Earphones Vs Headphones can get confusing for most. But how do you make the right choice when you need to purchase a new set of ‘around the ear’ devices? For this, various factors come to play that are both personal and technical. In this article, we will try and focus on some important factors that help determine the perfect choice for an individual. Also known as ‘cans for the ear,’ the earphones or the headphones have been around for quite some time now. So, what is the history of the earphones, and how did they come to be? It is quite interesting;
The telephone operators used the first-ever headphones, and it was anything but ‘compact’ the first-ever model rested upon the user’s shoulders and weighed almost 10 pounds. Subsequently, this paves the way for the ‘Electrophone,’ which was invented in Britain. The time was during the early 1890s, and this was a service-related device subscription priced at 5 pounds a year. The electrophone allowed the users to dial to a switchboard, and they could easily listen to live performances around London. Sounds weird? Well, trust us when we say it was ‘cutting-edge’ at its time. However, by the year 1910, it was an engineer by the name of Nathaniel Baldwin who designed the first-ever headphones that remotely resembled the latest design of today. Nevertheless, it was not of any help to the general population, but the Navy grabbed 100 pairs immediately. This was a fine device for defence and was successfully used for military purposes.
It was in the year 1979 that Sony launched the first-ever ‘walkman’ with headphones. This was revolutionary in every way as it forever changed the way we ‘listened to sounds.’ The Sony Walkman was everywhere and was ‘hot’ for the longest time ever. This was portable, stylish at the time, private, and sold over 400 million units on the first go. Sony dominated the market like never before, and the Sony Walkman with its sleek headphones was nothing short of ‘iconic.’ This early design comprised earcups connected with a metal band which was unified with cords at each side and fixed into a ‘jack.’ The ‘music now moved’ with you. Subsequently, newer versions led to the ‘tweaking in the existing design that led to the launch of various models. Earphones came to being as such. This comprises of ‘pods/buds/tiny speaker’ that fixed into your ears on each side and was wired to the jack. This led to the earphones Vs Headphones debate, as the public now had a ‘choice’ they could make.
Apple launched the iPhone and forever changed digital music. It reached the mainstream, and the tiny Apple-wired earphones were everywhere. Now, one could easily walk into a music store and easily get confused. Headphones? Earphones? Buds? Pods? Are these the same? Yes and No. Let us take a closer look at the two most popular designs: the Earphones and the headphones.
Also Read: 10 Best Earphones Under Rs. 1000 With Mic
These are around-the-ear devices that are worn on the inside of Pinna. This is the part of the ear that is visible and on the outside. The earphones are also called earbuds, in-ears, canal phones, in-ear monitors. In a nutshell, earphones are designed to slide into the ears and stay fixed. Technically, the Earphones are electroacoustic transducers that are designed to convert electrical signals into relatable sounds or music.
Advantages of Earphones
- Noise isolation is the best.
- Is portable.
- Can be used for playing music during running, dance, or workouts.
Disadvantages of Earphones
- The frequency response is not the very best.
- The frequency range is not great.
- Not exactly very comfortable.
- Not great on the noise cancellation department.
What are Headphones?
The headphones are over-the-ear devices that can be placed over the head. It emphasizes the quality stereo sound for the ultimate audio experience. These are available as both wired and wireless types, with the wireless type using Bluetooth technology for connection. The headphones are electroacoustic transducers that convert electrical signals to sound/music.
Advantages of Headphones
- The frequency response is the best.
- The frequency range is excellent.
- Noise cancellation is better.
- These are comparatively more comfortable.
Disdvantages of Headphones
- Not portable.
- Not exactly compact.
- Noise isolation is not great.
Also Read: 13 Best Earphones Under Rs. 500
Comparison between Earphones and Headphones
Still, confused when it comes to Earphones Vs Headphones? Well, let’s sort out the differences between the two:
EARPHONES | HEADPHONES |
The frequency response is not exactly great. | The frequency response is within the comfortable range: 20Hz to 20KHz |
The Noise cancellation is not that great. | Better noise cancellation features |
Not that comfortable | Are more comfortable in comparison |
Noise isolation is better | Noise leakage is a problem as a result of the bulky design |
Are comparatively a more portable option | Are bulky, not exactly portable |
Better sonic experience | Perfect for specified settings/environment |
Economical | Expensive |
Now that we have ‘tabulated’ the significant differences, let us take a look at the specifications:
Earphones Vs Headphones: For Gaming
Both serve the same purpose. But there are a few considerations that one needs to keep in mind when selecting the right ‘over the ear gear.’ For a serious gamer, the sessions can get long; for this, you might want to slip over a nice pair of comfortable headphones. These stay snug and also offer the right fit and support during long gaming sessions.
Earphones Vs Headphones: Health
Both the ‘can’ types are nothing but tiny speakers very close to your ears. Nothing is good or healthy if used for an extended period. However, the earphones tend to enter your ear canal to fit. This can push in the ear wax all the more inside the ears, thus, leading to blockages. So, when it comes to the healthier option, it has to be the headphones, as they are wrapped around and over your ears.
Headphones VS Earphones: For Gym/Running
If you are more of an outdoor person, who likes to keep at par with their physical exercises, portability is a major priority. In this case, the round goes to the earphones. These stay fixed within the ears and offer freedom of movement to the user. Also, these are lightweight and compact, so there is no coming on the way kind of an issue.
FAQs
Earphones are more harmful than headphones.
If used within a limit and under a healthy volume range, earphones can be used every day. Safe noise levels are below 90 decibels.
Yes, if you are using the earphones as you are charging your phone, it can adversely affect the man and the machine.
Due to better noise isolation.
Yes, research shows that using earphones while your phone is on charge can lead to brain-damaging effects.
It is recommended to use the headphones for a total of 60 minutes a day at 60% of maximum volume to stay safe and healthy.
- Use the device in low volume.
- Use a noise-cancellation device.
- Take a break every 15 minutes, if you are going to stay ‘plugged-in’ for a while.
Yes, in terms of health and safety.
Yes, excessive use of earphones can lead to ear wax build-up over time.
The Conclusion
Your ‘ear cans’ should not be taken for granted. It is necessary to ensure that you take care of your health as you select your device. As there appears to be a rapid merging of the man with the machine, our gadgets are getting more intimate with us. Nevertheless, it is advised to take precautions when it comes to our natural senses. So, when it comes to earphones vs headphones, what is it going to be? Let us find out:
For The Gamer: For a serious gamer, nice clarity is just as important as the game itself. Also, considering the long hours you will spend indulging in the game, it is best advised to go for a nice comfortable pair of headphones. These offer noise cancellation and are perfect if you need to enjoy the 3D audio and animations. These are also preferred by studio artists and for music mixing.
For The Runner: You prefer your momentum over your machine? Well, it is the earphones for you then. As these are lightweight and can fit comfortably within your ears, you are free to move as you please. Earphones make the best music partners when it comes to workouts, gym, running, or dancing.