In an age dominated by wireless technology, wired earphones and headphones continue to hold their ground as essential audio accessories. While wireless options offer convenience and mobility, wired audio devices have their own unique advantages.
The Benefits of Wired Audio Devices
- Superior Sound Quality: Wired earphones and headphones consistently deliver exceptional sound quality. They provide a stable and direct connection to your audio source, resulting in minimal signal interference. Audiophiles and music enthusiasts often prefer wired devices for their ability to reproduce high-fidelity sound, with a wider frequency range and accurate bass response.
- Reliable Connection: One of the most significant advantages of wired audio devices is their reliability. Unlike wireless counterparts, wired connections are not susceptible to signal dropouts, interference, or battery-related issues. This makes them ideal for critical applications like professional audio recording, gaming, and more.
- No Need for Charging: Wired earphones and headphones do not require batteries or charging. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted audio for extended periods without worrying about power levels. This convenience makes them ideal for long-haul flights, extended listening sessions, and work where a consistent audio source is essential.
Wired Technology: The Inside Story
Wired audio devices employ a combination of technology and materials to deliver excellent sound quality. Here’s a look at some key components and their functions:
- Drivers: The heart of any headphone or earphone is its driver units, responsible for converting electrical signals into audible sound. The size and type of drivers greatly affect the device’s sound quality.
- Cables: Quality cables are crucial for minimizing signal loss and ensuring the sound reaches your ears in the purest form. Many wired headphones use oxygen-free copper cables for optimal conductivity.
- Connector Types: There are various connector types, such as 3.5mm jacks, quarter-inch jacks, and USB-C connections. The choice of connector depends on the intended use and the device you plan to connect to.
- Materials: High-end wired audio devices often use premium materials like metal, leather, and high-density foam for ear cushions to enhance durability and comfort.
Types of Wired Earphones and Headphones
Wired audio devices come in various styles and form factors to cater to different user preferences. Here are some popular types:
- Over-Ear Headphones: These provide immersive sound and comfort with earcups that cover your ears entirely.
- On-Ear Headphones: Smaller and more portable than over-ear headphones, these rest on your ears, providing a balance between sound quality and portability.
- In-Ear Earphones: Compact and lightweight, in-ear earphones fit inside your ear canal, offering portability and noise isolation.
- Over-Ear Earphones: A hybrid design combining over-ear headphones’ comfort and in-ear earphones’ portability.
Top 18 Wired Earphones and headphones
Boat BassHeads 225 Earphones
The Boat BassHeads 225 earphones are designed to offer an enhanced bass experience, making them suitable for music genres that rely on deep and punchy bass.
Extra Bass: These earphones are engineered to deliver powerful and dynamic bass, allowing you to enjoy music with a deep thump.
10mm Drivers: The earphones are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers that contribute to the quality of the sound output.
Tangle-Free Cable: The earphones feature a flat, tangle-free cable that helps prevent knots and makes them convenient to use.
In-Line Microphone: They come with an in-line microphone and a single-button control for hands-free calling and music playback control.
Comfortable Design: The earbuds are designed to be comfortable for extended use and come with ear tips in different sizes for a customizable fit.
Gold-Plated 3.5mm Connector: The earphones use a gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack for a reliable and stable connection.
The Boat BassHeads 225 earphones were typically priced between ₹500 to ₹800 (INR).
Apple EarPods
Apple’s EarPods were a standard pair of wired earphones that came bundled with many Apple devices, including iPhones and iPods. These earphones featured an iconic design with a speaker unit that fit comfortably in the ear and extended down to a wire that terminated in a 3.5mm audio jack.
Inline Remote and Microphone: The EarPods had an inline remote control with volume adjustment and playback controls. They also included a built-in microphone for taking calls and voice commands.
Optimized Sound: Apple claimed that the EarPods provided high-quality audio with a focus on delivering clear and balanced sound.
Universal Compatibility: The 3.5mm audio jack made the EarPods compatible with a wide range of devices beyond just Apple products.
The Apple EarPods are typically prices between INR 800- 2000.
OnePlus Bullets Wired Earphones
The OnePlus Bullets Wired Earphones were a popular choice for those seeking affordable, high-quality audio.
Balanced Sound: The Bullets earphones aimed to deliver a balanced and detailed sound experience, with clear vocals and deep bass.
Aluminium Build: They featured a lightweight and durable aluminium construction for enhanced longevity.
Inline Remote and Microphone: The earphones came with an inline remote control, including a microphone, for managing calls, music playback, and voice assistant functions.
Comfortable Fit: The earbuds had a comfortable, ergonomic design that aimed to provide a secure fit and minimize discomfort during extended use.
3.5mm Audio Jack: These earphones used a standard 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
The price of OnePlus Bullets Wired Earphones in India typically ranged from ₹1,199 to ₹1,599 INR.
Realme Buds Classic
The Realme Buds Classic were budget-friendly wired earphones that aimed to provide good sound quality and comfort.
Quality Sound: Realme aimed to deliver clear and balanced sound with these earphones, suitable for various audio needs.
Comfortable Design: The earbuds were designed for comfort with an ergonomic shape and soft silicone ear tips.
Inline Remote and Microphone: The earphones featured an inline remote with a built-in microphone for call management and playback control.
Tangle-Free Cable: They typically came with a tangle-free cable for added convenience during use.
Realme Buds Classic were typically priced at around ₹399 to ₹499 INR in India.
JBL T110 in-ear headphones
The JBL T110 in-ear headphones are designed to provide clear and balanced sound quality at an affordable price point.
JBL Signature Sound: These headphones aim to deliver JBL’s signature sound, characterized by clear audio, well-balanced mids and highs, and a punchy bass.
Comfortable Fit: The earbuds are designed for comfort, and they often come with multiple sizes of ear tips to ensure a secure and personalized fit.
One-Button Remote and Microphone: The T110 headphones usually feature an in-line remote with a single-button control for answering calls and managing music playback. They also include a built-in microphone for voice calls.
Tangle-Free Flat Cable: These earphones often come with a flat, tangle-free cable that makes them easy to store and use without the annoyance of tangled wires.
3.5mm Audio Jack: The JBL T110 headphones typically use a standard 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
The JBL T110 in-ear headphones were typically priced in the range of ₹800 to ₹1,200 INR in India.
Xiaomi Mi Dual-Driver Earphones
The Xiaomi Mi Dual-Driver Earphones were designed to provide a superior audio experience at an affordable price.
Dual Dynamic Drivers: These earphones featured two dynamic drivers in each earpiece, which typically resulted in more detailed sound, with clear mids and crisp highs.
Aluminium Alloy Construction: The earbuds were built with an aluminium alloy housing, which not only added to the durability but also contributed to the aesthetic appeal.
Tangle-Free Cable: Xiaomi designed the earphones with a tangle-free cable, making them easy to use and store without the hassle of knots.
In-Line Remote and Microphone: The earphones were equipped with an in-line remote control for managing calls and music playback. They also included a built-in microphone for hands-free phone calls.
Comfortable Fit: Xiaomi usually provided a range of ear tips in various sizes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to enjoy your music for extended periods.
The Xiaomi Mi Dual-Driver Earphones were typically priced in the range of ₹699 to ₹999 INR in India.
Sony MDR-7506
Type: Closed-back, over-ear headphones.
Sound Quality: These headphones are known for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making them popular in the audio production and professional audio monitoring industries.
Design: The MDR-7506 features a simple and functional design with folding ear cups for easy storage and transportation. They come with a coiled cable for flexibility in different settings.
Comfort: They are comfortable for extended use thanks to their padded ear cushions and adjustable headband.
Durability: These headphones are built to be rugged and are known for their longevity, making them a reliable choice for professionals.
Impedance: 63 ohms, which means they can be driven by a wide range of audio sources, from studio equipment to portable devices.
Frequency Response: The frequency response typically ranges from 10Hz to 20 kHz, which covers a broad spectrum of audio frequencies.
Sensitivity: They have a high sensitivity of approximately 106 dB/mW, allowing them to deliver clear sound even at lower volume levels.
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones
Sound Quality: These headphones are acclaimed for their excellent sound quality. They feature three drivers in each earpiece: two balanced armatures and a dynamic driver. This combination allows for clear mids, precise highs, and powerful bass, providing a well-balanced audio experience.
Design: The headphones have a sleek and stylish design with an aluminium alloy body and a tangle-free cable. They come with a variety of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Comfort: The headphones are designed for comfort during extended listening sessions, and the included ear tips help with noise isolation.
In-Line Controls: The headphones come with an in-line microphone and remote control for easy playback, volume adjustment, and phone call handling.
Compatibility: They have a 3.5mm audio jack, making them compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Accessories: 1MORE typically includes a compact carrying case and a selection of ear tips to ensure a good fit.
The price range usually starts from INR 15000.
Philips SHP9500
The Philips SHP9500 is an open-back over-ear headphone that has gained popularity for its comfortable design and good sound quality.
Sound Quality: The Philips SHP9500 headphones are known for their clear and natural sound signature. They offer good audio quality for a variety of purposes, including music listening and gaming.
Design: These headphones feature a lightweight and comfortable design with breathable, cushioned ear cups, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The open-back design allows for some sound leakage but provides a more spacious and natural soundstage.
Comfort: The self-adjusting hammock-style headband and large ear cups with soft ear cushions contribute to a comfortable fit.
Detachable Cable: The SHP9500 typically comes with a detachable cable, making it easy to replace or upgrade the cable if needed.
Connector: They usually have a 3.5mm headphone jack with a 6.35mm (1/4-inch) adapter, which makes them compatible with a wide range of audio equipment.
Impedance: These headphones typically have an impedance of 32 ohms, which means they can be easily driven by most audio sources, including smartphones, laptops, and portable audio players.
These earphones are available at just 13000INR.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II (often referred to as QC35 II) is a popular pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones known for their excellent noise-cancellation capabilities and audio quality.
Noise Cancellation: The QC35 II is praised for its industry-leading noise cancellation technology, which helps block out ambient sounds and provides an immersive listening experience. You can adjust the level of noise cancellation through the Bose Connect app.
Sound Quality: These headphones offer a balanced and clear sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres and audio content.
Design: The headphones have a sleek and comfortable design with plush ear cushions and a lightweight, foldable frame for easy portability. They are designed for long listening sessions.
Wireless Connectivity: The QC35 II supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to your devices wirelessly. They also include a detachable audio cable for wired use.
Voice Assistant Integration: These headphones are equipped with a dedicated button for voice assistant access, making it easy to interact with your smartphone’s virtual assistant, such as Google Assistant or Siri.
Battery Life: They offer a long battery life, typically up to 20 hours of wireless playback with noise cancellation enabled and up to 40 hours in wired mode without noise cancellation.
Controls: The right ear cup features intuitive touch controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and taking calls.
Comfort: The ear cushions are designed for comfort, even during extended use.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a highly regarded pair of professional studio monitor headphones known for their excellent sound quality, durability, and comfort.
Sound Quality: The ATH-M50x headphones are celebrated for their exceptional audio performance. They provide a balanced sound signature with detailed mids and highs, along with a tight and punchy bass response. These headphones are favoured by both audio professionals and music enthusiasts.
Design: They feature a sleek and professional design with rotating ear cups for easy one-ear monitoring and foldable ear cups for convenient storage and transport. The headphones come in black, white, and limited edition color options.
Comfort: These headphones are designed for comfort during extended listening sessions. The ear cups are padded with plush material, and the headband is adjustable to fit various head sizes.
Durability: The build quality is solid, with a combination of plastic and metal materials, ensuring longevity in studio and on-the-go use.
Detachable Cable: The ATH-M50x headphones come with a detachable coiled cable, providing flexibility in different environments.
Sound Isolation: While not active noise-cancelling headphones, the closed-back design and padding provide good passive noise isolation.
Impedance: They typically have an impedance of 38 ohms, making them suitable for use with a wide range of audio sources, from professional studio equipment to portable devices like smartphones and laptops.
Accessories: The package often includes three detachable cables, a carrying pouch, and a 1/4-inch adapter.
These often lie within INR 15000.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a set of professional closed-back headphones known for their sound quality and durability.
Sound Quality: The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are designed for accurate and detailed sound reproduction. They are often used by audio professionals for monitoring and critical listening, as they offer a flat and neutral sound profile.
Design: These headphones feature a closed-back design, which helps with noise isolation and prevents sound leakage. The ear cups are swivelling and can be folded for easy storage and transport.
Comfort: The headphones come with comfortable padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband for a secure and comfortable fit during long listening or monitoring sessions.
Durability: The build quality is robust, and these headphones are known for their durability. They can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Cable: The HD 280 Pro typically comes with a coiled cable, which can be helpful in studio and professional settings.
Impedance: They have an impedance of 64 ohms, which allows them to be used with a wide range of audio equipment, from studio gear to portable devices.
Sound Isolation: Due to their closed-back design and snug fit, the HD 280 Pro headphones offer good passive noise isolation.
Connectivity: The headphones have a 3.5mm audio jack, but they often come with a 1/4-inch adapter for compatibility with various audio sources.
They are available in India at just INR 6291.
AKG K701
The AKG K701 is a set of open-back over-ear headphones known for their high-quality sound and comfortable design.
Sound Quality: The AKG K701 headphones are celebrated for their exceptional audio performance. They are often favoured by audiophiles and professionals for their clear, detailed sound signature. The open-back design provides a more spacious and natural soundstage.
Design: These headphones have a unique and distinctive design. They feature large, circular ear cups with flat-wire voice coils and a suspended headband, which is designed for minimal pressure on the head. The open-back design allows for better airflow and reduces heat and pressure during long listening sessions.
Comfort: The K701 headphones are designed for comfort during extended listening sessions. The headband is padded, and the ear cups have velour ear pads for a soft and plush feel.
Detachable Cable: They come with a detachable cable, making it easy to replace or upgrade the cable if needed.
Impedance: The AKG K701 typically has an impedance of 62 ohms, which means they are well-suited for use with a wide range of audio equipment, including dedicated headphone amplifiers and portable devices.
Accessories: The package often includes a 1/4-inch (6.35mm) adapter for compatibility with a variety of audio sources.
Soundstage: These headphones are known for their wide and natural soundstage, which makes them a great choice for critical listening and a more immersive audio experience.
The AKG K701 are priced at 22,500 INR.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) is a pair of over-ear wireless headphones known for their unique feature set, including powerful bass, active noise cancellation, and customizable sound profiles.
Sound Quality: The Crusher ANC headphones are designed to provide a bass-heavy sound experience, making them well-suited for bass enthusiasts and those who enjoy a powerful low-end. These headphones include adjustable bass levels that can be customized to your preferences through the Skullcandy app.
Active Noise Cancellation: These headphones feature active noise cancellation technology, which helps reduce ambient background noise, allowing you to focus on your audio content without distractions.
Personal Sound Customization: The Skullcandy app offers a range of sound customization options, allowing you to adjust the audio profile to your liking. You can fine-tune the sound according to your music genre or personal preferences.
Design: The Crusher ANC headphones have a modern and stylish design with adjustable ear cups and a comfortable headband. The ear cushions are plush and designed for extended listening sessions.
Wireless Connectivity: They support Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect wirelessly to your devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The headphones also have a 3.5mm audio input for wired connections.
Battery Life: These headphones typically provide a decent battery life, offering up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge, depending on usage and features like active noise cancellation.
Controls: The headphones have built-in controls for playback, volume adjustment, and managing calls. They also include a built-in microphone for phone calls.
Tile Integration: The Crusher ANC headphones feature Tile integration, which allows you to track your headphones using the Tile app if you misplace them.
Foldable Design: The ear cups can be folded for easy storage and transportation.
They retail in India at a price of 27,000 INR.
Panasonic RP-HT161
The Panasonic RP-HT161 is an over-ear headphone model known for its affordability and basic functionality.
- Sound Quality: The RP-HT161 headphones are designed to provide a basic and budget-friendly audio experience. While they may not offer audiophile-grade sound quality, they are suitable for everyday listening, including music, videos, and gaming.
- Design: These headphones have a simple and straightforward design with adjustable ear cups and a headband. They are typically lightweight and are designed for general use.
- Comfort: The ear cups and headband may have some padding to provide a reasonable level of comfort during extended use.
- Wired Connectivity: The RP-HT161 headphones use a 3.5mm audio jack, making them compatible with a wide range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, and audio equipment. They do not support wireless connectivity like Bluetooth.
- Cable Length: They often come with a reasonably long audio cable to give you some freedom of movement.
- Sound Isolation: While not active noise-cancelling headphones, their over-ear design provides some passive noise isolation by covering the ears.
- Impedance: The headphones usually have a moderate impedance level, allowing them to work well with a variety of audio sources.
- Affordability: The Panasonic RP-HT161 headphones are known for being budget-friendly, making them an option for individuals looking for an economical audio solution.
The RP-HT161 headphones retail in India at just 6,499 INR.
RHA MA750
The RHA MA750 is an in-ear headphone model produced by RHA, known for its premium build quality, excellent sound, and durability.
Sound Quality: The RHA MA750 headphones are highly regarded for their audio quality. They offer a well-balanced sound signature with clear mids and highs, along with a punchy bass response, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
Design: These headphones are known for their premium build quality. The earpieces are constructed from stainless steel, which not only gives them a sturdy feel but also contributes to a sleek and modern design. The stainless steel design enhances durability.
Comfort: The MA750 in-ear headphones come with a variety of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. This comfort is further enhanced by the lightweight design and the over-ear cable style, which helps keep the earpieces in place.
Cable: The headphones come with a durable, oxygen-free copper cable that resists tangling and has a reinforced 3.5mm connector. The cable is designed to minimize cable noise (microphonic) during movement.
Sound Isolation: They provide good passive noise isolation due to their in-ear design and the variety of included ear tips, which helps block out ambient noise for a more immersive listening experience.
Accessories: The package typically includes multiple ear tips (in various sizes and materials) and a compact carrying case for easy storage and transport.
Compatibility: The RHA MA750 is designed to work with a wide range of audio sources, including smartphones, MP3 players, and portable audio devices.
Remote and Mic: The headphones often come with a universal remote and microphone, allowing you to control music playback and take calls without removing the headphones.
RHA MA750 is typically priced at 9,999INR in India.
Shure SE215
The Shure SE215 are in-ear monitor (IEM) headphones known for their sound quality, durability, and comfortable fit.
Sound Quality: The SE215 headphones are designed to provide high-quality audio performance. They offer a clear and detailed sound signature with a focus on accurate mids and smooth highs. They also provide good bass response for a balanced sound.
Design: These headphones have a compact and sleek design. They are available in various color options and are designed for a comfortable and secure in-ear fit.
Comfort: The SE215 headphones come with a variety of different ear tips to ensure a comfortable and customized fit. The over-ear design helps keep the earpieces in place during movement.
Detachable Cable: The SE215 typically comes with a detachable and replaceable cable. This feature allows for easy cable replacement or customization and enhances the longevity of the headphones.
Sound Isolation: These headphones provide excellent passive noise isolation due to their in-ear design and the variety of included ear tips. They block out ambient noise, providing an immersive listening experience.
Accessories: The package usually includes multiple pairs of ear tips (foam and silicone), a carrying case, and a cleaning tool.
Cable: The cables are reinforced for durability and often feature a gold-plated 3.5mm connector. There are options for both standard 3.5mm and 2.5mm connectors, depending on your preference.
Compatibility: The Shure SE215 headphones work well with various audio sources, including smartphones, portable music players, and professional audio equipment.
Variants: Shure offers different versions of the SE215, including wireless and Bluetooth options for added convenience and versatility.
The Shure SE215 headphones are priced at 20,872 INR in India.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is a high-end pair of over-ear wireless headphones known for their premium sound quality, comfort, and advanced noise-cancellation technology.
Sound Quality: The PX7 headphones are designed to deliver exceptional audio quality. They provide a balanced and detailed sound profile, with clear mids, crisp highs, and deep, impactful bass. These headphones are suitable for music enthusiasts and audiophiles.
Noise Cancellation: The PX7 features adaptive noise cancellation technology that can automatically adjust to your environment, reducing ambient noise for a more immersive listening experience. You can also adjust the level of noise cancellation to suit your preferences.
Design: These headphones have a sleek and modern design with sturdy construction. The over-ear ear cups are designed for a comfortable fit and offer ergonomic cushioning.
Battery Life: The PX7 headphones typically offer a long battery life, with up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. A quick charge feature provides several hours of use from a short charging period.
Controls: The headphones feature intuitive touch controls for playback, volume adjustment, and managing calls. They also come with a built-in microphone for clear phone calls.
Wireless Connectivity: The PX7 headphones support Bluetooth wireless connectivity, allowing you to connect to a variety of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Smart Sensors: These headphones come with smart sensors that pause playback when you remove them and resume when you put them back on.
Foldable Design: The ear cups can be folded for easy storage and transport.
App Integration: Bowers & Wilkins often provides a companion app that allows users to customize their listening experience, update firmware, and access additional features.
Conclusion
Wired earphones and headphones continue to thrive in a world enamoured with wireless technology. Their reliable connection, superior sound quality, and the absence of charging hassles make them indispensable for many. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking pristine audio quality, a gamer looking for low latency, or an everyday user valuing reliability, wired audio devices are a sound investment. The diverse range of options in the market ensures there’s a wired earphone or headphone for everyone’s needs and preferences. So, don’t overlook these enduring audio companions, as they offer a connection to your music and content that’s both reliable and enriching.