Open-Ear, In-Ear, Over-Ear, On-Ear, and Open-Back: Which Headphones to Choose?

In-ear earphones, or in-ear monitors (IEMs), sit snugly inside your ear canal, offering a secure fit and excellent noise isolation. Perfect for on-the-go music lovers, in-ear headphones are easy to carry and block out distractions, immersing you in your world of sound.

If you're a frequent traveller or a daily commuter, the noise-isolating capabilities of in-ear earphones can be a lifesaver. Plus, their small size makes them easy to slip into a pocket or bag.

While in-ear earphones excel in portability and noise isolation, finding the perfect fit can be challenging. The occlusion effect, a feeling of pressure in the ear canal, can also be an issue for some users.

On-ear earphones rest on your ears rather than around them, offering a lightweight alternative to over-ear headphones. If you value both style and sound, on-ear earphones might be your ideal companion.

One of the biggest draws of on-ear earphones is their compact size. They’re smaller and lighter than over-ear models, making them more portable and easier to carry around. On-ear headphones also tend to be more stylish, with a variety of designs and colours to choose from.

While on-ear headphones offer decent sound quality, they might not match the immersive experience of over-ear models. Noise isolation is also less effective, as the ear cups don't create a complete seal around your ears. What’s more, some users might find them less comfortable than over-ear headphones during extended listening sessions.