Headphones Vs Earbuds
Earbuds and headphones are among of the most private equipment available. They'll probably be in or around your ears for the majority of the day while you listen to music at home, work out at the gym, and, more than ever nowadays, take numerous conference calls from home. As a result, deciding which sort of audio device is right for you is crucial.
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| image credit: cnn.com |
Headphones and earbuds both have advantages and disadvantages, and which you choose depends greatly on your particular tastes and how you intend to use them. Want something small and portable that won't fall out of your ears during a sweaty workout? You'll most likely need a good set of genuine wireless earphones. Are you looking for the best sound quality or just wish to block out as much of the outside world as possible? Investing in over-ear headphones may be a better option.
Fortunately, there is no incorrect answer when it comes to this option, and there has never been a bigger range of high-quality earbuds and headphones to pick from owing to outstanding releases from companies like Apple, Sony, and Bose. We've split down these two popular product kinds to help you determine which one you should spend your money on after thoroughly testing the best earbuds and headphones on the market.
Reasons For Buying Earbuds
1. You need something that is as small and subtle as possible.
This may seem self-evident, but if you want something as compact and lightweight as possible, wireless earphones are the way to go. Earbuds often come in pocket-sized charging cases the size of a pack of mints, whereas headphones will most likely need to be stored in a bag (or hung around your neck when not in use).
This size disparity extends to how you'll utilise these gadgets on a daily basis. Earbuds are more lightweight and have a more understated profile than over-ear headphones (though this is a personal preference; some people find Apple's AirPods' lengthy stems ugly). You can't go wrong with a pair of wireless earbuds if you want to listen to music or podcasts for lengthy periods of time without having to wear a heavy set of headphones.
2. You work out often
Wireless earphones are wonderful exercise partners because of their small size and delicacy. They're less likely to get in the way when you're jogging or lifting weights, and versions like the Powerbeats Pro and Bose Sport Earbuds are designed with ergonomic designs that can handle rain and perspiration. Even more common wireless buds, like as the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds Pro, are perfect for the gym because they are water resistant and come with numerous ear tips for a snug fit.
3. You want a nice balance of price and performance.
True wireless earbuds are typically less costly than wireless headphones while yet providing excellent sound quality. Even the most costly wireless earbuds, such as the $249 Apple AirPods Pro and the $279 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, are roughly $100 less than some of the best over-ear headphones, such as the $349 Sony WH-1000XM4s and the $379 Bose 700s. Don't even get us started on the ridiculously expensive $549 AirPods Max, which make the AirPods Pro seem like a steal.
These earphones aren't cheap, but that doesn't mean they're lacking in functionality. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is powerful in the AirPods Pro, QuietComfort Earbuds, and $199 Galaxy Buds Pro, and many of these buds include a lot of clever software gimmicks. The normal AirPods (now $119) and Galaxy Buds Live (currently $109) are frequently on sale if you're searching for high-quality buds for a low price.
Reasons For Buying Headphones
1. You want the greatest sound quality and noise cancellation
Your money would be better spent on a nice pair of headphones if you want the greatest, most immersive sound quality imaginable. Wireless headphones (especially over-ear versions) typically feature bigger drivers and may better wrap your ears with rich, broad sound, allowing every detail of your favorite tunes to shine. Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones, for example, enable high-res audio files and can upscale your music recordings to make them sound as lifelike as possible.
While earbuds like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have excellent noise cancellation, headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4s and Bose 700s have over-ear designs that can better cover your ears from unwanted sounds.
2. You desire a longer battery life in general.
When it comes to headphones, larger is typically better when it comes to battery life. On a single charge, most wireless earbuds will last five to six hours, but several best headphones are reported to last well over an entire day. For example, the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds lasted roughly six hours in our tests, whereas the WH-1000XM4s over-ear equivalents lasted a stunning 30 hours.
When you include the extra power you'll get from your earphones' charging case — generally about 10 to 20 hours — the difference in battery life gets a bit closer. However, headphones endure significantly longer than their smaller relatives when it comes to continuous audio listening.
3. You don’t want anything inside of your ears
While I prefer the more small, low-profile style of earbuds, many individuals prefer conventional headphones because they are more comfortable and secure. Several coworkers and acquaintances who I canvassed for this piece said that earbuds regularly slip out of their ears, therefore they prefer headphones. A set of over-ear or on-ear headphones will be a better match for you if you don't want anything sitting directly inside your ears for hours on end as you listen to music or listen to podcasts.
Final Verdict About Headphones Vs Earbuds
Although the choice between headphones and earbuds is very subjective, there are a few crucial elements to consider before making a decision.
Earbuds are often more compact, less expensive, and better for working out than conventional headphones. On the other hand, headphones frequently provide the finest audio quality and noise cancellation of the two, as well as significantly longer battery life — assuming you're prepared to spend the extra cost.
Check out our recommendations to the finest true wireless earbuds, on-ear headphones, and over-ear headphones for a deeper dive into all things audio.
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