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When it comes to personal audio, the range of options can be overwhelming. The first big question to consider is whether you want headphones or earbuds. While most people are familiar with the basic differences between the two, there are significant variations beyond just the design. This article aims to help you understand the options available and make the best choices for your needs.
What’s the difference between headphones and earbuds?
The distinction between headphones and earbuds often comes down to form factor and the way sound is delivered. Headphones typically refer to devices that cover or sit on top of the ears, often with a headband connecting the earcups. Earbuds, on the other hand, sit within or just outside the ear canal, offering portability and a discreet design.
While the term “earphones” used to refer to in-ear devices, “earbuds” has become the more common term. For the sake of consistency, this article will refer to anything designed for compact and portable use as earbuds, including open-ear and bone conduction models, even though the latter technically sit outside the ear.
What are the benefits of headphones?
Headphones have several advantages over earbuds, particularly in terms of sound quality, comfort during extended use, and noise isolation.
Sound Quality: Headphones, with their larger drivers, often produce more accurate sound across a wider frequency range. This is especially noticeable in the bass and midrange tones. Over-ear headphones, in particular, create a fuller, more immersive sound experience.
Comfort: The padded earcups on over-ear and on-ear headphones distribute pressure more evenly around the ear, making them more comfortable for long listening sessions.
Noise Isolation and Cancellation: Over-ear headphones can passively block more external noise by covering the ears. Many models also incorporate active noise cancellation (ANC) technologies that reduce ambient sounds, which can be helpful in noisy environments.
Battery Life: Wireless headphones typically have larger batteries than earbuds, offering extended listening time on a single charge.
Durability: Headphones are usually larger and less likely to be dropped or lost compared to tiny earbuds, making them more durable over time.
What are the negatives of headphones?
Despite their strengths, headphones also have some drawbacks:
Portability: Headphones are bulkier and less convenient to carry around, even if they fold flat or come with a case.
Heat Build-Up: Wearing headphones for long periods, especially in warm weather, can lead to heat accumulation around the ears.
Pressure and Fit Issues: Some users may experience discomfort if the headband is too tight or the clamping force is excessive.
Price: Quality headphones often cost more than earbuds, especially models with premium materials or features like ANC.
Less Discreet: Wearing large headphones in public settings can feel conspicuous or impractical.
What are the benefits of earbuds?
Earbuds have gained popularity for good reason. Their design lends itself well to convenience, active lifestyles, and casual use.
Portability: Small and lightweight, earbuds are easy to slip into a pocket or bag and often come with compact charging cases.
Discreet Use: Their unobtrusive design makes them ideal for use in public or work environments.
Ideal for Exercise: Many earbuds are designed with sport-specific features like water resistance, ear hooks, or secure fits, making them well-suited to workouts.
Good Noise Isolation in Canal Models: In-ear designs can block ambient noise by sealing the ear canal.
Cost Range: Earbuds come in a broad range of price points, making them accessible to more users.
What are the negatives of earbuds?
Despite their advantages, earbuds also present a few limitations:
Sound Quality Limitations: Due to smaller drivers and limited enclosure space, sound can feel less rich or dynamic compared to headphones.
Discomfort for Some: Not everyone finds in-ear designs comfortable, especially over extended periods.
Battery Life: Smaller batteries usually mean shorter usage times per charge, although cases often provide multiple recharges.
Easier to Lose: The small size of true wireless earbuds makes them more susceptible to loss or damage.
Hygiene Issues: Inserting earbuds into the ear canal can lead to wax build-up or discomfort if not cleaned regularly.
What different types of headphones are there?
Headphones come in a variety of designs, each tailored to specific use cases and preferences. Below is an overview of the main types, along with their strengths and limitations.
Over-Ear Headphones (Circumaural)
These headphones feature large ear cups that fully enclose the ears, creating a seal around them. They are known for delivering high-quality sound due to their larger drivers, which can produce a wide range of frequencies with clarity. Their design also offers excellent passive noise isolation, and many models include active noise cancellation for even greater effect. Comfort is often a highlight, as the weight is distributed around the ears rather than directly on them, making them suitable for long listening sessions. However, their size and weight make them less portable, and they can cause heat buildup over time. These are best suited for home use, studio work, or situations where sound quality takes precedence over convenience.
Pros: Excellent comfort, superior sound quality, effective noise isolation, longer battery life, often include premium features.
Cons: Largest and least portable, most expensive, can be too warm in hot weather, may mess up hairstyles.
On-Ear Headphones (Supra-Aural)
On-ear headphones have smaller ear cups that rest directly on the ears rather than surrounding them. This design makes them more compact and lightweight than over-ear models, improving portability while still offering decent sound quality. They are a practical choice for commuters or casual listeners who want a balance between performance and ease of transport. However, they provide less noise isolation due to their fit, and the direct pressure on the ears can lead to discomfort during extended use. They are a good middle ground for those who find over-ear models too bulky but still want a traditional headphone experience.
Pros: More portable than over-ear, often lighter weight, usually less expensive, still offer good sound quality.
Cons: Can become uncomfortable during long sessions, less noise isolation, may cause ear pain for some users, limited bass response compared to over-ear.
Open-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones have ear cups with perforated or open designs, allowing air and sound to pass through. This creates a more natural and spacious soundstage, often preferred by audiophiles for critical listening. They are less isolating, which can be a benefit in quiet environments where you need to remain aware of surroundings. However, the lack of noise isolation means sound leaks out, making them unsuitable for public spaces or noisy settings. They can also be less effective at blocking external noise, limiting their versatility. These are ideal for home use in controlled environments where privacy isn’t a concern.
Pros: More natural and spacious sound, comfortable for long sessions, reduces heat buildup, often preferred by audiophiles.
Cons: No noise isolation, sound leakage disturbs others, requires a quiet environment, usually more expensive.
Closed-Back Headphones
In contrast, closed-back headphones have sealed ear cups that prevent sound from leaking out and block more external noise. This makes them a better choice for public use or recording environments where sound isolation is necessary. They often deliver a more focused sound, though the soundstage may feel less open compared to open-back designs. The trade-off is potential heat buildup and a sense of pressure due to the sealed design, which can affect comfort over time. These are well-suited for commuting, office use, or studio recording where isolation is a priority.
Pros: Excellent noise isolation, no sound leakage, more intimate sound presentation, better for noisy environments.
Cons: Can feel claustrophobic, may cause heat buildup, less natural soundstage, can emphasize certain frequencies unnaturally.
What different types of earbuds are there?
Earbuds also come in several distinct forms, each with unique characteristics that cater to different needs. Here’s a breakdown of the primary types, along with their advantages and challenges.
In-Ear Earbuds (Canalphones)
In-ear earbuds are designed to fit directly into the ear canal, often with silicone or foam tips to create a seal. This design provides good passive noise isolation and can deliver impressive sound clarity for their size, especially in mid and high frequencies. They are highly portable and often come with wireless options, making them a popular choice for everyday use. However, bass response can be limited compared to headphones, and improper fit may lead to discomfort or reduced sound quality. There are also health concerns, such as earwax buildup or infection risk if not maintained properly. These are best for users seeking a balance of portability and audio performance for casual listening or commuting.
Pros: Good noise isolation, wide variety available, often affordable, stable fit when properly sized.
Cons: Can be uncomfortable for some users, requires correct tip size, hygiene concerns, may cause ear fatigue.
Open-Ear Earbuds
Open-ear earbuds sit near the entrance of the ear canal without creating a seal, allowing ambient sound to pass through. This design prioritizes situational awareness, making them a safer option for outdoor activities like running or cycling, where hearing traffic or other sounds is necessary. They are often more comfortable for users who dislike the intrusive feel of in-ear models and pose fewer health risks related to moisture buildup. On the downside, the lack of isolation means sound leakage and reduced audio quality, particularly in noisy environments. They are a solid choice for active users who value safety over immersive sound.
Pros: Maintains environmental awareness, comfortable for long wear, good for safety during outdoor activities, doesn’t block the ear canal.
Cons: Poor noise isolation, sound leakage at higher volumes, limited bass response, may not suit all musical genres.
Ear Cuff Earbuds
Ear cuff earbuds, a subset of open-ear designs, use a clip or band that wraps around the ear to hold the bud in place near the ear canal opening. This style avoids direct insertion, enhancing comfort for long-term wear and maintaining awareness of surroundings. Some models are designed to look like fashion accessories, blending style with functionality. However, their audio quality often suffers due to the open design, with weaker bass and less isolation from external noise. They are suitable for casual listeners or those engaging in outdoor activities who prefer a non-intrusive fit.
Pros: No ear canal insertion, unique aesthetic, comfortable for those who dislike traditional earbuds, maintains some environmental awareness.
Cons: Less secure fit during movement, limited noise isolation, newer technology with fewer options, may not suit all ear shapes.
Bone Conduction Earbuds
Bone conduction earbuds transmit sound through vibrations on the cheekbones, bypassing the ear canal entirely and stimulating the inner ear directly. This leaves the ear canal open, ensuring full awareness of ambient sounds, which is a major safety benefit for outdoor use. They are also comfortable for extended wear since they don’t sit in or on the ear. However, sound quality is generally inferior, with poor bass response and potential distortion at higher volumes. They can also feel unusual to new users due to the vibration sensation. These are ideal for athletes or individuals in environments where hearing surroundings is critical.
Pros: Complete environmental awareness for safety, comfortable for those who cannot use traditional earbuds, no ear canal blockage, suitable for hearing aid users, ideal for outdoor activities.
Cons: Poor bass response due to physics limitations, sound leakage at higher volumes, unusual sensation that some find uncomfortable, limited noise isolation, generally higher cost for equivalent features.
Headphone Choice
To ensure you’re getting a great deal on your headphones or earbuds, it’s important to shop around and compare prices. While Amazon.co.uk remains a popular choice, using a dedicated price comparison site like PricePop.com can help you quickly and easily see offers from multiple trusted UK retailers. With thousands of audio tech products listed, PricePop makes it simple to find competitive prices and ensure you’re not paying over the odds for your perfect listening experience.
Budget Category (Under £100)
Sony WH-CH720N – A solid wireless option with decent active noise cancellation and long battery life. The sound quality punches above its weight class, though the build quality feels somewhat plasticky. The 35-hour battery life and quick charge feature make them excellent for travel, but the headband padding could be more substantial for extended wear.
Price on Amazon: £73.99
Price on PricePop: £58.00
Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BTK – Originally designed for DJs, these wireless headphones offer excellent build quality and a robust, durable construction. They feature both wireless and wired connectivity options, making them versatile for various applications. The sound signature is well-balanced for monitoring purposes, though they may lack the excitement some casual listeners prefer.
Same price on Amazon & PricePop: £88.99
JLab Studio Pro ANC – These budget-friendly wireless headphones deliver impressive active noise cancellation for the price point. The 34-hour battery life with ANC enabled is remarkable, and the customizable EQ through the JLab app allows for personalized sound tuning. However, the build quality feels plasticky, and the sound can be somewhat bass-heavy out of the box.
Price on Amazon: £99.99
Price on PricePop: £72.00
Mid-range Category (£100-300)
Sony WH-1000XM5 – Industry-leading noise cancellation combined with excellent sound quality and features. The battery life is outstanding, though some users find the touch controls finicky. The redesigned lighter build improves comfort significantly over previous generations, and the call quality is excellent for business use.
Price on Amazon: £249
Price on PricePop: £219
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e – These premium wireless headphones showcase Bowers & Wilkins’ audio expertise with exceptional build quality using premium materials. The sound signature is refined and detailed, particularly excelling with acoustic and jazz music. The active noise cancellation is effective though not class-leading, and the battery life of 30 hours is respectable for the feature set.
Same price on Amazon and PricePop: £299
Premium Category (£300+)
Apple AirPods Max – Apple’s flagship headphones combine premium materials like aluminum and memory foam with excellent integration into the Apple ecosystem. The spatial audio features work brilliantly with compatible content, and the build quality is exceptional. However, the weight can cause fatigue during extended sessions, and the lack of a proper off switch can drain the battery unexpectedly.
Price on Amazon: £469
Price on PricePop: £417
Bose QuietComfort Ultra – These are one of the best ANC headphones on the market. The RRP pushes them into the premium category, but you can pick them up for £299 via PricePop. The immersive audio features add a new dimension to music listening, and the comfort levels are outstanding for all-day wear. The noise cancellation remains best-in-class, though the battery life decreases notably when using immersive audio modes.
Price on Amazon: £349
Price on PricePop: £299
Audeze LCD-X – Planar magnetic headphones that deliver exceptional detail and bass response. They’re quite heavy and require powerful amplification but reward listeners with outstanding sound quality. The open-back design creates an impressive soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and audio production work, though they offer no isolation from external noise.
Earbud Choice
Budget Category (Under £100)
Sony WF-C700N – These affordable true wireless earbuds offer active noise cancellation and impressive battery life at a competitive price point. The sound quality is well-balanced with good clarity across frequencies, and the fit is comfortable for most users. However, the plastic build feels somewhat cheap, and the noise cancellation, whilst present, isn’t as effective as premium alternatives.
Price on Amazon: £68.99
Price on PricePop: £62
Shokz OpenMove – Bone conduction earbuds that excel for outdoor activities and users who need environmental awareness. They’re lightweight and comfortable for extended wear, with an IPX5 water resistance rating making them suitable for exercise. The battery life of six hours is reasonable, though the sound quality lacks bass depth due to the bone conduction technology limitations.
Price on Amazon: £79
Price on PricePop: £78
Soundcore Liberty 4 ANC – These budget-friendly earbuds punch above their weight with effective active noise cancellation and customizable sound profiles through the Soundcore app. The battery life is excellent with the charging case providing multiple full charges. The fit can be finicky for some users, and the case is somewhat bulky compared to premium alternatives.
Mid-range Category (£100-250)
Sony WF-1000XM5 – Industry-leading noise cancellation in a compact package with excellent sound quality. The case can be large for some pockets, and the earbuds may not fit all ear shapes comfortably. The 8-hour battery life with ANC is impressive, and the call quality excels for business use. The LDAC codec support provides high-resolution audio when paired with compatible devices.
Price on Amazon: £199.99
Price on PricePop: £199.99
Jabra Elite 4 Active – Designed specifically for active users, these earbuds feature excellent water and sweat resistance with a secure fit that stays put during vigorous exercise. The sound quality is well-balanced for workout motivation, and the battery life of 7 hours plus case provides full-day usage. The active noise cancellation is modest but sufficient for gym environments.
Price on Amazon: £103.00
Price on PricePop: £89.99
OnePlus Buds Pro 3 – These earbuds offer premium features at a competitive price, including spatial audio and effective noise cancellation. The sound quality is impressive with deep bass and clear highs, whilst the battery life of 10 hours plus case is excellent. The fit works well for most users, though the touch controls can be overly sensitive during adjustment.
Premium Category (£250+)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 – The gold standard for iPhone users, offering seamless integration with Apple devices and excellent active noise cancellation. The spatial audio features work brilliantly with compatible content, and the transparency mode is natural and useful. The battery life is good though not exceptional, and they work best within the Apple ecosystem.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – These earbuds deliver the best noise cancellation available in the earbud format, rivalling over-ear headphones for isolation effectiveness. The sound quality is excellent with customizable EQ options, and the comfort levels are outstanding for extended wear. The battery life is adequate though the case is somewhat large, and the premium price reflects the advanced technology.
Technics EAH-AZ100 – Audiophile-focused earbuds that prioritize sound quality above all else, featuring premium drivers and meticulous tuning. The build quality uses high-end materials including aluminum housings, and the sound reproduction is exceptionally detailed and natural. The battery life is competitive, though they lack some modern convenience features found in other premium models.
Campfire Audio Ara – High-end in-ear monitors with custom drivers and premium construction. They deliver exceptional detail and musicality but come with a learning curve for proper fit and use.
This article was written by James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which he has proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, his expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices. As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, James also has a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and he takes every opportunity to cover this niche on his blog. With a diverse range of interests, James brings a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging
