The 9 Best On-Ear Headphones of 2020

Beats have a reputation for being a bit overpriced for the sound quality, but the Beats Solo3 finally deliver a product worthy of the hefty price tag. The star of the show is the high quality Bluetooth functionality, which outperforms all other wireless headphones on the market. They use Class 1 Bluetooth to sync up with multiple devices in the area and have a range of over 30 feet, making them perfect for the gym or working around the house, where you can walk around without worrying about disconnecting.

A 40-hour battery life and comfortable on-ear cups mean you can listen all day. If you run out of charge, plug them in for five minutes and you will have three hours of playback. Finally, fine-tune acoustics offer an immersive experience that delivers on-point bass without any coloration of the mids. Choose one of eight sleek designs for the classic Beats style.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best Beats headphones.

With premium build quality, superb sound and maximum comfort for your ears, the KEF M500 are one of the best pairs of on-ear headphones on the market right now. They feature a unique multi-directional Smart Hinge that connects the lightweight aluminum frame to the supple leather earpads. The pads rest easy on your ears, yet maintain a firm seal that results in an enjoyable listening experience even for a full day of work. A tangle-free cable and flight adapter round out the package.

The highs are crisp and lows are deep and rich, with a large soundstage that makes you feel like you are listening in a recording studio. The headphones are made with a 1.4-inch neodymium driver that delivers hi-fi sound, while copper-clad aluminum coils perfect acoustic clarity.

For those who want a pair of headphones that look and feel as luxurious as they sound, the Beoplay H4 headphones from luxury audio manufacturer Bang & Olufsen will satisfy your desire. Designed with clean lines and pure materials, these headphones sport a lightweight cosmopolitan design blending leather, aluminum and steel. From the soft lambskin leather headband to the memory foam ear cushions, to the durable braided textiles covering the cords, this pair of headphones looks and feels better than any other pair on this list.

The sound also delivers for the price tag, with a frequency range of 20-22,000 and Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound offering a perfectly balanced bass and treble with a clear midrange and a wide soundstage. Bluetooth 4.2 pairs easily with your devices, while intuitive on-device controls allow you to seamlessly select your sound without missing a beat.

Take a peek at some of the other best Bang & Olufsen headphones you can buy.

Lightweight and comfortable, Skullcandy’s Grind Bluetooth on-ear headphones are the absolute best option in the budget category. Built from premium materials, the plush on-ear pillows ensure the Skulls are enjoyable for hours of uninterrupted listening. The metal headband is covered in a soft leather that won’t slip or adjust on its own. The headphones' audio is top notch thanks to 40mm drivers. Utilizing Skullcandy’s Supreme Sound technology, music of all types sounds remarkable. Crisp mids and highs are matched with an adequately deep bass ensuring no music genre is left out in the cold. Controls for play/pause, answer and end calls, as well as skipping tracks are found on the left earcup.

The headphones deliver 12 hours of battery life, but should you exhaust that, the included AUX 3.5mm cord with microphone connects to any device. Charging up the battery from zero to full requires just under 2.5 hours. The on-ear design won’t match the same noise cancellation as over-ear, but they block out most external sounds. The headphones are available in an array of colors including black and chrome, beige and teal, and blue.

Read more of our reviews of the best budget headphones available to purchase online. 

These foldable headphones from Edifier are great for kids, thanks to a portable folding design and an array of fun color options. They are available in fun neon colors such as blue, orange, pink and purple, and all are accented by a silver band on top. Equally important, the stainless steel headband is both flexible and durable, perfect for throwing in a backpack without worry of damage. They can even be folded to fit in a tight space, so they're easy to transport on the bus or plane. Soft leather ear-cups make for a comfortable listening experience, while no-tangle wire saves headaches. The headphones also use a neodymium magnet driver for a nice clear sound.

Read more of our reviews of the best headphones to buy for kids. 

Experience the sound of silence with the amazing noise-canceling technology on this pair of Libratone headphones. Perfect for busy city streets and quiet library study sessions, four levels of noise control offer an amazing way to experience sound at the level you feel comfortable. CityMix adjustable noise cancelation goes from passthrough, when you need to be able to hear the world around you, to immersive silence when you need to lose yourself in your music without any background noise. The technology matches the frequency of your music with the frequencies of the outside world, making for the perfect listening experience. Take advantage of this noise-canceling technology and the included microphone to make calls anywhere without worrying about hearing the other end.

The headphones are also wireless, using Bluetooth to pair your devices for 20+ listening hours. Experience a full range of sound, with deeper bass than most wireless headphones, but still delivering full midrange and lively treble. The premium build looks and feels luxurious, while on-ear controls make for easy use.

Read more of our reviews of the best headphones for noise cancellation. 

Bluetooth technology is no longer the new kid on the block, so you no longer have to shell out for top-end equipment to get wireless capabilities. This pair of AH2 on-ear headphones from Ausdom separates itself from other budget options, thanks to super comfortable leather padded soft ear cushions, a pressure-relieving stretch headband and surprisingly good audio performance. The best-in-class sound for wireless headphones comes from 40mm drivers with full frequency response for deep bass and extended treble. This high-fidelity headset sports Bluetooth V4.0 and includes a built-in microphone for making calls or playing online games. Expect about 20 hours of battery life and a relatively short recharge time of two to three hours.

A gaming headset should have impeccable audio for crucial communications and a comfortable fit that won’t distract you from the competition. Plye’s PGPHONE80 accomplishes both of those at a value price, winning accolades from the gaming community. Its stylish design blends white aluminum with a comfortable adaptive band that is a perfect fit for every head size. Cerulean blue accents illuminate the mic and ear cups.

Expect great sound from 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound and 3D Aural Information help you hone in on every detail, giving you an edge over the competition. On-ear bass vibration provides a more engrossing experience for games and music, while convenient buttons help you make adjustments on the fly.

Read more of our reviews of the best headphones for gaming available for purchase online.