After years of seeming doomed with the removal of the headphone jack from phones, wired audio devices are making a comeback in consumer preference amid interest in better sound quality and simpler technology.
Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016 was seen by many as the beginning of the end for the classic headphone. Since then, most users have switched to wireless models, but in recent years there has been a surprising comeback of cables.
After five consecutive years of decline, sales of wired headphones will grow strongly in the second half of 2025, according to market research firm Circana. In the first six weeks of 2026, revenue generated by these products climbed 20%.
Specialists say that one of the main reasons is the better ratio between quality and price.
Chris Thomas, editor at audio review site SoundGuys, explains that while wireless headphones have come a long way, classic models often offer better sound for the same amount of money. In addition, they do not depend on Bluetooth connections or compatibility between devices.
“With a cable, you just plug them in and it works”he says.
The return of wired headphones is not only explained by technical arguments. For some users, they have become a symbol of a simpler and less technology-dependent lifestyle.
Actor Zoë Kravitz recently criticized Bluetooth connections in an interview, saying that “doesn’t always work” and can spoil important moments.
At the same time, wired headphones have also become a fashion accessory in some circles. Stars like Ariana Grande or Charli XCX have been photographed wearing such models, and there are accounts dedicated to this trend on social networks.
In addition to better sound, users cite other reasons:
- the batteries of the wireless headphones drain at inopportune times
- the small earbuds are easily lost
- Bluetooth connections may have pairing issues
In contrast, wired headphones offer a more direct and predictable experience.
Although modern phones, as a rule, no longer have a 3.5 mm audio jack, wired headphones can be used through adapters or models with a USB-C or Lightning connector. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook has admitted in the past that these products continue to be sold and bought.
In an era dominated by increasingly complex technologies, the comeback of cables seems to reflect a broader trend: interest in simple, reliable, and easy-to-use devices.
