Shop Sony AKG-60XR Bluetooth Wireless Sports Earphones with 3-in-1 Smart Speaker, Black (red)

Brought into this world as a rough bastard child, on-ear headphones had to fight their whole life through. When considering them, it's easy to see more how they fail than how they succeed. They do not give you the big, rich soundstage of a pair of over-ear cans. They do not have the go-anywhere portability and easy carry of a set of earbuds. They are not super comfortable for long-term wear since they are pressed onto your head. They are too big to carry and too small for good audio, so they do not belong at home or away. They are rebels, dammit, and they will never, ever be any good.

Well, welcome to the shades of gray. On-ear headphones are precisely built for those occasions when you want something a little more impressive than your earbuds, but do not feel like lugging around a huge set of delicate, $300 buns. On-ear headphones are made to be the grout that holds the tiles together, and should be used for niche listening, when earbuds are not enough, bulky over-ears are too much, and you can not use a speaker. They also help anyone who needs something mobile that does not go into their ear canal. These are the 13 best on-ear headphones for filling the audio void.

For a little more information on headphone styles, Cnet has done a lot of the legwork for you and has a good breakdown of headphone types.

Then, the more invested buyer might want to look at this piece on Headphone 101, as it outlines the specs and jargon to know before you ever set foot in a store. It will change how you shop for audio gear.

If you are expecting a lot, do not . If you are expecting a set of dirt cheap headphones that are actually pretty decent, give these a go. For the money, they are magic. Purchase: $20

Pick them up and the quality becomes apparent right away. Put them on and you will find a really friendly mid-range audio setup for an entry-level price. The problem is the look is cheap plastic, even though they are actually built to be lightweight and are not poorly made at all. They will lose you on looks, and get you back on performance. Purchase: $50

The scrappy MEE Audio tends to always have interesting choices for the discerning listener. The Wave is no different, being an upgrade from their former Atlas line. They have a completely removable cable, a handy folding frame that's already built compact for quick carrying, and an extended battery that can go for a full day before showing signs of stopping. Purchase: $50

This is the third generation of headphone released from the Brooklyn-based Grado, and they are still leading the pack. Precision sound reproduction in a package that is made for movement, these have an entry-level price intending to be the first in a long line of quality headphones you will be spending your life with. The open back sounds like they should cost double or triple what they do, and the cushy feel is surprising for their minimalist build. Purchase: $79

You can really see how much real Marshall quality went into the making of the Major II. Perhaps the only choice for the professional who wants a curled cord with gold connection tips and lots of deep sound, these need a carrying case and volume control on the remote, but are otherwise engineered so well that you will love them before you even hear how they sound. Purchase: $100

If they only folded up for transport, the BackBeat Sense might very well take home the blue ribbon for having the most features for the money. As it stands they are a wearable wireless choice that have a striking look as much as intuitive operation handled largely by controls resting on the back of the earcups. They are simply funky and fun. Purchase: $151

You are going to get a UHQ audio codec with the Level On headphones, which is a technical way of saying they are going to be best used with another Samsung product, so Galaxy and Note users should pay special attention. The big cups are superbly padded, and those who are carrying a Samsung device will get a lot of features to go with the deep sound. Rather than having audio issues, these have plastic parts that start out fine, but seem flimsy and ready to ghost at the first sign of trouble. Purchase: $172

Built solid from cord to headband, the engineering is evident, even if the design is not universally beloved due to a fit that can be uncomfortably snug. When they feel right, they are exceptional, but if they do not sit and fit with a little headband stretching, give them a miss. The audio quality is more than passable, complete with some of the best portability and resiliency around. Purchase: $180

Few headphone makers go with wood as their building material of choice, because while it does provide a richer, more earthy, grounded sound, it's also notoriously hard to work with when it comes to personal audio. Ignoring that detraction, the On1 are unique, durable, stunning, and proof that when done right, wood is an aural winner. Purchase: $198

Posh, dapper headphones, the H2 do not just look snappy and fold down tight, they have some rich, immersive sound that will sweep you away, and their fit is as snazzy as their window dressing. Beautiful inside and out, even audiophiles are not going to be able to find much to complain about here. Purchase: $200

Supremely friendly to Apple devices, the three-button inline remote works well with iPods and iPhones, with a little more sketchiness coming into play when you switch to an Android device. The sound is supremely rich, given that these are mostly intended for portable use, and have a compact body that pushes a lot of power, making the drivers hit highs and lows, as well as bring in a serious backend. A best bet if you can afford them. Purchase: $250

A hot day will cause you to get a little ear steam should you wear the P5 for any period of time outside. Besides that relatively predictable flaw, they are improved in every way from their already high-sounded predecessors, which is a fine feather in the most impressive of caps. Accurate sound reproduction and transparent staging, these wo not leak noise, and fold down like an art deco piece for easy carrying. Purchase: $300

When you need a set of Bluetooth on-ear headphones, these are the last word. They manage to overcome the limitations of Bluetooth at almost every turn, serving up wireless connectivity without sacrificing much in the complexity of your sound. Only the pickiest listeners, or the most involved musical arrangements wo not sound heavenly on the MW50. Purchase: $449

Are Ultimate Ears Headphones Worth The Price Tag?

I Dj, so I own Sony MDR-V700DJ DJ Style Monitor Series Headphones. They were voted best Dj headphones a few times. Thing is that wind up using those head phones for my MP3 player as well. They have an Incredible CLEAR low end, and the his are very crisp. I found them on the net all time for about 75-90 bucks which is the usual price of top shelf home head phones. You might as well go pro