If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an ENTP vs. ESTP personality type. These two types are often confused because they share many of the same characteristics. Both types are outgoing, energetic, and charismatic. They are always on the go, and they like to be kept on their toes.
But there are also some core differences between how these types think and experience the world. In this post, we explore these core differences. If you’re unclear about your type, we hope this helps you.
So here are five differences between the ENTP vs. ESTP personality types:
1. Observing the world.
Despite being similar in a lot of ways, ENTPs and ESTPs view the world differently. ENTPs tend to think about the big picture, while ESTPs are more comfortable dealing with details.
ENTPs have a holistic focus, sometimes at the expense of details. This allows them to use their imagination to see the potential in everything, from people to business ideas.
As a result, ENTPs are very future-focused and could be described as “visionary.” They often have passion projects that they pursue with great enthusiasm.
ESTPs have a knack for paying attention to what’s around them. They are more likely to see the forest for the trees, so to speak.
This is evident in the way they notice small things about people and their environment. ESTPs are a paradoxical mix of being observant yet easily distracted. They place high importance on verifiable facts and information that is proven.
2. Recalling information.
Not only do ENTPs and ESTPs take in information differently, but they also differ in the way they remember things. ENTPs tend to remember overall ideas, while ESTPs retain specific details.
ENTPs remember general impressions. This is because they are most interested in the overall idea, the meaning behind something, and the end result.
They often don’t remember specific attributes. For example, they might have a memory of a man in a shop who was rude to them, but they won’t remember what color jumper he was wearing.
ENTPs store information in their memory in a way that is interconnected and easily accessible. This allows them to make connections between different pieces of information they have gathered.
ESTPs tend to have incredible memories of facts and details. They often remember exactly how things felt, smelled, tasted, etc. For example, when asked about a restaurant, they might remember a specific item on a menu that they enjoyed rather than the reason they were there.
In fact, ESTPs have exceptionally accurate memories. This is because they tend to recall precise sensory information rather than the overall gist of a situation. Ultimately, they remember how something actually was as opposed to their subjective impression of it.
3. Problem-solving.
When it comes to solving problems, ENTPs and ESTPs use different methodologies. ENTPs approach problems in an abstract way, while ESTPs have a more grounded thought process.
ENTPs are quick to see the potential in a situation, and they’re often able to come up with creative solutions. This is because they’re able to step back and see different perspectives. They’re particularly adept at getting to the very bottom of an issue and understanding it on a deep level.
Plus, they naturally use their creativity to think outside the box. This allows them to find innovative solutions to problems.
ESTPs are able to find workable solutions by assessing the realities of the situation and taking action. They have quick minds and tend to be good in a crisis because they are able to think on their feet.
In addition, ESTPs are highly aware of their movements and in touch with what’s going on around them. As a result, they prefer to solve hands-on problems in the real world rather than theoretical questions.
4. Practicality.
ESTPs are one of the most practical personality types, while ENTPs are more likely to be seen as visionaries.
ENTPs are inventive and can find themselves overwhelmed by their thoughts. This can make them seem impractical at times. They might have a vision for something that is so perfect that it’s unattainable.
Plus, they have a deep desire for everything to fit perfectly into their internal framework of how the world works. ENTPs can sometimes benefit from having other people around them who keep them grounded in reality because, at times, they can end up getting too caught up in their heads.
ESTPs, on the other hand, are usually very practical. They’re often able to see things as they are, and they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
Plus, ESTPs are exceptionally realistic, which can be both a good and a bad thing. On the one hand, it means that they manage to stay grounded in the realities of a situation. On the other hand, it can mean that they’re not always as open to new ideas and possibilities.
5. Communication style.
ENTPs and ESTPs are both outspoken and energetic in the way they communicate. However, ENTPs have a more abstract communication style, while ESTPs tend to speak in a more literal way.
ENTPs often communicate in a roundabout manner and use metaphors or analogies to get their point across. They aim to make sure that whoever they are talking to understands the overall idea behind what they’re trying to say.
ENTPs have unique insights into the underlying meanings behind things, and they love to talk about them with people who are on the same wavelength.
Conversely, ESTPs are more likely to communicate with tangible, concrete facts. They get their point across in a literal way.
In addition, ESTPs often give exact examples of events that have occurred in the past. This helps ESTPs feel like they are being clear. They are able to keep tabs on multiple conversation threads at the same time and can jump from topic to topic if they wish.
Plus, they can read people well and are particularly talented at picking up on body language and tone of voice.
ENTP vs. ESTP frequently asked questions
So now we have explained the key differences between the ENTP vs. ESTP personality types. Even for those who have explored personality types in depth, it can still be hard to tell the difference between these two types.
Let’s now look at some frequently asked questions about the two personality types to help make it clearer for you.
Are ENTPs vs. ESTPs more charismatic?
There’s no simple answer to the question of whether ENTPs or ESTPs are more charismatic. Both types have a talent for reading the room, and they usually know the right thing to say in the moment. That said, there are nuances between the two types when it comes to charisma.
ENTPs tend to be more future-oriented than ESTPs. They’re often quick to see potential problems and possible solutions, which means they have a unique ability to inspire people to follow their vision.
In general, ESTPs are more focused on the present moment and are very cognizant of how they come across to other people in a physical sense. As a result, they’re more aware of things like their tone of voice and their posture.
Ultimately, there’s no clear winner when it comes to which type is more charismatic. It really depends on the individual and what the people they are with find charming.
Do ENTPs and ESTPs have a similar energy?
ENTPs and ESTPs both come across as dynamic and talkative. In addition, they are both direct and can be seen as unemotional. In the big scheme of things, they have a similar energy.
After all, both personality types are extroverts, thinkers, and perceivers. However, there are also key differences between the two types that can affect how they are viewed by others.
ENTPs are often thought of as complex and intense, particularly if they are with people who don’t particularly enjoy discussing big-picture topics. In general, ENTPs come across as more unconventional and eccentric.
ESTPs are usually seen as more down-to-earth and practical. They are more likely to engage in lighter topics of conversation. As a result, ESTPs often have a more grounded energy and can come across as more matter-of-fact.
In summary, ENTPs and ESTPs share many qualities that can make them seem similar at first glance. But when you talk to them for a while, you will see they have quite different interests.
Are ENTPs vs. ESTPs more extroverted?
When it comes to personality types, everyone falls somewhere on the spectrum between introverted and extroverted. However, ENTPs are one of the most ‘introverted extroverts’.
Both types are outgoing and people-oriented. They need plenty of social interaction to feel their best and often thrive in large groups. In fact, they are two of the most adventure-seeking personality types. That being said, they need alone time too.
In addition, ENTPs and ESTPs know exactly what makes people tick. This makes them excellent conversationalists.
In terms of differences, ENTPs are likely to spend more time in their heads figuring things out, while ESTPs have the ability to stay present. This can make ESTPs appear more extroverted in some ways.
Final thoughts on ENTP vs. ESTP differences
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our individual ENTP and ESTP posts, which delve deeper into each personality type. Last but not least, you might enjoy our posts about ESTP vs. ESFP and ENTJ vs. ENTP.
