# handset vs headset

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### handset
*noun · IPA /ˈhæn(d)sɛt/ · frequency rank #26,453*
The part of a landline telephone containing both receiver and transmitter (and sometimes dial), held in the hand.

### headset
*noun · IPA /ˈhɛdsɛt/ · frequency rank #14,134*
A pair of headphones or earphones, or a singular headphone or earphone, typically with an attached microphone.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/handset-vs-headset