Bluetooth vs. Wired Headphones: Which is Right for You?

Robert_Stark · March 2023

In today's world, we have more options than ever when listening to our favorite tunes on the go. One key decision is whether to opt for Bluetooth or wired headphones.

Bluetooth headphones offer the convenience of wireless connectivity—no more tangled cords or being tethered to your device. They also allow you to make phone calls, use voice assistants, and more without fumbling with cords. Just pair them with your phone, laptop, or another device, and you're ready to go.

On the other hand, wired headphones offer a more traditional approach with a physical connection to your device. You can use a 3.5mm audio jack or USB to connect, providing superior sound quality compared to Bluetooth headphones because the signal's uncompressed. However, the cord can be a bit of a hassle, limiting your movement and getting in the way.

Ultimately, the choice between Bluetooth and wired headphones comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Do you value convenience and freedom of movement, or are you willing to sacrifice that for better sound quality? We'll outline the pros and cons of each in our headphone buyer's guide.

Pros of Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth technology has become ubiquitous in modern life, allowing us to connect wirelessly to many devices. No more tangled cords or being tethered to your device – pair your headphones with your phone, laptop, or another device, and you're ready to roll.

Wireless convenience: Bluetooth headphones allow you to move freely without being tethered to a device by a cord which is especially useful for driving or working out.
Broad compatibility: Support is almost universal for Bluetooth technology with many devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Good Range: Bluetooth has a decent range, typically around 30 feet, so you can move freely with your connected device without losing the connection.
Multiple pairing options: Many Bluetooth headphones can be paired with multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between them easily.
Hands-free functionality: Many Bluetooth headphones come with a built-in microphone, allowing you to make phone calls and use voice assistants hands-free.

Bluetooth headphones offer a lot of convenience and flexibility, making them a popular choice.

Cons of Bluetooth headphones

There are also some limitations to consider when it comes to Bluetooth headphones.

Sound quality: While Bluetooth technology has improved significantly in recent years, it doesn't offer the same level as a wired connection. Wired headphones use an uncompressed analog signal which handles more data.
Interference: Bluetooth headphones can be subject to interference from other electronic devices, which affects the audio quality.
Power consumption: Bluetooth headphones can drain your devices' battery faster than a wired connection, especially if you use them frequently.
Battery life: Bluetooth headphones require batteries, widely varying depending on the model. Some headphones may only last a few hours on a single charge, while others can last for days. You may need to charge the headphones frequently or carry a backup battery if you use them for an extended time.
Higher Cost: Bluetooth is typically more expensive than wired.

Pros of wired headphones

Even though the technology is older, wired headphones are very popular with people interested in sound quality because:

No interference: Wired headphones are not subject to interference from other electronic devices, which can result in a clearer, more stable audio signal.
Direct connection: Because wired headphones connect directly to the device, there is no need for the audio signal to be transmitted wirelessly, which results in a higher-quality audio experience.
Dedicated bandwidth: Wired headphones have a dedicated bandwidth for transmitting audio, which means that all bandwidth is available for the audio signal. In contrast, wireless headphones must share bandwidth with other devices, which can result in a lower-quality audio signal.
Lower latency: Wired headphones generally have lower latency than Bluetooth headphones, which is critical for gaming.
No need to worry about battery life: Most wired headphones don't require batteries, so you don't have to worry about running out of power while using them. Active noise-canceling headphones require additional power.
Lower cost: Wired headphones are generally less expensive than wireless headphones to buy and repair.

Cons of wired headphones

If it were all excellent news for wired headphones, maybe Bluetooth wouldn't have been invented, so there are some drawbacks. The things people may have an issue with when using wired headphones include:

Limited mobility: Wired headphones are tethered to a device by a cord and may restrict your movement and flexibility.
Not as convenient: Wired headphones offer less convenience as they require a physical connection to your device.
Potential for tangles: Long cords can be prone to tangles, which can be frustrating.
Limited functionality: Some features, such as hands-free calling or using voice assistants, may not be available with wired headphones.
Limited compatibility: Some devices, such as smartphones, may not have a wired connection, making it difficult to use wired headphones.

Is Bluetooth or wired Headphones better for gaming?

Whether you prioritize mobility or top-notch sound, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. While Bluetooth headphones offer the convenience of wireless mobility, they may not consistently deliver the same level of sound quality as wired headphones. Wired headphones, on the other hand, offer a more stable and reliable connection with fewer potential interference issues. With some games, every split-second decision and sound cue matters, so choosing the right headphones is crucial.

Here are some factors to consider:

1) Sound Quality: Wired headphones generally offer better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones because they deliver uncompressed sound and don't suffer from interference from other devices. The audio quality is richer and more immersive.

Winner: Wired

2) Mobility: Bluetooth headphones are more suitable if you move around freely while gaming. Wired headphones can be cumbersome and limiting because they are tethered to your device.

Winner: Wireless

3) Latency: The delay between transmitting and receiving audio can be an issue with Bluetooth headphones. Wireless has extra steps compared to wired headphones as they must encode, transmit, and decode the audio. If you're playing a fast-paced game where timing is crucial, wired headphones may offer lower latency and a more seamless experience.

Winner: Wired

4) Compatibility: Some gaming systems, such as PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, don't natively support Bluetooth, so you'd need to purchase a USB dongle to work with it.

Winner: Wired

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If sound quality is your top priority, wired headphones might be the better choice. Bluetooth headphones might be a better fit if you value convenience and mobility. However, ensure you don't run out of battery in the middle of a game if you like to use Bluetooth headphones!

Could headphones damage our ears?

Most of us know that listening to music too loud is not suitable for our ears, as even hearing one loud bang can set your ears ringing for quite some time. Harvard Health advises us to:

Pay attention to how long you've been listening and how loud the sound is.
Take breaks after extended listening sessions and try to keep the volume at a comfortable level.
If you're going to an event with a loud noise, like a concert or sporting event, bring earplugs or headphones to protect your ears. There are many options, like foam earbuds, noise-canceling headphones, or custom ear molds made by audiologists.

What about radiation from Bluetooth technology?

Bluetooth technology uses radio waves to transmit data wirelessly, and all devices that transmit radio waves have the potential to produce some level of radiation. However, the radiation levels emitted by Bluetooth devices, including headphones, are generally considered low and unlikely to pose a health risk. When we hear the word radiation, we think of ionizing radiation like X-rays or gamma radiation. However, cell phones and headphones emit non-ionizing radiation.

The radio frequency (RF) radiation emitted by Bluetooth devices is 10 – 400 times lower than those emitted by cell phones. The National Cancer Institute states, "currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk in humans."

Because some scientists are concerned that long-term exposure to high levels of RF radiation may have adverse health effects, it is essential to use all electronic devices, including Bluetooth headphones, responsibly and appropriately.

When choosing headphones, it's about finding the right balance between sound quality and convenience. If you're an audiophile looking for the ultimate listening experience, wired headphones offer a stable, interference-free connection that delivers high-quality, uncompressed audio. On the other hand, if you value the freedom and flexibility of a wireless connection, Bluetooth headphones may be the better choice. These headphones offer the convenience of moving freely without being tethered to your device, making them ideal for on-the-go use.