Over-Ear or In-Ear? Picking Headphones You Will Actually Wear
The better-sounding pair is not always the one you reach for. Comfort and context usually decide.
People usually buy headphones for the best-case listening session and then live with them in the worst case: a crowded bus, a hot afternoon, a long call. Choose for the second one.
Over-ear
Better sound for the money, better battery, better for long desk sessions. They are also warm in Indian summers, they do not fold into a pocket, and they are conspicuous. If most of your listening happens indoors, this is the right answer.
In-ear
Lighter, cooler, pocketable, and easier to wear under a helmet. You give up some sound quality and some battery life, and a poor seal costs you far more bass than any specification suggests. Carry the right tip size and the gap narrows considerably.
If the budget stretches to only one pair and your days are mixed, in-ear wins on sheer use. If you know you will be at a desk, go over-ear and enjoy it.