ENTP vs. ENFP

ENTPs and ENFPs are very much alike. They are both:

• intuitive,
• spontaneous,
• flexible,
• impulsive,
• fun-loving,
• creative,
• imaginative,
• outgoing,
• easygoing,
• active,
• energetic.

Sociability

Both the ENTP and the ENFP are outgoing types. That said, the ENTP is often known as the most introverted extrovert, or extravert if you prefer that spelling. This means the ENTP is usually more introverted than the ENFP and most other extroverted types.

The ENFP, on the other hand, is exceptionally social. They are often surrounded by people, which may make a personal relationship with them a frustrating experience for some partners.

So here you have it: the ENFP is social without many reservations, while the ENTP enjoys other people’s company but makes a point of spending regular time alone.

Social Skills

When it comes to social skills, ENFPs usually do a little better than ENTPs. Naturally warm ENFPs are generally more compassionate than ENTPs. They take more interest in other people and can understand them better.

ENTPs are more assertive and less self-conscious than ENFPs. They also have a tendency to disappear from time to time, which is not something other people typically enjoy.

ENTPs are more logical, more confident, and less sensitive to criticism than ENFPs. Just like ENTJs, they speak their mind without worrying too much about hurting someone’s feelings. Unlike people-pleasing ENFPs, they can handle criticism very well and are not overly sensitive to rejection.

To sum up, ENFPs are naturally sensitive and diplomatic, while ENTPs are more confrontational and blunt.

Life Experiences vs. Work Commitments

Both the ENTP and the ENFP want to experience life to the fullest. They want to love what they are doing, and they want to feel excited every waking moment.

This, of course, does not always work very well because to enjoy the finer things in life, you need to find a way to support that kind of lifestyle. And that is where the ENTP tends to do better than the ENFP.

The ENTP is a natural entrepreneur, while the ENFP may waste time and procrastinate. Of course, we all know that ENTPs have their weaknesses too. For example, they are not especially patient, and they may have a lot of unfinished projects. But at the end of the day, they often manage to accomplish something, while ENFPs may struggle more with follow-through.

When it comes to work and career, ENTPs are more similar to ENTJs and are naturally ambitious. ENFPs, on the other hand, can become so consumed by socializing that they have little time or energy left for anything else.

Decision-Making

One area where these two types differ the most is decision-making. Here is how the ENTP makes decisions:

• generate a list of criteria to look for,
• generate a long list of possible options or solutions,
• check each option against the requirements to see which one meets all or most of the criteria,
• done!

Compare that to the ENFP’s decision-making style:

• focus on the big picture,
• gloss over important details,
• evaluate options based on feelings and personal values,
• consider the impact their choices may have on other people,
• hesitate…

Sensitivity

ENFPs are much more sensitive than ENTPs. ENFPs tend to take things personally and worry a lot about how their words and behavior affect others.

ENFPs often get their feelings hurt and may obsess over other people’s feelings as well.

ENTPs, on the other hand, are assertive, self-sufficient, and a little blunt. They do not obsess over how they come across and usually do what they need to do as long as they believe they are right.

To sum up, the two types are very similar, but they have many significant differences as well.

The ENTP is a unique type with both ENFP and ENTJ-like traits, making people with this personality type both achievers and fun-lovers at the same time.

ENFPs are social butterflies. They are often deeply absorbed in their social interactions, which can sometimes get in the way of achievement.

The ENTP Personality Profile
The ENFP Personality Profile
10 Ways ENFPs Annoy Others
The 16 Personalities Test