Looking to decide between headphones or earbuds, but not sure which best suits your needs? You’re in the right place.
Headphones and earbuds have come a long way in the past few years. As time passes, the latest tech and functionality trickle down from flagship to more affordable models, making even more affordable versions of both more sophisticated than ever before.
We review up to 100 pairs a year, so we're perfectly placed to help find which is right for you. We use use both earbuds and headphones in all kinds of different scenarios – from packed trains to quiet cafes – and with a range of sources, so we truly find out what each pair can do. See our how we test headphones page for more info.
Both styles have their pros and cons, and we're here to show you what they are so you can make an informed decision.
Wondering which pairs we recommend? Check out our guides to the best headphones and the best earbuds.
I've been writing about headphones (and lots more consumer tech) for 20 years, so I know a thing or two about listening on the move. Both headphones and earbuds have lots to offer, but it's crucial you choose the style that's right for you.
Headphones vs earbuds: design
Headphones
On-ear or over-ear headphones are bigger than earbuds, of course, so they can use much larger drivers to create a sound. Of course, the flip side to their bigger size is that this affects portability. Unless you have a bag big enough to store them, with or without a protective case, they may not be ideal in every on-the-go situation. This is especially true of wired headphones where you need to take into account you have a cable to contend with.
Earbuds
Earbuds (or in-ear monitors aka IEMs) are definitely more portable. They are also much lighter, and wireless models, such as the Sony WF-C700N, come with a handy charging case making earbuds ideal if you want something you can throw in and out of your pocket with minimal fuss. Wired pairs such as the excellent Shure Aonic 3 tend to come with a carry pouch for protection.
The fact they are more compact means they are also less likely to be damaged in transit or in a bag – no headband to snap or earpads to tear.
They are, however, much easier to misplace or lose, so a little extra care in keeping them safe goes a long way. Some wireless models, such as Apple AirPods, can be tracked using a smartphone app, allowing you to either emit a sound from the buds or see where they are located on a map.
And the fit with some earbuds can also be an issue. Earbuds are fussier as they go inside your ear canal, which will vary in shape and size between people.
Thankfully, most buds include a few different-sized tips which should allow most users to wear them comfortably (the basic model of AirPods don't, and prove divisive because of it). The size of the bud itself is also worth factoring in; some models like the older Sony XM4 earbuds impress sonically, but they will be too bulky for some people.
The bottom line
Buy headphones if:
- You prefer a bulkier design
- You're prepared to stash them in a bag when necessary
- You don't mind wearing them around your neck when not in use
Buy earbuds if:
- You like a smaller, more discreet design
- You're not prone to losing things
- You don't mind an ear tip sticking into your ear canal
Headphones vs earbuds: features
Headphones
You can buy headphones and earbuds that are wired or wireless depending on your preference. If you go the wireless headphone route you will have convenience but will often also get a cable so you can use them wired. You don’t have this advantage with wireless earbuds.
Wired headphones and earbuds often feature in-line controls and sometimes a mic for taking calls built into the cable.
If you go for wireless headphones, it’s easier for manufacturers to include clearly separated controls on headphones compared to earbuds due to the size of the cans. These controls can include touch gestures for things such as adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and answering calls.
Earbuds
Due to their smaller size, lighter weight, and more discreet appearance, earbuds are often a popular choice if you want something to use while you’re in the gym. However, don’t be afraid to try over-ear headphones if they are your usual preference – comfort is crucial in more active applications.
There are models of earbuds that are water-resistant, such as the Beats Fit Pro, and designed to be especially stable meaning they shouldn't fall out as you are exercising.
You can get noise-cancelling earbuds but noise-cancelling over-ear headphones tend to perform better in this department, in part simply because of their design. They cover your whole ear, isolating you and creating a seal that assists any active noise-cancelling tech in use.
The bottom line
Buy headphones if:
- You like to switch between wired and wireless listening
- Active noise cancellation is important to you
Buy earbuds if:
- You need protection against the elements
- You'll use them a lot while exercising
- Wired vs wireless headphones: the pros, cons, and which are best for you?
Headphones vs earbuds: sound quality
Headphones
The fact headphones can house bigger drivers means they are capable of delivering a larger-scale sound, better dynamics, and bass in a more defined manner.
If you’re wondering about wired versus wireless when it comes to sound quality, using a cable is the best option if you want superior audio quality.
Earbuds
Earbuds give a much different sound compared with headphones. As they inject audio right into your ear canal, they can provide incredible clarity, but they also have the potential to present sound in a less natural way than we are used to hearing.
This is because we are used to our outer ears filtering sound before it enters our ear canals. With earbuds, this process is bypassed altogether.
Generally, earbuds don’t present audio with the same scale and authority as headphones and music can often sound smaller, despite the clarity.
The bottom line
Buy headphones if:
- You want lots of bass
- A large scale sound is important to you
Buy earbuds if:
- You prize clarity above all else
Headphones vs earbuds: verdict
Your choice, then, should depend on your chosen applications and desires. If you want the best sound quality available regardless of portability and size, headphones are the way to go. They come out on top when it comes to dynamics, bass, and overall authority. Headphones are also the go-to choice if you want the best noise cancelling available.
Earbuds, though, are perfect for when you want to travel light, plan to use them during exercise, or just want something more discreet. They might not present audio quite as naturally or with as much scale as their bulkier brethren, but they can still provide excellent clarity – not to mention convenience.
Whichever you decide to go for, we have covered all the best headphones and earbuds in great detail, so be sure to check our expert picks and reviews to help you narrow down the contenders.
Headphones vs earbuds: which is better for working out?
It depends what kind of working out you're doing, but either way, you should opt for a wireless pair to avoid getting tangled up / having the cable constantly slapping your chest as you run.
Runners will be best served by a pair of earbuds, as they're lighter and less noticeable to wear. But if you're lifting weights in a stationary position, you could get away with a pair of headphones.
Headphones vs earbuds: which is better for gaming?
Headphones. They're better at isolating the wearer from the outside world, which makes for a more immersive gaming experience. Their sound also has more scale, which will make everything that bit more dramatic. And because you're sitting and not moving around, their extra bulk isn't as noticeable.
Headphones vs earbuds: which is better for noise cancelling?
Headphones usually are, because their earcups surround your ear, providing an extra level of noise isolation (to find out the difference between noise isolation and noise cancellation, see our guide to how active noise cancelling headphones work).
But you might be surprised how effective earbuds can be – the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are probably the best pair for noise cancellation, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 are excellent too.
Headphones vs earbuds: which is better for travel?
Again, it depends on what kind of travelling you're doing. Headphones are better for long-haul flights, as their noise cancellation is more effective and their sound has more heft to be heard over the engine noise. But then earbuds are more portable.
If you have space in your bag: headphones. Prefer to travel light? Earbuds.
Check out our guide to the best headphones for travel.
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