When Apple launched its wireless headphones known as AirPods in 2016, many people thought the company had revolutionized wireless headphone technology. But, of course, while the company may have streamlined the design and operation of what are also known as 'true wireless earbuds', the technology had already been around for around two years in the form of the Bragi Dash and Earin M-1. headphones.
As with all initial tech offerings in a new product category, early models were plagued with connectivity, battery life, and sound fidelity issues. This is why, until recently, it was generally recommended to use standard Bluetooth wireless headphones rather than delve into the realm of true wireless.
Now that technology has caught up with the vision of true wireless headphones, what are the differences between these two offerings, and what should you consider before deciding to go with either style of device?
While they technically don't live up to their namesake, wireless earbuds aren't quite dead yet. Many people still prefer standard wireless headphones for a number of reasons, including:
That said, personally I know the reason I made the transition out of this style of headphones is because of the cord. I've owned a number of Bluetooth headphones over the years, and no matter how many different ways manufacturers tried to manage the cord, it would always end up in weird positions or cause more problems than it's not worth it.
This inconvenience would usually cause it to tug on one ear more than the other or drag my neck forward just to keep it from latching onto my skin and completely tearing the helmet apart.
When you're at the gym, the cord can be especially problematic because when you run it starts flapping up and down, loosening the fit in your ear and requiring you to constantly readjust it.
That's why, despite their lower costs and longer battery life on a single charge, there are still ways standard wireless can be beaten by true wireless, including:
Although I personally think the age of the standard wireless headset is waning, many people prefer the standard wireless headset to anything wireless options might offer.
Ultimately, this will come down to your own preferences (and budget), and while it might seem quite futuristic using your first pair of wireless earbuds, sometimes it's enough to lose one in the trash for you. have the return reconsidered. to a pair of heads tied for good.
Image credit:National Listening Day-November 27
