How do you say "oordopjes" in English? (earbuds, in-ear headphones, hearing protection)

The Dutch word "oordopjes" has three English translations:

• Earbuds
• Earphones
• Earplugs

But be careful: each translation has its own meaning. Earplugs are different from earbuds or earphones. And those last two mean slightly different things, too.

Earbuds

Earbuds for music have a hard section that sits in your ear. In short: earbuds with a hard shell. AirPods 1 & 2 are earbuds. AirPods Pro are earphones.

Earphones

Earphones are earbuds with a silicone or foam ear tip that goes into your ear.

The difference between earbuds and earphones

Earphones and earbuds both let you listen to music. The difference is in their shape. Earbuds have a hard shell that rests against the opening of your ear canal. Earphones have a silicone ear tip (a small attachment) that goes into your ear. These attachments are now also made from foam. They're called foam ear tips (attachments that upgrade your earbuds).

Other terms are in-ear (earphones) and half in-ear or semi-in-ear (earbuds).

Earplugs

Earplugs go into your ears to block sound. They're not earbuds that play music.