# Earphones or earbuds? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 5, 2013, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763 "2013-07-05T23:38:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/1 "2013-07-05T23:38:56Z")
I’m tired of getting the cheap $10 sets and having to replace them, but trying to decide which to go with. Do you have a preference? ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/2 "2013-07-05T23:40:29Z")
Aarrrrggghagggghrrrr! I meant it to be a poll, but it somehow didn’t make. Thanks Obama! Still, any preference twixt phones and buds? ---
**Author:** ![Don\_t\_Panic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/don_t_panic/32/398_2.png) [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/3 "2013-07-05T23:54:50Z")
Headphones. But I don’t count, since my ears have a strange shape and buds keep falling out. ---
**Author:** ![JustinC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justinc/32/8083_2.png) [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/4 "2013-07-06T00:00:05Z")
I like AKG and Sennheiser but I find I have to replace them every year or so, so I go for a cheaper brand like Sony or Samsung and it doesn’t take too long to forget about the difference in quality. ---
**Author:** ![tellyworth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@tellyworth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tellyworth)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/5 "2013-07-06T00:43:12Z")
I thought earbuds and earphones were synonyms. I guess you’re asking about loose-fitting earphones vs the silicon earplug kind? I use both. A pair from an old ipod, that I use when I’m out walking, because I can still hear traffic. And a noise-isolating pair for when I’m working somewhere noisy. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/6 "2013-07-06T00:56:54Z")
Do you want to be isolated from outside sounds, or not? Earbuds are the kind that sit loosely in your earlobe and the provide no isolation from outside sounds. Apple’s famous white earbuds are the best known example. These generally have limited bass and the sound quality usually isn’t great. Then there are in-ear phones also known as in-ear-monitors or IEMS that form a seal with your ear and block outside sounds. There are a variety of these available at different price points. Some are bad and some are very good. As far as in-ears go, I think the Apple In-Ears are good although I’m more impressed with them since I got a pair for $40 on Craigslist instead of $80 new. Shure and Etymotic are two commonly recommended brands. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/7 "2013-07-06T02:40:53Z")
it all depends on your ears and what you are doing. if the buds fall out then try glue or headphones. i’ve seen and used buds on an earhook, so no band in the way of head ware or hair. i’ve used light weight headphones that went around the back of the neck, so no band in the way of head ware or hair (this would need to go under hang down hair on the neck). ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/8 "2013-07-06T07:45:20Z")
I was wearing [on-the-ear earphones](http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SHS3701-27-Headphones-Interchangeable/dp/B000QS5MM2) for a while but I found that they didn’t get loud enough. I was probably polluting the ambiance at the gym and forget trying to hear while mowing the lawn. I wore those because buds don’t stay in my ears. I switched to [something like this](http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SHS8100-28-Earhook-Headphones/dp/B003BT6BM8) that both hooks over the ears and goes in the ear AND has a “earplug” head instead of just the stupid little round plastic bit like default Apple. Mine came with 3 different sizes of cover (like the one I linked to) so I could get a better fit. My left ear hole is smaller than the right. I’m happy. ---
**Author:** ![Pitchmeister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pitchmeister/32/3459_2.png) [@Pitchmeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pitchmeister)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/9 "2013-07-06T08:07:44Z")
Maybe it’s a bit pricey, but for about 200$ and upwards you can get custom molds for your ears. They will never fall out, they feel very comfortable, they have great isolation, and they sound freaking amazing. The mold is coupled to your ear very tightly, so bass response is awesome, and as an added bonus, because of the good isolation you don’t have to turn up the volume all the way, thus protecting your hearing. They are in no way, shape or form comparable to the silicone earbuds, it’s a complete game changer. You need to fork over some serious cash, though. ---
**Author:** ![chronometer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@chronometer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chronometer)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/10 "2013-07-06T09:32:52Z")
My ears are that odd shape which allows normal earbuds to fall out, so I can’t use them at all even if I wanted to – I find them unbearable because they leak sound inwards and outwards. The in-ear sound-isolating types like the Shure SE215BK are really great. This particular model features foam-type earpieces that you squash with your fingers and then stuff into your ears. The foam expands to fill up the space and bingo! really good sound isolation. They also don’t come out by themselves – you have to make a positive effort to remove them. Audio quality is pretty good. Really not recommended for use when driving, biking, or dodging traffic on foot. Excellent on planes or noisy public transport. I also like the detachable wire design, because if you have a cable break you don’t have to throw the whole thing away and get a new one – you simply buy a new set of cables. ---
**Author:** ![Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sticks_and_scones/32/16951_2.png) [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/11 "2013-07-06T10:24:40Z")
I have Beats by Dre which came with my phone, actually. They’ve been wonderful up until recently when since I’ve been running 3-5 miles a day in the heat and my ears have gotten sweaty (who knew?) and then they start falling out and the right one will quit working. So, if you’re not sweaty or a runner, or both, I’d recommend them. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/12 "2013-07-06T13:22:17Z")
I like Sennheiser headphones, for the sound quality. I hate having things plugged into my ears so I prefer the phones. But that’s a personal choice. No idea which you’d prefer. Wirecutter’s list of Best Things is pretty well regarded among techies I know. I bought a pair of bargain basement buds to use with a phone off that list and was very pleased with the results. > **[Wirecutter: New Product Reviews, Deals, and Buying Advice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/)** > > Wirecutter tests and reviews the best tech, appliances, gear, and more. You can trust our veteran journalists, scientists, and experts to find the best stuff. > **[Headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/headphones/)** > > We've researched and tested the best in-ear, on-ear, noise-cancelling, Bluetooth, and other headphones, so you don't have to. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/13 "2013-07-06T14:54:36Z")
I have large, traditional headphones for in the house and at the office, but when I’m out and about I prefer the compactness and sound isolation of [in-ear earbuds](http://obrienmedia.com/media/2009/02/earbuds.jpg) (I just carry a pair in my pocket at all times). ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/14 "2013-07-06T23:36:55Z")
I can NOT stand earbuds of any sort - if I can get them in my ears at all they’re painful. They don’t fit “loosely”, maybe I have small ear holes or something. For all their bulk I find headphones vastly superior but they seem to be getting hard to find. ---
**Author:** ![Rowanchilde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rowanchilde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rowanchilde)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/15 "2013-07-06T23:47:52Z")
I cannot stand earbuds either. I find them uncomfortable and don’t really care for inserting and reinserting the contaminated and greasy things in my ears. But mostly because the quality of sound is horrible. When I listen to music I really like to be absorbed into it. I don’t want outside noise. Earbuds remind me of listening to a transistor radio… ---
**Author:** ![austerity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@austerity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/austerity)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2013, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/16 "2013-07-07T01:14:16Z")
All earbuds and earphones eventually fail. I’ve had 5 dollar earbuds last longer than 200 dollar headphones. So I always just buy the cheapest earbuds in bulk and I get a few months use out of each before the sound cuts out. I’d buy 10 orders of this > **[Amazon.com: PANASONIC Stereo Earbud Headphones with Comfortable, Clear, and...](https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-Headphones-Comfortable-Powerful-Headphone/dp/B004MMEHYM)** > > Amazon.com: PANASONIC Stereo Earbud Headphones with Comfortable, Clear, and Powerful Sound. Includes 3.9 ft Cord with Miniplug 3.5mm Headphone Jack - RP-HV096-K – In Ear Earbuds (Black) : Electronics I use them for running and biking everyday so they get abused a lot and sound quality matters little to me since I listen mostly to talk radio. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2013, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/17 "2013-07-07T03:02:28Z")
earphones. I have some scarring in my left ear that causes problems with (the silicone isolating) earbuds - even with the volume as low as possible, it irritates my ear, which then ends up with an infection if I don’t stop using them. On a trip to Chicago last week I forgot my earphones and had a pair of buds in my bag. I only used them on the 90 minute flight each way and I’m still dealing with the irritation, after flying home Tuesday. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2013, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/18 "2013-07-07T03:15:48Z")
Koss Pro 4AA earphones. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2013, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/19 "2013-07-07T04:41:28Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > Koss Pro 4AA earphones. Dear God no. Those things are heavy as hell with strong clamping force. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2013, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763/20 "2013-07-07T08:00:11Z")
> [@thirdname](#): > > Dear God no. Those things are heavy as hell with strong clamping force. You get used to them. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earphones-or-earbuds/662763.md?page=2)