Wired headset or wireless headset, which is better? The debate over the wired headsets and wireless headsets continues, and there is no sign of ending. In fact, the market research company Grand View Research predicts that by 2024, the value of the global headset and headset market is expected to reach 15.05 billion US dollars. This shows that as new, state-of-the-art headsets become available, the discussion of wired and wireless headsets will become louder.
Let’s face it-it is difficult to choose between wired or wireless headsets. When it comes to the debate over wired or wireless headphones, everything depends on your lifestyle:
- Are you looking for headphones that you can use when playing music in front of your computer every day, or do you need a headphone that allows you to listen to music easily while exercising?
- Do you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with wires, or do you prefer wired headphones?
- Are you looking for a cheap headset that can last a few years or a headset that can last a lifetime?
These are just some of the questions you need to consider before buying wired or wireless headphones. They also increase the difficulty of making the right choices based on your lifestyle needs.
Fortunately, we are here to teach you the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless headphones, so you can make the right choice. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors to consider when evaluating wired and wireless headsets. If you don’t have time to read the entire article, we provide a summary below.
- Audio quality: Compared to wired headphones, the audio quality of wireless headphones is usually lower, but this may depend on the price range.
- Battery life: Wireless earphones are limited by battery life. The battery life will vary depending on the price range and the model you buy. Wired headsets have no battery life.
- Portability: Both wired and wireless headphones are portable, but depending on their design (whether they are foldable, whether they have a carrying case, etc.), some headphones may be more portable than others.
- Compatibility: Both wireless and wired headsets are very compatible. Make sure your device is compatible before buying. Wired headsets are generally suitable for any mobile phone or device with a 3.5 mm jack. Wireless headsets are generally compatible with any Bluetooth device.
- Price: The price of wireless headsets is generally higher than that of wired headsets, depending on your budget.
Read on, you will enjoy the in-depth analysis of all these factors and more!
1. Audio quality
Wireless headphones provide a convenient wireless experience, but depending on your environment and the distance between you and the smart device, you may experience interference. Any device that provides a wireless signal that matches the frequency of your wireless headset signal may interfere with and degrade the sound quality. However, if you keep your smart device around, this problem can usually be avoided.
Wired headphones minimize the risk of interference that may affect sound quality. In addition, wired headphones can provide high-definition audio quality, ensuring that your favourite songs sound great anytime you use headphones.
2. The choice of Bluetooth headset
Many wireless headsets can replicate the sound quality of wired headsets. However, most wireless earphones use 2.4GHz Bluetooth, which makes it difficult for these earphones to match the HD quality of wired earphones.
Compared with wired earphones, wireless earphones are also more susceptible to interference. Bluetooth uses the same frequency as other Wi-Fi devices, which means that your smartphone and other networked devices may prevent you from always enjoying the best sound quality.
Let us also not forget the impact of Bluetooth compressed audio. Earlier versions of wireless headphones focused on compressing audio, which produced harsh digital sound. On the contrary, the new wireless headsets have improved in this regard, and the advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) now allows wireless headsets to transmit high-quality stereo audio through the SBC codec.
Although Bluetooth is considered to be the main factor affecting the sound quality of wireless headsets, it is important to remember that the quality of the headset itself and the audio equipment used will also affect the sound quality. Therefore, whether you are using wired or wireless headphones, using first-class audio equipment can increase your chances of getting the best sound quality.
3. Battery Life
Many wired headsets do not require a power source. This means you can plug them into audio equipment and use them anywhere, anytime. However, the price of not requiring a battery is sound quality. In some cases, wired headphones may use batteries, allowing you to cancel the sound while listening to music. These headphones usually require 2 to 4 AA or AAA batteries. In addition, wired headsets also have rechargeable batteries.
Wireless headphones always need power, so you need batteries to use these headphones. You can use AA or AAA batteries to power your wireless headphones, or these headphones may come with a rechargeable battery. Wireless headsets that use rechargeable batteries usually require a mini or micro USB cable, and it takes about 3 hours to charge.
The battery life of wired and wireless headsets varies. For wired noise-cancelling headphones, the battery life is usually between 20 and 30 hours. The battery life of Bluetooth headsets ranges from 8 hours to 12 hours, but some high-end Bluetooth headsets claim a battery life of up to 40 hours.
4. Portability
Both wired and wireless earphones are portable, but depending on the purpose, some earphone varieties may be more convenient than others.
For example, if you want to listen to music while jogging, wireless headphones may be useful. When you are jogging, these headphones will not make you feel heavy. In addition, wireless earphones are easy to wear in your ears and will stay fixed there during your exercise.
On the other hand, if you work in a radio station, you might want wired headphones. These headphones will provide superior sound quality and will fit any backpack easily. In this way, you can enjoy the benefits of advanced headphones day after day, and you can also wear them on the way to and from get off work.
Of course, there are sometimes problems with the cable of the wired headset. When you put the rope in the bag, you need to wrap them up, otherwise, there is a risk of them being entangled. If you are jogging, exercising, or performing other light or heavy activities, wires may also get in the way. For athletes and other active people, wireless headphones may be a better choice than wired headphones.
5. Compatibility
If you want to buy wired or wireless headphones, you need to make sure in advance that they are compatible with various audio equipment. In this way, you can pick up the headphones to listen to music, chat with your smartphone and so on.
For many wired headphones, you can use a 3.5 mm cable to connect them to the audio device. Connect one end of the cable to your headset and the other end to the audio device, and you can get the results you want.
If you plan to use wired or wireless earphones for your smartphone, please double check the earphones to make sure they are compatible with your device. For example, the iPhone 7 requires a separate adapter to connect a 3.5 mm cable to the smartphone. iPhone 7 does not have a headphone jack. If you don’t have an iPhone 7 headphone adapter, you can only use wireless Bluetooth headsets.
For most wireless headsets, you should be able to connect them to any Bluetooth device. Many wireless headsets are compatible with the latest version of Bluetooth, and may also be backwards compatible with older devices that use an earlier version of Bluetooth. Exceptions include smartphones, which do not support Bluetooth Smart, and these devices lack basic Bluetooth compatibility.
6. Price
The price of wired or wireless headphones can range from $1 to $5,000, depending on where you buy the headphones and the model you buy. Industry analysis and consulting services company NPD Group pointed out that nearly 30% of Bluetooth headsets sold in the first half of 2016 were priced at $50 or less. NPD Group also pointed out that from the first half of 2015 to the first half of 2016, the average price of Bluetooth headsets dropped by 5%, which is a positive sign for wireless headset consumers around the world.
Digital technology expert Geoffrey Morrison (Geoffrey Morrison) said that the average price of a headset that combines fashion and functionality is between $200 and $400. A wired or wireless headphone’s price is ultimately decided by its capabilities:
- If you need the most basic things, wired headphones may be the most cost-effective choice. Wireless headphones, for example, may have a more stylish design and functionality, but these headphones are able to connect to any audio device.
- For those searching for the latest and greatest earphones, you may be more likely to spend more money on the earphones you want. Headphone technology continues to evolve, and with the release of new headphones, the prices associated with these devices may fluctuate.
7. Close to the device
You are the only thing between you and your headphones because they are connected to audio equipment. Therefore, when you use wired headphones, there are only a few feet between you and your device.
Usually, wired earphones include a 4 to 6-foot cable connected to the left earphone. If you are sitting on the sofa and listening to music, this line provides enough distance between you and the audio device. If you need extra distance, you can also buy an extension cord. For portable devices, wired headphones with about 3 feet of cable are usually a good choice.
Many wireless headsets have a range of more than 30 feet. For wireless headphones, interference increases with distance. Therefore, before making a final decision, you need to check the range of the wireless headset.
8. What is the best lifestyle for wired headphones?
The best lifestyles for wired headphones include:
- Desk Knight: Wired headsets are ideal for those who work at their desks for a long time. Office workers who want to listen to music on a computer or mobile device can connect wired headphones to enjoy first-class sound quality. Wired headsets can even help people sitting in the office make their day’s work faster than ever.
Audiophile: If you demand the best sound quality without exception-then wired headphones are for you. Audiophiles such as djs and musicians set high standards for sound quality. With wired headphones, these people don’t have to sacrifice sound quality at any time.
- The hearing impaired: Wired headphones provide unparalleled sound quality. Therefore, they are a viable option for those with poor hearing.
Wired headsets have many benefits, including:
- Excellent sound quality: Compared with wireless headphones, wired headphones usually provide first-class sound quality.
- No battery required: Unlike wireless headsets, wired headsets do not require batteries.
- Easy to use: Just plug your wireless headphones into the audio jack and you can use them immediately.
Wired headsets are available in a variety of styles and sizes. These headphones represent a great choice for individuals who are looking for basic headphones at an affordable price. They also provide a great choice for those who want unparalleled sound quality.
9. What is the best lifestyle for wireless headphones?
The best lifestyles for wireless headphones include:
- Athletes: Want to take your training to the next level? With wireless headphones, you can listen to your favourite music while running, lifting weights and other exercises and activities on the treadmill without worrying about being entangled in wires.
- Traveller: If you like to listen to music but are often on the road, wireless headphones are a must. These headphones allow you to play your favourite music while travelling around the world.
- Gamers: Want to be part of your favourite video game? Pick up a wireless headset and you can do just that. Thanks to wireless headsets, players can participate in any video game activity. Wireless headsets also ensure that players don’t have to sit too close to the TV to listen to their favourite games.
There are many benefits of wireless headphones, including:
- No cables: wireless headphones ensure that you never have to worry about cables getting in the way.
- Bluetooth compatibility: You can connect your wireless headset to a Bluetooth device quickly and easily.
- More comfortable: Because wireless earphones do not have a cable, they are usually more comfortable than wired earphones.
If you are worrying about wired headphones, wireless headphones may be a good choice. Wireless earphones are very convenient to use and have many of the same benefits as wired earphones-all of which do not need to deal with data lines.
10. Is a wired headset better or a wireless headset better?
Obviously, wired and wireless headsets provide a wide range of benefits. Both types of headphones provide proven effects, allowing you to simply connect to your audio equipment. In addition, dozens of wired and wireless earphones are available, providing you with many earphone options to explore.
Choosing between wired and wireless headsets is a challenge, and the final decision is entirely up to you. If you consider your lifestyle needs, you will be able to decide how you will use your headset. Then you can narrow your search and find the right headset based on your budget, style preferences and other criteria.
When you choose between wired and wireless headphones, understand that you can’t go wrong with either choice. Wired and wireless earphones are made of top-quality materials and are durable. If you need to choose between wired and wireless headsets, you can ask CPG for support.