The main difference between asphalt shingles and architectural shingles lies in their construction and appearance. Asphalt shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, are made of a single layer of asphalt and fiberglass mat, providing a traditional, flat look. As for architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminate shingles, they have multiple layers bonded together to create a three-dimensional, textured appearance that mimics the look of natural materials like wood or slate.