in praise of wired headphones

I have tried to like bluetooth headphones, I really have. I have tried on-ear and Airpods (the pro variety). I live in the Apple eco-system, so I always end up reaching for my Earpods – here is my rational for staying ‘old-skool’.

Simplicity

The just fit in your pocket, and you don’t have to charge them. I repeat, you don’t have to charge them! No extra cables, no little box for your headphones to live in whilst they charge. No running out of power at the worst moment.

Cost

Wired – Apple Earpods £19 Wireless – Apple Airpods (2nd Gen) £119

I can lose 6 sets of wired headphones before I’ve reached the cost of the cheapest Airpods from Apple, things get even worse if you want the latest generation (£169) or the Pro version (£239). I lose things, often.

Sound

wireless audio quality just can’t keep up with analog audio
— soundguys

Enough said.

Are there downsides to the wired variety? Of course, you end up having to thread the wire through various layers of clothing and sometimes you wish you could charge your phone and have the headphones connected – but it’s a small price to pay.