Headphones vs Earbud Buying Guide

Headphones versus earbuds: which type is better? And what are the most important things to consider when buying?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting the perfect pair of headphones. Whether you’re listening to podcasts on your work commute, pumping the tunes during workouts or getting into gaming, Myer has you covered.

With so many products to choose from, deciding on earbuds or headphones can be tricky. Here, we’ll provide an earbud and headphone comparison to help you find the best option for your listening needs.

Over-ear headphones feature large earcups that fully enclose your ears, offering an immersive listening experience. Designed for extended wear, they provide a comfortable fit with cushioned padding.

• Pros: Superior sound quality, excellent noise isolation, comfortable for long use.
• Cons: Large and bulky, less portable, can be expensive.
• Top brands: Sony, JBL, BOSE®, Marshall.
• Best for: Home listening, long flights, studio work, immersive music or movie sessions.

In-ear headphones (also known as earbuds or earphones) are designed to sit snugly inside the ear canal. Compact and lightweight, they’re highly portable – making them the perfect option to carry with you on work days and weekend getaways.

• Pros: Compact and portable, great for active use, often more affordable.
• Cons: Smaller drivers mean less powerful sound, may cause discomfort over long periods.
• Top brands: BOSE®, Sony, Marshall, Moki.
• Best for: Commuting, workouts, everyday use, travel.

Noise cancelling headphones use advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds, allowing for a more focused and immersive listening experience. Available in both over-ear and in-ear styles, they’re ideal for blocking out distractions.

• Pros: Reduces background noise, enhances sound clarity, great for travel or work.
• Cons: More expensive, requires battery power, may affect sound quality for some users.
• Top brands: Sony, BOSE®, JBL, Moki.
• Best for: Flying, commuting, studying, working in noisy environments.

Wireless headphones and earbuds connect to your device via Bluetooth, giving you freedom from tangled cords. Many offer convenient features such as touch controls and built-in microphones.

• Pros: Tangle-free, convenient, ideal for on-the-go use, many offer long battery life.
• Cons: Need to be charged, can be more expensive, potential Bluetooth connectivity issues.
• Top brands: BOSE®, Sony, Marshall, JBL, Panasonic.
• Best for: Commuting, workouts, travel, hands-free calls.

Open earbuds are designed to rest just outside the ear canal, rather than sealing inside it. This allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying audio, offering a comfortable and breathable fit for all-day wear.

• Pros: Lightweight, less ear fatigue, keeps you aware of your environment.
• Cons: Less noise isolation, audio may leak, reduced bass response.
• Top brand: BOSE®.
• Best for: Walking, commuting, working in shared spaces, situational awareness.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering earbuds vs headphones:

• Sound quality: Look for headphones with balanced sound, clear highs, rich mids and deep bass.
• Comfort and fit: Over-ear models are great for extended listening.
• Wired vs wireless: If you want freedom of movement, choose wireless headphones.
• Noise cancellation: Active noise cancelling (ANC) models will block out ambient sound.
• Battery life: Frequent travellers may want longer-lasting options.
• Special features: Some models include smart features like built-in virtual assistants (e.g. Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant) or compatibility with smart ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings.

Still not sure about headphones vs earbuds? Here are some tips for choosing the right style based on your lifestyle:

• Fitness enthusiasts: Choose sweat-resistant, secure-fitting wireless headphones.
• Gamers: Look for headphones with immersive sound, low-latency connectivity, a built-in mic and comfortable over-ear design.
• Commuters and travellers: Prioritise noise-cancelling headphones with long battery life.
• Office workers: Opt for noise-cancelling or ambient-aware headphones.
• Kids: Choose volume-limited headphones with a durable design and fun colours.
• Everyday users: Go for versatile, easy-to-use headphones with balanced sound.

Before buying a new pair of headphones, it’s important to evaluate your options carefully. Here’s how:

• Do your research: Learn about the different types of headphones, key features and which models suit your lifestyle and listening preferences.
• Check online reviews: Read customer feedback to get real-world insights into sound quality, comfort, durability and battery life.
• Try before you buy: Whenever possible, visit your local Myer store to test headphones in person. This helps you assess comfort, fit and sound quality before making your final decision.

The main difference lies in their size, fit and how they deliver sound. Headphones are larger and typically sit over or on your ears, providing immersive sound and better noise isolation. Earphones (also known as in-ear headphones or earbuds) are smaller and fit inside the ear canal, making them lightweight and highly portable.  

When buying, it’s useful to think about earphones vs headphones in terms of how you plan to use them. Headphones are often preferred for home or studio use, while earphones are great for travel, workouts and on-the-go listening.

The terms ‘earbuds’ and ‘earphones’ are often used interchangeably, and in many cases, refer to the same type of product. When shopping this headphone style, your key consideration will be between the in-ear and open-ear types:

• In-ear: These sit snugly inside the ear canal, offering better noise isolation and improved sound quality – great for immersive listening.
• Open-ear:

This type rests just outside the ear canal, allowing more ambient sound in. This makes them ideal for people who want to stay aware of their surroundings, such as during commutes or outdoor activities.

Noise-cancelling headphones use active technology to block out external sounds. They have built-in microphones that detect ambient noise and they produce sound waves that cancel noise out. For this reason, they’re ideal for flying, commuting or noisy environments.

Noise-isolating headphones rely on physical design (like snug earcups or in-ear tips) to block out noise passively, without electronic interference. They can still reduce background sound, but not as effectively as active noise cancellation.

The key difference is how they connect to your device. Wired headphones use a physical cable (usually a 3.5mm audio jack or USB) to deliver consistent, high-quality sound without needing a battery. Wireless headphones connect via Bluetooth, offering more freedom of movement and a tangle-free experience. Many come with built-in controls and microphones for calls and voice assistants. However, they do need to be charged and may occasionally experience connectivity issues. Wired is great for reliability and sound quality; wireless is ideal for convenience and portability.

The lifespan of headphones can vary depending on the type, how often you use them and how well you care for them. On average, wired headphones can last 3 to 5 years or more, especially with proper handling. Wireless headphones typically last 2 to 4 years, as battery performance may decline over time. High-quality models from trusted brands tend to be more durable, and features like water resistance or reinforced cables can extend their life. Regular cleaning, careful storage and avoiding overcharging can also help to maximise longevity.

Expensive headphones can be worth it if sound quality, comfort and advanced features are important to you. Premium models often deliver richer audio, better noise cancellation, longer battery life and more durable materials. They’re especially valuable for audiophiles or anyone using headphones daily for work or study. However, if you’re a casual listener or only use headphones occasionally, a mid-range pair may meet your needs perfectly. It will ultimately come down to your listening style and your budget.

Proper care can extend the life of your headphones or earphones. Here are some simple tips:

• Store them safely: Use a case to protect them from dust, moisture and damage when not in use.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat or freezing conditions.
• Clean them regularly: Wipe down earcups or tips with a soft, dry cloth. For in-ear models, gently clean ear tips and mesh to prevent wax buildup.
• Handle cables with care: Don’t yank or tightly wrap cords – this can cause internal damage.
• Charge properly: For wireless models, avoid overcharging and unplug once fully charged. With regular maintenance, your headphones can stay in great shape for years.