If you are a music lover, then it is important to know the difference between a headset and a headphone. Just like in the case of in-ear vs on-ear vs over-ear, most people believe that both headset and headphones are similar. However, that is not true. There is a big difference between headphones and headset, which is the former one has a Mic.
A headset has an attached microphone that lets you talk. It is mostly used in video conferencing or video calls you make, whereas a headphone has an integrated Mic that is not attached or visible, and mostly used for listening to audio files. Let’s make a quick comparison between Headphones and Headsets.
Contents
A] Headphones
1. What Are Headphones?
A headphone is designed using two simple speakers that are attached to a band. When the user wears a headphone, the speaker covers the ears. Headphones offer an immersive music experience as the sound source delivers a sonic play load into the ears of the user.
Headphones vibrate large segments of air within the room to recreate the sound. Headphones move small amounts of air around the listeners’ ears. This helps to create a personalized and confined Soundstage experience for the listener.
Most headphones offer exceptional audio performance. You’ll be able to hear the finest frequency range with headphones.
2. The Features
- Sound Quality
The sound quality of a headphone is superior, especially in low and mid-range. It also offers great performance in Bass tones. Headphones help to block out the ambient noise of the background. Especially headphones that come with noise-cancelling features, block the ambient noise giving you a comprehensive music experience.
When it comes to the noise-cancelling feature, the headphones are categorised into active noise cancelling and passive noise cancelling. Read here to know more.
If you buy a good quality headphone, then there is no leakage in the sound quality. A dedicated headphone has a Soundstage feature that lets you hear great sounding music. The difference between headset and headphones lies in the sound performance for sure. Headphones are mostly preferred for their sound quality.
- Performance
Performance-wise headphone scores high. As it offers different sound features, you can use it anywhere. You can use Wireless Bluetooth headphones that let you connect to different devices so that you can hear your music on-the-go.
Wireless headphones also make an ideal choice for people who work out or jog daily. Then some headphones come with noise isolation and noise cancellation.
Headphones do not suffer in any department and are indeed the most preferred choice for people who love music. Some headphones are also available with integrated Mic so that you can enjoy talking. It also serves the purpose of calls.
- Comfort and Convenience
Headphones are comfortable as they fit right on your ears. Extra cushy headphones provide you with exceptional audio output. Some headphones are lightly weighted so you can wear them for a longer time.
Wireless headphones also provide a great feeling if you need to wear it for studio needs. Headphones are convenient, but the only issue is with the size. It may not easily slip in your pocket or small bag.
So, you’ll need an extra case for carrying the headphones. Also, some headphones don’t have an integrated Mic option, so it becomes difficult to use for video conferencing. Still, headphones are most popular among millennials.
B] Headsets
1. What Are Headsets?
Headsets look like a headphone but have a microphone attached to it. The Mic can also be removed depending on the use and make. Headsets are mostly used as computer and telephone headsets.
There are wireless headsets available that come with Bluetooth technology. Headsets are ear-worn speakers that are coupled with a microphone to provide you with an interactive sound experience. The headset is also known as a head-worn audio device with a Mic.
2. The Features
- Sound Quality
Headsets also offer great audio experience. It offers better frequency in mid-range not so good in low range. But, again that depends on the type of headset you choose for your music.
Bigger headsets that are available with Mic reproduce pleasing sounds, as their drivers are also bigger. Headsets are perfect for your gaming experience, as you’ll get to hear the sound crisp and clear.
Bigger drivers do offer better sound, and they also maintain their portable form factor. In headphones & headsets, the latter offers an immersive Soundstage. Headsets can be used for listening to music and for video/voice calls.
- Performance
The difference between headphone and headset depends on the performance feature. A headset ideally comes with a Mic. That is the reason it can be used in text-to-speech or calling. Most call centre executives use headsets for taking calls. The sound is perfect, and you can talk without any issue.
Of course, good quality headsets will give you optimized performance in sound. There can be a crack in sound if the headphone is average. A gaming headset gives you value for money. You’ll be able to feel every action when you play a game with your opponent.
- Comfort and Convenience
Headsets are more convenient than headphones. The reason being they have an attached Mic, which makes your speech clear. Some headsets come with a fixed Mic while some are available with removable Mic.
Now, if you choose a headset with a detachable Mic, then it will serve the dual purpose. With the Mic on, you’ll be able to use it for taking calls and talking. And when you remove the Mic, you’ll be able to use the headset as a headphone.
This also depends on the purpose you are using it for. Headsets are comfortable and provide a great room for hearing. There is no added pressure around your ears while using the headset, which is an advantage.
C] Headset vs Headphones – Physical Differences
Headsets have earpieces with built-in speakers that are connected with band and Mic. Normally a headset is available with a big Mic that stands next to the mouth with a boom.
Headsets are mostly used by call centre or calling executives. Headsets, because of its design, normally deliver a mono sound or a stereo sound. This also depends on the type and brand you choose. Headsets with Mic make it look different from headphones and perhaps the difference is visible.
Talking about headphones, it is connected by two cushioned earpieces and band. Most headphones are spacious and comfortable, so you won’t feel any pressure around your ears.
Today, headphones are available in every size and colour. You can easily choose a headphone according to your favourite colour. Yes, there is a yellow and red shade available too. Headphones have large drivers that give you perfect stereo sound quality. Big headphones help to deliver better sound so that you enjoy your music on-the-go.
Headphones are wider as compared to headsets. Normally open-back headphones are used by music mixing artists or DJs as the sound quality of these headphones is exceptional. Closed-back headphones are ideal for travelling needs, as they are portable. To know the difference between the two headphones; open-back and closed-back, read this guide. Headphones are also available with detachable cables and rechargeable batteries, so you can take your pick.
D] Headsets or Headphones – Which To Buy?
- Why You Should Buy Headsets?
Headsets are ideal for gaming purposes or call centres. The headset offers immersive sound quality along with surround capabilities. It offers a microphone, which makes the sound clear and crisp.
For gaming purposes, there are separate gaming headsets that offer you complete clarity so that you can enjoy playing with your opponents. If you need a headphone with an attached Mic, then a headset is a perfect choice for you.
- Why You Should Buy Headphones?
Headphones are portable, and that is the reason most people prefer to buy headphones while travelling. Open headphones give you a surround sound experience, so it’s perfect for studio needs.
Foldable headphones can be carried in any case along with you. Headphones are available in the wired and wireless forms, so you can choose according to your needs. Read this article on wired and wireless headphones to know more. Headphones are the most preferred choice for listening to music. If you don’t have any Mic requirement, then choose a headphone.
The Perfect Version
It is often difficult to choose between a perfect headphone or a headset. Quality and brand both factors are important. If the quality is good, you will not face any issues with the sound of headset and headphones.
A branded headphone can last longer than an unbranded one. This also goes for a headset you buy. Invest in a good brand to experience the best range and sound.
The integrated Mic feature that is available in a headphone can also provide a good range. But, if you require clarity in talking, then headsets are perfect. You also get different models in headphones and headsets today. From different colours to sizes, you’ll be able to choose from the best.
Buying a headphone or a headset requires some feature comparison. Compare both and then decide which one is perfect for your studio needs or music needs.
Audiophiles’ grade headphones can give you the best sound quality and immersive experience. Look for a perfect option and choose the best. After all, a headphone or a headset is important for the great sounding experience.
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