Do wired headphones and speakers stand a chance?

Bluetooth is great for a lot of things. But concert-hall audio-quality playback isn’t one of them. So the answer is: YES, depending on the end user.

Let’s take a look at what customers look for in each product. 

Who buys Bluetooth headphones and speakers?

1. Those who find convenience or range of motion more important than sound quality
2. People who don’t have a trained ear
3. Those in environments not conducive to wired products

Bluetooth audio pros

Thanks to Bluetooth, portable and personal devices—especially headphones and speakers—have proliferated.

• Units are sturdy, water-resistant or waterproof—ideal for sports and outdoor use
• Multiple Bluetooth devices can stream to a single Bluetooth speaker
• Nearly all Bluetooth speakers can also play back non-Bluetooth devices
• Speakers may even include a USB charger
• Hands-free speakerphone capability is available with the appropriate Bluetooth profile 

Bluetooth audio cons

Bluetooth was not invented with sound excellence in mind. Even with aptX, many feel there’s room for improvement because, at its core, Bluetooth uses compression—the enemy of quality audio. So do many of the Bluetooth profiles and services. When Bluetooth is playing audio that’s already compressed, the results are not good. Other sound issues, depending on the Bluetooth generation, include:

• Lag or latency
• Inconvenient positioning of controls on headphones/headsets
• Need for batteries
• Need for pairing
• Primarily point-to-point audio streaming so sound only goes to a single speaker
• Interference from other Bluetooth devices on the 2.4GHz platform

Who buys wired headphones and speakers?

1. Serious gamers and audiophiles who need excellent sound quality and uninterrupted session time
2. Fans of uncompressed vinyl and the high-res audio seeking a quality listening experience
3. People on a budget who find Bluetooth products pricey

Wired audio pros

• Connectivity via wire is rock solid
• Session length is not dictated by battery life
• Sound quality is clear, full range and uncompressed
• Audiophiles listen in a quieter environment that can expose sound flaws
• No dropout or interference from other devices
• Easier-to-use control buttons

Wired audio cons

• Local play only
• Not as easily portable
• Lacks streaming, chaining & other convenience features

The Takeaway

Even though the highly coveted Bluetooth feature is a hot seller, there are still markets and users for wired products, which offer benefits that Bluetooth doesn’t. Don’t hesitate to sell wired SKUs based on the above customer profiles. Uncompressed, quality sound never goes out of style, and wired products still have plenty of accessories to complement them.

Don’t forget to check back in with Petra to keep you informed about the latest in both wired and wireless technologies!