Circumaural vs Supra Aural Headphones (Comparison)

You might have listened to both of these terms which are purely related from a technical aspect. You surely need to understand these terms as both types of headphones have their unique advantages and disadvantages. These terms may be complicated to you when your first buy your headphones because you may get confused about the different types of headphones available in the market.

We will be guiding you in the detailed comparison of both these headphones and make it easier for you to decide and purchase the type of headphones that suit you most.

What Are Circumaural Headphones

Circumaural headphones are the ones that have ear cups that completely surround the eras from all sides. They are larger in size as they cover the whole ears area and they are heavier in weight too. They are also called “over-the-ear headphones.” They are famous for equalizing the lack of portability with superior sound quality.

Best Circumaural Headphones

Circumaural headphones have wider padding around ear cups which makes your ears contact-free from ear cups and you experience better noise cancelation. They are designed in a way that air does not pass through the headphones which makes the sound from the headphones feel more clear. 

You can switch between different volumes without any sound leakage. They are more popular among music enthusiasts and audiophiles as Circumaural headphones can provide clean and minor sound details which is why they are the best studio headphones in the market.

But, they are more expensive due to their larger drive, huge body, and good packaging which increase their direct manufacturing costs.

But, due to the broader headband, the use of prolonged headphones can get warmer which affects your ears.

What Are Supra Aural Headphones

Supra Aural headphones are headphones that have their earcups to rest on the ears instead of over-the-ear headphones which cover the whole ears. They are also known as in-ear headphones. They have smaller drivers which tend to provide lower sound quality. Supra-aural headphones are more compact and portable.

Best Supra Aural Headphones

Sometimes, you may need to get aware of your surroundings as supra-aural headphones rest on the ears, there is no sound isolation and reduced blockage of external sounds.

Circumaural vs Supra-Aural Headphones

Both headphones are the best in their specific groundings and context. Circumaural headphones are good for audiophiles they provide more clear sound and prevent external noise and are more comfortable. Supra-aural headphones are not very comfortable but they are good for long terms use like for traveling. They are more compact and portable and are good for casual use.

But, you should follow some factors which will make it easier for you to decide and buy according to your required features.

(i) Comfort

Circumaural headphones are more comfortable as they do not go inside your ears and sit above your ears. They are good for long-term use due to increased comfort level but you must take intervals during your listening periods. They can warm your ears as there is no air passing through the headphones which is why they block external sounds and give you clear and comfortable sound.

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(ii) Isolation

Circumaural headphones are much better when it comes to isolation. They have wider drivers and big ear cups which block the external sound completely. Audiophile love using circumaural headphones because they provide more clear and minor sound details as there is no air passage through the headphones.

They have memory foam that adjusts the ear cups according to the shape of the ears which increases the comfort provided to your ears.

(iii) Sound leakage

Circumaural headphones are the best as there is no sound isolation. Over-the-ear headphones have more chances to offer sound leakage. Circumaural headphones cover the ears fully which reduces the chances of sound leakage and isolates the sound.

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(iv) Price

If you are concerned about budget, you must note that Circumaural headphones are more expensive and they can cost you a lot due to the premium features they provide. So, you should check the full details and pricing of all the headphones before you decide to buy them.

Conclusion

Circumaural headphones vs Supra-aural headphones?
The main difference between Circumaural headphones vs Supra-aural headphones is the structural design and placement of headphones which specify their usage and comfort.
Circumaural headphones cover the full ear and provide better sound isolation. Supra-aural headphones rest on the ears and allow the air to pass through them, causing more sound leakage.

Circumaural headphones are good for audiophiles and they are the top priority for music enthusiasts. Supra-aural headphones are good for casual usage and are good for traveling.
I hope you have enjoyed the article and if you have any queries, don’t hesitate to comment below.