Well, wired earphones are back in trend. But there are a lot of factors that are causing people to move to wired earphones now. We all know the last few years have been excellent for wireless earphones or earbuds. Why would people choose wired earphones when you can listen to your favorite music without constraints?
Let’s compare and find the best option, wired or wireless earphones?
Wireless earphones are one of the most compatible devices. My first earphone was OnePlus Buds Z, which changed my experience. First, I didn’t have to think about wires anymore. I can turn my head in any direction without fearing earplugs falling off. It was also easy to carry anywhere, and the noise cancellation was good.
The latest changes and upgrades to these wireless devices have increased the desire to use them.
- The latest-generation wireless buds have better long-range connectivity, so you can keep the device in one room and speak in another.
- Amazing noise cancelation, providing you a silent space in the crowd. You can also connect two devices at a time for productivity.
So, you might wonder why people are moving across to wired earphones if wireless has so many options that improvise life. Here are 9 factors that you should look into when buying your next earphone.
Sound Quality
Wired earphones have better sound quality than wireless earphones at the same price. Wired earphones deliver uncompressed audio at a higher bit rate. Also, as they are connected to the devices, there is less possibility of any interference and signal loss.
However, wireless earphones depend on Bluetooth to transmit audio from the device to the earphone. So they compress the signals, which results in a loss of quality.
Convenience
Wireless is more comfortable, without any doubt. No wires, no bother. Wireless earphones are good options for workouts, running, or commuting. On the other hand, wired earphones can come in the way, as you need more flexibility to perform movement-based tasks.
Battery Life
Wired headphones do not require any battery as they draw power from the connected device. So you can listen to any content for as long as you want, with no fear of charge draining out.
Well, wireless, they rely on battery. The amount of battery required depends on the model and the features. Usually, a device can give 4-12 hours of playback time, but higher-end models can give up to even 20 hours. Another critical factor is the life expectancy of the battery. Over a long time, the battery’s life degrades, which reduces usage time.
Comfort
Both the models have comfort levels depending on your personalization. We have many options in the market, like in-ear buds, around-ear buds, foam ear tips, silicon ear tips, double or triple-flange ear tips, etc. With so many options, you can choose the right fit for your ears and the type of comfort you want. Well, both types of earphones are comfortable and depend on what you like.
Compatibility
With more phones launching without the traditional headphone jacks, wireless earphones are becoming a necessary accessory. It reduces the effort to deal with wires and is better comfortable during movement. If you use a wired earphone, you must get a converter that can be either C-Type/Micro-USB/lightning to 3.5mm. So, not only are you carrying more wires, you will spend some time untangling them.
Noise Cancellation
Usually, wireless earphones are better at noise canceling as they pick up external noise and create an opposite sound wave to cancel the noise. Even though some wired devices have ANC technology. ANC needs the power to perform the action, so wireless devices have this feature in common, as it can use the battery.
Controls
Wireless earphones are commonly loaded with controls. You can play, pause, next, fast forward, rewind, skip, accept calls, switch devices, and many more options, which can be done by swipe or tap gestures. You can also control wireless devices with your phone, like adjusting the equalizer or finding your device.
Wired earphones are limited to controls like adjusting the volume, play/pause music, and skipping tracks. Some also come with a mic and button to accept and disconnect calls.
Style
It is an essential factor, as both formats display a different style. One is retro, and the other is new gen. The wireless earphone comes in sleek, minimalist, customizable ear tips and sizes.
It goes the same for wired, but the design gives you an old-school feel and looks good. Wired earphones have a simple and timeless design, with vivid colors that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Some devices are also designed to look classic, with a metallic finish, coiled cables, and retro-inspired branding.
Price
Pricing may vary depending on the type of model or brand that you are selecting. But, commonly, wired devices are much cheaper than wireless devices. If you want more features like ANC, wireless is the option. However, if you want better sound quality, you can get an excellent product for the price of a starter wireless device.
Ultimately it all depends on what suits you better. I personally use both wired as well as wireless devices. While traveling, I choose a wired device, as I don’t have to worry about the battery draining out. And use wireless during workouts, office meetings, or calls. Both the earphones are minimalist and within the budget. So, if you are selecting the earphone, find the right one for you, and you can have both that match your lifestyle.
