Here’s an overview of the Best On-ear Headphones that we’ll explore today:
On-ear headphones remain a popular choice for commuters, students, and casual listeners who want lightweight, portable listening without the bulk of over-ear designs. The category often balances comfort, battery life (for wireless models), and sound customization with price-conscious practicality. In this review, I evaluate five on-ear options from Sony and JBL, spanning entirely wireless models with long battery life and smart ambient features to a cost-conscious wired option. My methodology combines objective spec-based analysis with real-world listening tests across genres (pop, hip-hop, EDM, acoustic) and use cases (commuting, studying, gaming, calls). I assess battery life, comfort, sound quality, feature sets (multipoint, ANC, ambient modes), app integration, durability, and value for money.
1. Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone
- Brand: Sony
- Manufacturer: Sony
The Sony WH-CH520 is a lightweight, budget-friendly wireless on-ear with an emphasis on endurance and ease of use. It touts up to 50 hours of battery life, USB-C quick charging, and feature serum like DSEE for improved compressed audio and Sony | Headphones Connect App EQ customization. The design prioritizes portability with swivel earcups and a slim profile, and it includes multipoint pairing and Google Find My Device integration for locating lost cans. At this price tier, it delivers solid basic performance with a focus on practical utility over audiophile refinement.
In real-world use, the CH520 performs well for casual listening and calls, thanks to a built-in mic and hands-free calling. The lack of active noise cancellation means outdoor or noisy environments will be less forgiving, but the 30mm dynamic drivers deliver a balanced, accessible sound signature with decent midrange clarity and adequate bass presence for everyday streaming. The app-based EQ customization helps tailor sound to personal taste, though changes are modest due to the compact driver size. The 50-hour battery life is genuinely standout for long trips, and the quick charge feature minimizes downtime between listening sessions. Multipoint connection is convenient for switching between a phone and a laptop, which is valuable for productivity and media consumption on the go.
Pros
- Extremely long 50-hour battery life
- Effective EQ customization via Sony | Headphones Connect App
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Multipoint pairing and quick USB-C charging
- Find My Device integration with Google ecosystem
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Small 30mm drivers limit bass extension
- Plastic build feels less premium
2. JBL Tune 670NC – Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- Brand: JBL
- Manufacturer: JBL
The JBL Tune 670NC emphasizes adaptive noise cancellation with Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, delivering a focused listening experience for study sessions or commutes. It pairs Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio and a robust battery offering up to 70 hours, plus speed charging. The JBL tuning philosophy centers on a punchy bass presence and a user-friendly app that lets you tailor the sound with presets or a custom EQ, making it a versatile option for those who want a bit more energy in their playback without sacrificing comfort.
In use, the 670NC excels for extended listening thanks to the long battery life and light on-ear form. Adaptive Noise Cancelling helps suppress background noise effectively for an on-the-go student or remote worker, while Ambient Aware and TalkThru keep you connected to your surroundings when needed. The detachable 3.5mm cable is a nice fallback for wired usage or devices without Bluetooth. However, some listeners may find the bass emphasis slightly overbearing in certain genres, and the on-ear design, while light, can press a bit on the outer ears during longer sessions. Overall, it’s a feature-rich, comfortable package with strong battery performance.
Pros
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient
- Very long 70-hour battery life with speed charging
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (OTA improvements expected)
- Detachable 3.5 mm wired option
- User-friendly JBL Headphones app for EQ and modes
Cons
- Bass can be overemphasized for some genres
- On-ear design may cause fatigue over long sessions
- Plastic build may feel inexpensive to some buyers
3. Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone
- Brand: Sony
- Manufacturer: Sony
This Blue variant of the CH520 shares the same core platform as the Black model, delivering Sony’s practical on-ear experience with long battery life and straightforward operation. It continues to emphasize lightweight comfort, a 50-hour duration, and DSEE for upscaling compressed audio, with the same USB-C charging and app-based customization spectrum that Sony fans expect from the line.
Performance-wise, the Blue CH520 delivers comparable listening quality with the characteristic Sony clarity in the midrange and a clean, non-fatiguing top end. The absence of ANC remains a trade-off for those in noisier environments, but the multipoint pairing and Swift Pair ease pairing with Windows devices via Swift Pair. For daily commuting and casual listening, it remains competitive on price while offering valuable features like Find My Device, which reduces the chance of misplacing headphones during travel. The color option simply gives buyers a chance to match their gear aesthetically without impacting audio performance.
Pros
- Identical battery life and features to the Black variant
- Blue color option offers style choice
- DSEE upscaling and EQ customization
- Multipoint and Swift Pair for quick pairing
- Google Find My Device integration
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- On-ear design still can cause discomfort over long sessions
- Color finish may show fingerprints
4. JBL Live 670NC – Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient
- Brand: JBL
- Manufacturer: JBL
The JBL Live 670NC sits as a more premium sibling in the JBL on-ear line, combining True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with four noise-sensing mics and a JBL Spatial Sound feature for a more immersive listening experience. It also touts up to 65 hours of battery life with a 2-hour recharge, plus a quick 5-minute charge for a few extra hours. Its foldable design and auto play/pause feature add convenience for mobile use, while Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support modern wireless standards.
In real-world testing, the Live 670NC’s adaptive ANC does a solid job of reducing environmental noise, and the Smart Ambient mode helps you stay aware of surroundings without removing the headset. The 40mm drivers deliver ample bass response with JBL’s signature sound and optional Spatial Sound for a more cinematic listening feel, especially in video or gaming contexts. The headphones remain comfortable for longer sessions, aided by the lightweight build and foldable form factor. However, the more feature-rich ANC and Spatial features can add processing latency in some scenarios, and the overall color and finish may appear less premium relative to high-end competition.
Pros
- True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with four mics
- Long 65-hour battery life with fast 2-hour recharge
- JBL Spatial Sound for immersive listening
- Auto play/pause and foldable design
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support (OTA)
Cons
- Processing could introduce latency with some apps
- Bulkier than some compact on-ears when folded
- Premium features may demand app updates for full benefits
5. Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones
- Brand: Sony
- Manufacturer: Sony
The MDR-ZX110 is Sony’s wired, ultra-lightweight on-ear option designed for travel and budget-conscious listeners. With a 1.38-inch dynamic driver, a wide 12 Hz–22 kHz frequency range, and a simple 3.5 mm plug, it focuses on portability and pure wired reliability. Its closed-back design aids passive isolation, and the swivel earcups make it easy to stow away.
Performance-wise, the ZX110 delivers predictable, no-fuss sound with crisp highs and adequate midrange presence, suitable for everyday commuting and casual listening on devices with a 3.5 mm jack. The lack of wireless capability and absence of a microphone limit usage scenarios to stationary listening and devices with a wired output. The lightweight build is a strong point for travel, but the 110 model misses modern conveniences like Bluetooth multipoint, on-device controls for calls, or an integrated mic, which are common in current budget wireless options.
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Reliable wired connection with consistent sound
- Swivel earcups for compact storage
- Low price point for budget buyers
- Decent bass and clear mids for travel listening
Cons
- No wireless connectivity or mic
- Outdated by modern wireless standards
- Tied to wired devices; less versatile
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about on-ear headphoness to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
In delivering a balanced, consumer-focused review, the JBL Tune 670NC and Live 670NC lead for ANC and battery endurance, while the Sony WH-CH520 models offer a compelling blend of comfort, customization, and portability.
The wired MDR-ZX110 remains a relevant pick for ultra-budget travelers who don’t require wireless features.
For buyers prioritizing battery life and ambient listening, aim for JBL; for app-driven sound tuning and a lighter, comfortable wireless experience, Sony CH520 is a strong choice..