Headphone vs Headset – Know The Difference
By Robert Jones · 2021-09-19
The headset and headphone are not similar. They have many differences. The
Right then, let's clear up a bit of confusion that crops up fairly often, shall we? People ask me all the time, "what's the real difference between headphones and a headset, Robert?" And look, it's not always obvious, especially with all the gear out there these days. Basically, it all comes down to one main thing: a microphone. That's the long and short of it. If it's got a mic built-in that you can use for talking, it's a headset. If it hasn't, it's a pair of headphones. Easy as that, really. ### Headphones: Just for Listening Now, headphones, they're strictly for one-way traffic. Sound goes in your ears, and that's your lot. You use them for music, for watching films, for immersive gaming where you don't need to chat to anyone. Think about your classic studio monitor headphones – big, comfortable things designed purely for critical listening. I've got a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x that I've used for years in the workshop; brilliant for hearing every little detail in a mix or just enjoying a bit of Dire Straits without bothering the missus. They're built for sound quality, generally speaking. Manufacturers put their efforts into the drivers, the acoustics, the comfort for long listening sessions. You'll find all sorts: in-ear monitors (IEMs), on-ear, over-ear, open-back, closed-back. Each has its own strengths, but the common thread is that they're all about delivering the best possible audio directly to your lugs. **Pros of Headphones:** * Typically better sound quality for their price point * More comfortable for long listening sessions (often) * Wider range of audiophile-focused options * No microphone boom getting in the way **Cons of Headphones:** * No built-in microphone for communication * Can be less convenient for calls or online meetings ### Headsets: Listen and Talk Headsets, on the other hand, are the Swiss Army knife of personal audio. They've still got the speakers for listening, but they add that key microphone. This is what makes them ideal for things like online gaming – where you need to coordinate with your mates – or for business calls, video conferences, or even just chatting on the phone hands-free. I've had countless gaming headsets come through the SpeakersMag lab over the years. Some are brilliant, especially the ones with good noise-cancelling mics, which is a real godsend if you've got a bit of background racket like I often do. Others... well, let's just say some manufacturers clearly put the microphone as an afterthought. It really makes a difference. I've been using a HyperX Cloud II for my occasional Warzone sessions, and the mic quality is surprisingly decent for the price. You'll find them in all shapes and sizes too, of course. Some have retractable mics, some have detachable ones. Some are wireless, which is a blessing if you tend to get tangled like me. The key thing is that two-way communication. **Pros of Headsets:** * Built-in microphone for communication * Convenient for gaming, calls, and online meetings * Often designed with comfort for extended wear in mind * Many wireless options available **Cons of Headsets:** * Sound quality can sometimes be compromised compared to dedicated headphones at the same price * Microphone quality varies wildly between models * Can be bulkier than headphones due to the mic ### The Crossover: A Bit of Both? Now, things do get a bit blurry sometimes, don't they? You've got headphones that come with an inline mic on the cable, or even built into the ear cup for phone calls. Are they headsets then? Well, technically, yes, if they're designed to pick up your voice with reasonable clarity. But generally, when I'm talking about a "headset," I'm thinking of something purpose-built for two-way comms, often with a boom mic. Then there are the wireless earbuds – heaps of them have microphones built-in now for calls. They're essentially very compact headsets, aren't they? But you wouldn't typically call them "headsets" in the traditional sense, more like wireless headphones with call functionality. It's all about context and primary purpose. ### Which One Should You Go For? Honestly, it depends entirely on what you're doing. If you're purely in it for the music, for enjoying every nuance of your favourite album, then a good pair of headphones is probably your best bet. You'll get more bang for your buck on the audio front. But if you're a gamer, or if you spend a lot of time on calls, then a dedicated headset is the way to go. Having that integrated microphone that's designed to pick up your voice clearly makes a massive difference, trust me. There's nothing worse than being on a call and sounding like you're talking through a tin can. Think about your daily routine. Are you mostly listening or mostly talking? That's your answer. ## FAQ ### Can I use a headset for just listening to music? Absolutely, you can. They've still got the drivers, so you'll hear music, podcasts, whatever, just fine. The only thing is, the audio quality might not be quite as good as a pair of headphones pitched at the same price point, simply because some of the manufacturing cost goes into the microphone and its gubbins. ### What's "noise-cancelling" and do I need it? Active noise-cancelling (ANC) uses microphones to pick up ambient sound and then creates an opposing sound wave to cancel it out. It's brilliant for things like plane journeys, busy offices, or if you've got noisy neighbours. If you just want to block out distractions and focus purely on your audio, then yes, it's a feature worth having. It doesn't work miracles, mind, but it does make a noticeable difference. ### Can I add a microphone to a pair of headphones? Funnily enough, you can! There are aftermarket boom mics that attach to your existing headphones, usually through the 3.5mm jack or even magnetically. Brands like ModMic spring to mind. It's a cracking way to get the best of both worlds if you've already got a fantastic pair of headphones you love but occasionally need to chat. I've seen a few setups like that for streamers, and they work a treat. ### Is wireless always better? Not necessarily. While the convenience of wireless is undeniable – no more getting tangled in cables – you do sometimes pay a bit of a premium, and the sound quality *can* be marginally better on wired equivalents at the same price. For gaming, low latency is key, so a good wired connection or a very specific low-latency wireless system is often preferred. For just listening to music on the go, though, wireless is a no-brainer for most folks these days.