Do you spend a lot of time listening to music? Do you like the immersive HD audio sounds that take you to another world? Well, then you must choose earphones/headphones that resonate with your needs.
Earphones are better or do headphones give you the best quality sound? This is the topic of debate for a long time now. Check out this post on in-ear vs on-ear vs over-ear headphones to know more.
Most people find earphones flexible and portable with good sound output. But, for the ones who want to feel the music, headphones always tops the list. There are many feature differences in earphones and headphones, but both offer you amazing sound quality for sure.
It also depends on the brand, make, and quality of the headphone. So, which one is better; let’s compare earphones vs headphones to find out.
A] Earphones
1. What Are Earphones?
Earphones hang on the outer-side of the ear; they do not enter your ear canals. Earphones are always used in sync with signal receivers as a part of assistive listening systems. The design of the earphone is comfortable and gives you full bass support.
The audio quality also depends on the kind of earphone model and brand you choose. Earphones can be used in both ears for immersive music experience. However, most people use single earphone in their ear while travelling so that they are aware of the external noises and surroundings around them.
In headphones vs earphones, the latter option is popular for music listening. Earphones are also called as in-ear headphones.
2. The Features
- Frequency Response
Do you know there is a pitch range for every earphone? It’s also known as the frequency response. Pitch range is often expressed in the lowest sound of the phones that can transit. But, this is followed by the highest sound as well.
Earphones do not offer you a great frequency range and that is because of its size. But, it surely does not affect the signals and audio quality. A headphone, on the other hand, can give you an exceptional audio sound due to a great frequency range it offers.
The majority of earphones have a lower frequency as compared to headphones. The difference between earphones and headphones lies in the range of frequency offered. Most earphones tend to have a smaller pitch range, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
- Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation technology reduces unwanted ambient noises or external noises using active noise control. It is more like a soundproofing technique using the anti-noise feature.
Noise cancellation feature in earphones works well but not to an extent, that it’ll cancel every sound in the background. If you choose an earphone with active noise cancellation, then it can cancel the sound depending on your environment.
However, in earphones vs headphones, earphones don’t offer supreme noise cancellation. It may or may not be effective depending on your use. But again some high-end earphones with the noise-cancelling feature may work 100 % in cancelling the noise.
- Comfort
When you buy an earphone, the most important thing to consider is comfort. Earphones sit outside your ear canal, so people mostly do not choose earphones for a longer duration.
But, earphones can be comfortable depending on the right fit and make. Earphone manufacturers do pay heed to the design element. They provide complete magnet and driver support in earphones that are rested right in cavum conchae.
If this fits right according to the shape of your ears, then there won’t be any issue with the sound. If it does not fit right, then it’ll tend to irritate. But, this again, depends on the kind of earphone you choose. Basically, it’s about the right brand.
- Noise Isolation
Noise isolation work in a passive way in an earphone. It does the same thing an earplug would do. When the earphones snuggle the ears, it blocks out the ambient sound making your sound clear.
In short, it physically blocks the external sound from entering your ears. If your earphones fit in properly, then you’ll possibly get the best noise isolation. At times, you’ll also hear the ambient noise, but that is if the fitting of the earphones is not proper. This feature is great if you are looking to use the earphone for a longer duration.
B] Headphones
1. What Are Headphones?
Headphones can be placed on the head; it emphasizes quality stereo sound for listening to music or enjoying any audio experience. Headphones lets you enjoy sound in privacy with the noise-cancelling feature, you’ll only be able to hear crisp and clear music.
Headphones are available in two types; wireless and wired headphones. Wireless headphones connect to various devices using Bluetooth technology. Wired headphones use a cord that is to be inserted in the jack of the device for immersive music experience.
Headphones are often referred as to over-ear headphones. A headphone provides strong bass support with natural sound. It offers perfect low and high pitch audio quality that gives you great-sounding music.
2. The Features
- Frequency Response
Headphones have a higher frequency response as it is designed in a bigger way. Most devices that are available in the market play anywhere between 20 to 20 k Hz. The sound may also be loud, depending on the high-end model of the headphone.
Headphones sound better than earphones as far as frequency response is concerned. When the phone delivers the signal, the response is quick. However, for a good audio experience, a range of 20 to 20k Hz is fine. You’ll enjoy a great music quality in this range and frequency response.
- Noise Cancellation
As the noise cancellation feature uses components to block the ambient noise, it effectively improves sound quality. It helps to block the external noise by creating different sound waves. Headphones with active noise cancellation often use a Mic to monitor the environmental noise. The anti-noise feature cancels the external noise that mixes with the audio sound.
Headphones offer a better noise cancellation feature as compared to earphones. It is to do with the components and Mic that are placed in the headphone. Some headphones also use noise cancellation filters that help to filter out unwanted sounds giving you complete sound clarity. Read this guide to know the difference between passive and active noise cancelling headphones.
- Comfort
An over-ear headphone that comfortably sits on your ears gives you a great reason to enjoy your music. If the fit of the headphone is right, there won’t be any problem with redness and pain.
People mostly prefer cushy headphones for longer duration as they keep the ears warm and put no added pressure around your head. In headphones vs earphone, headphones offer superior comfort. Big brands offer headphones with padded support.
There is no comparison of both headphones and earphones, as the design and size are different. Though it also depends on individual preference for hearing music.
- Noise Isolation
Noise isolation technology provides a complete seal over headphones. Over-ear headphones can block the ambient sound because of the seal that it offers. But, this also depends on your fit and comfort. If the headphones are bigger, then there may be a chance of sound leakage. But, this happens in rare cases. When you choose a headphone with noise isolation feature, wear it and see if it properly fits you.
In headphones vs earphone, noise isolation feature works in both the models. However, earphones can have an edge over headphone as it provides a proper seal, which does not leak the sound.
Are Headphones Better Than Earphones?
Most people believe that headphones offer better sound quality and features as compared to earphones. As the drivers in the earphones are small and the frequency range is not so powerful, it suffers in audio quality. This is not true.
Headphones have been a preferred and popular choice for music lovers over the years, but earphones also have a fan base. Earphones today offer top-notch features and technology that can give headphones a stiff competition. Both headphones and earphones have their own set of advantages.
One thing is sure that both offer immersive sound quality if you choose a brand that offers you an amazing experience.
Pick The Best Option
For a music lover, it’s often a tough choice to choose between a headphone and an earphone. Earphones are a great option if you are a travel person or you are into sports. You can carry earphones in your pocket and enjoy awesome music experience anywhere you go. Headphones need space, so you have to carry a case along with headphones.
Headphones make an ideal choice for gaming, as you can enjoy the 3D audio and react to animations. Also, its good for music mixing, and that’s the reason most studio artists prefer headphones over earphones.
Music reduces your stress level, but it depends on your use as well. For Bass, you can choose an earphone. But, for all mid-range and high range frequencies, headphones it is. Choose according to your budget and your need. High-end headphones are expensive, but they offer amazing features. Earphones are also available in different versions today, so take your pick.
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