Earphones Or Earbuds?

Introduction

In this article, we will talk about one common misconception, explaining which type of audio device is best for you: earphones or earbuds? Stay tuned!

 

What's The Difference?

Simply put, earphones sit inside your ear canal, while earbuds stay outside of it, resting on the outer ear.

Although this seems not that significant, there is a huge difference between the two designs, and because of that, both earphones and earbuds have their own benefits and flaws.

 

Earphones Benefits and Flaws

Because of their in-ear canal position, in-ear headphones (earphones) block the outside noise with great success. Furthermore, because they are closer to your hearing receptors, they will produce a much louder sound, and even cheaper models can output a loud bang.

Because of the sensitive positioning, earphones have cushioning. It is either rubber, or memory foam, or something similar. Still, the position is not exactly the most comfortable for long wearing, and if you have a very narrow ear canal, earphones are not the best option for you. The best idea is to try different models and see how it feels and fits. If it is too tight, you will feel uncomfortable, or even scar the inside of the ear canal. If it's too loose, they will fall out, and let outside noise in.

You also have to be extra careful with the volume. Because of the in-ear position, sound doesn't leak, and if you play something too loudly, you risk damaging your hearing.

And having foreign objects inside your ear canal is not the most hygienic thing, so make sure you keep them nice and clean.

As for the design, most earphones look and work similarly, with some slight variations. For example, some have cables that first go around your ear, and then fall, which gives you better stability.

But, most earphones fit in the ear quite nicely, and you won't have too many issues with them falling out of place.

 

Earbuds Benefits And Flaws

Unlike earphones, earbuds don't enter your ear canal. Instead, they sit just outside of it. The idea is for them to stay in place, held by the ear concha on your outer ear. They usually have no cushion, and you can describe them as tiny speakers sitting on the outside of your ear canal. Back in the day, earbuds were the norm, but somewhere in the mid-2000s, earphones took over, and are still going strong.

Because they don't sit inside the ear, they don't provide as much isolation as in-ear earphones. Much more outside noise will go through, and you will be able to hear the person next to you talk, which is both good and bad. Also, music will escape out, and the person next to you will be able to hear noise coming from your earbuds.

The biggest flaw of earbuds is that they almost never hold in place. If you want them for running, you are out of luck, and you will have to put them back in every 30 seconds. This is a huge drawback, and that's why some designs opt for claps, wings, and loops to secure them in, but this is far from ideal.

However, because they sit outside of your ear, they are much safer, as a sudden high noise is less likely to damage your hearing. Also, nothing is in your ear canal, which is a plus.

Furthermore, because you can actually hear what's going on around you, you will be much more aware of your surroundings, making earbuds a better choice if you spend time outside.

One big plus is the price, as earbuds are one of the least expensive options when it comes to head audio gear.

 

What About Wireless?

Wireless earphones/buds are an option, as they allow you much more independence. There are different designs, and the battery and Bluetooth receiver are either in a thicker earpiece, collar, or a wire going behind your head.

As for the comfort and features, it is the same as with their wired cousins. The only difference you have to factor in is the Bluetooth and battery, so make sure you get something that can last you a whole day. But, just in case, have a wireless pair somewhere in your backpack, you don't want to spend your camping trip without music.

 

Conclusion

In the end, it comes to personal preference. It has to be said that most people nowadays tend to choose earphones, primarily because they provide much better isolation, and they almost never fall out of place.

Still, earbuds have their place too, and there is a reason why they are still on the market.

It's your choice in the end, and the best idea is to test out different models and see what works for your needs.

The main question is: Do I need isolation? If the answer is yes, earphones are for you. No? Then pick earbuds.

 

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