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November 30, 2023 6 min read
If you're exploring our vast range of headphones, you might be curious about the term "in-ear headphones", "earbuds", "earphones", "in-ear monitor", and "IEM". What exactly are they, and how does they differ from each other? Let me shed some light on what they are all about.
In-ear headphones, or earphones, are canal-type headphones that typically come with foam or silicone ear tips. When worn, the ear tips are inserted into the ear canal, and the headphone's cavity rests on the auricle, creating a seal for noise isolation. This design effectively reduces ambient noises, similar to earplugs, providing what is known as passive noise cancellation.
Earbuds are designed to rest outside the ear canal. They are traditionally round shape and sit in the concha - the outer area of the ear. In the old portable audio era, you would see people use earbuds with devices like the Sony Walkmans and Panasonic CD players on streets .
The terms "earbuds," "in-ear headphones," and "earphones", though technically different in design, are now often used interchangeably in everyday language.
This can be attributed to similar appearances and functions. Manufacturers and retailers often use these terms loosely in their marketing and packaging. This inconsistent usage contributes to the general confusion about what exactly differentiates these products.
One may argue that since the primary goal is to listen to audio, the customer does not need to understand the specifics. However, it's better for consumers to understand the technical distinctions to make an optimal decision when searching for the best personal headphones for their needs.
Here's a brief comparison of earbuds and earphones
“TWS” earbuds or earphones stands for "True Wireless Stereo.” They are named for their truly wireless capability, which means no physical connections between the left and right earpieces, nor between the earpieces and the audio source (like a smartphone or music player).
TWS earphones typically come with a compact charging case. This case not only stores the earphones when not in use but also recharges them. The case itself need to be recharged and every set is different in battery capacity, one should be aware when purchasing.
When removed from the case, the earpieces automatically power on and connect to each other, as well as to the paired audio source, via Bluetooth, providing a seamless stereo sound experience.
The widespread acceptance of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones in the mass market can be significantly attributed to the launch and success of Apple's AirPods Introduced in 2016. AirPods played a pivotal role in popularizing TWS technology among the general public.
Additionally, some TWS(True Wireless) In-Ear Headphones incorporate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that uses microphones to pick up external sounds and then produce opposite sound waves to actively cancel out ambient noise. Opposed to the passive noise isolation mentioned above, ANC enhances the overall noise reduction capability of the earphones.
Since ANC requires an active electronic system for processing sound, which includes microphones, chips, and batteries, you won’t see this feature on wired headphones, which do not have active components inside.
IEMs are a distinct in-ear headphone category, originally crafted for professional use by musicians and sound engineers. They're designed for on-stage performance, allowing artists to hear their own music clearly amidst ambient noise, like the singer can hear how exactly him/her sings, and the bassist can hear how the bass sound with the other band players. In the old days, there will be a pair of upward-pointing monitor speakers on stage for audio feedback. now the musician can use the IEM instead as a superior alternative, offering independently controlled volume levels and better sound isolation.
IEMs were traditionally quite expensive but advancements have made them more affordable. Since they provide good sound quality, IEMs also gained popularity among audiophiles and everyday music listeners now. Here are some characteristics of IEMs:
The confusion between In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and earphones is akin to the mix-up between earbuds and earphones. In both cases, the confusion stems from similarities in design, function, and overlapping terminology.
Here’s a brief explanation of the reasons:
In summary, when you explore our extensive collection of headphones, understanding the nuances is crucial for making an informed choice. Whether it's for professional stage use, casual listening, or active lifestyles, the headphones should align with your specific preferences and listening habits. We hope this article clears the smokes up and help you find the best fit for your need.
October 13, 2024 5 min read
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