Difference between Headphones and Earphones

Key Difference: Headphones are a pair of loudspeakers that are very small in size. These are designed so that one can place them close to the ears. Earphones are also very similar to headphones and can be considered as just the alternate in-ear version.

Headphones are connected to a signal source through wires or though a wireless network. The signal sources include an audio amplifier, radio, CD player or

mobile phone. They can be used with fixed as well as portable devices.

Earphones are a kind of headphones that are very small and are fitted directly in the outer ear. Unlike headphones, earphones do not have a band or any other arrangement to fit over the head. Due, to their small size, they are easily portable and considered to be very convenient.

Some of the differences are listed below:-

	Headphones	Earphones
Definition	Headphones are a pair of loudspeakers that are very small in size. These are designed so that one can place them close to the ears.	Earphones are the alternate in-ear version of headphones.
Cost	Generally expensive	Comparatively less expensive
Bulkiness	High	Less
Portability	Less	High
Sound Quality	Better	Inferior
Filtration of external noise	Yes	No
Common Types	On ear or supra-aural headphones which rest on top of one’s ears. Around the ear or circumaural headphones which completely encompass the user’s ears Headset headphones are headphones with a mic attached to them	Earbud earphones are inserted in the ear canal In-ear earphones are placed just inside the user’s ear canal Sports earphones are made custom fit and specially designed for athletes, runners and music lovers. Bluetooth earphones are wireless
Air flow	More	Less
Gear	The left and right speakers connected via a strap over the head	Kind of small headphones in which the left and right speakers are usually wired separately to each ear
Disadvantages	Expensive Bulky Less portable	Can be difficult to fit into the individual's ear canal size Can fall out with a tug of a cable Bass response may be weak