In the subway, at work, while jogging or lounging on the sofa, headphones are a great way to listen to music. With so many designs, features and sound signatures to choose from, it’s a good idea to compare headphones to find the model right for you. Read on to learn more!
In-ear headphones – the smallest option
In-ears are the smallest type of headphones. They show their strengths especially when you are on the move. Even when you are jogging, the small earphones that are inserted into the ear canals usually have a good fit. They can also be stowed in your trouser pocket. The compact design of the earplugs is possible because the distance between the headphone membrane and the inner ear is very small. Accordingly, low energy input and small movements of the membrane are sufficient to achieve a volume that is clearly perceptible to the listener.
Another advantage of the “in-ear” version is the good isolation against external noise. However, this presupposes that the in-ears sit well in the ear canal because only then do they close it. Otherwise, sound will escape outside.
Opens in new tabAnd what about the sound quality? That depends on the situation: In-ears, which are often available as accessories for smartphones and MP3 players, are often not very good. But they can produce great sound even in a small headphone room. With high-quality products, even small drivers can reproduce the entire frequency range. Here, the closed system that is created in the ear has a particular advantage: a strong bass response can be produced with low membrane excursion.
In-ear headphones: advantages & disadvantages
| Headphone type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| In-Ear | – Compact, lightweight – Noise insulation – Affordable | – Comfortable for long periods of use – Limited sound stage – Hygiene problem (direct contact with ear canal) |
Tip: Say goodbye to hygiene problems! We’ll tell you how to clean your in-ear headphones easily and effectively – here’s how to do it right.
In-ear headphones from Teufel
Open-ear headphones – the alternative for sports enthusiasts
The term “Open-Ear” means that the ears remain open to the outside with these headphones. They are not inserted into the ear canal like in-ear headphones, but are simply clipped onto the outer ear.
Open-ear models can improve alertness and also protect hearing, as they reduce strain on the eardrum. Additionally, they are more hygienic than in-ear headphones. However, due to the lack of insulation, the sound from the headphones can mix with surrounding noises (including wind), which may take some getting used to.
Open-ear headphones: advantages & disadvantages
| Headphone type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Open-Ear | – External perception (safety, e.g. in road traffic) – Lightweight and comfortable to wear – Suitable for sporting activities | – Lack of noise insulation – Less bass – Less choice, higher price |
Pamper your ears: Over- and on-ear headphones
The second subgroup are the bow headphones. These are not pushed into the ear canal but are placed on or around the auricle. Bow headphones can be divided into on-ears and over-ears:
On-ear headphones
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As the name suggests, on-ear headphones are designed with smaller ear cups that rest on the ears instead of enveloping them. The headband exerts just enough pressure to keep the ear cups from slipping off and creates a seal for better noise isolation and sound quality. The ear cups provide enough space for on-device controls such as on/off and skip track buttons.
Over-ear headphones
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These largest of headphone models envelope the entire ear. The roomier design allows room for larger drivers. Depending on the material used, the ear cups can also serve as a resonating chamber for the bass. Over-ear headphones come in three basic designs: Open, closed and semi-open. This refers to the amount of air that can pass into the ear cup and will influence the sound signature. Open over-ear headphones general produce wonderfully transparent sound and come the closest of all headphones to reproducing an authentic stereo image. Semi-open and closed designs can also produce a fantastic bass response. Larger ear cups leave room for on-device controls.
Side by side comparison: on-ear vs. over-ear headphones
| Feature | On-ear headphones | Over-ear headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Size & weight | Compact, lightweight | Large, heavy |
| Sound | Good sound quality, less bass | Outstanding sound quality, wide sound stage |
| Noise insulation | Mediocre, ambient noise penetrates | Very good (especially for closed models) |
| Use case | Everyday life, travel, short use | Studio work, long listening sessions |
| Price | Inexpensive | Higher price segment |
FAQ
In-ear headphones are ideal for traveling as they are compact, lightweight and easy to carry. They also offer good noise isolation. Alternatively, wireless over-ear models with active noise canceling (ANC) are practical for commuters when comfort and sound quality are a priority.
In-ear headphones or open-ear models specially developed for sports are ideal for sporting activities. They are lightweight, sweat and water resistant and fit securely. Open-ear models are particularly suitable for outdoors as they allow ambient noise to pass through.
Over-ear headphones generally offer the best sound quality. They have larger drivers and offer a wider sound stage. They are the best choice for detailed music or studio work.
It depends on your needs:
Wireless: Practical for traveling, sports or flexible listening. Pay attention to the battery life.
Wired: Often offer better sound quality without delays, especially good for music lovers and gamers.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Manufacturers of high-quality headphones manage to produce excellent sound with all types of headphones. The design of in-ear headphones and headband models has some special features. In terms of sound, in-ears are at their best in the lower frequency ranges. This strength is particularly evident in hip-hop and pop songs, where the bass often dominates.
On-ears and over-ears score highly when it comes to producing a spatially differentiated sound. One of the reasons for this is that the sound waves move within the pinna, as in natural auditory perception, before they reach the ear canal. This has a particularly positive effect on concert recordings as well as jazz and classical music recordings. Voice reproduction also sounds more natural when there is air between the membrane and the auricle, as is the case with on-ears and over-ears.
Headphones are only harmful if they are used incorrectly or operated at too high a volume for too long. In general, this risk is more likely with in-ears, which sit directly in the ear canal. Open-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones therefore tend to be healthier. However, if you regulate the volume below 85 dB, wear your in-ears correctly and take them off when using them for a long time, you have nothing to worry about.
It all depends on what kind of music you want to listen to and in which environment. Noise-canceling headphones, for example, are perfect in noisy environments. In-ear headphones can deliver strong bass, which is particularly useful for listening to music during sports. Over-ear headphones show their strengths particularly in terms of spatiality and are therefore best suited for conscious music enjoyment.
Tip: Would you like to find out more and get an overview of all the products and headphone types in the Teufel range? Then take a look at the store category HeadphonesOpens in new tab. There you can find out about all models and find out more about the different types of headphones and their features such as Bluetooth aptX and noise canceling.
The variety of headphones in the Teufel Shop
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▶ REAL BLUE PROOpens in new tab: These over-ear HD Bluetooth headphones completely surround your ears and envelop you in first-class sound, including the deepest bass. The ventilated ear pads are particularly soft for high wearing comfort and are also replaceable. Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling allows you to fade outside noise in or out in three stages.
▶ SUPREME ONOpens in new tab: The on-ear, wireless and elegantly finished Bluetooth headphonesOpens in new tab with linear HD drivers and effective external sound attenuation come with ShareMe function, hands-free function, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX™ and AAC for music streaming in CD-like quality and runtimes of up to 30 hours. Your favorite sound has never sounded so good.
▶ AIRY TWS PROOpens in new tab: These in-ear headphones set the tone! They impress with their precise highs, warm mids and balanced bass. The AIRY TWS PRO accompany you through everyday life: on the way to work, on a call with a customer and in the afternoon when gaming or playing sport.
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▶ AIRY OPEN TWSOpens in new tab: Experience freedom and safety when listening to music! With their innovative open-ear technology, they ensure that you can enjoy your ear canal freely and the sound strong and clear. Whether you’re doing sports, out in nature or simply relaxing – thanks to the headband, they always fit perfectly and offer you comfortable listening all day long.
More headphones from Teufel
Coda: Compare headphones to find the right pair for you
- Headphone designs can be divided into three basic categories: In-ear, on-ear and over-ear
- In-ear headphones are a good choice for active lifestyles thanks to a snug fit and easy storage
- In-ear headphones are also a good choice for those who listen to a lot of hip hop and electronic music
- On and over-ear headphones feature larger ear cups that either press against or cover the ear
- Over-ear headphones can be open, closed or semi open depending on how much air circulates into the ear cups
- Both on-ear headphones and over-ear headphones produce an airier sound than in-ears. This makes them excellent choices for classical music, jazz and some rock genres
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