ENTP vs. ENTJ: How to Tell the Difference

Although ENTPs and ENTJs share some common traits, these two personality types are not actually very similar, and telling them apart usually should not be difficult.

Preference-wise, they share three of the four preferences: extraversion, intuition, and thinking. Function-wise, however, they do not have anything in common:

ENTP functions:

• Extraverted Intuition
• Introverted Thinking
• Extraverted Feeling
• Introverted Sensing

ENTJ functions:

• Extraverted Thinking
• Introverted Intuition
• Extraverted Sensing
• Introverted Feeling

All this can become very confusing without examples, so that is exactly what we are going to look at.

ENTP vs. ENTJ: Similarities and Differences

Both ENTPs and ENTJs are very independent. Being the most introverted extrovert, the ENTP is probably even more independent than the ENTJ.

ENTJs like being around other people and are interested in them. They like to lead them or share their expertise with them. ENTPs enjoy other people’s company too; however, they need much more time alone than ENTJs, and they are not especially interested in being leaders.

Curiosity.

Both types are intellectually curious. However, ENTJs realize that there is not enough time for everything in life and force themselves to limit their exploration to what applies to their life or work.

Just like ENTPs, ENTJs may be tempted by all kinds of interesting information, but their fear of getting sidetracked from their goals prevents them from indulging in it too much.

ENTPs, on the other hand, do what feels good in the moment and allow themselves to explore anything they find interesting. However, they do not necessarily study these topics in depth like INTJs do or master anything in particular.

Ambition.

Both types are ambitious, but the ENTJ is more ambitious than the ENTP.

The ENTP is an entrepreneurial type who enjoys finding loopholes and workarounds. They are not too concerned with impressing others or gaining power. They want to have fun, meet their financial needs, and avoid having anyone tell them what to do. That is about it for the ENTP.

The ENTJ, however, has so much mental energy that it has to be channeled somewhere. They simply cannot stay idle and will often work for work’s sake. To them, work is not something bothersome; for the most part, they enjoy it.

ENTJs are also concerned about how they come across. They want other people to see them as successful. They enjoy positions of power and privilege and will make an effort to get there.

Decisiveness.

ENTJs are more decisive than ENTPs, who usually take time to explore their options.

Because ENTPs are good at brainstorming, they typically see many opportunities. However, they may find it difficult to commit to just one option and may decide not to choose at all.

Although ENTJs can see just as many options as ENTPs do, they will usually force themselves to make a quick decision, for better or worse.

ENTJs hate wasting time, but they are not especially afraid of making a mistake. If they have to fail, they prefer to fail fast. This strategy allows ENTJs to gather valuable information that may help them succeed in the future.

Because ENTJs see failure as a way to learn, they are usually okay with it and are not afraid of making the wrong decision. They do not overanalyze everything.

Confidence.

Both types are incredibly self-confident.

Playfulness.

ENTPs are very playful, while ENTJs are usually more serious.

Orderliness.

ENTJs like their homes neat and organized, while ENTPs can be quite messy.

Work.

ENTPs may begin many new projects at the same time and, because of their tendency to get distracted, often end up not following through.

ENTJs, on the other hand, make it a point to direct their focus toward one important project and see it through to the end.

Spontaneity.

ENTPs are spontaneous people who like to keep their options open. ENTJs prefer to plan things because they believe planning allows them to make the most of every experience.

There are not many areas where these two types are truly similar.

If you are still confused about your type, you may want to try this test.

You can read more about the ENTP type here and the ENTJ type here.