Once upon a time, the only way to listen to music on the go was by plugging directly into headphone jacks. However, in 2001, the merger of Bluetooth technology with mobile phones revolutionized the way we consume audio. As wireless connections became more reliable and transfer speeds increased, Bluetooth headphones became more accessible to consumers. Now, Bluetooth technology dominates the headphone market.
But that’s not all – wireless products now offer a variety of Bluetooth codecs to enhance audio quality. While SBC is the current standard and provides a relatively reliable connection, there are also proprietary codecs like aptX Lossless and OPPO ultra-resolution lossless codec (URLC) that can transmit lossless audio, something previously only possible with wired headphones.
Advantages of headphone jack
Listening wirelessly can be problematic due to potential issues like audio skipping and connection dropouts, especially when higher bit rates are used. Bluetooth headphones operate on the same radio frequencies as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, and even microwave ovens, which can lead to signal interference and unwanted audio cutouts. During my regular commute into London, I have experienced this problem where my wireless listening experience gets interrupted sporadically on arrival at the busy Marylebone station. If I were using wired headphones, this wouldn’t be an issue. Wired headphones offer consistent connection strength, even when listening to music at full CD and Hi-Res quality, as intended by the artist.
Additionally, wired headphones with headphone jack do not require batteries to function, and their speakers are powered passively by the device they are connected to. This is in contrast to wireless headphones, which require batteries to power their speakers, Bluetooth radios, and process digital data. As a result, most wireless earbuds have an average charge of 5-6 hours, while wireless over-ear headphones can deliver around 15-20 hours of playback time. However, battery degradation over time can render wireless headphones unusable. Latency is also a concern with Bluetooth audio, which can range from 34-200ms, causing issues for real-time activities such as hands-free voice calls.
Listening wirelessly can be problematic due to potential issues like audio skipping and connection dropouts, especially when higher bit rates are used. Bluetooth headphones operate on the same radio frequencies as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, and even microwave ovens, which can lead to signal interference and unwanted audio cutouts. During my regular commute into London, I have experienced this problem where my wireless listening experience gets interrupted sporadically on arrival at the busy Marylebone station. If I were using wired headphones, this wouldn’t be an issue. Wired headphones offer consistent connection strength, even when listening to music at full CD and Hi-Res quality, as intended by the artist.
Additionally, wired headphones do not require batteries to function, and their speakers are powered passively by the device they are connected to. This is in contrast to wireless headphones, which require batteries to power their speakers, Bluetooth radios, and process digital data. As a result, most wireless earbuds have an average charge of 5-6 hours, while wireless over-ear headphones can deliver around 15-20 hours of playback time. However, battery degradation over time can render wireless headphones unusable. Latency is also a concern with Bluetooth audio, which can range from 34-200ms, causing issues for real-time activities such as hands-free voice calls.
Should you buy headphone jack connected phone?
In my opinion, choosing between wired and wireless headphones can be a difficult decision, as both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wired headphones offer consistent CD-quality audio and an uninterrupted listening experience, but they may lack some of the latest features that Bluetooth earbuds provide. On the other hand, wireless headphones can deliver high-res and even lossless audio, but they may suffer from connectivity issues.
Furthermore, the decision to opt for wired headphones may also depend on the phone you use. Many newer smartphones no longer come with a headphone jack, which can limit your options and may require you to compromise on other features or brands. In such cases, headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 that offer both a headphone jack and Bluetooth connectivity can be a great choice.
Ultimately, the decision to choose wired or wireless headphones depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize sound quality and an uninterrupted experience, wired headphones may be the better option. However, if you value portability and the latest features, wireless headphones could be the way to go.
