Don't Get Your Wires Crossed
Wired earphones may seem old-fashioned in the ultra-high tech landscape of the 2020s, but they provide a few core features that wireless ones don't. Similarly, while Bluetooth buds such as AirPods may cost more, you get much more for the price than your Walmart pair of earphones. Let's look at the benefits of both sides.
1. Price
For listeners on a budget, price is by and far the number one selling point of wired earbuds. You aren't paying for that expensive Bluetooth tech, so you don't have to shell out upwards of $100. Everyone should be able to afford listening to music.
2. Sound Quality
Despite what Big Tech would have you believe, the sound quality in wired headphones is actually far superior to wireless. Because wireless headphones don't compress their audio signal, you'll get a better and more consistent audio quality. This can make all the difference for audiophiles.
3. No Battery
The biggest downside to Bluetooth earbuds is the inconvenient battery. When fully charged, AirPods only last between 4-6 hours before they need some more juice—better charge your earbuds with your couch! Wired earbuds offer unlimited listening time.
4. Harder To Lose
This point may be debatable depending on whether or not you'd lose your head if it weren't attached. Of course, wired headphones can go missing just as easily as wireless ones. The difference is that you won't lose just one.
5. Durability
Wired earbuds can take a punch. They stand up to the sweat test, you don't have to worry about breaking the interior hardware, heck, you can even accidentally run them through the laundry with little fallout. Unless the wire gets frayed, wired earbuds can last for basically forever.
6. No Audio Delay
Wired earbuds have lower latency than wireless ones. In other words, there's no chance of a slight delay between your device and your ears. This is especially important when keeping movies and games in sync.
7. Don't Have To Connect
Ever known that person who accidentally started playing their 2000s pop jams over the gym speaker by accident? How about accidentally casting a cow hoof cleaning video to the family tv because you pressed the wrong button? With wired headphones, there is no wrong button.
8. Eco-Friendly
Everyone should care about the environment, and one way to show you care is by being smart about battery usage batteries. Wired headphones use lithium batteries which get are added to our ever-growing pile of electronic waste. Additionally, these batteries degrade, making for even more waste when you have to get a new pair of AirPods every two years.
9. Plug And Go
Listening to music or a podcast on wired headphones is the simplest thing in the world. You don't have to wait while you connect your device and you don't have to worry about going into a dead zone. All you have to do is plug them in and you're good to go.
10. Easier To Repair
Because wireless earphones use fancier tech, you often have to send them away for repairs, leaving you up an auditory creek without a paddle. If you're handy with electronics, there's a solid chance you can repair small malfunctions yourself. And, if you can't, they're cheaper to replace as well.
Now that we've covered why many people pledge allegiance to wired headphones, let's explore some of the benefits of Bluetooth.
1. Convenient On The Go
While we love the headphone jack, we'll be the first to admit that we hate when the cord gets tangled on something, rudely yanking our music out of our ears. This is not a problem with wireless earbuds. One of the great advantages of wireless earbuds is that you can use them at the gym without getting tangled.
2. Free To Roam
Sometimes having your phone on hand when you're trying to work isn't convenient when you're trying to focus. That 8 hour softened brown noise you use to focus can quickly lead to scrolling social media or playing games if you aren't careful. With wireless earbuds, you can keep your phone across the room (or even out of it) while you listen.
3. Better Compatibility
Phones aren't made with a headphone jack anymore, so you'll have to buy an adapter if you want to keep using your wired headphones. Wireless headphones allow you to connect with a range of devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones. Some even allow you to pair multiple devices for a seamless transition.
4. Advanced Features
With wired earbuds, you're basically just getting the ability to listen; maybe you can pause or skip songs. With wired headphones you can do much more: skipping, muting, taking photos, even talking to Siri. Wireless earbuds are also better for taking calls.
5. No Tangling
Wires are definitely the biggest hassle of wired earbuds, especially when they get all tangled up in your pocket. Wireless don't even give you the chance to be frustrated. Remove from case and you're good to go.
6. Easy To Find
Like most phones, your wireless earbuds should come with some sort of homing device. Whether this has them make some noise or shows you where they are on a map, you'll find them much quicker than wired ones. Good luck if you left one on vacation!
7. Waterproofing
While wired headphones generally score better in the sweat test, tech companies have been experimenting with waterproofing earbuds. Many phones are already waterproof in significant depths, why not earbuds? That doesn't mean you should go swimming in them.
8. Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is another big selling point when it comes to wireless earbuds. Whether you want adaptive cancellation so you can still hear a little bit of the outside world or a full sonic wall between you and everything else, wireless earbuds have you covered. Many devices even let you cycle through different modes.
9. Case Customization
Wired earbuds don't offer much customization between choosing the color, and even then, your options are limited. Choosing a unique case for your wireless earbuds can express your creativity and personality. A quick Google scroll showed us cases shaped like everything from Darth Vader's Helmet to one of Winnie the Pooh's Hunny pots.
10. Sleek Design
Let's face it, wireless headphones just look cool. They're smooth and chic compared to the clutter of clumsy wires. Appearances may not be everything, but they certainly help.
