Wireless earbuds are stupid. Change my mind.

Posted by Rambler in Whatever

They cost about $100 for a halfway decent pair.
Won't hold a charge for an average work-shift.
Has to be charged, which alone is a giant negative.
One falling out while being active means it's now in the dirt.
All of them look like a hearing aid or medical device.
Bluetooth sucks.
Wireless earbuds are stupid.

Maybe I just have weird ears but most earbuds (wired) I've ever had fall out when I go running. This means losing one or damaging one on the pavement. Or possibly worse, in the dirt/grass/mud when trail running.

Wired headphones are far superior in every way.

No charging required.
Attachable cord for quick-release from ears.
Universally seen as headphones, and not medical device.
Works on all phones that aren't retarded.
Pairs easily to other devices with common audio ports.
Useful tether if one pops out when running in the woods.
Probably better audio quality available in this form factor.
Can literally buy shitty cheap ones at gas stations for like $7.

Wired earbuds > Wireless earbuds.

Actually, in fact, earbuds suck. Over the ear headphones are far superior in every way but those aren't as socially acceptable to be used in public.

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Comments

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burnerben wrote

i went through 2 pairs of airpods before i got annoyed enough to start using wired. now ive gone through 10 pairs of apple wired earbuds.

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Wahaha wrote

I hate headphones either way, to be honest.

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GadgeteerZA wrote

Interesting... I don't think "are stupid" is a good reason but the other reasons are pretty sound, and you could add they are unhealthy to wear for very long periods of time. On headphone side they are very bulky (not compact).

Must say I do like wireless earbuds though and have not had any of the problems apart from the exorbitant cost based on what you get vs its useful lifetime, and yes some have very short battery time (I've always only chosen 6 - 8 hour models for that reason).

I suppose the look/feel though does come down to personal preference. Wireless earbuds though, do have a lot of room for improvement still.

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Rambler OP wrote (edited )

They're not horrible for short term use, which I think is where they likely shine the most. A quick run or workout at the gym? Sure. A companion to a multi-day backpacking trip? Trail running? Or even just listening to music for 8 hours for a normal work shift? Not so much.

There is definitely a market for them. I see them all the time. People seem to like them, or at least want to be seen with them in. Personal andecote for sure, but I don't recall going to the store or just taking a walk down the street and seeing this many people with wired earbuds just five years ago. I think it has to partially due to marketing and people's desire to be seen with new stuff from the brands they're loyal to. Galaxy Buds and Apple's Airpods are pretty recognizable. Seems almost just as much of a fashion accessory nowadays similar to how Beats headphones were previously.

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dontvisitmyintentions wrote

The wireless type that goes around your neck in one piece is superior while carrying loads, strapped to a bag, or twisting around. It tends to stay put or fall on your shoulder. You don't want to put the wired or wireless earbuds back in after they get yanked out and touch the ground.

Though that's easier to prevent with a wire you can clip to your shirt.

Actually, I prefer the old cheap style over-the-ear headphones regardless. Sometimes one pops up in a discount store, likely old stock getting cleared out.

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