Earbuds vs. headphones: finding the perfect pair for you

Whether you're a music enthusiast, an avid podcast listener, or someone who simply wants to enjoy high-quality sound, deciding between earbuds vs. headphones can be tricky. Headphones provide fuller coverage, enveloping your ears in a comfortable cocoon of sound while offering excellent noise cancelling capabilities. Earbuds, on the other hand, offer sleekness and convenience, allowing you to carry them wherever you go without compromising on audio quality.

And if noise cancellation is your top priority, Bose delivers best-in-class noise cancelling headphones and earbuds. Now you may be wondering, what is active noise cancellation? Active noise cancellation uses microphones to detect external noise, creating opposite sound waves to counteract it. As a result, you can enjoy your favorite tunes regardless of the surrounding commotion.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of earbuds and headphones to help you choose the best audio product for your needs.

Not all headphones and earbuds are created equally. When you compare consumer headphones or earbuds with studio-quality headphones or earbuds — like those Bose offers — the difference in audio quality will blow you away. In fact, research shows that when using consumer-quality headphones, users couldn't tell the difference between audio quality above 48 kilobits per second (kb/s). However, for studio-quality headphones, users could differentiate between quality up to 128 kb/s and higher. So, whether you're team earbuds or team headphones, the most important thing to look for is a high-quality product.

The main benefit of wireless earbuds is their portability — they can easily fit in your pocket or small storage spaces. Earbuds' minimalistic design makes them stylish, discreet, and inconspicuous, too. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are high-quality, lightweight wireless earbuds, making them an excellent choice for when you're on the go or exercising.

Though small, they deliver big sound quality at an affordable price point. And with simple touch controls, you can fine-tune your sound to your personal preferences without missing a beat. You’ll get up to six hours of battery life on one charge and up to 24 hours of listening time with the portable charging case. Plus, you can connect multiple audio devices over a Bluetooth® connection.

Earbuds sometimes get a bad rap for being uncomfortable and causing ear canal pain after extended wear. Bose has you covered with three different sizes of soft eartips and stability bands to choose from. Remember that no two ears are alike — not even your own! — so you may need to experiment with different sizes to find the combination that suits you. We can help you find your perfect fit with our Fit Test in the Bose Music app.

Although personal style varies, some consider earbuds trendier for their minimalist, modern design. Bose wireless earbuds pop neatly into your ear canal, allowing you to listen to music without sacrificing audio quality.  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are currently available in Black or  White Smoke.

If you’re looking for a closed-back design with even better active noise cancellation and acoustics, wireless headphones might be what you’re looking for.

Bose offers many types of headphones for different lifestyles. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best wireless headphones for when you want to zone out and listen to music on your noisy commute. A report published in the journal Environment International found that exposure to noise has a significant impact on one's mental health, and turning up the volume can harm your ears. Just pop on these noise cancelling headphones for an instantly peaceful commute. Their proprietary active noise cancelling technology allows you to easily adjust when you want to let the world in or out.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones live up to their name, created with comfort in mind. They're ultra lightweight, and the earcups are fitted with luxurious synthetic leather and minimal clamping. You can wear them for an extended period of time without experiencing headaches or aching ear canals. And with Adjustable EQ, you can tune your music to your liking for an optimal listening experience.

In the battle of Bose earbuds vs. headphones, both come out on top. Earbuds may be the better choice if you prioritize style and portability while headphones might be your top pick if comfort and noise cancellation are your priority. But no matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy a high-quality audio experience.