Inside Denon

Over-Ear Headphones Buying Guide

Everything you need to know

What are over-ear headphones?

Over-ear headphones have earcups that fit around your ear and are connected by a headband. They can be wired or wireless and can be ultra-premium reference quality headphones or basic commuter-style headphones. 


Are earbuds or over-ear headphones better?

This depends on your preference—based on comfort, style, and use case. If you are looking for headphones that you can wear while you are working out or on the go, you may want to consider earbuds. They are small and unobtrusive, more portable, and water resistant. But some people do not like the way they feel in the ear. In that case, over-ear headphones may work better for you. They are larger and not always water resistant, but wireless over-ear headphones tend to have much longer battery life per charge than wireless earbuds. They are perfect to use for work—either at home or at the office—or while sitting at your favorite cafe.


What is active noise canceling and why would I need it?

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) reduces unwanted background noise. Microphones on the outside and inside of the earbuds measure the noise reaching the ear, then send the measurements to an algorithm that immediately creates an opposite signal to cancel the noise. All this means you can tune out unwanted outside noise and enjoy your favourite music to the fullest—without interruptions. It helps tune out the world around you so you can focus on work or your favorite album. It makes travel by plane less stressful, so you can arrive at your destination feeling ready to go. Our lives are so noisy these days that it is great to have a tool that lets us block out the noise and focus on what we want to hear.  


Are wireless or wired over-ear headphones better?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for great sound without the bulk and hassle of wires, then go with wireless over-ear headphones. You’ll need to make sure they’re charged, but the sound and comfort may be worth it. On the other hand, if you’re a recording artist or mix engineer that needs to make sure there is zero latency between your inputs and what you hear through your headphones, you’ll want the wired over-ear Headphones. If zero-lag is your goal, there’s no substitute for a reliable 1/8th-inch audio cable. Best sound quality with latency-free listening? Go wired.


What are the best wireless over-ear headphones?

The best wireless Over-Ear headphones have premium drivers, great battery life, and, ideally, Active Noise Cancelling. Furthermore, companies that have been around for more than a century make the best wireless-over ear headphones. As luck would have it, Denon ticks all these boxes and more.


What are the best wired over-ear headphones?

If the utmost in sound quality is what you’re after, go for any of our Ultra-premium or reference hi-fi headphones. These have been handcrafted individually and have been tuned by our very own Denon Sound Master. It’s as close as you can get to being in the front row of your favorite concert.


Why Denon over-ear headphones?

We’ve been around for over a century and have spent that time perfecting everything we can in the pursuit of amazing sound. This transfers very well to over-ear headphones and our customers agree! Amazing, crisp, warm sound quality with the Denon reliability you’ve come to expect.