Even headphones with a USB-C connector would be a good starting point for achieving acceptable sound reproduction on a mobile device. That said, here are a few reasons to choose wired headphones over Bluetooth:

• As mentioned earlier, in the absence of compression (or loss), the sound quality of wired headphones is generally superior to that of wireless ones , at least until Samsung standardizes ultra-wideband headphones.
• They work simply by plugging them in . No need to worry about charging the devices or the case they’re in. You won’t be left stranded if the battery runs out.
• There is no latency . This term in consumer audio refers to the time elapsed from when the sound signal is generated by the player until it reaches the Bluetooth receiver. It is measured in milliseconds, and with wired headphones, as established, this is not a problem.
• Good quality wired headphones are often cheaper than their wireless counterparts , this is due to their simpler technology, which reduces the need to include additional components in their design.
• Wired headphones don’t suffer from battery degradation or complex circuits. Depending on the model, the cables may even be detachable and replaceable.

However, it would be inaccurate not to include the disadvantages associated with wired headphones . Despite their advantages, it is also important to evaluate them:

• Mobility is limited . Furthermore, the cable can get tangled (it gets caught in a backpack or bag, I speak from experience), which can be annoying during workouts. Audiophiles and gym enthusiasts generally don’t mix well; again, I speak from experience.
• Many devices no longer have a Jack connector , especially in the mid-to-high and high ranges.
• Cables deteriorate over time , and although some models allow them to be disassembled and new ones attached to the transducers (most in-ear monitors, some studio over-ear models and some high-definition headphones), this is unfortunately not common.

One last point before moving on to the next: according to a study conducted by the accessories company Muvit in 2024, musicians and audio professionals prefer wired solutions over wireless ones, precisely for all the advantages mentioned previously.

In a controlled environment, such as a studio, they represent the ideal solution for a pure, interference-free signal for my ears, or those of the musicians working with me at that time. On the other hand, on stage, in-ear monitors connected to a transmitter are an excellent option for having a consistent reference of the highest possible quality.

Why choose Bluetooth headphones for listening to music?

The reasons for choosing a wireless solution are obvious: there’s no need to rely on a connected cable . That’s the most compelling argument. These days, we live in the age of hands-free devices, even for listening to music. We like to have our devices in our bags or pockets, with the headphones in our ears, without having to search for complicated solutions to adjust the cable length.

I’m the first to admit this convenience ; I don’t hide it. I appreciate Bluetooth headphones for their practicality, which in some ways surpasses traditional wired headphones. However, in other areas, it’s the seemingly outdated wired headphones that have the advantage. Let’s first look at the advantages of Bluetooth headphones:

• Ultra-mobility and ultra-portability . Wireless earbuds and their charging case slip anywhere. Foldable headphones easily fit in a backpack or bag.
• They can connect to multiple devices simultaneously , allowing you to easily switch from your smartphone to your tablet, or from your tablet to a Smart TV.
• A more ergonomic design than wired headphones. Some models, like the Sony LinkBuds Fit, fit perfectly in the ear canal, making them ideal for exercise and other activities.
• Active noise cancellation makes them ideal for use in urban environments, without ambient noise interfering with our listening, making them perfect for public transport or any other crowded place.

The advantages are very obvious and fantastic, but they also have significant drawbacks :

• Bluetooth headphones cannot reproduce lossless audio . Sound transmission via Bluetooth relies on compression algorithms known as codecs. These codecs do not allow for bit-perfect reproduction. Even aptX Lossless, one of the many codecs from Snapdragon Sound, does not allow for lossless audio reproduction (although it approaches CD quality). LDAC, Sony’s proprietary codec, offers two high bit rates, but does not approach CD quality . For codecs like SBC or AAC, they are even further from it.
• Some models can be particularly prone to connection stability issues . The cheapest models often have problems in this area. Instability also increases when using a codec capable of transmitting at high bit rates, such as the aforementioned aptX Lossless.
• Latency is very noticeable . It’s also worth noting that it increases as the quality at which a codec is capable of transmitting and receiving increases. SBC and AAC offer lower latency due to the information they omit, but when using aptX Lossless or LDAC, the difference is very significant.

It’s also worth mentioning that Bluetooth headphones raise health concerns . Some ear medicine experts, such as Audiomed, note in a study that wireless headphones can cause headaches and difficulty falling asleep. Other long-term damage has been observed in rodent experiments, particularly to the blood-brain barrier, the brain’s “mobile gatekeeper . “

One might think I’m trying to disparage wireless headphones, but it’s quite the opposite. These are important facts to know ; despite all their positive aspects, there are also some less favorable points.