When buying over-the-ear style of headphones, one major thing to consider is the product's weight. In addition to the requirement of holding the speakers, wireless earbuds must include the electronics for the receiver, volume control, as well a batteries to power the speakers. With additional weight there is additional potential for ear pain. People who get ear pain from regular earbuds should try to get lighter earbuds to help alleviate some of this problem.
For the models reviewed there are two different technologies used to transmit the signal from your audio device to your ears. Most of the listed models are Bluetooth, a wireless technology most commonly used in mobile phones (Note: not for phone calls, but for headsets). The other is infrared which is commonly used in TV remotes. One thing to note about infrared the signal is better when it has line-of-sight, an unobstructed path between the transmitter and receiver.
Here are some of our favorite wireless headphones:
Motorola MOTOROKR S9's
Price: $49
Weight: 1.1 ounces
Signal Type: Bluetooth
Notes: These are the lightest of the wireless earbuds and are a combination over-the-ear with in-ear buds. This combination is good because there are more points where the weight is distributed over your ears which should reduce potential for ear pain.
Weight: 1.1 ounces
Signal Type: Bluetooth
Notes: These are the lightest of the wireless earbuds and are a combination over-the-ear with in-ear buds. This combination is good because there are more points where the weight is distributed over your ears which should reduce potential for ear pain.
Koss HB60's
Price: $42
Signal Type: Infrared
Notes: This is an interesting product because it's really an interchangable infrared transmitter and receiver. A set of clip on headphones are included with these, but they are notably uncomfortable. This isn't really an issue though as you can swap them out with a standard pair of wired earbuds or headphones. These are a good option if you don't want to spend too much and already found a pair of earbuds that have good comfort.
Signal Type: Infrared
Notes: This is an interesting product because it's really an interchangable infrared transmitter and receiver. A set of clip on headphones are included with these, but they are notably uncomfortable. This isn't really an issue though as you can swap them out with a standard pair of wired earbuds or headphones. These are a good option if you don't want to spend too much and already found a pair of earbuds that have good comfort.
Logitech FreePulses
Price: $80
Signal Type: Bluetooth
Notes: Good product with stong build quality. However one drawback is that the unadjustable earclips are very uncomfortable. If you aren't moving around when wearing these, one option is to just remove the plastic ear hooks off of the headphones. They can stay in place without them as long as you are stationary.
Signal Type: Bluetooth
Notes: Good product with stong build quality. However one drawback is that the unadjustable earclips are very uncomfortable. If you aren't moving around when wearing these, one option is to just remove the plastic ear hooks off of the headphones. They can stay in place without them as long as you are stationary.
Sony DRBT21G/B's
Price: $58
Signal Type: Bluetooth
Notes: These are probably the most popular over-the-ear style headphones as far as favorable reviews go. Similar build quality to the Logitechs but without the awkward ear loop.
Signal Type: Bluetooth
Notes: These are probably the most popular over-the-ear style headphones as far as favorable reviews go. Similar build quality to the Logitechs but without the awkward ear loop.