Brands like Teufel repeatedly try—most recently with the Supreme On-Ear—to present smaller headphones that are supposed to offer outstanding performance. But can they really compete with a Sony or an Apple model, or perhaps even outperform them?
In general, over-ear headphones offer better sound quality than on-ear headphones.
So why do on-ear headphones exist at all?
Over-ear headphones surround the entire ear and can therefore deliver more acoustic energy and use larger drivers, which improves bass reproduction and overall sound richness. The tight seal ensures that low frequencies are reproduced more effectively, giving the sound a fuller character overall.
Because of their larger design, over-ear models often provide a better soundstage and spatial presentation, especially when equipped with S-Logic technology. This means instruments and sounds can be localized more precisely in space, which is particularly beneficial for genres such as classical and jazz, where spatial perception plays an important role.
Over-ear headphones also offer better passive noise isolation because they completely enclose the ear. As a result, external noise is reduced more effectively and sound details can be perceived more clearly. This is more difficult with on-ear headphones, since they rest on the ears and allow more ambient noise to pass through, which can affect the listening experience.
Because over-ear headphones surround the ear, they usually create less direct pressure on the ears and are therefore often more comfortable for longer listening sessions. On-ear headphones, on the other hand, can become uncomfortable during extended use because they apply pressure directly to the ear cups.
Over-ear headphones are better suited for precise and immersive sound reproduction and are often the preferred choice for audiophiles and longer listening sessions. On-ear headphones offer a lighter, more compact alternative and are more practical for travel, though usually with compromises in sound quality and isolation.
My opinion on this:
ULTRASONE once had a directly comparable pair of models on the market: the edition M and the edition M+. The on-ear edition M, and later the M Black Pearl, are unique in their class when it comes to precise and spatial sound, as they successfully implement S-Logic in a compact format. The smaller 30 mm driver, like its larger sibling, is titanium-coated and delivers transparency and musical enjoyment.
The price and portability clearly distinguished the two models, which is why the smaller one is still part of the lineup, while the larger one was discontinued—our customers tended to go straight for the bigger siblings instead.
I still find the small edition M very convincing in terms of sound and outstanding in terms of value for money. Of course, a much more expensive Founders Series is on a completely different level.
Small and beautiful works for many people—and instead of TWS or other in-ears, I would always choose the edition M! 🎧
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