What are your considerations when you buy a new headphone? Do you look for reliability and comfort or size and functionality? Do you consider the price or the compatibility of the headphone?
A good pair of headphones last for years, so you must choose a headphone that suits your lifestyle. Wired headphones have always been a preferred choice for music lovers. But, wireless headphones have quite picked up over the years. Wireless headphones connect to all the smart devices including your phone, whereas wired headphones are durable and portable.
Are wired headphones safer than wireless? What is the difference between wireless and wired headphones? Let’s find out!
Contents
A] Wireless Headphones
1. How A Wireless Headphone Works?
Wireless headphone connects to any device via Bluetooth. It can connect to various devices such as Smartphones, gaming console, television, speaker, or any other electronic device. Wireless headphones transmit audio signals through IR infrared or radio signals.
Devices with Bluetooth technology normally connect and exchange data over short distances using radio transmissions. Wireless headphones can replicate the audio quality of a wired headphone.
Most wireless headphones use 2.4 GHZ Bluetooth that match the HD quality of wired headphones. They are also available with detachable cord. You’ll be able to connect to a device with a wire as well. It rather gives you the best of both worlds. Plus, wireless headphones are available in different variables, i.e. in-ear, on-ear and over-the-ear.
2. Sound Quality
The sound quality of wireless headphones differs depending on the brand. But, the overall sound quality of the headphone is good. It offers a wire-free and convenient sound experience depending on the distance of the smart device.
At times, the sound quality also depends on the environmental noises. If you keep your smart devices nearby, then the sound quality will be amazing. If the distance is more, wireless signal that matches the frequency of the headphone can be affected at times. Most wireless headphones use digital signal processing for a crisp and natural sound.
3. Portability
Wireless and wired headphones both offer good portability. But, wireless headphones may serve you well on-the-go. Be it for walking, jogging, or gymming, wireless headphones do not weigh you down.
A light-weighted wireless headphone will let you enjoy your activities without the trouble of cord or wire. It will stay on your head throughout your workout. Wireless headphones offer a range of up to 30 feet from your desk or computer. DECT technology wireless headphones offer a range of 350 feet, which is great.
4. Battery Life
You do need a power source for wireless headphones. Bluetooth wireless battery ranges from 8 to 12 hours. And, high-end wireless headphones offer up to 30 to 40 hours of battery life without a recharge. With a USB cable, wireless headphones may take up to three to four hours to completely charge.
5. Compatibility
Compatibility plays the basis of selecting a wireless headphone. A good wireless headphone should be compatible with all devices. Wireless headphones can be easily connected to any Bluetooth enabled device.
Most wireless headphones today adept to new versions of Bluetooth. New technology also helps in updating the Bluetooth versions that can give you great sound clarity on the connection. Compatibility and connectivity of wireless headphones are good, but it may differ in Smartphone use.
Every Smartphone has its version of Bluetooth, so the connectivity of a particular wireless headphone depends on the version. It is always a good idea to choose a wireless headphone with a similar Bluetooth version if you need it for your Smartphone use.
B] Wired Headphones
1. How a Wired Headphone Works?
Wired headphones connect to a device using a wire that is driven by an audio signal. The wires conduct electrical signals to the driver of the headphone that helps to convert the signal into sound. Wired headphone gets its energy from the source or devices like a computer, tablet, laptop or phone. Typically, a wired headphone connects through ‘AUX in’ that is the 3.5mm headphone socket.
Some wired headphones come with large plugs while some are shorter. The best part, with wired headphones there is no signal dropout. There is a lesser drain on the battery and the functioning is rather smooth. Wired headphones are the most preferred choice for listening to music.
2. Sound Quality
There is no real difference in the sound quality of wired vs wireless headphones, but some people believe that wired headphones have a more authentic and natural sound. That is because the connection is not interrupted by the Bluetooth signal. Standard wired headphones can handle up to 2304 kbps depending on the output ratio of the device.
If you compare the sound quality of wired and wireless headphones, then this is much higher in support. Technically wired headphones offer much better sound quality even at the highest bit rate.
Wired headphones minimize the risk of interference that affects the sound. Wired headphones sound better with digital and HD audio. But, in the end, it’s the brand that decides the sound and audio quality of the headphone.
3. Portability
Both wired and wireless headphones are convenient depending on purpose and use. For specific use, wired headphones work the best. If you need to work on a computer and need exceptional audio quality, then wired headphones are ideal.
Wired headphones can be carried in any case so you can use them while travelling. But, the only issue with wired headphones is the tangling of cords. But, again there are models available that offer you a tangle-free experience. For athletic and gym purposes, a wired headphone may not be a preferred choice.
4. Battery Life
Wired headphones do not work on battery support so you can directly plug the headphone in any device and use it anywhere. In some cases, wired headphones use the battery to cancel off the external sound for added privacy.
With the noise-cancelling feature, the battery life can range up to 20 to thirty hours. The difference between wireless and wired headphones lies in the battery used. For wired headphones, there is no issue with the battery as it is plugged in the jack of the device.
5. Compatibility
Wired headphones score high in the compatibility feature, as there is no use of Bluetooth. The headphones can be connected to any device using the 3.5mm cable or the cord. It lets you link one end of the cable to the device and another to headphone.
There is no connectivity issue with wired headphones as there is direct contact. You’ll be able to hear music or listen to audio files on computers, smartphones, TV, and tablets.
If you compare wired headphones and wireless headphones, then wired ones offer you complete flexibility. When the connection is proper, there is no issue in the sound department as well. You’ll be able to enjoy your music loud and clear.
Wireless vs Wired Headphones – Which One Is Better For You?
A wireless headphone is ideal for athletes or people who are into jogging. In a gym, you can run on a treadmill, lift weights, and perform other exercises as well. Wireless headphones work for all your travelling needs.
Especially, if you like to travel a lot by public transport, then choose a wireless option. For all your gaming needs, it’ll give you a high as you play your games in action.
You don’t have to worry about reactions to the games if you are playing with opponents. If you choose a wireless headphone, you don’t have to sit close to the TV, so it lets you enjoy gaming at its best.
A wired headphone is great for DJs, radio jockeys, music mixing artists, or desktop users. In short, if you need to work for a longer duration, then a wired headphone is the right choice. Wired headphones work well for audiophiles. It lets you hear 3D sound with good clarity. High definition sound clarity gives you musical high and wired headphones make an exceptional choice here.
The Right Option – Wireless vs Wired Headphones
Wired and wireless headphones both have their advantages. Wireless headphones do not have cables and come with Bluetooth compatibility that lets you connect to any smart device. And, as there are no cables, it lets you experience complete comfort and flexibility. There are also wireless headphones that come with passive or active noise cancelling feature. If you are a person on-the-go, then wireless headphones should be your go-to choice.
Wired headphones offer amazing sound quality and impressive music experience. As it does not require any battery, you can simply plug into any device or jack and enjoy music. There is no battery-draining problem with the headphone. You’ll only need batteries for noise-cancelling wired headphones as it works on battery power.
Wired and wireless headphones both offer incomparable features so you need to pick according to your purpose. If you are brand conscious, buy a headphone with top-notch features. So, take your pick and enjoy the music.
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