Wired Vs Wireless Headphones: Which is better?

When it comes to wired and wireless headphones, different users have different choices and reviews. Some like to use wired headphones, whereas some like to use wireless ones. Hence, it creates confusion when it comes to buying new headphones. In this article, we will compare wired and wireless headphones and see which one is better.

Wired vs. Wireless Headphones Comparison

Headphones are majorly divided into two categories, namely, wired headphones and wireless headphones. Wired headphones, as the name implies, come with a cable of a certain length to connect them to your computer. You have to insert the pin or plug of the wired headphones into the audio jack of your mobile phone or computer.

On the other hand, wireless headphones operate on Bluetooth technology. Hence, you can connect your wireless headphones to only those devices that support Bluetooth technology.

Advantages of wireless headphones

Let’s see some advantages of wireless headphones.

Ease of use
Unrestricted movement
Distance
Bluetooth Multipoint support

Ease of use

The biggest benefit of wireless headphones is the ease of use. Bluetooth headphones keep you free from the tangled wires. If we compare them with wired headphones, the biggest problem you must deal with is the cord. The wire gets tangled with other things in your bag. Hence, you have to untangle them before using them.

Unrestricted movement

Because Bluetooth headphones have no wires, they offer unrestricted movement. You can perform your tasks easily while wearing them. This is the reason why most people prefer Bluetooth headphones during workouts and while performing household chores and sports activities.

Distance

The range of Bluetooth is more than the cord attached to the wired headphones. Bluetooth headphones can operate up to a range of 10 meters. This range allows you to move and travel without any hassle.

Bluetooth Multipoint Support

Bluetooth Multipoint is a technology that allows a Bluetooth device to connect to multiple Bluetooth-supported devices simultaneously. Some Bluetooth headphones support the Bluetooth Multipoint technology. By using this feature, you can switch between your connected Bluetooth devices without any hassle.

Disadvantages of wireless headphones

If you want to buy Bluetooth headphones, you should also be aware of their disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages of wireless headphones are:

Battery
Interference
Lagging and connection issues
Cost

Battery

Bluetooth headphones operate on a battery. Hence you have to charge the battery after a certain period. The consumption of the battery of Bluetooth headphones depends on many factors. If you use them continuously for long hours, the battery will discharge fast. Also, you will start experiencing battery drain issues when your headphones start becoming older.

Interference

Interference is one of the most common problems with wireless headphones. It occurs on Bluetooth headphones when the Bluetooth signal is obstructed by a physical object or another signal of the same frequency. For example, if you are connected to the WiFi signal with a 2.4 GHz band, you may experience interference issues on your Bluetooth headphones because Bluetooth signals also have the same frequency, i.e., 2.4 GHz.

Bluetooth interference makes the user’s experience worse because it decreases the sound quality.

Lagging and connection issues

Sound lag or delay is another issue that you can experience with wireless headphones. On Bluetooth headphones, data is received in the form of packets. When these packets are obstructed by a signal of the same frequency or by an object, it will result in sound lag.

You may also experience different connection issues with your wireless headphones. For example, your Bluetooth headphones refuse to connect to your computer or your mobile; your Bluetooth headphones keep disconnecting, they are paired but not connected, etc.

Cost

Wireless headphones are available in different price ranges. If you want more advanced features in your Bluetooth headphones, you have to pay high.

Advantages of wired headphones

Let’s see some advantages of wired headphones.

Lifespan
No interference issues
No need to charge
No connectivity issues

Lifespan

The lifespan of wired headphones is usually longer than that of wireless headphones, provided they are maintained properly. The biggest problem with wireless headphones that you start experiencing after a certain time period is the battery issue. The battery will start draining fast after a certain time. This is not an issue with the wired headphones.

No interference issues

As explained earlier in this article, interference issues are among the most common problems with wireless headphones. You will not experience such a problem with wired headphones.

No need to charge

You need to charge the wireless headphones after using them for a certain time. Whereas, on the other hand, wired headphones have no such need. Because wired headphones come with a cord, they do not have a battery. Hence, there is no need to charge them. You can use them continuously for a longer time without worrying about the battery life.

No connectivity issues

To connect the wired headphones to your device, you need to plug the cable into the headphone jack and you are ready to listen to your favorite music and songs. Wired headphones remain connected to your device until you remove the cable from the headphone jack. Therefore, you will not face any connectivity issues with the wired headphones.

Disadvantages of wired headphones

Some of the disadvantages of wired headphones are:

Tangled wires
Less range and less mobility

Tangled wires

This is the biggest disadvantage of wired headsets. The cord gets tangled once you place your wired headset in your bag. The wire is the most fragile part of the wired headphones. Every twist and turn makes the outer rubber insulation of the wire weaker and thinner due to which the wire starts getting damaged with time.

Less range and less mobility

The range of wired headsets is limited and less than the wireless headphones. This limits your mobility. You cannot move freely after connecting your wired headphones to your computer as in the case of the wireless headphones.

Wired vs. Wireless Headphones: Which is better?

Above, we have seen the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless headphones. Hence, selecting one from wired and wireless headphones depends on various factors. Apart from the features of both headphones and their cost, the choice highly depends on your lifestyle and work profile.

Wired headphones are better for people who prefer plug-and-play, cannot afford latency while listening to their favorite music, and want to listen to every detail of the music. On the other hand, wireless headphones are better for frequent travelers, and people with active lifestyles, like athletes, sportspersons, etc. Wireless headphones can also be a better choice for the persons who enjoy doing household chores while listening to music.

Hence, based on your lifestyle, you can select which headphones are better for you.

That’s it.

Why do people use wireless headphones?

There are many reasons why people use wireless headphones. The biggest reason is the comfort. People do not have to deal with tangled wires in the case of wireless headphones. Wireless headphones have a greater range than the wired headphones. People can do their activities while wearing wireless headphones without any difficulty.

Why choose wired headphones?

Wired headphones are usually cheaper than wireless headphones. Also, there is no need to charge them because they do not have batteries. These are a few reasons that tell why a person should buy wired headphones. However, it totally depends on you and your lifestyle which headphones you want to buy.