Many users confuse the terminology for filtering and sorting options and sometimes use them interchangeably. However, the difference is significant. Filters set hard boundaries so that the page shows items that strictly match the specific selected criteria. Sorting sets soft boundaries. Instead of excluding items, it arranges them in a specific order.

According to the Baymard Institute's studies, users often are more inclined to use sorting. This is because:

• Users are afraid to lose relevant products that fall just outside their defined filter range.
• Users may not know the product's domain or technical characteristics well enough to set the filtering criteria.
• Users may not be so sure about their budgetary limitations, compatibility requirements, usage conditions, etc., and prefer browsing until they find out what they like.^[1]

Ultimately, users need both filtering and sorting functionalities to find relevant content. So make sure you provide both.