Headphones or Earbuds: Which Is Right for You?

With the rise of mp3 players making music more and more portable, many music listeners try to decide what kind of personal speakers work best for listening. Since both headphones and earbuds come in hundreds of styles and at virtually any price, deciding which to listen to depends on the user's preference. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Headphones

By far the oldest of the two, commercial headphones date back to the 70s. Headphones have many advantages. The sound quality in a pair of headphones reproduces natural sound the best, making them the preference of professionals. Several models of headphones also work as noise canceling devices, allowing a person to "surround" themselves with music while locking out the rest of the world. The disadvantage of these headphones is size. Since they are so large, any kind of exercise while wearing them makes no sense, as they constantly slip off the exercisers head.

Pros and cons of earbuds

In the last few years, ear buds have come on in a big way, mostly due to Apple's embrace of the small white earbuds. The technology behind these earbuds has improved as well, allowing them to reproduce sound as well as most headphones. Since earbuds lodge firmly in the ear, it makes them ideal for exercising, especially versions that actually come on a head band. The only downside to ear buds is that sharing them is an unsanitary act.

Deciding between ear buds and headphones all depends on the user and why the person is using. Since high priced versions of each cost about the same, it all depends on preference.