A Complete Guide to Headphones
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Earbuds, meanwhile, bypass all of the support, and you place them directly into your ear canal. Most of Apple's AirPods line are earbuds (the high-end AirPods Max are headphones). Because of their small size and light weight, people usually use earphone's and earbud's inactive or athletic settings. Some models also feature removable tips or flanges to isolate outside noise and increase comfort and fit. These tips come in several different materials, including silicone, rubber, and memory foam.
A Complete Guide to Headphones
Learn about types of earbuds and headsets
By Lisa Johnston Lisa Johnston Writer New York College Emerson College Lisa Johnston is a former Lifewire writer and an editor who covers computer peripherals and other consumer electronics since 2004. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share EmailIn This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Over-Ear Headphones Earphones and Earbuds Wireless vs. Wired In-Line Microphone and Controls With so many styles and configurations for personal audio devices around, deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. Learn about the different types of headphones (and earphones and earbuds) to determine which is right for you. vector / iStock / Getty Images PlusOver-Ear Headphones
Over-ear models are probably the first thing you think of when you hear "headphones." They're larger and feature cups or cushions that surround your entire ear. The cushions are usually made of foam and come covered in various materials, including leather or suede. Noise-canceling is a popular feature for this type of unit. It comes in two types: passive and active. Passive noise-canceling means that the cups themselves block outside noise by both insulating with their filler material and forming a tight seal over your ear. Active noise-canceling means that the headphones put out an extra audio layer to block ambient noise. Other types of over-ear headphones include gaming headsets, which have a built-in microphone for multiplayer and other chats, and DJ headphones, which usually allow one or both ear cups to swivel away from the headband. However, these kinds offer more specialized uses, which can push the price up. Advantages to over-ear headphones include immersive sound and comfort, although some people dislike the sets' weight. Drawbacks include a lack of portability. While many models fold up or come with a carrying case, you can't easily tuck them into your pocket, and you may find them awkward when exercising. On-ear headphones are slightly smaller and weigh less than over-ear headphones; as a result, on-ear headphones are often less expensive than their over-ear counterparts.Earphones and Earbuds
While over-ear headphones fit over your head, earphones and in-ear headphones sit inside the ear canal. Unlike headphones, earphones also ditch most of the structure in favor of smaller clips that fit over the top of your ear and hold the speakers in place. You might also see earphones with bands that go around your neck.Earbuds, meanwhile, bypass all of the support, and you place them directly into your ear canal. Most of Apple's AirPods line are earbuds (the high-end AirPods Max are headphones). Because of their small size and light weight, people usually use earphone's and earbud's inactive or athletic settings. Some models also feature removable tips or flanges to isolate outside noise and increase comfort and fit. These tips come in several different materials, including silicone, rubber, and memory foam.