INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:

the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears Our favorite part, and the one that's most applicable here, is the part about the beds being

too small, too big and finally, after a lot of trial and error, the one that was just right.In the world of headphones, on-ear headphones

(also called supra-aural headphones) are the middle child between bulky over-ear headphones and diminutive in-ear earphones

This means they're more compact and can travel with you without taking up a ton of room in your bag

the other two is that you're a traveler, a commuter or a home listener who needs a bit of noise-cancellation without the bulk of over-ears

It's a winning combination, honestly, and a form factor that we've tested extensively over the years.To that end, and to help you pick out

a great pair of on-ear headphones, we've corralled our top-rated on-ear headphone reviews, so that you can do all your research and make a

purchase in one place.What are the best on-ear headphones1

Grado SR60eTruly excellent sound performance for a stellar price Acoustic design: Open | Weight: N/A | Cable length: N/A | Frequency

N/A | NFC: N/AVery comfortableImpressive definition for the priceHighly recommendedNo inline controls or microphoneFor your money, you can't

do any better than Grado's SR60e

open-backed ear cup design makes them a more breathable experience than what most on-ear headphones can deliver, although this does mean

quality, they're our gold-standard when it comes to on-ears.(Our review is for the SR60i, but the newer SR60e headphones are largely similar

in design and performance)Read the full review: Grado SR60e2

Philips Fidelio NC1 Executive looks with great sound reproductionAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 155g | Cable length: N/A | Frequency

N/ABrilliantly balanced soundGreat build qualityDecent ANC capabilitiesSome sound leakageThere is a lot to love about the Philips Fidelio

NC1 headphones: Not only are they a joy to wear and offer up great sound reproduction, but they're also one of the lightest and most compact

ANC headphones around

They're best suited for frequent travellers who don't want to lug massive cans around with them all of the time but also don't want to

compromise on sound quality

To that end, they offer superb sound that's balanced and warm and while I would love to see a wireless range, the cable offered in the mix

AKG N60NC WirelessWireless noise-cancellation from the mid-range masterAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 199.4g | Cable length: N/A |

hours | Wireless range: N/A | NFC: NoGreat soundCompact designGood battery lifeInitially confusing controlsIn recent years AKG has dominated

the budget and mid-range headphone space

While most other headphones at these price points chase after the bass-addicts, AKG has been content to stick to what it knows best; namely

company appears to be stepping out of its comfort zone a little

V-Moda XSStreet-wise wireless headphones with smart features Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 195g | Cable length: 32 inches | Frequency

Wireless range: N/A | NFC: NoDetailed and balanced soundBullet-proof buildCompact for travelLoose fit on the headThe V-Moda XS are the

perfect travel buddy for audiophiles

While the bass could use a little more impact, we had little complain about the sound

If you're a sedentary listener, however, these are great

In terms of competition, the Klipsch Reference On-Ear II are an excellent alternative that can block out more external sound

review: V-Moda XS5

| Battery life: 16 hours | Wireless range: 30 meters (98ft) | NFC: NoBuild quality and materialsSounds great with all musicSoundstage could

be widerNoise isolation isn't greatIf you can afford the steep price, the Master Dynamic MW50 will not disappoint

These headphones are a simply work of art and feel every bit as expensive as their price commands

however, will want to look elsewhere.Read the full review: Master Dynamic MW506

Klipsch Reference On-Ear IIAn excellent-sounding pair of headphones without any frillsAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: .44 pounds | Cable

Battery life: N/A | Wireless range: N/A | NFC: N/AWonderfully balanced soundExcellent build qualityCable noisePolite highsThe Klipsch

kept it simple with the Reference On-Ear II, concentrating on sound, comfort and portability that will please audiophiles

Only diehard audiophiles will even consider this wired-only headphone after looking at the price tag, but those who value sound and comfort

above all else will be happy with the Klipsch Reference On Ear II.Read the full review: Klipsch Reference On-Ear II7

Samsung Level On Pro WirelessSamsung crashes the wireless noise-cancelling party Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: .7 pounds | Cable length:

N/A | Battery life: 8 hours | Wireless range: 30 meters (98ft) | NFC: YesComfy faux-leather earpadsExtra features for Samsung ownersPlastic,

fragile bridgeShort-range wirelessThe Samsung Level On Pro Wireless are one of the few headphones we've tested that feel like they're meant

as a package deal for another device

Yes they'll work with every Bluetooth and 3.5mm jack-equipped device on the market, but you're better off sticking to a Samsung device in

order to squeeze every ounce of aural goodness from the UHQ audio codec.But it's one of the comfiest pair of cans on the market, and one

of the best noise-canceling, too

If it had a better sound quality for the vast majority of cell phone users it would be an easy recommendation but it really makes the most

sense at checkout when purchased alongside Samsung's Next Big Thing.Read the full review: Samsung Level On Pro Wireless Headphones8

Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series 2These raise the bar for design and performance Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: .42 pounds | Cable length:

life: N/A | Wireless range: N/A | NFC: N/AFull, balanced soundSuperb build qualityInline control is iOS onlyThe Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series

2 aren't the most feature-rich option, but in terms of sheer sound and build quality, they easily raise the bar for the competition to

So long as you have the money, there's not much else in the on-ear market that can match this package.Read the full review: Bowers and

Wilkins P5 Series 29

Noontec Zoro II WirelessAffordable wireless headphones that put the beatdown on BeatsAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 210g | Cable length:

| Wireless range: 30 feet (10 meters) | NFC: NoPleasing soundGreat battery lifeCheap buildDust and fingerprint magnetYou, like everyone

else, probably wants a set of headphones that nails the tricky blend of design, useful features and incredible sound

You might think that you need to flush your savings to enjoy such a pair of cans

Protip: you don't.The Noontec Zoro II Wireless offer a warm and fun sound signature

With a 35-hour battery life and multipoint Bluetooth, these headphones offer an impressive value against more expensive competition.Read the

full review: Noontec Zoro II Wireless10

Beats Solo 3 WirelessFashion-focussed cans that cater to bass loversAcoustic design: Closed | Weight: 215g | Cable length: N/A | Frequency

NFC: NoExcellent wireless stabilityGood Bluetooth-phone interactionEnergetic, punchy soundLack fidelity for the priceWhile the Samsung Level

On Pro Wireless are best paired with a Samsung Phone, the Beats Solo 3 Wireless come into their own when paired with an iOS device thanks to

headphones that proceeded them

The majority of the changes Apple made to its class-leading cans come internally, baking its mobile phone know-how into these headphones to

reliable as any out there

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The best on-ear headphones 2018: our pick of the best supra-aural cans