--- title: "Wireless Headphones Sales Decline as Wired Earbuds Experience Resurgence" url: https://noti.group/wireless-headphones-sales-decline-as-wired-earbuds-experience/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-17T13:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-17T13:32:41.822Z id: aea2a404-bdc9-4cf7-a6da-d30664c68b47 source: "The Verge https://www.theverge.com/tech/1013320/bose-noise-cancelling-wired-earbuds-review" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/wireless-headphones-sales-decline-as-wired-earbuds-experience/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Wireless Headphones Sales Decline as Wired Earbuds Experience Resurgence Sales of wired earbuds are up this year after five years of decline due to their growing popularity among younger generations who are embracing retro styles. The trend of ditching traditional wired headphones has been reversed, with sales of wired earbuds experiencing a resurgence this year after five years of decline. This shift is partly due to the growing popularity of wired earbuds among younger generations, who are embracing retro styles and nostalgia for older music formats such as tape decks and vinyl records. Celebrities have also been spotted sporting wired earbuds, further fueling their appeal. An Instagram account has even emerged to document this trend, highlighting the fashion aspect of these devices. Wired earbuds offer several practical benefits, including a longer lifespan since they don't require a battery, and reduced risk of loss due to their connected design. The new Bose earbuds have a significant advantage over their predecessors in terms of power supply. Gone are the days of a rechargeable battery pack that would run out of juice at some point. Instead, these earbuds can draw the minimal amount of power they need for active noise cancellation from the USB-C port. While there are other USB-C wired headphones with active noise cancellation available on the market, Bose is one of the few notable players in this category. The competition includes options like the Belkin SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds, which reportedly have weak noise canceling capabilities, and a pair released by Audio-Technica in Asia earlier this year. The beauty of wired earbuds lies in their simplicity. Unlike Bluetooth earbuds that require pairing, charging, and app management, wired earbuds are plug-and-play devices. They don't need any setup or maintenance, making them an attractive option for those who value ease of use. In terms of noise canceling performance, the Bose earbuds hold their own. While they may not match the standards set by Bose's Bluetooth earbuds, which have three mics per side, they still provide solid noise cancellation at a lower price point. The earbuds excel in blocking low-frequency sounds but struggle to mute high-pitched noises like conversations. The design of the earbuds is also noteworthy, with an in-line remote that keeps things simple and uncluttered. This minimalist approach aligns perfectly with the overall philosophy behind wired earbuds: keep it straightforward and uncomplicated. The sound quality of these earbuds is impressive, with clear and bright vocals that bring out the nuances of music. Bass levels are well-balanced, neither overpowering nor underwhelming other instruments in the mix. However, there's a minor quibble - some high-end brightness can be distracting, particularly when listening to cymbal-heavy tracks. This issue is somewhat mitigated by the earbuds' ability to deliver high-resolution audio at 24-bit/48kHz, which adds depth and clarity to the sound. The wired connection also ensures low latency, making it ideal for watching videos or playing games. The earbuds' water resistance rating of IPX4 means they can withstand light rain or accidental splashes while in use. This feature provides added peace of mind for users who plan to wear their earbuds during outdoor activities or inclement weather. However, the convenience and reliability of these earbuds are not without their drawbacks. One common issue with wired earbuds is the cable itself, which can get tangled or caught on nearby objects. In my experience, the 2-foot cable proved to be a nuisance, snagging on various items such as kitchen drawers, keyboards, and clothing. The earbuds' noise-cancelling capabilities can be compromised in windy conditions, making it necessary to switch them off for optimal performance. However, this drawback is not limited to wind; call quality also suffers due to ambient sound picked up by the microphone located on the in-line remote. For individuals who frequently make calls while navigating busy streets, these earbuds may not be the best option, as their design prioritizes convenience and sound quality over clear voice transmission. --- Source: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1013320/bose-noise-cancelling-wired-earbuds-review) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/wireless-headphones-sales-decline-as-wired-earbuds-experience/