[TheBananaMan]

Title says it all. I thought supraaural cans had better noise isolation than circumaural but I'm seeing different views now, which is better for noise isolation in general? Or are they both the same?

 

[sugarkang]

circumaural with noise cancellation.  though, in-ears might be the best because they're a built in ear plug.

 

[TheBananaMan]

I mean without noise cancellation. I know IEMs are better but it's just between those two headphone types.

 

[DanielReeLee]

Im an audio noob but I think circumaural isolates better. The reason is that circumaural surrounds the ears completely and seals it, supraaural just rests on the ears. All ears are different so there may be a small gap between the supraaural headphone and your ear from ear shape.

 

[TwinQY]

There are exceptions, like the HD-25-1s, but generally circumaural will win over on-ears. Have you ever put on a pair of industrial earmuffs? That demonstrates the sheer potential the form factor has for isolation. 

 

[Eric_C]

Circumaural should isolate better.
 
Supras can come in all sizes, which may be smaller than necessary to cover your ears. If it doesn't cover your ears, you'll lose isolation. There are exceptions, but that's precisely it--they're exceptions.

 

[Roller]

Quote:

...Have you ever put on a pair of industrial earmuffs? That demonstrates the sheer potential the form factor has for isolation. 

 
^This.

 

[khoi14021993]

I voted for supra-aural but I think it really comes down to build quality and pad choice.