[somniculouse]

dwmackay, you're right to assume that volume isn't the only factor in power consumption. Other factors to consider would be:

- noise cancellation turned on
- wider range of sound spectrum (that would be bose!)
- type of magnet used in the speaker

That said, earbuds will universally sound louder than on-ear or over-ear headphones if the volume remains the same, simply because they are closer to your ear. Don't know if this helps, but personally, I would go with the earbuds.