The INTP vs ENTP debate is endless. Many people have debated long and hard on whether they are ENTP or INTP. The reason for this confusion is obvious. On the surface and even in their cognitive functions, these two types share a lot of things in common. It is very common to see a lot of ENTPs mistype as an INTP and vice versa.
So, how can you tell these types apart? Let’s see if we can do that.
What is the Main Difference between the INTP and the ENTP?
ENTPs are more focused on multiple ideas and plans. They want to explore these ideas. INTPs, on the other hand, are more interested in pinpointing one idea out of the many that is realistic and possible. To summarize, ENTPs are more interested in the rush of possibilities while the INTP is more interested in finding out the one possibility that can actually work.
While this is the main difference between these types, there are still several differences that you have to consider.
These differences start from their cognitive functions.
INTP vs ENTP- Cognitive Functions
Just like all MBTI types, four out of the eight cognitive functions are dominant in the ENTP and INTP.
| ENTP | INTP |
| Extroverted Intuition | Introverted Thinking |
| Introverted Thinking | Extroverted Intuition |
| Extroverted Feeling | Introverted Sensing |
| Introverted Sensing | Extroverted Feeling |
Looking at their four cognitive functions, you’ll realize that they have exactly the same functions. However, these functions are organized differently. This means that the manner of processing information is different.
Here are some of the differences between the INTP and ENTP cognitive functions.
Ne vs Ti
This is the primary way that both types take in information. For the ENTP, it’s all about endless possibilities. Their brain can produce endless possibilities from the information they take in.
They can create connections with this information and formulate ideas. The extroverted intuition allows them to express these ideas. However, because they lead with extroverted intuition, these ideas might come out scattered and a bit disorganized.
The INTP, on the other hand, processes new information received by thinking about it thoroughly. During this process, they can filter out unrealistic possibilities and theories. This analysis allows them to single out the most likely solution to a problem.
Ti vs Ne
The ENTP uses Ti next to sieve out these endless possibilities and ideas. This usually happens when they have already expressed these ideas. The ENTP then has the chance to sieve out the potential troubles and loopholes during this period. This is only possible after the excitement of the Ne has died down.
The INTP, on the other hand, uses Ne. once they have finished their analysis with Ti, the INTP will use Ne to express their ideas in a well-organized manner. This idea will rarely have loopholes and will be well-thought out.
The difference between the ENTP and the INTP here shows a very important fact. Both the INTP and the ENTP will eventually get to the root of a problem. However, the route used to get there will be entirely different.
Fe vs Si
The third function of the ENTP is extroverted feeling. This allows the ENTP to relate with those around them. They can understand people’s issues and feelings. Because of the Fe, ENTPs can put themselves in others’ positions and comfort them.
However, the ENTP is still a thinker type. This means that their decisions will always show a preference for logic rather than emotions.
The INTP, on the other hand, uses the Si as their third function. This function serves as a mental storehouse for the INTP. It allows them to store all their data that has been thought and processed by their Ti. These data and information are stored away for whenever the INTP is going to need it.
Si vs Fe
This is the 4th function in the cognitive stack. The ENTP uses the Si to remember past events and experiences. This function ensures that the ENTP can remember dates that matter.
While this is a great function, the ENTP usually does not use this function regularly. They prefer to see the big picture and focus less on the details or patterns that need to be learned.
The INTP, on the other hand, uses Fe. This function allows them to be compassionate towards their loved ones in times of need. However, the INTP usually does not use this function as they rarely use emotions in their daily activities and decision-making.
INTP vs ENTP- Relationship and Love
ENTP
The ENTP is a very adventurous partner. They are going to use their Ne to make sure that there is always something new and exciting in their relationship. So, their partners will never feel bored.
To them, growth is constant and the ENTP wants to grow with their partners. They want to be able to keep making strides in their relationship. The best way to make a relationship fail with the ENTP is to turn your relationship into a routine.
There are also some struggles you can expect to face in a relationship with an ENTP. Because of their need to be spontaneous, the ENTP might overwhelm their partners with new ideas. Their partners might feel like they can never get a break with the ENTP.
Also, the ENTP is a thinker and a problem solver. This means that they tend to approach relationships in a similar fashion. This might not go well with feeler types who want more emotion and empathy in a relationship. The ENTP’s love language will most likely be quality time and physical touch.
ENTP’s natural partners are the INFJ and the INTJ.
INTP
The INTP is largely stimulated by intelligence. This means that an INTP will value a partner that can have those mentally stimulating conversations with them.
Most times, INTPs tend to be sapiosexuals in nature. If there is one way you can get the INTP to fall in love with you, it’s having truly meaningful conversations. INTP’s love language is most likely going to be quality time and physical touch.
INTP’s natural partners are the ESTJ and the ENTJ. However, any two mature persons can make a relationship work.
INTP vs ENTP- Population Count
The ENTP is a very rare personality type. They are among the top 5 rarest personality types in the world. They make up just 3% of the world’s population. Personality Max puts their figure at 3.2% out of over 6 million tests conducted on their website.
INTPs have a percentage of about 5% of the world’s population. They are however placed at 3.3% by Personality Max from their own personal research.
INTP vs ENTP- Enneagram Types
According to Thought Catalog, ENTPs are more likely to type 7s than any other enneagram type. This is followed by type 8 and type 3.
The INTP, on the other hand, is more likely to be a type 5 than any other enneagram type. This is often put down to their introverted nature. This is followed by type 9 and type 4.
ENTP vs INTP- in the Work Place and Career
INTPs
The INTP is bustling with creativity. However, they are introverts and really like to work in a secluded place. This makes many INTPs feel that they are better at working alone.
However, the INTP likes to work in smaller groups. This allows them to focus on their creativity as well as do some much-needed mental sparing with those around them. This allows the INTP to come up with innovative ideas that are good for the business.
To get the best out of the INTP, the INTP is better placed in roles that allow them to express their creativity. The worst career for an INTP is one that is routine and micromanaged.
Here are some career options for the INTP
- Financial Analysts
- Historian
- Computer programmer
- Software developer
- Mathematician
- Auditor
- Lawyer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Writer
- Director
- Poet
- Accountant
Here are some careers which the INTP should totally avoid
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Craftsmen
- Paralegal
- Administrative staff
- Compliance officer
ENTP
The ENTP is bustling with ideas and can take any organization to the next level. The ENTP will, however, want some form of autonomy to make sure their plans go as planned.
It might also be a good idea to ensure that the ENTP does not feel micro-managed in the organization. Just like the INTP, roles that do not allow the ENTP to chase exciting projects might make them lose their inspiration.
To get the best out of ENTPs, make sure that they are given very creative roles to work with.
Here are some career options that are perfect for the ENTPs
- Entrepreneur
- Lawyer
- Sales representative
- CEO
- Psychologist
- Writer
- Blogger
Here are some careers that the ENTP should totally avoid
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Paralegal
- Office administrative staff
- Compliance officer
INTP vs ENTP- Introverts and Extroverts
A major distinction between the INTP and the ENTP is introversion and extroversion. The INTP is often considered to be a super introvert. This means that they get their energy from their alone time.
The ENTP, on the other hand, is regarded as an extrovert. However, they are much more introverted than most extroverts. Together with the ENFP, they are the most introverted extroverts in the MBTI typology.
To learn if you are an introverted extrovert, you can check this article on 50 signs that you are an introverted extrovert.
INTP vs ENTP- Childhood
ENTP
The ENTP child is very curious and wants to learn more about the world. However, their obsession with learning makes them want to try out new things and ideas.
If you have an ENTP child, then you have to be ready for the endless questions that will come. The ENTP is also one of the most likely children that can rebel against traditional and conformist views. They are also likely to rebel against set out rules and regulations.
If you have an ENTP child, you have to learn how to discipline them without breaking their spirit.
INTP
The INTP child is going to be curious about the world and how everything works. If you have an INTP child, you should expect a lot of questions about life and its meaning.
You should also remember that your child is an introvert. Thus, they are going to need more space to themselves. So, don’t feel hurt or sad when this happens.
Overall, both the ENTP and INTP children are brilliant and are a joy to be around.
Quick Differences between the ENTP and INTP
| ENTP | INTP |
| ENTP is more in tune with their emotions | INTPs are more logical than the ENTP |
| ENTPs are going to get excited with big ideas and may make decisions based on how they feel at that moment. | INTPs are more likely to run their ideas through their internal filter to see if it is impossible. |
| ENTPs are more energetic in public and quiet in private | INTPs are quiet in public but more energetic when with close friends |
| ENTPs hate to take care of the details of a project. | INTPs like to take care of the tiny details that come with a project. |
| ENTPs are on a quest for knowledge and ideas backed up with logic | INTPs are on a quest for truth backed up with analytical accuracy |
ENTP vs INTP- Dealing with Breakups
ENTP
The ENTP’s way of dealing with a breakup is to become more charming and witty. This is their way of putting up a mask for the world to see. The ENTP might also make new friends and go out to events. In that way, the ENTP’s road to recovery after a break is pretty fast.
However, the ENTP is very likely to have nostalgia when faced with previous items and possessions that were owned by their previous partner.
INTP
INTP deals with breakup by throwing themselves into one of their many projects. They also try to withdraw and isolate themselves from other people.
By doing this, the INTP gives themselves time to heal and recover from the emotional trauma they went through. The INTP will usually go through this process alone and might only open up to close friends who are thinkers like themselves.
So are you an INTP or an ENTP? Regardless of what your MBTI type is, you can be whoever you want to be.
