When we look at INTP vs. INFP, it is easy to note similar characteristics of these personality types. Both possess introverted, intuitive, and perceiving traits in their personalities.

The main difference lies in their manner of processing emotions. While INTPs make all their decisions based on logic and objective information, ENTPs carry them out using their empathetic approach and emotions.

Let us now find out their similar and contrasting features in the following article –

INTP vs. INFP

The Myers Briggs personality types of INTP and INFP carry, introverted, intuitive, thinking, and perceiving traits and introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving traits respectively. We have already mentioned that INTP and INFP personality types are introverted, intuitive, and perceiving. 

Despite having these striking similarities, there exist some subtle differences. They are about how these individuals make decisions while undertaking their personal and professional responsibilities.

Therefore, they can easily adjust their lifestyles based on their thinking and feeling traits. People should know they can attain growth out of these default behavioral patterns. These personalities must adopt various ways to strike the perfect balance between extreme circumstances.

Both INTP and INFP personality types maintain similar spirits. They love paying attention to the future rather than to the current happenings. Hence, these people plan accordingly to meet those goals and responsibilities. 

Individuals with these personality types always put their thinking caps on before making decisions and then go with the motion.

The INPs or Introverted, Intuitive, and Perceiving types use similar auxiliary functions of Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and tertiary functions of introverted Sensing (Si). Ne functions help individuals express a sense of wonder toward the mysteries and contingencies of life. SI functions manifest in these people who wish to explore and widen their horizons.

Let us now understand the similarities and differences between these two Myers-Briggs personality types – 

The Points of Similarities between INTP and INFP 

INTP and INFP personality types relate to one another in many ways. It comes from sharing similar introverted, intuitive, and perceiving features in their personalities.

Let us now discuss the similarities between INTP and INFP in the following segment –

  • INTP and INFP personality types are introverts. They love to lead a secluded life away from people’s interference. These prefer to require a quiet place to concentrate and do their work. Being in crowded places turns out to be quite overwhelming for these individuals. Under those circumstances, they look forward to spending time alone and recharging themselves.
  • INFP and INTP personality types use their intuitive features to concentrate on ideas and concepts rather than concrete facts and minute details. They bother more about the bigger picture. These people possess a greater sense of empathy. The best thing about being intuitive is that individuals with these personality types can get a sense of something even if they have complete proof.
  • These individuals are aware of their strengths and drawbacks. Hence, they know how to properly use their strong points and work on their weak links to convert them into possible strengths. Both these aspects influence the actions of INTP and INFPs accordingly.
  • The intuitive feature also makes them keen observers. They focus on the current happenings in their lives and do not look too far into the future. This habit helps them become successful in their lives.
  • Their intuition also allows these individuals to dream big. They tend to entertain several thoughts in their minds. Thus, they never fall short of ideas. 
  • Both INTP and INFP types are perceivers. They lead their lives in an uninhibited manner. These people love spontaneity and do not prefer any level of prior planning. If they follow a set plan, it will stifle the free-flowing nature of these personalities
  • Perceiving individuals keep their lives under control by opting for choices according to their requirements. They treat deadlines as elastic. Hence, these people never make any decision upfront. It gives them the privilege of trying out other options.

INTP vs. INFP – The key differences

You can easily see that there are several similarities between INTP and INFP. Even then, they differ from one another in some ways.

It is now time to discuss the differences between INTP and INFP in the following segment –

 INTP INFP
INTP people possess thinking traits in their personality. They are objective when it comes to making decisions.INFP people possess feeling traits in their personality. They tend to be subjective while making decisions.
The dominant function of Introverted Thinking tends to drive an INTPs life. They ponder over new theories.The dominant function of Introverted Feeling drives an INFP’s life. It means that these individuals carry a deep sense of morals and ethics.
The inferior function of an INTP is Extraverted Feeling. Despite being introverted, these people can be quite expressive. It happens when they are around people with whom they feel comfortable. They look to build harmony in groups.The inferior function of an INFP is Extraverted Thinking. Even though this feature remains unconscious, it comes out during stress and happens to be a counterproductive option.
INTP personality type individuals show more interest in finding the logic behind their arguments. If someone gives out a logical set of examples, they might tempt INTPs to change their opinions. However, if you fail to prove your point with logic, prepare yourself for getting into a heated debate with this Myers Briggs personality.People carrying the INFP personality type will always pay attention to listening to the opinions of another individual. They mostly play supportive roles. When they need to change their feelings, INFPs will not compromise their thought process. These people would go to any extent and ensure they stick to their point.
INTPs are quite flexible while expressing or accepting their viewpoints of the world. They are ready to adapt and change their mindset if they sense that a person has an excellent point and sufficient logic to back their claim. It reflects that they resort to rational thinking. Thus, they always want to accept the logical arguments of other individuals.INFPs bother about honesty above anything else. They cannot tolerate cognitive dissonance. These people are rigid when it comes to maintaining their moral compass. Even then, they tend to accept what others think. Despite listening patiently to others’ opinions, INFPs will not do a lot to change their views, even if others have valid arguments about why they should do so. An INFP person will listen to them but not sway away from their standpoint.
These individuals make their decisions based on facts rather than focusing on personal feelings and emotions. Hence, it does not let them make unjustified claims. People find it tough to negate their statements and prove them wrong.These individuals make their decisions based on values and principles. They always go by what their heart says rather than their mind. It means whatever they decide is their unique interpretation of a viewpoint with their thoughts and feelings.
People with this Myers-Briggs personality type always logically judge others and situations. They will never express any such opinion that seems baseless. These individuals use their power of analysis to assess all elements.People with the INFP personality type tend to judge others and life situations based on extenuating circumstances and feelings. They spend a lot of time thinking about how others would feel when they express their views. Hence, they modify their behavioral pattern accordingly.
INTPs’ focus lies on truth. They always refrain from using any tact while dealing with different life situations. They are fully adept at identifying flaws.INFPs do not bother about directing their actions toward truth. These people would always give preference to emotions. They will go to any extent to do things per others’ liking and please them.
INTPs are interested in non-fiction movies and stories and do not bother about relationships or feelings. They have a fascination with those items that are very well-researched, preferably available across science magazines. These people love fiction only when it has connections with a real life experience.INFP personality type people have worlds filled with fantasies, dreams, and lots of colors. They love video games with solid characters to feel emotion while playing them. It enables them to embrace reality.
INTP personality type people always fear that they will get stuck while doing any work and cannot proceed forward. These individuals do not enjoy it when they feel they cannot utilize their talent to its optimum level. It makes them feel like a complete waste of time. Hence, these people make sure to go for changes as per what the situation demands.INFPs suffer from a different kind of fear. As these people are loyal to their family members and friends, they always remain apprehensive about losing them through drifting or conflicts. When a significant change occurs, an INFP does not take it sportingly. They keep holding back their feelings until they finally explode.
When in love, these individuals adopt an analytical and measured approach to their partners. They do not appreciate those who bring forth a lot of drama in their relationship or resort to extreme emotions. Those circumstances will let them feel disconnected to their partners.When this individual is in a relationship, they tend to be loyal, empathetic, and dedicated toward their partners. They remain totally in tune with their partner’s feelings. INFPs will often put a lot of effort into assisting their partner to achieve their objectives in life.
 INTPs, while being in workplaces, incline toward doing what they need to do to fulfil their responsibilities. One cannot classify them as workaholics, but they always think practically.These people understand that they require sufficient funds to fulfil their essential needs. No one will pay for their food or electricity bills. They must manage them on their own. On the other hand, INFPs display excellent work ethics in their professional lives. They do not mind throwing themselves into the work of their choice. It happens whenever they confront tough times. It is a kind of escapism. Still, even when they maintain balance, these people tend to be quite productive. You can expect nothing but the best from their end.
INTP personality type people do not have much clarity when it is about moving toward attaining a balance between their spiritual, physical, and mental selves. They find it tough to revamp their approaches toward happiness and often need to learn ways to let go.INFPs have the willingness to explore ways through which they can become psychologically sound from all angles. It is possible because these individuals enjoy discovering stuff by themselves. Hence, they do not need to put much effort into fulfilling the requirements.
INTPs always feel relaxed about their comfort in life. These people will not pay attention to the fact that they are sick. It is until things become like that they feel they must start working to feed their family. They never enjoy being sick as they cannot stand being bored.People with the INFP personality type always enjoy the softer part of things. It is applicable even if their romantic relationships do not demonstrate this aspect. They enjoy being happy and love spreading joy among others around them in their lives.
INTP personality type individuals are far more analytical with their creativity. These people use logic. Thus, it enables them to come up with fresh ideas. They will frame those ideas based on all the things that seem illogical to them.INFPs enjoy the process of self-discovery. They love to do so by using creativity, which makes them extremely happy for attaining a level of fulfilment in their lives. These activities make them experience a different level of satisfaction.
INTP vs. INFP

To Sum Up

The conclusion we can derive from this detailed explanation of INTP vs. INFP in this article is that they carry similar characteristics of introverted, intuitive, and perceiving types in their personalities. Despite these, several differences exist between them. The primary one is the difference in how they express their emotions.

In that respect, we have explained that an INTP expresses their thoughts based on logic, while INFP does so through their feelings and emotions. These reasons make these personalities who they are and accordingly impact their lifestyles.