Our Guide to the Best On Ear Headsets to Buy
February 15, 2023
- 10 min read
When it comes to headsets, comfort and sound quality often feel like a trade-off. Over-ear headsets are powerful but can feel bulky after long hours, while in-ear options are lightweight but lack the support needed for all-day use. That’s where on-ear headsets come in - a happy middle ground that delivers the comfort and support of over-ear models without the extra weight.
On-ear headsets are ideal for remote workers, frequent callers, video conference champions, working from home, and professionals on the move. Their smart design allows for extended wear without discomfort, while the ear cups naturally reduce background noise by forming a snug seal over your ears, keeping you focused and heard clearly.
Ready to find the right fit for your workday? In this guide, we’ll break down the best on-ear headsets on the market so you can work smarter, sound sharper, and stay comfortable all day long.
Post Contents [hide]
What are on ear Headsets?
As the name implies, on ear headsets sit on your ears but don’t cover them completely. One of the reasons why many users prefer on ear headsets is because of the comfortable ear cushions they have. They also have large drivers, providing good sound quality for calls, video conferencing, and music.
on ear headsets can be either wired or wireless and they can also come in mono or stereo configurations - basically meaning they can cover one ear or both ears. on ear Bluetooth headsets with mic are wireless headsets that use Bluetooth connectivity.
Why Choose An on ear Headset Instead Of Other Styles?
In-ear headsets
In-ear headsets can sometimes be uncomfortable after prolonged use. In some cases they might not fit well into your ear canals and may fall out. Meanwhile, on ear headsets sit comfortably on your ears and are supported by a headband over your head, so the problem of headsets falling off has been taken care of. Their cushions are also very soft, making them comfortable to use for extended periods.
In-ear headsets are small in size, and so are their drivers. This small size means that they won't produce as full or rich of a sound quality as larger on ear headsets.
Over-ear headsets
Over-ear headsets are significantly heavier than on ear headsets, which is a major drawback, according to many users. Those who need headsets during work for calls and video conferencing will usually feel uncomfortable after a while of use. on ear headsets, on the other hand, are lighter and more comfortable to use, even for long hours.
Over-ear headsets can get hot and sweaty with use as they cover your ears entirely. This makes them uncomfortable to use, unlike on ear headsets, which sit on your ears, allowing more breathability.
Good-quality over-ear headsets are more expensive than on ear headsets of the same quality. So if you are on a budget but require good headsets for work, on ear headsets will work for you.
Mono headsets
Mono headsets only cover one ear, leaving the other free. This is ideal for work environments where you need to interact with your colleagues, but it has its setbacks. Since you have one ear free, mono headsets allow you to easily get distracted by background noise. Mono headsets also don't feature active noise cancelling, since this technology requires a stereo headset that covers both ears. You can get on ear headsets in both mono and stereo configurations, so we suggest mono variants for when you need to maintain situational awareness or you often have to talk to your colleagues around you and don't want to keep taking your headset off. If you need to concentrate and want the most noise cancelling, then we suggest a stereo on ear headset.
What Features Should You Look for in an on ear Headset?
Wired vs Wireless
Before you purchase, ensure it’s the type of headset you want, as both wired and wireless headsets are available. Wired headsets give stable connections and are free from interference, but the wires can limit your movement. Wireless headsets, such as on ear Bluetooth headsets with mic, on the other hand, are very portable, but battery life is important here. So consider each type's pros and cons before settling for one.
Noise Cancellation
on ear headsets with ANC features are a must-have for you if you work with people. You can’t control what happens around you, but you can decide how it affects you. ANC headsets are the perfect way to stay on the phone without your surrounding noise affecting the other person. So you can always ensure satisfaction on the other end, even in transit.
Battery Life
You must look for long-lasting battery life and fast charging features, especially if you use wireless on ear headsets. Those with long call hours will have a better experience having to charge less frequently, so this feature is a must-have.
Comfort
Since you’ll be wearing the headset for long hours while working, they should be very comfortable. Check for the materials such as foam that are soft and sit comfortably on your ear to avoid discomfort.
What are the Best on ear Headsets to buy?
Best Wired on ear Headset
Plantronics Blackwire 5220
32%
Off
MSRP: $197
$134
inc GST
Save: $63
- WORKS WITH - PC (USB-A) + Mobile
- Folds flat with travel pouch
- Skype & MS Teams Certified
- Great for music and voice calls
The ergonomic design of this on ear headset makes it comfortable and fit for using for long periods. The noise-cancelling microphone allows you to have a good conversation without the other party being distracted by your background noise. So if you spend lots of hours on the phone, this is a great choice.
In addition to the excellent audio quality you get, there is also in-built ear protection. This handy feature protects you from any sudden surge in audio signals, which is great because you only have one set of ears! You are not limited in device connectivity as it can be used with your PC being a USB-on ear headset or with your tablet and mobile devices.
You can answer and end calls, adjust the volume, and mute calls with a single touch. This makes control easier and greatly improves user experience.
Best Wireless on ear Headset
Jabra Engage 75
24%
Off
MSRP: $659
$498
inc GST
Save: $161
- WORKS WITH - Desk Phone + PC + Mobile (2)
- Headband style - 2 earcups
- Easy Mute Buttons
- 13 hour talk time
This wireless on ear headset gives you several connection options so you are certainly spoiled for choice here. There are 2 USB connections; one for a PC or mac and the other for a desk phone. There are also 2 simultaneous Bluetooth connections for your mobile phone and tablet. You also get the standard RJ connection to a desk phone. As an office headset, the Bluetooth connection is from the base unit, so you can’t use it when out of range.
You have both stereo and mono outputs, and they both provide you with top sound quality. The directional noise-cancelling mic makes your call experience even better, both for you and the person on the other end of the call. The speakers are smart and automatically switch functions when you listen to music after a call.
The 13-hour talk time battery life is exceptional, and the busy light indicator comes in handy too when you don't want to be disturbed when on an important call.
Best Mobile Phone On Ear Headset
Plantronics Voyager 4320
42%
Off
MSRP: $402
$233
inc GST
Save: $169
- WORKS WITH - Mobile/Tablet + PC/Laptop/Mac
- Includes USB-A Dongle
- Hybrid working flexibility
- Zoom Certified
- Up to 24 Hours Talk time
This Plantronics on ear headset is a mono headset that connects using a USB dongle for a firm connection as a USB on ear headset. You can connect to your PC or mac, which is great for your office desk phone. The base also allows Bluetooth connections making it a high-quality on ear Bluetooth headset with a mic.
This on ear headset with mic has a flexible microphone close to your lips which helps with even better clarity during calls. The mute button is conveniently placed on the mic so you can easily reach it when you need to. For your comfort, the headband is padded to allow a user who spends long hours on the phone to do so easily.
You get a talk time of 24 hours and a standby time of 50 days. This battery capacity ensures you are never stranded, as a single full charge can take a long time. Easy controls such as call answer/ reject, volume and power are available.
Best Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headset
Plantronics Voyager Focus 2
43%
Off
MSRP: $576
$330
inc GST
Save: $246
- Works With - PC + Mobile
- USB-A Dongle
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Intuitive features
This Plantronics on ear headset provides active noise cancelling, protecting you from all the noise and distractions around you. You can either turn ANC on or off or adjust its level. In addition to the available ANC feature, the mic uses a poly acoustic fence technology. This synergy ensures that the caller concentrates on your words as your background noise is blocked. So if you work in a noisy environment, this is a great choice.
As one of the best on ear Bluetooth headsets, you can have 2 simultaneous connections at a time. You can also connect to your PC via the USB dongle.
Just as with most high-quality products, the headbands are made to be comfortable. So even if you are a long-haul user, there is no discomfort here. You get up to 16 hours of talk time with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off.
The Most Comfortable on ear Headset
Jabra Engage 75
24%
Off
MSRP: $659
$498
inc GST
Save: $161
- WORKS WITH - Desk Phone + PC + Mobile (2)
- Headband style - 2 earcups
- Easy Mute Buttons
- 13 hour talk time
The Jabra Engage 75 is designed with your comfort in mind, using soft and comfortable materials that don’t cause you pain or sweat. Its lightweight design also means you can wear it all day long without any inconvenience.
You get active Noise cancelling mics and enhanced speakers for your comfort and the comfort of the other person on the line. This lets you get clear audio and filter background noise so the other person can hear you without stress. You can also maintain a wireless connection with this headset even at 150 meters, thanks to the 150 meters DECT wireless range.
Your wireless calls are heavily encrypted for privacy and security using 256-bit AES encryption. You also have a busy light that prevents interruptions when on the phone. The fact charge is handy and gives you up to 13 hours of talk time at full charge.
This Jabra on ear headset gives you a lot of connections. You can connect to 5 devices simultaneously, making it a cost-effective office headset. The intuitive controls add up to make your user experience even better.
Why Buy On Ear Headset For The Office?
Increased Productivity
With the use of on ear headsets, staff can be more productive as they can easily multitask. With your hand free, you can easily take notes or do several other things making you more efficient.
Better Audio Quality
Unlike phones, on ear headsets optimise sound for both ends of the conversation for a better experience. The microphone is placed close to your mouth for clarity, and both parties have better audio quality with ANC.
Comfort
If you make long calls at the office, you will see that holding your phone can get uncomfortable. This triggers fatigue and reduces efficiency. With on ear headsets, however, you can go about your calls while being comfortable.
See Our Range Of on ear Headsets at Simply Headsets
At Simply Headsets, we offer you a range of headsets that are perfect for your work at the office. We also offer a range of headsets for remote work. These headsets all have one thing in common; quality. Click on any of the links below to make your choice from the variety of products in stock:
Best headsets to work from home
Top picks of computer headsets
FAQ
Do All on ear Headsets Have A Microphone?
Yes, they do. On ear headset with a mic allows you to make and answer calls easily and give voice commands without having to handle your phone.