Tech Guides / Comparisons

Are wireless or wired headphones better?

Wireless headphones are better for convenience, commuting and exercise because there is no cable, but they need charging. Wired headphones need no battery, have no Bluetooth delay and can offer excellent sound for the price, but many new phones no longer have a headphone jack.

WirelessWired
Freedom of movementHighLimited by cable
ChargingNeededNot needed
Delay (latency)SmallNone
Phone compatibilityAny Bluetooth phoneNeeds a headphone jack or adapter
Calls on the moveEasy with built-in micNeeds an in-line mic

Frequently asked questions

Do wireless headphones sound worse than wired?

For most listeners the difference is small. Bluetooth compresses audio, so critical listeners may prefer wired or high-quality codecs such as LDAC.