Sammasambuddhas attain buddhahood, then decide to teach others the truth they have discovered.

Paccekabuddhas sometimes called "silent Buddhas" are similar to sammasambuddhas in that they attain nirvana and acquire many of the same powers as a sammasambuddha, but are unable to teach what they have discovered.

Savakabuddhas attain nirvana after hearing the teaching of a sammasambuddha (directly or indirectly). The disciple of a sammasambuddha is called a savaka ("hearer" or "follower") or, once enlightened, an arahant.