MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL: EARBUDS VS HEADPHONES
MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL: EARBUDS VS HEADPHONES

Earbuds vs Headphones: You’ve planned your trip to the Mediterranean, your bags are packed, your ticket is booked and you’re all set to spend your holidays on some beach resort on the Mediterranean coast with your feet in the sand and a cold drink in your hand. You’re looking forward to a relaxing vacation and the experience of a lifetime. Why not make the flight over as relaxing and memorable as well. One of the ways to achieve this is by setting yourself up for your Mediterranean travel with some headphones or earbuds equipped with noise-canceling technology (or active noise cancellation).
(If you would like to find out more travel tips check out our post on Mediterranean Travel and Travel Guide to the Coast of Spain for helpful ideas.)
WHICH IS BETTER? EARBUDS VS HEADPHONES
Although noise reduction design in modern airplanes has come a long way over the years, there is still some level of background noise that remains, and depending on the airline or the model of flight you are on, this noise can be excessive. On one trans-Atlantic flight recently, I had to put the airline-supplied earphones to the highest volume setting to overcome the background noise and to just barely hear the monologue on the inflight movie.
Solution to the problem!
There is a solution to this problem however and it’s called noise canceling technology, and it comes as a feature on select headphones from various manufacturers. The two main headset design options are over-ear and in-ear, and this is where the debate begins. Both in-ear and over-ear headsets will get the job done but what is the best option?
It’s a choice that can profoundly impact how we experience music, podcasts, or even in-flight movies and the right gear can make all the difference. But it’s not just about silencing the world; it’s about how you prefer to do it, and sometimes, making that choice feels as personal as picking a new hairstyle.
Choosing Dilemma
Choosing between these two contenders, in-ear vs over-ear, goes beyond just sound quality or how much the outside world fades away. For many, it’s a statement of style, comfort, and even identity. Over-ear headsets, with their cushy pads and enveloping sound, promise a level of comfort and an immersive experience hard to match. On the flip side, in-ear earbuds offer a level of discretion and convenience that leaves the bulk and weight of their over-ear counterparts in the dust.
To compare the two styles, I’ve conducted a purely un-scientific test, putting the two different earphones through their paces. As it happens, I already own a Sony over-ear headset (Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphone) and for this test purchased a Samsung in-ear head set (Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro). I fly regularly to work in a remote northern location in Canada and the background noise is quite extreme so I was able to put both styles of headsets to the test.
Pros and Cons of Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headsets
Both headsets incorporate industry-leading noise-canceling technology so in terms of performance, they were both up to this challenge, easily eliminating most outside noise. In a simple head-to-head competition, however, the over-ear headset performed better than the in-ear design. However, for the purpose of this article, this is not about determining which is the better noise canceling headset (they both perform exceptionally well), but which style provides the overall better travel experience. So with that in mind, here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Superior Noise Cancellation: The Sony over-ear headsets are larger and so can physically incorporate more noise-canceling technology allowing them to reach an extremely high level of quietness
- Enhanced Comfort for Long Listening Sessions: The Sony headsets have larger ear cups that cover the ears completely which physically insulates outside sound. The large shape also distributes weight and pressure evenly which makes them comfortable even over long periods of use.
- Better Sound Quality: The over-ear headset provides a fuller, deeper, and better quality sound than can be achieved by in-ear headsets
- Longer Battery Life: The larger frame allows for a bigger battery with a longer battery life
- Durability: The Sony headset is built solid and is resistant to wear and tear compared to in-ear earbuds.
- Less Risk of Loss: Just from its size, you are less likely to lose or misplace the over-ear headset compared to the small, compact in-ear earbuds.
Cons:
- Bulky Size: The larger size of the over-ear headset makes it a little less portable and harder to carry around. This is especially true when you are at the airport going through security or when boarding your flight. When you are juggling your carry-on bag, personal bag, jacket, etc.. and the large over-ear headset, it can be a challenge.
- Potential for Overheating: The headset does fit over your ears and on top of your head so depending on the surrounding temperature, they can become warm and sweaty.
- Higher Price Point: The Sony over-ear head set uses a top-end head which is more expensive than its in-ear counterparts and this generally holds true for other high-end over-ear headsets. If budget is a concern then this may be a deal breaker.
- Visibility and Style: Over-ear headsets are no small and when you wear them, people see them. This might be an issue for people who want to be less conspicuous when listening to music.
- Pressure on Glasses: If you wear glasses then you will want to consider this point. The headset could prove to be uncomfortable as it could put pressure on the arms of the glasses. For longer trips, this could be a nuisance.

Pros and Cons of In-Ear Noise-Canceling Headsets

Pros
- Portability: The Samsung In-ear noise-canceling earbuds are small making them extremely portable and convenient when you are on the go. They come in a small case that fits easily in your pocket and can be tucked away discreetly until you are ready to use them.
- Comfort for Extended Use: I find the in-ear earbuds more comfortable for long periods. They are extremely small and at times I just completely forgot that I was wearing them. They come with different size ear tips so this helps ensure a perfect fit.
- Subtle and Discreet: With their small size, the in-ear earbuds are less visible so for those who want to be discreet when listening to music this will be interesting.
- Affordability: In general, high-end in-ear earbuds tend to be less expensive than their high-end over-ear counterparts, so for those who are looking for performance at a lower cost, the in-ear earbuds have the edge.
- Less Heat Build-Up: Without covering the entire ear, in-ear earbuds tend to cause less overheating, making them comfortable for use in warmer conditions.
Cons:
- Lower Noise Isolation: the in-ear design and absence of the over-ear cups, might not provide as effective noise isolation as over-ear headsets. Part of this performance issue will depend on how well the earbuds fit your ear and this won’t be the same for everyone.
- Sound Quality: The sound quality of the Sony in-ear earbuds is exceptional and Samsung has achieved a high level of sound quality given the size restriction they are working with. However, the sound quality still falls short compared to the depth and richness provided by larger over-ear models.
- Risk of Loss: The in-ear earbuds are small and yes, they can be more easily misplaced. I bring mine to work in my backpack and find myself rummaging around trying to find them among the rest of my clutter. Not a deal breaker, but know that they could be easily misplaced if you’re not careful.
- Battery Life: Smaller build, smaller battery, shorter battery life. Still, this is relative, since the Samsung earbuds have a battery life of about 5 hours (and an additional 13 hours with the charging case) which is quite remarkable. Typically, in-ear earbuds have a shorter battery life compared to over-ear headsets, requiring more frequent charging.
- Discomfort for Some Users: Depending on how sensitive your ears are, wearing in-ear earbuds might be uncomfortable, especially for longer periods of time. As mentioned above, sometimes when wearing them, I completely forget that they are in my ears so in my case no discomfort whatsoever.
- Durability Issues: The in-ear buds, despite the high-quality build, still seem delicate and need to be treated with a little bit of respect compared to their larger sibling. They might survive a drop on the floor but so far I haven’t had to test that feature.
- Limited External Control Features: Some users may find the smaller size limits the ease of accessing control features, such as volume or track changes, directly on the device.
FINAL THOUGHTS: MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL-EARBUDS VS HEADPHONES
The choice between in-ear and over-ear noise-canceling headphones for your Mediterranean travel depends mostly on your priorities and lifestyle. If portability is your main consideration, in-ear earbuds are the way to go. They fit easily in your pocket, are not too bulky to handle through security or when boarding, and can easily be tucked away when not traveling.
However, if you’re looking for high end sound quality, longer battery life, and more effective noise isolation, over-ear headphones are the better choice. Over-ear headphones will give you a more immersive and comfortable listening experience, especially for longer periods of time.
For travel, however, the small form factor and minimal real estate that the earbuds take up, make these a serious contender for the best travel option. Whichever you choose, noise-canceling earphones will definitely improve your travel experience and help start off your vacation on the right foot.
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.