Earphones and earbuds

Earphone is the general word for a small speaker worn in or on the ear. Earbuds are the specific form that sits in the outer ear. Wireless earphones is the same family described by its connection rather than its shape. True wireless earbuds are the form with no wire at all, not even between the buds.

Speakers

A Bluetooth speaker is a separate loudspeaker that plays for a room, not for one ear. Portable Bluetooth speakers, outdoor Bluetooth speakers, wireless speakers and Bluetooth boxes are all names for that family, differing by size and use. A speaker and an earphone are not interchangeable in an inquiry, even though both use Bluetooth.

Why the distinction matters for inquiry

An inquiry that says only 'Bluetooth audio' could mean either family. Naming the family, the type and the use — earbuds for one listener, speakers for a room — avoids the most common misunderstanding in this line.