The 5 Best Wired Headphones

Are wired headphones better than wireless Bluetooth headphones?

In terms of sound, the answer can often be yes, although I won’t pretend as though Bluetooth headphones aren’t good enough for the majority of the population’s ears. They are. Still, wired headphones are often easier to use (caveat below) and tend not to have as much fancy (read: expensive) tech that drives up the price. Plus, you can use them after months of neglect without needing to charge. What a blessing.

Does all that make them better than wireless headphones? To some people, certainly. Personally, I think both have their pros and cons, and if I’m being honest, I’m more likely to use Bluetooth because of the whole USB-C phone-port thing.

Does anything still have a headphone port?

That’s what I’m talking about. These days, many of us use our phones to listen to music, podcasts, what have you, and modern phones don’t have 3.5mm headphone jacks. But the truth is that most other modern devices—like laptops, tablets, turntables—still do. The more high-tech and audiophile coded it is, the more likely it is to include a 3.5mm port.

You can also always just buy an adapter. They don’t cost much.

What are open-back headphones?

This is the less common of the two types of over-ear headphones. Open-back headphones use mesh ear cups to allow more airflow to your ears, cooling and reducing sweating. It alleviates pressure, and for this reason they are generally considered more comfortable for long sessions than closed-back headphones.