I don't know how to answer if a user misses anything by not using headphones. I have no doubt I would miss the low faint sounds. So, I can only answer for myself and they are a must for me. I want to hear the slightest whisper as I have found some really deep good targets that I am sure I could not hear using the speaker. I have tried the stock headphones with several detectors and compared them to a really nice pair and there is a world of difference. There was a time when I did not think it made much difference but for me there is a very clear difference.