that mid-range brands like Optoma and Jaybird get the biggest discounts at retailers like Amazon, but it's worth bearing
in mind that Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Marshall, and Audio-Technica have all recently released new models – and that means older models
could be discounted.1
Grado SR60eTruly excellent sound performance for a stellar price Acoustic design: Open | Weight: N/A | Cable length: N/A | Frequency
response: 20Hz-20,000Hz | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 99db | Impedance: 32 ohm | Battery life: N/A | Wireless range:
N/A | NFC: N/AVery comfortableImpressive definition for the priceHighly recommendedNo inline controls or microphoneFor your money, you can't
do any better than Grado's SR60e
The third-generation of the Brooklyn, NY-based company's Prestige Series is its best and most refined yet. The SR60e in particular is a
smart choice if you're looking for an entry-level set of headphones that sounds like it should cost you way more than it does. Their
open-backed ear cup design makes them a more breathable experience than what most on-ear headphones can deliver, although this does mean
that they're not ideal for use in loud environments where sound can 'leak' in and disrupt your listening. That said, in terms of pure sound
quality, they're our gold-standard when it comes to on-ears.(Our review is for the SR60i, but the newer SR60e headphones are largely similar
in design and performance)Read the full review: Grado SR60e[Update: We recently tested Grado's first ever wireless headphones
Check out our Grado GW100 wireless headphones review for everything you need to know before you buy.]2
Philips Fidelio NC1 Executive looks with great sound reproductionAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 155g | Cable length: N/A | Frequency
response: N/A | Drivers: 40mm | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: N/A | Wireless range: N/A | NFC:
N/ABrilliantly balanced soundGreat build qualityDecent ANC capabilitiesSome sound leakageThere is a lot to love about the Philips Fidelio
NC1 headphones: Not only are they a joy to wear and offer up great sound reproduction, but they're also one of the lightest and most compact
ANC headphones around
They're best suited for frequent travellers who don't want to lug massive cans around with them all of the time but also don't want to
compromise on sound quality
To that end, they offer superb sound that's balanced and warm and while I would love to see a wireless range, the cable offered in the mix
is dextrous enough to not worry about it. Read the full review: Philips Fidelio NC13
AKG N60NC WirelessWireless noise-cancellation from the mid-range masterAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 199.4g | Cable length: N/A |
Frequency response: 10-22,000Hz | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: 111dB SPL/V@1kHz | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: 15
hours | Wireless range: N/A | NFC: NoGreat soundCompact designGood battery lifeInitially confusing controlsIn recent years AKG has dominated
the budget and mid-range headphone space
While most other headphones at these price points chase after the bass-addicts, AKG has been content to stick to what it knows best; namely
headphones that offer a balanced, refined sound you'd normally find in more expensive cans. With the AKG N60NC Wireless headphones the
company appears to be stepping out of its comfort zone a little
The aluminium accented design is more flashy than AKG’s usual fare, and the noise-cancellation combined with wireless operation pushes the
N60NCs to the upper end of the company’s normal price points. Read the full review:AKG N60NC Wireless4
V-Moda XSStreet-wise wireless headphones with smart features Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 195g | Cable length: 32 inches | Frequency
response: 5 - 30,000 Hz | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 105 dB | Impedance: 28.5 Ohms | Battery life: 18 hours |
Wireless range: N/A | NFC: NoDetailed and balanced soundBullet-proof buildCompact for travelLoose fit on the headThe V-Moda XS are the
perfect travel buddy for audiophiles
It’s balanced and detail-rich sound is a pleasure to listen to, plus, it’s built like a tank
While the bass could use a little more impact, we had little complain about the sound
However, that said, the XS has a loose fit on the head and barely blocks out any sound, which isn’t ideal for working out or for commuters
If you're a sedentary listener, however, these are great
In terms of competition, the Klipsch Reference On-Ear II are an excellent alternative that can block out more external sound
However, the trade off is the extended and exciting highs of the V-Moda XS as the Klipsch has more high frequency roll-off.  Read the full
review: V-Moda XS5
Master - Dynamic MW50+Luxurious feeling – and sounding – headphones for discerning listenersAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 240g |
Cable length: N/A | Frequency response: 5-30,000Hz | Drivers: 40mm Beryllium Diaphragm | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: 32
ohms | Battery life: 16 hours | Wireless range: 30 meters (98ft) | NFC: NoBuild quality and materialsSounds great with all musicSoundstage
could be widerNoise isolation isn't greatIf you can afford the steep price, the Master - Dynamic MW50 - and newer MW50+ - will not
disappoint
These headphones are a simply work of art and feel every bit as expensive as their price commands
They sound great with all types of music and are one of the most comfortable on-ear headphones we’ve ever tested. Those looking for
value, however, will want to look elsewhere.Read the full review: Master - Dynamic MW506
Klipsch Reference On-Ear IIAn excellent-sounding pair of headphones without any frillsAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: .44 pounds | Cable
length: N/A | Frequency response: 20HZ-20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.5" drivers | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 110db | Impedance: 32 ohms |
Battery life: N/A | Wireless range: N/A | NFC: N/AWonderfully balanced soundExcellent build qualityCable noisePolite highsThe Klipsch
Reference On-Ear II is the follow up to the previous year’s excellent Reference On-Ear model, a previous resident of this list
Admittedly, this year's model doesn’t change much in terms of design or sound – but why fix something that’s not broken? That said,
Klipsch kept it simple with the Reference On-Ear II, concentrating on sound, comfort and portability that will please audiophiles
Only diehard audiophiles will even consider this wired-only headphone after looking at the price tag, but those who value sound and comfort
above all else will be happy with the Klipsch Reference On Ear II.Read the full review: Klipsch Reference On-Ear II7
Grado GW100 Wireless headphonesGrado makes the grade (again)Acoustic design: Open | Weight: N/A | Cable length: N/A | Frequency response:
20Hz to 20kHz | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: 15 hours | Wireless range: 10m | NFC: YesFantastic audio qualityCool retro
designComfortableHeavy sound leakageSlightly flimsy buildThe Grado GW100s sound absolutely stunning; they boast an immersive, wide
soundstage, clear highs, smooth mids, and extended bass frequencies. They also look great, with a kitsch, retro design that recalls
Grado’s humble beginnings in 50’s Brooklyn – but, that said, that vintage-style look won’t appeal to everyone, and they do feel a
little flimsy. Although the Bluetooth connection works very well, we are struggling to understand the need for a wireless pair of open-back
headphones; particularly if the design makes them unsuitable for commuting or listening in communal areas
Still, having the option to listen wirelessly is undeniably convenient when you’re pottering around the house, and audiophiles can use
them with an AUX cable if they prefer. Overall, we feel the Grado GW100s are designed for a fairly niche market of audiophiles who crave a
wide, natural sound, and who do the majority of their music listening at home
If that sounds like you, you will probably love the Grado GW100s
If not, you may want to look at closed-back models instead. Read the full review: Grado GW100 Wireless headphones review8
Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series 2These raise the bar for design and performance Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: .42 pounds | Cable length:
3.9 feet | Frequency response: 10Hz-20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.5" drivers | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: 108db | Impedance: 22 ohm | Battery
life: N/A | Wireless range: N/A | NFC: N/AFull, balanced soundSuperb build qualityInline control is iOS onlyThe Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series
2 aren't the most feature-rich option, but in terms of sheer sound and build quality, they easily raise the bar for the competition to
follow. They look fantastically stylish, and sound just as good
So long as you have the money, there's not much else in the on-ear market that can match this package.Read the full review: Bowers and
Wilkins P5 Series 29
Audio-Technica ATH-S200BTOn-ear headphones that are easy on the wallet, great on the earsAcoustic design: Closed-back Dynamic | Weight: 190
g (6.7 oz) | Cable length: N/A | Frequency response: 5 – 32,000 Hz | Drivers: 40mm | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 102dB |
Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: 40 hours | Wireless range: 30 feet (10 meters) | NFC: NoDecent soundGreat priceTight on the earsPlastic
lookYou, like everyone else, probably wants a set of headphones that nails the tricky blend of design, useful features and incredible sound
You might think that you need to flush your savings to enjoy such a pair of cans
Protip: you don't.The Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT are a well-built, great-sounding, long-lasting pair of headphones
Their features constantly outweigh their modest price and we can’t get enough of that 40-hour battery life. While technological
advancements usually mean a premium price, that's just not the case with the Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT. Read the full review:
Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT10
Beats Solo 3 WirelessFashion-focussed cans that cater to bass loversAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 215g | Cable length: N/A | Frequency
response: N/A | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: 40 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet |
NFC: NoExcellent wireless stabilityGood Bluetooth-phone interactionEnergetic, punchy soundLack fidelity for the priceWhile the Samsung Level
On Pro Wireless are best paired with a Samsung Phone, these Beats headphones come into their own when paired with an iOS device thanks to
its W1 chip that makes for excellent wireless connectivity. At first glance, the Solo 3 Wireless appear almost identical to the Solo 2
headphones that proceeded them
The majority of the changes Apple made to its class-leading cans come internally, baking its mobile phone know-how into these headphones to
ramp-up their wireless skills and maximise battery life. In terms of wireless performance, these $299 (£249/AU$399.95) headphones are as
reliable as any out there
However, you can get significantly better sound quality at the price. (See: entries one through nine.)Read the full review: Beats Solo 3
WirelessQhSx3j8k3UAjgvrqFvZB2Z.jpg?#