Whether you’re looking to enjoy a film or stream videos on the move, or participate in video conferences while away, you’ll require a quality set of headphones. Wireless vs. Wired Headphones: Which is Better?
There are numerous choices available, but before you delve into the specifics of different models, it’s crucial to address the key question: wired or wireless headphones? Both wired and wireless headphones come with their own set of pros and cons, making it difficult to determine which is the superior choice.
The decision largely hinges on your anticipated usage, budget, and the audio quality and additional features you’re seeking for your investment. When evaluating wireless headphones against their wired alternatives, several factors should be taken into account, which we will discuss in detail below. Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless vs. Wired headphones: Sound quality and latency
When deciding between wired and wireless gaming headsets, the main issue is the sound quality. The audio quality of headphones, whether they’re wired or wireless, can vary greatly. Usually, more expensive headphones will have better sound, but this isn’t always the case when buying a new pair.
If you compare two headphones that are similar in every way, except one is wired and the other is wireless, the difference in sound quality will be minor. If you’re very particular about sound quality or your job demands you listen closely to audio, these minor differences might be very apparent to you.
Another aspect to think about is noise cancellation, which can eliminate background noise and improve the overall sound quality in wireless headphones. Noise-canceling headphones are typically wireless, and this feature isn’t common in wired ones.
Noise cancellation works by blocking out external sounds, and this is something wireless headphones excel at. This feature is not available in wired headphones.
A significant factor in sound quality is the ability to play lossless audio. Wireless headphones often struggle to achieve this. Lossless audio requires a lot of bandwidth and a specific codec, which wired headphones can handle easily but is more challenging for Bluetooth headphones. Even wireless headphones that advertise lossless audio don’t fully achieve it.
Audio Codecs and Wireless Audio Performance
Codecs are responsible for converting and transforming audio signals, affecting the clarity and delay of sound when using headphones. When selecting a wireless headset, it’s important to consider the codecs it supports:
SBC: Sub-band coding, a standard feature in Bluetooth headphones. It’s found in all Bluetooth headphones and typically results in a delay of 100 to 200 milliseconds.
AAC: Apple’s proprietary Bluetooth audio codec, not known for its low delay.
aptX: A range of audio codecs from Qualcomm for Bluetooth, with a delay of 100 to 200 milliseconds.
aptX Lossless: A version of aptX optimized for lossless audio, offering sound quality similar to CDs (16-bit/44.1kHz).
aptX Low Latency: Also referred to as aptX LL, designed for low delay, ideal for gaming with a delay of under 40 milliseconds.
LDAC: Sony’s own audio codec, offering adaptive bitrates but not all devices are fully optimized to use it.
In summary, when choosing wireless headphones, ensure the devices you intend to use them with support the necessary codecs for your needs. Models like the aptX Lossless are rare, complicating the selection of high-performance wireless headphones.
Wired vs. Wireless headphones: Convenience, repairability and longevity
Wireless headphones are more convenient than wired ones because you don’t have to worry about cords getting tangled or getting in the way. You still need to charge them, but you’ll probably use fewer cables.
Most wireless headphones use USB-C or Lightning cables, which you probably already have. Plus, newer wireless headphones, especially those worn over the head, last longer on a charge.
Picking the Best Headphones for your Usage
Ultimately, the selection of headphones is contingent upon the specific needs of the user. Arguments can be made for both wired and wireless headphones, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Generally, wireless headphones are preferable for individuals who require mobility, while wired headphones are more suitable for those primarily using them at a desk or for those who are less tethered.
In certain situations, wired headphones offer distinct advantages. A prime example is the selection of a gaming headset for competitive video gaming. In these scenarios, sound quality is paramount, and additional factors such as network and input lag, as well as personal reaction time, can significantly impact performance. Therefore, minimizing audio lag is crucial. Despite superior hardware, wireless gaming headsets are likely to experience higher latency compared to their wired counterparts.
Furthermore, for tasks that involve creative workflow and audio, wired headphones are often the preferred choice. For instance, video editors who need to synchronize audio tracks may find that even a slight latency can lead to an output that is out of sync. Given the inherent increase in latency associated with wireless connections, wired headphones are generally more reliable for such tasks. Wireless vs. Wired Headphones: Which is Better?