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Earphones and earbuds are computer output devices that convert electrical signals into sound waves. They allow a user to listen to audio from a computer, smartphone, or other media device privately, unlike loudspeakers, which broadcast sound to a wider area. Earphones and earbuds are essentially miniature loudspeakers, and their components work together to reproduce sound.

Housing: The outer case that holds the internal components in place. The design of the housing affects noise isolation and sound reproduction.

Cables (for wired earphones): Conduct the electrical audio signal from the source device to the earphone drivers.

Connectors (for wired earphones): Plugs that connect the earphones to the computer's audio output port (e.g., a 3.5mm jack or USB-A port).

Variations and additional features

Wireless earphones: Instead of a physical cable, these devices use wireless technology, most commonly Bluetooth, to receive the audio signal.

Rechargeable battery: Powers the internal wireless communication and audio processing circuitry.

Printed circuit board (PCB): Contains the electronics for wireless radio communication, audio decoding, and managing the earbud's operation.

Headsets: Some earphones are part of a headset, which combines headphones and a microphone. This is especially common for computer gaming and telecommunication.

Noise isolation: Earphones that use silicone tips to seal the ear canal block out external noise. Some advanced models feature active noise cancellation technology, which uses microphones to detect and counteract ambient noise.