Headphones versus earbuds: what’s worth your money?

I’ve spent years swapping back and forth between the over-ear headphones and portable buds, and have tried them all.

To help you figure out what’s right for you, we’ve broken down the key differences between comfort, convenience, performance and cost so you make the right decision.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

What’s the difference between headphones and earbuds?

The key difference is the way they deliver sound to your ear. For this comparison, we’ll be talking about wireless, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds.

Headphones are used to describe a broad category that includes both over-ear and on-ear styles that usually sit over your ear. The larger design offers a bigger and more natural sound profile, making you feel as though you’re in the room with the music.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4, was $639, now $340

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Earbuds are smaller and designed to be placed specifically in or within your ears. Earbuds/earphones are typically designed to sit inside the ear canal to offer a secure fit and better sound, with some also featuring a silicone tip for a more comfortable feel.

Sony WF-C710N Earbuds, was $189.95, now $128

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Do headphones have better sound than earbuds?

Sound quality is usually a big distinguishing feature between the two due to their size difference. Headphones offer a more immersive sound experience as they can pack larger drives. However, high-end earbuds can deliver equally high sound quality!

We recommend the Sennheiser HDB630 Headphones, as they have the best sound quality we’ve tested, that’s easily tuneable to your liking.

Sennheiser HDB 630 Headphones, now $999

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Do headphones have stronger noise cancellation than earbuds?

We’ve found the active noise cancellation is generally stronger on over-ear headphones as they cover more of your ears, though high-end silicon tip earbuds can also rival the noise cancellation of higher-end options thanks to their secure in-ear fit.

For best noise cancellation, we recommend:

Sony WH-1000XM6 Over-Ear Headphones, was $698, now $529

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Are headphones more comfortable than earbuds?

Headphones are great for longer sessions at your desk or during car rides and flights, as they don’t create deep pressure within your ear canals. The trade-off is that they can feel sweaty after long sessions, and they can mess up your hair too.

Read more

Travel-friendly headphones to make any flight bearable

On the other hand, earbuds are lightweight and easy to use, but can become uncomfortable after long use. Longer sessions like commutes might be okay, though extensive travel on a plane can lead to discomfort.

Are headphones or earbuds more convenient?

Earbuds are typically crowned as superior to headphones thanks to their portability because they’re often pocket-sized and can be stored in a provided case. However, the downside is that they are much easier to lose due to their smaller size.

Headphones are significantly bulkier, and their case can take up a lot more bag real estate. While some headphones do fold, they are also still a commitment to carry around all day, so if you’re someone who rarely has spare bag space, be sure to keep this in mind.

Apple AirPods Pro 3, was $429, now $329

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Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro, was $399, now $339.15

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Are headphones or earbuds more expensive?

Both headphones and earbuds are available at a wide range of price points depending on your needs. You can find cheap options for both, but the price ceiling for studio-quality headphones is generally a lot higher.

Good budget recommendations for headphones can be found at anywhere under $150. If you’re on a higher budget for headphones, you’re looking around the $300–$1000 range with headphones (with $450 being the sweet spot).

CMF Headphone Pro, was $117, now $102.85 

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Bose QuietComfort Headphones, was $549, now $298

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If you’re on a tight budget for earbuds, you can find ones perfect for you for lower than $100. On a higher budget for earbuds? Then you’re looking around the $150–$400 mark for the best value.

Soundcore by Anker P20i Earbuds, was $59.99, now $28.99

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Nothing Ear (3), was $299, now $202.01

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Headphones or earbuds? The final verdict

The best way to decide is to consider how you’ll use them. I own both and use headphones for the gym, but switch to earbuds for a walk or a night out.

When it comes to exercise, both have their uses. Earbuds might be great for sweaty workouts or running, while over-ear headphones can be good for weight-lifting or more static exercises. For running, there’s even a third option for a more secure fit: bone conduction headphones.

For commutes and travel, the choice is really up to you on sound quality and convenience. Headphones usually offer superior sound quality, while earbuds are far more portable. Higher end models of both can have great noise cancellation.

For work, calls, gaming and movies, headphones are typically more comfortable. But most earbuds are sufficient for work and call purposes and are usually come equipped with suitable microphones (although not all).

Overall, headphones generally have a higher quality experience and earbuds are great for convenience.

READ MORE: Headphones perfect for every type of workout