There are a number of differences between Hajj and Umrah however, the major differences are listed below:
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is mandatory for everyone who is physically and financially able to perform it once in a lifetime. Umrah is not a pillar if Islam and is a recommended act of worship; it is not obligatory.
Hajj must be performed in the prescribed time period of the months of Hajj whereby the major rites are completed in the first two weeks of Dhul-Hijjah. However, Umrah can be performed any time of the year.
Umrah involves only the rites of Tawaf (around the Ka’ bah) and Sa’ i (between Safa and Marwa) with Ihram. However, Hajj involves a lot more whereby the pilgrim has to stay in Mina, perform the rites of Wuquf (standing) in the plains of ‘ Arafat, stay in Muzdalifah, and pelt the stone pillars, as well as sacrifice in some cases. Umrah, however, does not involve any of these.