The best on-ear headphones 2021: top 10 ranking according to KP

Music is an integral part of our life. We move around the city to our favorite songs, work, dance, and do household chores. It doesn't matter whether you're enjoying the tranquility of Schubert, bobbing your head to the beat to Naughty by Nature, or getting energized by Led Zeppelin. What matters is how they sound. In today's article we will look at the best on-ear headphones of 2021. Already from the name of this gadget it becomes clear that the pads of the device are placed on the ears, and do not completely cover them. Each model has its own characteristics. In particular, they are wired and wireless, differ in technical characteristics and price. Choosing the most optimal ones is quite problematic. Therefore, KP compiled a rating of the top 10 best on-ear headphones, in which it examined the nuances of each gadget.

Top 10 rating according to KP

Editor's Choice

Marshall Major III Bluetooth (average price 9,500 rubles)

Marshall Major III Bluetooth.
Photo: Marshall Our selection opens with Marshall Major III Bluetooth . Classic design. Convenient folding design that allows you to take the gadget with you on trips. Soft ear pads block out external sounds well.

Main characteristics:

Invoices
Dynamic
Codec support: aptX
Sensitivity 97 dB
Weight 178 g

Folding design, Bluetooth, operating time 30 hours

Weak sensitivity of the built-in microphone, unusual control joystick

Beats Solo3 Wireless (average price 11,490 rubles)

Beats Solo3 Wireless. Photo: Beats

Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones . Thanks to precise tuning of the speaker system, the user hears the clear sound of the composition without defects. This gadget is also convenient for transportation, as its cups fold. In addition, they support voice control. However, some functions can only be used using the joystick located on the body.

Main characteristics:

Invoices, closed
Bluetooth
Dynamic
Operating time 40 h
Sensitivity 110 dB
Impedance 32 Ohm
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector with detachable cable
Foldable design
Weight 215 g.

The updated Solo with the W1 processor makes it as easy as possible to connect to iOS products. They can also work autonomously for a longer period of time.

High sound quality, ability to work in a discharged state via a cable, excellent design.

They turn off at severe subzero temperatures; for some users, the shape of the headphones causes discomfort

JBL Tune 750BTNC (average price 3,740 rubles)

JBL Tune 750BTNC. Photo: JBL

The third position was taken by the model of the American manufacturer JBL Tune 750BTNC . It features powerful JBL Pure Bass sound. This gadget can work for 15 hours without recharging. It only takes 2 hours to recharge. These on-ear headphones come in four different colors. Thanks to this, each buyer can choose a model to suit their style.

Main characteristics:

Invoices
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Bluetooth 4.2
Dynamic
Operating time 15 hours
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector with detachable cable
Foldable design
Weight 220 g.

Value for money, good noise insulation, organic design

The design of the headband is not suitable for everyone, the included cable does not support the microphone, there are complaints about the sound quality

What other on-ear headphones are worth paying attention to?

Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT (average price 5,499 rubles)

Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT. Photo: Audio-Technica

Next on the list is the Audio-Technica ATH-SR30BT . This device only supports wireless connection type. Bluetooth 5.0 is used for this. The greatest interest in this gadget is its battery. On-ear headphones can work for 70 hours without recharging. Experts also note the high sound quality.

Main characteristics:

Invoices, closed
Bluetooth 5.0
Dynamic
Operating time 70 h
Codec support: AAC
Sensitivity 99 dB
Impedance 32 Ohm
Foldable design
Weight 193 g

Duration of operation, good connection via Bluetooth, high quality of materials from which the model is made

Short charging cable, no connector for wired connection, poor microphone

Jabra Elite 85h (average price 14,990 rubles)

Jabra Elite 85h. Photo: Jabra

The Jabra Elite 85h over-ear headphones took pride of place in our ranking . The wireless device with noise-canceling function features a modern design. The gadget also allows you to independently configure music playback settings in accordance with your preferences and enjoy the clear sound of music with specially designed speakers.

Main characteristics:

Invoices
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Bluetooth 5.0
Dynamic
Operating time 36 h
Codec support: AAC

Comfortable fit, interesting design, moisture protection

Instability of connection to some smartphones, average noise reduction function

Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless (average price 33,500 rubles)

Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless. Photo: Beyerdynamic

The most expensive model of on-ear headphones in our top Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireles s. High sound quality in this gadget was achieved thanks to Tesla technology. These headphones also feature touch controls via a panel on the outside of the speaker. It only takes two hours to fully charge the battery.

Main characteristics:

Invoices, closed
Bluetooth 4.2
Dynamic
Operating time 30 h
Codec support: AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Sensitivity 105 dB
Impedance 32 Ohm
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector with detachable cable
Foldable design
Weight 238 g

Original design, touch control, excellent sound quality

Poor quality plastic fastening of the guides, the microphone only works when connected wirelessly

Adidas RPT-01 (average price 6,440 rubles)

Adidas RPT-01. Photo: Adidas

This gadget was created thanks to the collaboration of the sportswear brand Adidas and the Swedish company Zound Industries. Thanks to this collaboration, stylish on-ear headphones with high sound quality were born. They were originally intended for sports training. However, many people use them in everyday life.

Main characteristics:

Invoices, closed
Bluetooth 5.0
Dynamic
Operating time 40 h
Water protection
Weight 209 g

Convenient control joystick, stylish appearance, comfortable head

Heavy weight, average sound insulation

Marshall Monitor II ANC (average price 24,990 rubles)

Marshall Monitor II ANC Photo: Marshall

These on-ear headphones have pretty good performance. However, the price for such pleasure is quite high. There is a headset function, an equalizer in the application, and a button to call a voice assistant. They didn’t forget about the sound - the flagship model sounds at the highest level.

Main characteristics:

Invoices
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Bluetooth 5.0
Dynamic
Operating time 45 h
Sensitivity 96 dB
Impedance 32 Ohm
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector with detachable cable
Weight 320 g.

Stylish appearance, ease of operation, high sound quality

Price, average noise reduction of external sounds

Mpow 059 (average price 2,790 rubles)

Mpow 059. Photo: Mpow

The most budget model on our list. However, it has a number of its advantages. These are closed-back over-ear headphones with passive noise isolation. Despite the seemingly bulky size, they sit on the head comfortably and comfortably. The ear pads completely cover the ears, which also provides isolation of external sounds.

Main characteristics:

Invoices, closed
Bluetooth 4.0
Dynamic
Operating time 13 hours
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector with detachable cable
Foldable design.

Low price, convenient design

Short operating time, simple design

Tronsmart Encore S6 (average price 3,600 rubles)

Tronsmart Encore S6

The Tronsmart Encore S6 model closes our rating . This model has two operating modes - via Bluetooth and via cable. The gadget also has a built-in call answering function. Passive noise cancellation blocks out more than 80% of extraneous sounds.

Main characteristics:

Full size
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Dynamic
Operating time 24 hours
Mini jack 3.5 mm connector with detachable cable

Low price, long operating time

Simple design, average sound quality

EXEQ HHC-002

— the spectacular design of EXEQ HHC-002 headphones from the Happy Color series with bright color combinations will not leave anyone indifferent. The small but loud drivers of these in-ear headphones provide a tight seal and clear sound with powerful bass. The 130 cm long cable allows you not only to conveniently listen to music from your player or phone, but also to connect headphones to your PC, and the flat design of the cable will not allow it to get tangled. A durable L-shaped plug with a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack allows you to comfortably connect EXEQ HHC-002 headphones to many portable devices.

Design in color.

Happy Color is a series of Exeq headphones with the brightest and richest colors. One of the brightest representatives of the series is the EXEQ HHC-002 headphones. The model has an original design, the main difference of which is a successful combination of the brightest and most fashionable colors. The assortment includes 4 options for the most original color combinations - choose what suits your mood: Stylish combination of night colors - black and blue headphones, Color combination of the Russian flag - red, blue and white headphones, Color combination for fashionable buyers - yellow and lilac headphones, An original combination for lovers of everything unusual - red-yellow-green headphones.

Sound quality.

Despite its compact and miniature size, EXEQ HHC-002 headphones provide clear and balanced transmission of music of any genre. Thanks to the presence of neodymium magnets and a wide frequency range of 20 Hz - 22000 Hz, the headphones are capable of transmitting the clearest sounds at different volume levels. Thanks to the ergonomic shape and the presence of soft silicone ear pads, the EXEQ HHC-002 speakers fit snugly into the ear and provide complete immersion in the world of your favorite melodies.

The set includes 3 pairs of ear pads of different sizes - choose the headphones that suit you.

Practical “noodle” wire.

EXEQ HHC-002 headphones have a practical “noodle” type wire - a flexible and flat wire will not allow the headphones to get tangled. Also, the shape of the wire makes it quite resistant to various mechanical damage - squeezing, twisting or breakage. The cable length of 130 cm will not only allow you to conveniently listen to music from your player or phone, but also connect headphones to your computer. For convenient use, the kit includes clips for attaching the wire to clothing.

L-shaped plug and connections.

A durable L-shaped plug with a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack will reliably protect the wire from breaks and allow you to comfortably connect EXEQ HHC-002 headphones to many devices: telephone, mp3 player, computer, tablet, e-reader, game console.

Possibility of use.

Thanks to its design and technical features, EXEQ HHC-002 Headphones can be not only a practical device for listening to music, but also an elegant accessory that reflects your mood. At home, at work, on the road, in the gym, enjoy your favorite tunes with EXEQ HHC-002 headphones, giving those around you bright emotions with the bright colors of your music listening devices.

How to choose over-ear headphones

When choosing a gadget, you need to consider a number of features. Pavel Alekseenko, host of the Smart Life YouTube channel, told us about all the details and nuances . Every month, many different devices pass through his hands, which he reviews.

Sound, Bluetooth and Connectivity

According to Pavel, it is necessary to pay attention to sound quality and bass strength. The melody of the composition that will be played directly depends on this. Also, modern on-ear headphones should be able to connect via Bluetooth and cable. The latter is necessary for use at home, since the sound quality via cable is always better, says the expert. It is advisable to try it on before purchasing. Many headphones have different head shapes.

Price

The quality of the materials from which the device is made depends on this indicator. A higher price means premium components, a lower price means cheap ones. Pavel recommends that audiophiles pay attention to the range from 15 to 20 thousand rubles. The expert also highlights the brands Sony, JBL and Marshall.

Charge

The headphone battery should last for at least 16 hours of continuous use. This is the optimal time.

Soundproofing

Over-ear headphones come in open and closed types. In open ones, air circulates freely through the cups along with sound. Due to this, you hear all the sounds around you. People around you can also hear your music. That is why it is better to give preference to a closed type gadget.

Amplitude-frequency characteristics

The amplitude-frequency diagram shows the dependence of volume on frequency. These indicators will help you decide on the required sound of the device, depending on your preferences. However, it is advisable to choose an average value. Thus, the human ear is capable of perceiving from 20 to 20,000 Hz.