Why You Should Buy True Wireless Headphones (And Who Shouldn’t)
For obvious reasons, wireless headphones have gained significant popularity, and that’s why you should buy true wireless headphones. They offer greater convenience and arguably possess a more fashionable appeal when compared to their wired counterparts. Furthermore, advancements in Bluetooth technology have led to diminishing disparities in sound quality between the two options.
If you’re in the market for wireless headphones, you may have observed that two distinct types are available: wireless and true wireless. Hence, it becomes essential to understand the dissimilarities between them and determine which one suits your needs best.
What Are Wireless Headphones?
Wireless headphones offer a wire-free connection to the audio source, utilizing Bluetooth for audio transmission. However, they differ from true wireless headphones as they still possess a wire connecting the earpieces. These wireless options include on-ear/over-ear headphones and earbuds, distinguishable by the visible connection between the two earpieces.
What Are True Wireless Headphones?
True wireless headphones eliminate the presence of wires. They connect with the audio source via Bluetooth (and occasionally 2.4GHz wireless), with each earpiece functioning independently. True wireless headphones exclusively come in the form of earbuds. A pair of true wireless headphones consists of a primary and a secondary earpiece. The primary earpiece connects to the audio source and transmits the signal to the secondary earpiece.
Does The Sound Different?
The disparity in sound quality between wireless and true wireless headphones is minimal. The variation arises from audio compression during transmission from the source to the headphones, irrespective of the communication method between the earpieces. It is essential to highlight that wireless headphones, in general, are continuously advancing. While they may not yet match the sound quality of wired headphones, the distinction is so slight that only avid audiophiles tend to discern it.
Reason You Should Buy True Wireless Headphones
Now that you have a clear understanding of what true wireless headphones are, here are the top reasons to consider investing in them:
- Unrestricted Freedom: With no cords, you can freely move around without worrying about tangled wires or accidentally tugging on them.
- Ideal for Active Lifestyles: True wireless headphones are perfect for those with busy, on-the-go routines. They come in compact cases, allowing more space in your bag for other essentials. Some models even offer sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for sports or outdoor activities. Earbuds with ear hooks provide added security during rigorous movements.
- Convenience: True wireless headphones often feature built-in buttons or touch sensors, enabling easy control of playback and calls without taking out your phone. Their small size makes them effortless to carry in your pocket or bag, eliminating the hassle of tangled cords. Additionally, they come with their case, eliminating the need for separate storage solutions.
- Extended Battery Life: While true wireless headphones’ individual battery life may be shorter than wireless alternatives, their accompanying case acts as a portable charger. For instance, the Master & Dynamic MW08 offers approximately 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. Still, the case can provide up to 30 additional hours, making them ideal for long journeys or situations without access to power.
Reason You Shouldn’t Buy True Wireless Headphones
While true wireless headphones offer convenience, there are drawbacks to their cord-free design. There are several reasons why you might reconsider purchasing a pair of TWS:
- Easy to misplace: If you lose small items like pens or keys, you should think twice before getting true wireless headphones. Due to their small size, they are easily misplaced, and unless you are diligent about keeping track of them, there’s a good chance you’ll lose them.
- Tracking systems: However, some models come with unique tracking systems. For example, Apple lets you track your AirPods using iCloud or the “Find My iPhone” app. Certain headphone companies, such as Apple and SOL Republic, even offer discounted replacement earbuds.
- Connection stability: Although Bluetooth can maintain a connection over a distance of more than 1 kilometer, the average range for Bluetooth headphones is around 10 meters or 32 feet. This range can be further reduced by interference. True wireless headphones are prone to interference from other wireless devices, resulting in choppy sound, especially in environments with many wireless devices or solid objects like brick walls and furniture. Consequently, the connection range between your headphones and your phone or laptop is limited.
- Sound quality: Despite ongoing improvements, the sound quality of true wireless headphones still falls slightly behind wired headphones. Bluetooth, the wireless connection protocol, has limited bandwidth, meaning it can transmit less data to the headphones. As a result, some audio details may be missing, leading to lower sound quality. If you prioritize the best sound experience, wired headphones are still preferred.
- Battery life: A common concern with true wireless headphones is their relatively short battery life. If you tend to forget or neglect to charge your headphones regularly, you may be unable to listen to music frequently. Owning a pair of true wireless headphones requires monitoring the power levels of the earbuds and the charging case. If you’re not inclined to keep track of these things, wired headphones may be a more suitable option.
Which Type of Headphones Should You Purchase: Wireless or True Wireless?
If you’re in the market for headphones that are a breeze and won’t cramp your style, true wireless headphones are an absolute game-changer. Thanks to their sleek and trendy appearance, they’ve gained immense popularity, especially among fitness enthusiasts.
Here’s the kicker: despite their compact size and undeniable fashion-forward appeal, true wireless headphones pack a punch regarding sound quality. You’ll get the same top-notch audio experience as regular wireless headphones.
But here’s the catch—it’s not all rainbows and unicorns with true wireless headphones. They come in earbuds only, so if you’re a fan of the cushy comfort of over-ear headphones, true wireless might not tickle your fancy. And let’s not forget the practicality factor. Some folks might hesitate to invest in a pricier option that’s easier to misplace.
So, ultimately, the choice boils down to your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you’re looking for freedom of movement during workouts or simply aiming for that cool factor, true wireless headphones might be just what you need. But if you crave the coziness of over-ear headphones or have concerns about keeping track of tiny earbuds, you might want to explore other options.
Conclusion
Suppose you’re still unsure whether to go for true wireless headphones. In that case, a helpful approach is carefully considering their features and how they can contribute to your long-term satisfaction.
Before delving into the realm of true wireless headphones, it’s essential to prioritize the aspects that matter most to you. Remember that different brands excel in different areas, so it’s worth investing time in thorough research before finalizing your purchase decision. Furthermore, we recommend these 7 Best Wireless Headphones if you’re considering a new one.
Have you taken the plunge and bought your first pair of true wireless headphones? We’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section.
