What type of figurative language involves a speaker comparing two unlike things to each other

There are two different types. Similes and metaphors

similes compare two things using the words like or as.

Metaphors compare two things without the use of the words like or as.

A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as. Example: The muscles on his brawny arms are strong as iron bands. A figure of speech which involves an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be.