Written By | Torch Media Africa
Wired headphones are experiencing renewed popularity
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Wired headphones, once expected to disappear after smartphone makers removed the headphone jack, are making a surprising comeback as more consumers seek better sound quality and a simpler listening experience.
When Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, many saw it as the beginning of the end for wired listening. Other manufacturers soon followed, pushing users toward wireless audio devices powered by Bluetooth technology.
However, nearly a decade later, wired headphones are experiencing renewed popularity. Recent data from analytics firm Circana shows that after five consecutive years of declining sales, purchases of wired headphones surged in the second half of 2025. Revenue from the devices also rose by about 20% during the first six weeks of 2026.
Better Sound, Lower Cost
Technology analysts say sound quality remains one of the biggest reasons behind the resurgence.
According to Chris Thomas, wired headphones often deliver better audio performance for the price compared with many mainstream Bluetooth options.
“You’ll still get better sound for the money if you choose the best wired option,” Thomas said, noting that even high-end Bluetooth devices can sometimes suffer from connection or compatibility issues.
“With a wire, you just plug in and it works,” he added.
Cultural and Lifestyle Shift
Beyond technical advantages, some observers say the renewed interest reflects a broader cultural shift.
For some users, wired headphones represent a break from increasingly complex digital technology. Social worker Aryn Grusin said she rediscovered wired earbuds after borrowing a pair from her fiancé.
“I just think it feels comforting,” she said. “I like that it signals to the world that I’m listening to something.”
Others say Bluetooth technology can be unreliable, especially when connections fail during important moments. Actor Zoë Kravitz recently complained in an interview that Bluetooth connections frequently malfunction.
“Bluetooth does not work,” she said, referring to issues that can disrupt music playback or other audio experiences.
A Fashion Statement
In some circles, wired headphones have also become a fashion accessory.
A popular social media account called Wired It Girls highlights celebrities and influencers wearing wired earbuds, including performers such as Ariana Grande and Charli XCX.
Some social media users have even framed the trend as a cultural symbol, suggesting that visible cables represent a deliberate rejection of constant wireless connectivity.
Retro Tech Revival
The renewed interest in wired headphones mirrors a broader revival of older technologies. In recent years, consumers have increasingly returned to retro products such as DVDs, cassette tapes, tube televisions and even typewriters.
Some analysts believe this trend reflects growing unease with rapid technological change, including the rise of artificial intelligence.
“I think the presence of AI is making people more on edge,” Grusin said. “Plug-in headphones may feel as close to analogue as we can get.”
The Dongle Dilemma
Despite their advantages, wired headphones face a practical obstacle: many modern smartphones no longer include a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
To solve this problem, users often rely on adapters—commonly called dongles—that connect headphones through charging ports such as USB-C or Lightning.
Even Tim Cook has acknowledged that wired headphones still have a market despite the company’s shift toward wireless audio devices.
“Oh, we still sell those,” Cook once said in an interview, noting that many customers continue to buy wired earbuds.
Balancing Convenience and Quality
Technology experts say Bluetooth headphones have improved dramatically and still offer unmatched convenience, particularly for users who prefer wireless mobility.
But for many consumers seeking reliable sound quality and fewer technical complications, the return to wired listening reflects a growing desire for simplicity in an increasingly connected world.
Whether driven by audio quality, nostalgia or fashion, one thing is clear: the humble headphone cable is far from obsolete.
Torch Media Africa
