Headphones vs Earbuds : Which One's Better? 

Headphones are certainly better for music generally, but the number of people whose listening experience is primarily music is declining in favor of spoken content on RU-vid, Audible, Twitch, podcasts, etc. And in those environments the flexibility of the buds shine.

I prefer headphones for pure audio enjoyment. I use earbuds in the summer when walking since you eliminate the sweat factor. I switch to headphones in the winter for warmth and they act as ear muffs to keep your ears warm in the cold.

You lay out the positives and negatives of both very well. I like both myself but have found myself using earbuds way more these days. I think it's just the pop them in your ears and move around convenience they afford. That being said, I'm starting to get into IEMs as well lately and although the wire makes them more inconvenient, the sound I get from just spending $30 or less in that market is incredible! So many ways to listen to my music; it's a fortunate time to have this as a hobby!

The nice thing about this question is that every answer is the right answer; it's what works best for you. In terms of sound preference, unless you are being pedantic about sound at every single Hz you pretty much can find your own preference in both earbuds and headphones. Personally, I prefer headphones when stationary (ie. desk, commute, etc.) but they can heat up your ears and where I live it gets uncomfortable; which is when I prefer earbuds or in-ears. However, I prefer in-ears when moving around. The only thing is that after a period of frequent use my body reacts to them, my ear canal gets inflamed and traps in ear wax; this is when I mainly use headphones to rest my ear canals. In conclusion, both form factors are ideal and provide the sound profile you prefer, also in wired or wireless. The better question that Gamesky always talks about is which form factor and which presentation (wired or wireless) suites you better. I find that having a few to suit different scenarios is the best option.

I do have both, but I do find myself reaching for earbuds more. I've had problems with feeling "compressed" with headphones and have found a pair which don't clamp quite so much (Sennheiser Momentum 3), but I still find myself needing to take breaks way more than I do with earbuds. It's odd, because I prefer closed earbuds.

Thanks for the video! I like this type of discussion videos. I do not think there is a right or wrong answer here, just what you need and what you prefer. Good thing the market is mature enough to provide us with good options wherever our needs and preferences take us. I prefer wired full-sized headphones at home for sound quality and comfort. I use earphones mostly for convenience (usually wireless ANC earphones) on-the-go, but if it still fits the situation I will gravitate towards wireless ANC headphones. Nonetheless, I am in a fortunate enough position to have full-sized wired open- and closed-back headphones, wireless ANC headphones, wireless ANC earbuds, and wired in-ear monitors, so to pick the one that better serve my needs.

Great watch as per. Personally I use both all the time. I think it'll always be situational like a lotta comments noted and as you explained very well in the video. When I'm commuting to work I rock headphones, warms up my ears in the cold and completely blocks out all sound and I can go into that don't talk to me mode 😂 so that unless you desperately need my attention on the bus you'll think twice before tapping me to remove the headphones for a quick convo. Then for when I'm just at home or hitting the gym I go with earbuds coz I can have one in my ear and still be talking to someone at home or something. Likewise for when I'm gaming I got the Corsair with the dongle. I think that's the awesome part about the earphones market is that we are pretty much spoilt for choice and options for damn near every preference, every style, every design etc, win win all around for the companies and the consumers. Keep up the great coverage as always 🙌🏿🔥👑

Talking about sound quality, face to face between tws and bluetooth headphones what is your opinion? Because I understand if we compared headphones with cable and more if we use a dac, but what about bluetooth headphones...

considering how flexible is iem and tws nowadays, i say for most situation it's better for portability and reasonable high fidelity (iem obviously) headphone is mostly when you're fixed at your position like in front desktop, on bed, on transportation

Have been using earbuds for long time since they arrived. But definitely I miss the quality of sound of proper headphones. But since working mostly from home these days need a headphone. Don’t need portability for that. When I’m going out can take my earbuds with me. I’m using a noble earbuds. Sound is crispy for its price range. But definitely miss the bass while trying to enjoy music at home. I’m confused though. Should I go for the best all rounder Sony XM 5 or the unique Skullcandy crusher anc? Or just should go for a wired headphone for lossless. Either way I’m going to use them at home in the same budget. Any suggestions? Budget is 3-5 hundreds usd.

I think it just comes down to personal preference. I think that most audiophiles will probably choose headphones, but that’s a very small group of people compared to everyone else that uses headphones or earphones. Most people aren’t audiophiles and don’t need that level of audio quality, so they will go with what works for them

I’ve got a few pairs of cans and buds and I’m not sure that I like one over the other, it’s just kind of a feel of the day thing. Sometimes I’m worried about my hair like you mentioned or it’s a hot day so I go with buds and sometimes my ears feel a bit itchy from bud-tips so I throw on the cans. The bigger decision for me is actually wired vs wireless lol Cable free setups are straight up divine but the difference in sound quality is too hard for me to ignore most days.

Given that both have hi-res audio, is there a significant difference between wireless headphones and earbuds?

I think some earbuds replicate the sound of headphones very well. When I was listening to wf-1000xm4 I could hear the same sound profile as the wh- 1000xm4. Unfortunately, I had to stop listening to earbuds due to repeating ears infections. It started with galaxy buds pro.

I don't think their is a good answer, just as you said it's about the situation. I love them both but I like style and durability also, with more of a unique yet not too flashy look, more of a refined look.

I really like this discussion video!! It's very much need for those wondering. Ear buds have convivence, but headphones have better sound. I was wondering, I am trying to invest in a audio set up for a focal headphone plugged into a DAC and AMP. Do you have any recommendations for DAC/AMP/Both or do you have videos that I can look up on what you have reviewed in the past?

Great Video, good sir! Still loving your content! I have a handful of audio gear, but I'll just state my current favorites and how I use and power them; > Sennheier HD58X for Desk/Home/Work use - iFi Zen DAC V2 > Moondrop Elven Maiden(Aria) for outside use or if people are sleeping at Home - FiiO BT3K DAC/AMP All around Music, Gaming and Work related, can consider ENDGAME budget gear.

What do you recommend for long hours of working from home?

This is a very informative and helpful video. Thank you very much.

If you hear the beoplay EX they sound better then regular headphones. Small buds with the price of a headphone. Did you try these?

Sony xm5 or Oneplus buds pro? In terms of bass

3:45 I noticed that too, playing driving games when I press the gas pedal I notice a lag on the gas pedal and the engine noise

Hi, does anybody knows how could I find that USB c dongle for that lag issue?

Im using for earbuds for many years.. Planning to switch to headphones. My ear is itchy when using earbuds esp if I'm allergic to it's component.

What is the best "sounding earbuds" with "anc" under 100(if you could only but one)

Which are better for longevity?

I use both and have a pretty good collection. I prefer the sound of headphones at home but carry earbuds on the go.

For me there's 2 reasons why I prefer to use ear buds and 2 reasons why I prefer to use headphones. The ear buds are just way more portable in that I can carry them in my Coin pocket in contrast to headphones which I carry in my back back. The ear buds are also way more comfortable than headphones. My ears don't get hot and my head doesn't feel any clamp force like I get from a headphone. Now that being said, I prefer my headphones because of the the sound quality I can get from a high end audiophile headphone and earbuds do NOT come close in this category. And finally when it comes to ANC, earbuds IMO are pretty much a joke compared to the ANC on my best set of headphones. My Sony's really protect me from noise pollution in the world where as with my best ear buds I find myself wondering, "Is the ANC even on?". 😠😜

I have a pair of earbuds and a pair of headphones and I keep the headphones because I like the immersive sound that they give me that a Bluetooth earpiece just cannot match. Also, I don't like having earbuds stuck in my ears all day. The headphones are a nice change of pace. Also, I like the fact that they are deterrent from people talking to me. I just don't want to be bothered. For some reason when you're wearing earbuds people still think they can talk to you even when you have both on. There's a place for both and I enjoy both.

would you say headphones or earbuds have better ANC generally

Personally, I like to use something for pretty much all situations. I think earbuds do the trick for that. (Also, I'd be terrified that my headphones would be damaged by water if I took them outside.)

Thanks…I like both but primarily use earbuds for size. Blessings on your day 👍🏻

I go back and forth depending on my mood/activity: Headphones for more immersive sound when I’m not moving around much, earbuds for when I’m more mobile, working out etc. But I tend to reach for my earbuds more simply cuz they’re smaller and usually on me or nearby. They’re less of a pain in the ass too lol

Guys if earbud have 360° immersive spatial audio vs headphone without any spatial audio which is better in sound quality? Example: soundcore liberty 4 vs soundcore space Q45

I've arrived at work with headband hair many times, nobody has said anything yet lol. I'm still rocking my Sony WH 1000MX3 which is still going strong three years after purchase

Question:- I am planning to spend about 300 usd on my audio device-devices. I am a Uni student so during weekdays i need something to listen music to during commute, Tv Series at home and I play Valorant on the weekends at home, i want advice on what i should buy, (headphones, earbuds or both?) and the best options in the category. i was initially considering buying epos h6pro's for home use and Soundpeats earbuds for outside use, or Bose Quietcomfort 1 for outside and home media use, Hyperx cloud 2 or something similar priced for gaming. Would really appreciate suggestions.

Earbuds are a tool to fit a situation but it will never replace my full size headphones in comfort or sound quality

4:36 yess, universal sign for "don't talk to me". 👌

So what you prefer soundcore liberty 3 pro or soundcore q45 for music

thanks for this brilliant video .. 👏👏

For me walking or biking with earbuds is annoying due to the rumble from bone conduction. I use them when I will be sitting. The old Apple buds didn't have this effect because they don't actually plug ur ear. For mixing music I enjoy open back headphones and for walking and biking I like using wireless headphones which won't produce that irritating rumble in the lower frequencies.

I have a pair of buds 2 pro samsung , and purchased the senheisser accentum, sony whch720n and soundcore space one and i ended up returning them all because none of them seemed yo even come close in terms of quality of audiooutput. I was shook to my core but as it sounds i think thats the truth

Which Better ? difficult question, because i have both of them 😁 Soundcore Life Q35 and Space A40

Recently acquired the Soundcore Q45 to add to Senn TW3 buds. Really surprised at audio on the Q45 - bit better than the Senns and clear winner over Soundcore LP3 buds which can be harsh. However I can't wear headphones for more than 2h max so still default to buds. Buds for travelling for sure

I really appreciate this vid big thumbs up from South Africa Cape Town🙌! but like you said it comes down to buyer's use and o/c the brand. I'd like if you can make a vid on portable speakers Especially the JBL, Samsung's, Rocka, Volkano and Xiaomi Mi. Hope this ain't a challenge😂 I'd appreciate it🙏

As my AirPods Pros 1st Gen failed on me last week after 15 months I bought some new. AirPods Pro 2s 2nd Gen the other day for $240, and also some Bose QuietComfort 45 SEs at Costco too for $220. Deciding which ones to keep. I also have some Skullcandy Grind Wireless headphones I've been using for years and they're not too bad. :)

For home headphones for deep rich sound out and about or traveling wireless earbuds or my wired shure earbuds.

5:43 THE BEST VIDEO THANK YOU

I use headphones at home and outdoor i use IEM even at office i use IEM or tws

It's use case, in my opinion. IEMs/earbuds for portability/on the go while headphones mostly for home use.

Depends on what you need them for. Like cars, compact cars are good in the city where parking space is limit but not good when you need to carry people or stuffs while SUVs are good for those but sometime can be too big and consume too much gas. Headphone/earbud discussion is the same way. There's no clear line that said which is better. Earbuds are good for flexibility but the sound quality can't match headphones while headphones are just too big to carry around all the time.

I have a small head and so many headphones bands don’t fit my head and slide off

You should try IEMs though.

Hello, good video. Honestly I don’t think there is one right answer, like you said, it depends on what you need. Personally, I own both types and I use both.

i like headphones for winter since im in Canada, they double for earmuffs and also can be connected to my computer or videogame purposes. Earbuds IMO are better for summer and anything with on the go or movement is needed.

For me its headphones when at the pc at home. Good 1 for gaming and old school marshall monitors for music through pc phone or receiver. Also with walking outdoors or public transport. At work soundcores. Stil need to hear the surrounding. But prefer headphones. More details. Stronger driffers and more immersive feeling

Headphones sound a lot more full and bassy for sure but my Jabra elite 75t models still sound great. I switched to them to sneak music at my job. Long hair. Anyway I don’t work there anymore so I want to use headphones and have the buds to be discreet. Also perfect for gaming and good enough to use for the whole immersive game sound and shutting the speakers in the room off. My teen years were great. I don’t game anymore but it was a great experience.

Comparing apples to oranges, why not a decent top 10 video for both, that's what I'm really here for.

Earbuds < headphones < speakers. I try to use speakers the most, but living in an apartment, end up using earbuds the most, then headphones, and speakers only once a week if that.

Neckbands are under rated. I don't see many youtubers reviewing them.

I prefer earbuds in daily use plus they are cheaper but when i want to really listen to music i would use headphones

Going with the buds because easy to handle

I find with all ear buds none stay steady in my ears when on the move...perfect for when your sitting down but outside that problems and that's why I use proper headphones...and another reason why I like proper headphones you can push them much harder...keep up the good work my man.

For me I used my headphone indoor and earbud outdoor I luv them both.

Which do you prefer for travel?

They all have their place it just depends on what I am listening to regarding both device and subject matter, my listening environment and whether I am relaxing or doing an activity. Ear buds are very convenient for travel etc, bluetooth headphones are great for casual listening or when noise cancelling is a premium. BUT wired headphones, especially open backed ones, trump anything else, even iem's can't reach their sound quality.

I’m trying to get good noise canceling headphones or earbuds earbuds would work better for me life style wise but headphones seem to be better at canceling unwanted noise

For me I prefer Headphones overall and like to use my Bose QC Ultra headphones, for sound, comfort, and battery life, but with that being said when I’m on the go nothing beats the convince and ease of use of ear buds like my personal favorite of the earbuds the Air Pods Pro 2

Before watching, it pretty much depends on you, your situation, your environment, and so many other conditions that can never quite be the same across the board for more than one person.

I will watch the video in a moment, but all I can say right now is I have on my back pack the L3P, Buds2 Pro, Buds Live and JBL Tour Pro, and at home I have Momentum 4, WH-XB900N, JBL UA Sport and Crusher ANC, I use and love them all for different situations, but if I have to pick one they would be the JBL Tour Pro and the L3P for earbuds.

I mean as long as we are talking about a good (one's personal preference) pair of either earbuds or headphones ... I dont think there is a "better" ... I use both and even with say earbuds there are the typical types or the (i forgot what the term is but i have one pair of SoundPeats that are earbuds but not in ear .. .the TrueAir 2's now that i looked it up) ... sometimes i just dont like something plugging up my ear, even if the pair is comfortable and its the correct sized tips.... sometimes at night when i have one side of my head on a pillow (that side with no earbud in) ... a pair of headphones is not an option. This is like saying "I like Cream or Orange soda better" ... I like both and i cant really say one is what i like over the other.

Headphones for home use and earbuds on the bus and on trips for me.

I'm more worried about lifespan. Cause so far they all break down after just a few months of use.

I have 3 pairs, for daily use i have a neckband sony's WI 1000XM2 for the gym i have a true wireless galaxy buds 2 and for home i have over the ears Sennheiser momentum 3

I own like 10 pairs of earbuds.. 1 pair of headphones. I've made my choice.

I want the premium sound experience of headphones but I just don't see myself using them much if I have to bring them with me in a case

Surely the headphones have a much better sound by miles.... the sizes of them compared surely can hold much bigger and better speakers in them.

I like them both earbuds and earphones I just love Great Sound of Music

Generally, I use headphones when I want to watch a movie or show on a tablet, say, and not disturb anyone around me (the screaming and chainsaw revving tends to annoy my wife). But for the gym and travel I use a mixture of IEMs and earbuds, depending on what I’m doing.

I own a pair of both and usually lean towards my earbuds since I work 5 days a week they’re more convenient in my pocket and can used one earbud at a time to listen to others

To be honest, I found that decent earbuds sound better than my very expensive headphones

My first choice would be wired or wireless headphones at home but anywhere else would be earbuds.

I’ve always preferred headphones, earbuds never feel like they are actually snug good in my ear

Generally, a good pair of earbuds would be around 80 to 85% of the audio quality of headphones, so for that much better audio the convenience factor of the earbuds outshines.

Portability and convenience - Earbuds Sound and isolation - Headphones

I agree

i like earphones more for compactness invisibility and the fact that they can sound really good despite of such small size. headphones i never had premium ones always had cheap ones so have no force pulling towards them yet, i will try using premium ones somewhere and see if that can change my taste. For now its really joyful experience for me that in 100 dollars i can get really good sounding pair of earbuds that i enjoy listening on so much. i think even if i found better sounding headphones it will still be hard for me to forget the exciting experience i get on good pair of earbuds😅

There should be a distinction between headphones that are wired and ones that are wireless. Sound quality of Bluetooth is closing the gap on wireed headphones. We're at the point where the sound quality of Bluetooth headphones vs earbuds is also closing the gap as well. I feel like the convenience of earbuds are the way to go when all other variables have been leveled. I personally hate being physically tethered to a device that creaats anxiety and tension.

I go for Headphones due to good sounding. buds are good for portability but the sound is 50/30

I think earbuds have the advantage of not creaking. But they tend to have technical difficulties. Greetings from México 🙂

True I love headphones

I use earbuds, IEMs and headphones based on where I'm listening. At home it's always something cabled. Outside home, it's usually Bluetooth.

I like your Ford Shirt. 👍

100% agree with your take

Headphones for studies and flights, everything else I use earbuds :)

I use both. When walking the dog definitely prefer earbuds but when working, headphones are better for me. Battery lasts all day also compared to earbuds.

I've lost another earbud and honestly I'm kind of tired of this anxiety of charging/finding/storing earbuds. I might go all headphones from now on except exercise.

I go with earbuds every time because with the headphones my ears are sweating every time and is a discomfort for me wearing them, on the other side i like the earbuds because are small and it fits perfect into my ears. But yeah everyone has their own tastes. Bless ✌🏽

Earbuds because the sounds are good enough for me and it’s just way more convenient and cheaper

While gaming i use headphones and when im doing every day activies eg: walking to school i use earphones