Headphones vs Speakers: What Suits Your Productivity Better?

One thing I have noticed, at least personally, is that productivity comes and goes. You just suddenly feel a burst of momentum that gets you through 3-4 hours of work, but it is equally paid with 3-4 hours of slacking off. Why are we like this?! 

For some, they just need a blast of lo-fi to get them started. Others need total silence to stop their thoughts from racing off a cliff. But when it comes to actually setting yourself up for productivity, people always have either headphones or speakers alongside them. But which one is for you when you need to clear off your backlog? 

Now, let’s not pretend there’s a one-size-fits-all answer here. Both have their perks, and honestly, it depends on how your brain’s wired at that moment. 

From Linefriends official GIPHY

But let’s start with headphones. The go-to for deep focus. They bring the sound directly into your head—literally. It’s intimate, immersive, and blocks out the world. If you’re working in a noisy environment or shared space with others, headphones are THE ones to use. They create a little productivity bubble where it's just you and your task. Plus, if you're doing anything that requires detailed audio like editing, sound design, or music composition, headphones covers all of that.

But there is a catch. That same close, intimate sound can backfire. Sometimes the music becomes too engaging. You start focusing more on the lyrics than the work itself. Your favorite playlist turns into a concert in your head. And if you’re wearing closed-back or noise-canceling earpieces, you may start to feel a bit boxed in—mentally and physically. 

From Molang official GIPHY

That’s where speakers step in. They fill the room without suffocating your senses. Background music stays in the background. I for one enjoy this audio choice and I am actually eyeing the Edifier M60s for my latest upgrade (stay tuned if you want to read my #SoITriedIt). 

Anyway, speakers are there to set the mood, not take over. Ambient soundtracks, soft jazz, instrumental lo-fi—they all breathe better through speakers. This helps keep your mind loose and less fatigued, especially during longer work sessions. There’s something freeing about hearing sound come from the world around you instead of being pumped straight into your ears.

And like headphones, speakers come with their own caveats. If you’re working in a shared space, blasting music will not make you the office favorite. And if your environment isn’t quiet to begin with, those external noises can become more distracting. 

So what’s the takeaway? 

From The Late Show With Stephen Colbert official GIPHY

Use what suits the situation. Headphones are perfect for isolating yourself when you need to go full focus mode. Speakers shine when you’re easing into tasks, brainstorming, or doing something that thrives on a relaxed rhythm. Some days you'll want sound to hug your ears. Other days, you’ll just want it to float gently in the background.

And hey, nothing wrong with switching it up midday. Just don’t wear your headphones for 6 hours straight and wonder why your ears feel numb. Now, if you are looking for both, the best place to check the latest and greatest is right here in our Next Upgrade Shop!