The plot to picking the best earphones just keeps getting thicker. Research shows that the earphones and headphones market is expected to touch a whopping USD 15.8 billion by 2025, listing a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%, according to Grand View Research, Inc.
As the smartphone takes over more and more aspects of connectivity, entertainment and content consumption, audio output options are key devices in the way consumers access and consume the content available to them. With options no longer limited to just wired and wireless, and the introduction of the super-compact and ultra-portable earbud category, choices are aplenty. For the average consumer looking for a good sound experience, this can be confusing and overwhelming.
It is impossible to miss the extreme convenience of a set of earbuds. Thanks to advanced Bluetooth technology of today, you can enjoy the sound coming out of your smartphone from a distance away from your phone. This can enable a huge range of motion, flexibility and freedom to move about with ease. No more tripping over tangled wires, no more limited mobility, no more damage from sweat. However, one of the biggest cons is battery life. So it’s really impossible to choose one way or another, but rather only to see how the pros and cons stack up, for your particular requirements and personal preferences. In a world that is getting increasingly fast-moving while also connected to our smartphones, how tethered you are to your phone will inevitably evolve too.
If you’re in the market for a good pair of earphones, this quick guide could help simplify your search.
- The question of portability tops the list. Consider your primary usage. Are you looking to listen to your favourite podcast while seated at your desk through a day’s work? Or are you looking to move to audio cues from your workout app as you power through a workout? Are you looking for music to power your morning sprint, or are you mostly going to use your earphones for your nightly Netflix binge?
Depending on the degree of movement that you anticipate, and whether you require your hands to be free or not (from holding on to a phone even as you move about) will decide which option works better for you – wired, wireless or earbuds.
- Are cords a hassle or not? Some of us are just more comfortable with being tethered to our phones via a wire. Some of the advantages of a set of wired earphones is the controls to start stop audio input and manage volume. Not all earbuds come with hassle free controls.
Secondly, a wired set is a good old-fashioned plug-and-play accessory. That’s one less device to charge, and one less device that will drain your phone battery.
There are pros and cons to both options. So it really comes down to whether the boon of additional portability, for example, ranks higher than untangling tangled cords (or vice versa) in your list of priorities.
- The price point is also a consideration to make. Most good quality earbuds are priced higher than the average wired earphones. This is because a large chunk of the price is towards the benefits of an unencumbered, untethered audio experience and superior sound quality, depending on the brand you choose and the inherent quality of the sound they promise. If you’re going to give your earphones a good, thorough use, you must consider if you’re keen to invest in a good paid of earbuds that will last a few years, or choose an affordable (cheaper) option that might not last as long as earbuds, but will serve a quick and dirty purpose.
- Lastly, compatibility is an absolute must to consider. Before you purchase any earphones – whether wired, wireless or earbuds, ensure that you check the compatibility with your phone. Although this should be fairly straightforward as most wired and wireless earphones are very compatible, these days.
Consider a wireless or earbud set of earphones if:
- You are on the move a lot, travel frequently and like to take your music and other audio entertainment with you
- You are a fitness aficionado, athlete or sportsperson
- You want to take your gaming experience to the next level
Consider a wired set of earphones if:
- You spend a large part of your day/time at a desk or in a specific space
- You are a stickler for uncompromised sound quality
Ultimately, choosing between wired and wireless earphones, or earbuds can be confusing, but can be simplified if you simply consider your lifestyle as well as specific needs.
What activities are you most likely to use your earphones for? How frequently will you use them, how long would you like them to last, and how often are you willing to replace them? What is your budget?
Klipsch has earphones designed for every conceivable application. The entry level ( yet very well reviewed ) T5 Wired makes a great first earphone for people wanting to experience great sound at an affordable price point. The T5 Sport wireless earphone that is moisture and sweat proof is ideal for people who love carrying their music to their workout. The T5 Neckband made with real leather is a fabulous fashion statement, with all the convenience of wireless earphones. And finally the T5 True Wireless, one of the most widely reviewed Klipsch headphones in years, called “Classy AirPod Killers” by publications like Digital Trends provide a pair of headphones integrated with smart assistants, 32 hours of battery life, and high-resolution music with zero cables. And finally, if you are crazy about music and want a true audiophile experience, check out the Klipsch Heritage HP-3 – at 1,30,000/-, made in the US, with real wood and leather and audiophile drivers. Not cheap, but will give you a music listening experience to rival floor standing speakers!
Go out, buy a good pair of earphones. We promise you’ll hear details in your music you’ve never heard before!
