Headphones vs. earphones: Which should you choose?

✨ TL; DR: Key takeaways on choosing earbuds vs. headphones

Choose headphones if you want a richer sound with higher fidelity that creates an immersive experience. They are usually more comfortable, especially for prolonged use, as they cover your ears rather than being inserted at the entrance to your ear canal. This makes headphones the preferred choice for watching movies or gaming. They're also recommended for DJs and music creators. Earbuds, on the other hand, offer more portability and discretion. They're less bulky, making them suitable for running or gym sessions. These are also the best choice for listening with your mobile device when you'reon the move. If you simply want a headset for casual use, though, both headphones and earphones will do you fine.

Why can you trust this comparison? 

At Back Market, we have many years of experience in evaluating electronic devices, from high-end laptops to everyday accessories. This experience positions us nicely to be able to compare these items against each other. Our experts have intimate knowledge of everything we sell, including both headphones and earphones. This information allows us to create these comparisons and recommend what to choose for different purposes and needs. We also get valuable insight into things like real-world performance, build quality, and reliability from our verified third-party refurbishers. As one of the world's leading marketplaces for refurbished electronics, we have very high quality standards.

What are headphones? 

Headphones are speakers that go over your ears and are held in place by a headband. They typically feature ear cushions that allow the device to rest comfortably over your ears.

There are several types of headphones, including:

• Over-ear: Over-ear headphones feature larger ear pads that encapsulate your ears entirely.

• On-ear: On-ear headphones feature smaller ear pads that sit on top of your ear.

• Noise-canceling: Noise-canceling headphones use a built-in microphone to analyze ambient noise. The headphones will then emit subtle sound waves to counteract that ambient noise. Have a look at some noise-canceling options.

• Wired: Wired headphones connect to a device through wires and an audio jack.

• Wireless: Wireless headphones connect to a device via Bluetooth.

• Closed-back: Closed-back headphones are standard and have no gaps in the outer casing.

• Open-back: Open-back headphones feature strategic gaps in the back of the headphones to allow air and sound to permeate the structure. This allows users to be more aware of their surroundings, hear a more natural soundscape, and experience less heat build-up.

• Semi-open: Semi-open-back headphones feature small gaps that seek to offer a middle ground between closed-back and open-back headphones.

What are earphones?

Earphones are small speakers that are made to fit inside the ear. They rest in the outer ear and may even be supported by an arm that hooks around the auricle, depending on the style.

There are multiple types of earphones available:

• Wired: Wired earbuds are connected to a device through wires and an audio jack.

• Wireless: Wireless earbuds connect to a device via Bluetooth. Here's a useful wireless earbuds comparison.

• Noise-canceling: Noise-canceling earbuds analyze ambient noise and strategically emit subtle sound waves to counteract these outside sounds.

• With mic: Some earbuds feature a built-in microphone, which can add more versatility to an already convenient accessory.

Headphones vs. earphones: What are the main differences?

Earphones and headphones can offer many similar benefits, but it is important to understand the details of how they typically differ in order to make an informed buying decision. When it comes to headphones vs. earbuds vs. earphones, you can consider earbuds and earphones as essentially equivalent.

How do the sizes of headphones and earphones differ?

Earphones are smaller and much more convenient to carry around in a small bag or a purse. They're also easier to use, especially when you think of hauling large headphones out of their case. The flip side of this, however, is that earphones are also easier to drop or misplace. Headphones are obviously bulkier, but if you're sitting in a chair at home or at work, this won't matter.

What are the price differences between earphones and headphones?

Earphones are typically cheaper than headphones that are in the same tier of quality. Prices of each depend on the audio quality, the construction materials used, and the efficiency and power of the sound drivers.

How do the battery lives of earphones and headphones differ?

Headphones typically last longer on one charge than earphones do. Many earphones, though, have more convenient means of recharging on the go, such as compact charging cases. If you’re using wired headphones or earphones, however, this won’t matter.

What is the durability of headphones vs. earphones?

The durability of each depends heavily on the materials used to produce the audio device and how well-crafted it is. Headphones with a metal frame, for example, will be more durable than headphones made from cheap plastic. Overall, high-quality headphones are more durable than high-quality earbuds, but this is highly dependent on the individual product and how you use it.

How does the sound quality differ between earphones and headphones?

Headphones typically offer better sound quality than earphones, as they feature larger drivers and they control the soundscape surrounding your ears more thoroughly.

What is the comfort difference between headphones and earphones?

Comfort largely comes down to individual preferences. Some listeners will find that earphones fit their ear canal nicely and snugly; others may find that they can’t get a proper fit despite trying multiple sizes and/or shapes. While earphones are typically more convenient to use when you’re out and about, headphones are often more comfortable overall, as they put less pressure on your ear canal and do not need to be nestled inside your ears.

What are the safety differences between headphones and earphones?

Both headphones and earphones can cause damage to your hearing if they are not used responsibly. However, earphones have a slightly higher risk of causing damage, as they push sound directly into your ear canal, and they can also cause infection from introducing bacteria into the ear canal if they’re not cleaned regularly. Writing for the Hearing Health Foundation, audiologist Pauline Dinnauer (Au.D.) says:

"Over-the-ear headphones are a much better choice than earbuds. Not only do you not have to worry about funneling sound directly into your eardrums, but most over-the-ear headphones are also, as a general rule, more comfortable to wear than earbuds."

Headphones vs. earphones: Which has better noise cancellation?

You'll generally get more effective noise cancellation using over-ear active noise cancelling headphones. They provide a better seal to against outside noise. They also have larger drivers to counteract the low bass frequencies that have longer wavelengths and are thus more difficult to block out. Having said that, in-ear buds and earphones have made significant strides towards effective noise cancellation. For instance, the AirPods Pro 3 has some of the most powerful noise cancelling technology. However, due to the design fundamentals, they still can't match over-ear passive isolation.

When you really need to focus in loud environments or if you're involved in sound production, over-ear headphones make the best choice. In situations where the ambient noise isn't too intrusive, like at the gym, when you're out running or during daily commutes, noise cancelling earphones are perfectly adequate.

Headphones vs. earphones: How do they compare by use?

The most important thing you should consider before deciding between earbuds vs. headphones is what you will most often be using them for. We'll cover some of the most common ways that people use these products and recommend which is the preferred option for each use case.

Headphones vs earphones: What are the pros and cons for casual use?

What are the features and benefits of headphones vs. earphones for casual use? 

✨ Headphones are more comfortable; earphones offer better portability.

Your choice between headphones and earphones will depend on what casual use looks like to you. If you like to watch movies on your computer, headphones may be the better choice. They can be more comfortable and offer a more immersive sound experience. If you're on the move and like to listen to music or podcasts when running, on a walk, or while commuting, earbuds may be the better option. They're easier to carry around and are much smaller.

🏆 Working out: Are headphones or earphones better for the gym?

What are the pros and cons of earbuds vs. headphones for gym use?

What are the features and benefits of headphones vs. earphones in the gym? 

✨ Earphones are more ergonomically comfortable in the gym; headphones are too bulky.

Earphones are the more popular option for use in the gym, as they are compact, portable, and discreet. They also do not retain heat around your ears like headphones often do. Furthermore, they are less likely to move around in response to the movements of your body. If you get a pair of wireless earphones, you'll have even more freedom as you won't need a wire connecting your earphones to your phone. This is a big advantage when you're exercising vigorously. If you do prefer headphones, though, the best headphones for the gym are typically wireless and sweat-resistant.

🏆 Gaming: Are headphones or earphones better?

What are the pros and cons of earbuds vs. headphones for gaming?

What are the features and benefits of headphones vs. earphones for gaming? 

✨ Choose headphones for gaming for a more immersive experience.

Many gamers choose headphones as their preferred audio device, as they are typically more comfortable for long-term use, feature microphones that are closer to your mouth, and offer better sound quality. Additionally, headphones are more customizable, with an array of functional and fun accessories that you can add to them. Earphones are much more suitable for mobile gaming, although the very bestearbuds for gaming do offer richer soundscapes for higher-end game titles, albeit at a higher price. As one Redditor summed it up:

"Headsets will always be better for virtual 3D and immersion on a budget."

🏆 Best for music creation and DJing: Headphones or earphones?

What are the pros and cons of earbuds vs. headphones for creating music?

What are the features and benefits of headphones vs. earphones for music creation? 

✨ Headphones offer more professional features for DJing and creating music.

Headphones provide more accurate frequency responses. As a result, people who create music, produce music, or DJ often use high-quality headphones. Headphones typically offer better sound quality and do less damage to the ears over time. Additionally, they usually remain more firmly in place when you're moving and are harder to lose in a crowd. They're especially popular with DJs, who need to block out noise while cueing up tracks. The same goes for recording sessions when you need to isolate the finer details for mixing and mastering your songs.

Comparison table: Headphones vs. earbuds

Shopping tips: How can I get affordable headphones and earphones?

To save money without sacrificing quality or performance, we recommend buying refurbished earphones or headphones from Back Market. Each pair has been fully restored and exhaustively tested to ensure it performs up to its original benchmarks. You'll also pay significantly less for these, with discounts of up to 50% off the new price on Back Market. With us, you don't need to search multiple websites, visit brick-and-mortar shops, or wait for big sales events to find bargains. We have a vast selection of headphones and earphones from which you can choose exactly the right model for your needs at any time of the year.

Why buy refurbished earphones and headphones?

There are two compelling reasons to buy refurbished headphones and earphones. The first is the price. You'll pay significantly less than the price of a new pair while still getting premium quality. Our verified third-party refurbishers completely restore them to their original performance benchmarks, replacing worn or damaged components and performing aesthetic checks. We back this up with a 1-year warrantyand a 30-day return period for your peace of mind.

In the words of one of our satisifed customers: 

"I am very happy with my order! They work amazing and sound amazing! I have always had a great outcome with buying things off Back Market and will keep buying from them!"

- Dawndie S. (verified buyer) 

The second reason is sustainability. At Back Market, we are fully committed to breaking the cycle of fast, disposable tech. By purchasing refurbished products, you're doing your part to reduce electronic waste and build a more sustainable market ecosystem. It’s a win-win.

Trade in old devices for quick cash

If you're replacing an old set of headphones or earphones, you can also trade them in to earn some extra money towards your new pair rather than throwing them away. This goes for any electronic device you no longer use, whether it’s a phone, a laptop, or something else. All you need to do is fill in a short online form giving us the details, and you'll instantly receive an offer for your device. If you like what you see, you can ship it to us for free and you'll have the money in your account within 5 working days.

Earbuds vs. headphones: Price comparison

Here are some of our top recommendations to save on your next pair of headphones or earphones:

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change.

Final thoughts on headphones vs earphones: Which should you choose?

Choosing earbuds vs. headphones comes down to what you're going to use them for. If you just want a set for everyday tasks like making calls on your phone, listening to music, and casual gaming, either one will be just fine. The differences emerge for more specific activities. Earbuds are more efficient for fitness activities like running or going to the gym. Headphones are too bulky for that, though, and can fall off during vigorous movement. Earphones are also the better choice for use with mobile devices, or when you're commuting or travelling. They're unobtrusive and provide perfectly good sound for these purposes. For more dedicated users like DJs, music creators, serious gamers, or those that prioritize comfort, headphones are a better option. They create a richer soundscape and expose fine details that earbuds usually can't pick up.