With proper care, a solid pair of headphones or earphones can last you many years. While wireless headphones are dominating the market right now, wired varieties still have their benefits. Check out the pros and cons of wired and wireless/Bluetooth® headphones, then decide which one best suits your lifestyle.
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Wired Headphones
Ah yes, good ol’ wired headphones. They’ve been around since 1910 and are still a dependable choice in the audio world. Below are several advantages and disadvantages of wired headphones or earphones:
Pros of Wired Headphones
- Price: If you’re on a budget and looking to get headphones or earbuds, wired versions – e.g., T5M Wired Earphones – almost always cost less than their wireless counterparts. Why? Wireless technology is more expensive to manufacture.
- Sound Quality: Audiophiles swear by wired headphones for this reason. Wired headphones receive an analog signal, which can handle more data than Bluetooth®. Therefore, it offers better sound quality.
- Ubiquity: As long as there’s a 3.5mm input, wired headphones can connect to any audio source, from your dad’s Walkman to your brand-new laptop. Many modern smartphones are ditching the standard audio jack, but there are adaptors and cables such as Lightning and USB-C to solve this issue.
- No Batteries/Charging: Except for active noise-canceling headphones, wired headphones don’t need batteries. Simply plug your headphones or earphones into your audio source, and you’re ready to rock.
Cons of Wired Headphones
- Cable: The biggest problem most people have with wired headphones is the cable itself. Desk job workers or anybody who’s stationary for extended periods won’t have an issue with the wire. However, the cable can get in the way when you’re exercising, cleaning the house, or just being mobile. Cords can also get tangled and caught in something, further adding to the annoyance.
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones – particularly true wireless earbuds – are becoming the go-to listening device among consumers. Check out the pros and cons of wireless headphones to see if they’re right for you.
Pros of Wireless Headphones
- Freedom: No longer are you shackled to your device. With wireless headphones, you can freely walk to 30 feet to the kitchen and grab a handful of pretzels without missing a word of your music or podcast. Plus, the lack of wires makes it easier and more comfortable for joggers to run a 5K, commuters to get to work, and gamers to play video games without sitting too close to the TV.
- Added Features: If you live for the finer things, wireless headphones certainly deliver. For example, the T5 II True Wireless Earphones can connect to your virtual assistant of choice. Our earphones also provide sweat/water resistance, Klipsch Connect app integration, and four microphones for crystal-clear calls.
- Compatibility: It used to be a luxury for devices to have Bluetooth® connectivity. Now, it’s a standard for modern technology to boast Bluetooth®. While you can’t connect to vintage turntables or the like, you can always get an A/V receiver and jam to your favorite tunes via our premium speakers.
- Sound Quality: As mentioned before, wired headphones generally sound better than wireless headphones because Bluetooth® can only handle so much information through its signal. However, this only applies if you’re trying to listen to data-loaded lossless file formats like FLAC, WAV, or ALAC. Have no idea what these things mean? Don’t worry about it. Whether it’s through wired or wireless headphones, most average listeners can’t distinguish a difference between lossless audio and a Spotify/Apple Music stream. Lossless file formats only matter for people who demand the best sound quality possible, like audiophiles, musicians, and DJs.
Cons of Wireless Headphones
- Price: Wireless headphones provide plenty of cool features, but they also have a price tag that reflects these features. Don’t fear, though! If you’re interested in the T5 II True Wireless Earphones, you listen now and pay later with our Affirm financing option.
- Battery/Charging: Add wireless headphones to your growing list of things you have to charge. It’s not a huge con by any means since that’s the way the world turns now. However, the battery life of wireless headphones has greatly improved over the years. With the T5 True Wireless Earphones, you get up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, plus up to 24 hours with your charging case.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between wired and wireless headphones, it’s all up to your personal preferences and lifestyle.
