Earbuds or Over-Ear Headphones: Which Should You Buy?
In short
Earbuds are best for the gym, the commute and your pocket. Over-ear headphones are more comfortable for hours at a time and usually block more noise, which makes them the pick for flights and open-plan offices. Open-ear earbuds leave your ears free to hear traffic, so they suit runners and cyclists. If noise is your problem, choose a model with active noise cancelling (ANC).
In this guide (5 sections)
| Type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| In-ear earbuds | Gym, commute, pocket | Some people find them tiring after hours |
| Noise-cancelling earbuds | Trams, trains, cafés | Cost a little more |
| Open-ear earbuds | Running, cycling, staying aware | Less bass, more sound leaks out |
| Over-ear headphones | Flights, office, long sessions | Bulkier to carry |
Are earbuds or over-ear headphones better for noise cancelling?
Over-ear headphones generally block more, because the ear cups seal around your ears as well as using active noise cancelling.
Over-ear options with noise cancelling: the Baseus Bowie H1 and the Baseus Bass BH1 NC. In earbud form, the Bass BP1 NC.
Which earbuds are best for the gym?
Small, secure in-ear buds that you won't mind getting sweaty. The Bass BP1 Pro and Bass BS2 Lite are light everyday options.
What are open-ear earbuds?
They sit outside the ear canal, so you still hear cars, bikes and people around you. That makes them a good choice for running or riding. See the Baseus Bass BC1 Open-Ear.
What if I just want simple wireless headphones?
For music at home or study without noise cancelling, the Bass BH1 Lite or Bass 35 Max keep it simple.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do these work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. They connect over Bluetooth to iPhone, Android, tablets and laptops.
Q: Is noise cancelling safe to use outside?
Be careful near traffic. Turn it off, or use open-ear buds, when walking or riding on roads.
Q: Can I listen to a speaker instead?
For sharing music, see which Bluetooth speaker to buy.
Products named were available when this guide was written; see the current range.
