June 21, 2023

What is the difference between headset and headphone? Learn more!

Surely, at some point, you must have come across two very similar terms when shopping for accessories for your company's call center, for studying, or for use at home. We are talking about the headset and the headphone.

This confusion between both is common, after all, as the names are similar, some people believe they are the same thing. That is why, in this article, we will present each of them and their main differences, for you to choose the one that best meets your needs.

What is a headphone?

A headphone is a kind of speaker that rests on the head using an ach, the headband, and completely covers each ear. That is why the name is literally translated as "headphone". At both ends of the arch (Headband) there are ear cushions that fit over the ears, which is why it is also called an over-the-ear phone.

There are even some models that cut out any outside noise, offering a much more complete user experience.

It was invented around 1910 by Nathaniel Baldwin, who sold his product to the U.S. Navy, but never took out a patent. The headband allows the user to keep his hands free while listening to the sound.

In general, this speaker does not have a microphone, only some models on the market can be found with a built-in microphone.

What is the use of the headphone?

The headphone is ideal for those who want to listen to music, watch movies, or improve their concentration while doing some activity, because by muffling the outside sound it helps you focus on the task at hand.

Besides, it can be connected to several devices, such as:

• Computers;
• Cell phones;
• Tablets;
• Notebooks.

This headphone can also be found in the wired or wireless versions, and the connection can be made via a P2 or USB cable, depending on the model chosen.

What is a headset?

A headset is very similar to the headphone mentioned above, but it has an additional external microphone attached.

Therefore, it may have the same shape as the previous model, with the two ear cushions covering the ears, and the headband, which holds the headset on the head. However, it has one additional item, the microphone.

When it first appeared, it was only for people to communicate, but in time new functionalities were implemented. Today, there are headsets with excellent audio quality for listening to music and watching movies, but with the advantage of a high-quality external microphone, allowing communications when necessary.

Furthermore, due to their practicality, headsets are widely used in professional environments. The models used in call centers, for example, have the speaker (auricular) on only one side to comply with the current legislation and avoid hearing problems to employees, since it is possible for the user to alternate sides during the workday.

The connection may vary depending on the model, there are those that can be connected to the computer, smartphone or tablet via plug, USB cable,  or even bluetooth.

What is the use of a headset?

Because it has an external microphone, this headset is widely used in several activities that require communication, such as in games, to allowing players to talk while playing online.

In addition, it is also widely used in professional environments, such as in online work meetings, call centers, or even in virtual study environments.

How to buy the right headset or headphone?

Knowing the difference between a headphone and a headset makes it easier to buy the right one. If you need to communicate with co-workers or customers, for example, choose the headset, because it has the appropriate microphone for this function.

Furthermore, to choose between monaural or binaural professional headset models (which cover only one or both ears, respectively), it is necessary to analyze the use the device.  If the use is specific for VoIP, i.e., to work in call centers, the most indicated is the monaural model.

Now, if the intention is to use the headset only to listen to music, then the best choice is the headphone.

Conclusion: What is the difference between headset and headphone?

As seen throughout this content, we can summarize the difference between headset and headphone: the first has a microphone and is more complete, since it allows voice communication.

Now you can buy the model that meets your needs without having any more doubts about which one is best for you.

Browse Felitron's website and get to know all our professional headset option for quality communication in your work!