Almost everyone I see on my morning commute is wearing earbuds (mostly AirPods). But when I want to watch a show on my tablet or pack a weekend bag, I usually reach for a pair of over-ear headphones.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Finding a good pair of headphones can often feel like a needle in a haystack. Prices range wildly: You can find earbuds for as little as $3.50 ...