It is exam day and the teacher tells everyone to put away all devices — the sound of nearly 30 AirPod cases clicking shut fills the room. Using wireless earbuds is the norm at Portola High. However, students should consider switching to a more practical and fashionable alternative: wired earphones.
When AirPods were introduced, many abandoned the once-relied-upon wired earbuds. The success of AirPods was so immense that competitors who had initially cast doubt on Apple’s first version at wireless earbuds began creating their own, according to an article by Cornell University. Most wired earbuds now are around $20, while wireless earbuds, such as Airpods, are priced at at least $100.
“Pretty much all of my friends use Airpods, or at least own a pair,” junior Michael Ahn said. “Wireless earbuds are really convenient, especially since there aren’t any tangled cords. I think the majority of students at Portola use AirPods.”
Despite the widespread use of Airpods and other wireless devices, the practicality and style of wired alternatives make them worth the potential inconvenience, according to senior Aliana Khan. Khan said that her Koss Porta Pro earphones priced around twenty dollars provide the ultimate sound quality, comfort and fashion all while staying within her budget.
“I don’t have the energy to be charging wireless earbuds all the time,” Khan said. “[Wired earphones] are usually pretty cheap. The ones I wear have good sound quality, and they’re really soft on your head.”
Along with these practical advantages, using wired earbuds also opens up creative opportunities, according to Khan. Senior Henry Kim said that wired earbuds are a fashion statement — an accessory that enhances his style, giving him a fashionable look that Airpods could not.
“I’m listening to music every single time I wear them,” Kim said. “Wearing wired earbuds, I feel a lot cooler than I would feel if I were wearing Airpods, mainly because it serves as a sort of accessory. I like how people can see that I’m listening to music.”
Meanwhile, some might insist that those who use wired earbuds might be perceived as “performative,” a highly curated style to impress peers. However, owning a pair of wired earbuds is just a matter of preference and should not be associated with a negative stereotype, according to Khan.
“To people who think wired headphones are performative, it seems a little strange of you to be focusing so much on someone’s earbuds,” Khan said. “It’s kind of a random thing to focus on. There are other aspects of being ‘performative’ that are actual personality traits and not just random things about someone’s appearance.”
Ultimately, students should switch from expensive AirPods to the practical and aesthetic alternative of wired earphones.
