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    WIRED VS WIRELESS HEADPHONES - TIME TO CHOOSE

    Shokz May 06

    Wired versus wireless headphones - it's an ongoing debate - but we are ready to put the question to bed once and for all by looking at the many advantages of AfterShokz wireless headphones.

    It's time to cut the cord.

    Users are still questioning whether wired headphones provide better sound quality than wireless. But, with the latest advancements in wireless technology, sound quality in wireless headphones has rapidly improved in recent years. Bluetooth headphone sales worldwide jumped from 116 million units sold to a whopping 140 million units in just three years, proving that as a global population we are looking to “de-cable” from our headphones.

    A quick search will garner thousands of results listing out the infinite pros and cons of wireless and non-wireless headphones. It’s a minefield of information so we’re breaking down some of the key points here.

    WIRED VS WIRELESS HEADPHONES

    The first wired headphones launched into the market back in 1910 and some still users still see these as the more dependable choice for audio quality, even though it is now mainly only used in older devices. When there’s a wired connection, with a physical cable to plug in there’s less chance for connectivity issues and a perceived benefit to sound quality.

    Sound quality is perceived to be better because there is a lack of interference and lag. People get nervous about “cutting the cord” between their device and their ears because the sole reliance is then on the Bluetooth connectivity to transmit music and sound.

    However, wired headphones come with their limitations and increasingly devices such as iPhone no longer have a headphone port. Using wired headphones you have to be happy to be sat at your desk or always in close proximity to your device which isn't practical for everyone.

    WIRED VS. WIRELESS HEADPHONES-1

    WIRED HEADPHONES PROS:

    • Sound quality. With no interference and a direct line between device and ears, the sound on wired headphones can be slightly higher quality but Bluetooth technology is rapidly catching up.
    • Most devices share the same cable jack which means a cable can be used across multiple devices - as long as they have a cable jack.
    • Wired headphones are generally a more affordable option because wireless technology is more expensive to manufacture.

    WIRED HEADPHONES CONS:

    • Crippling lack of freedom with a user being shackled to their device.
    • Unable to move long distances from the device.
    • Compatibility with smart devices is on a sharp decline. Many don’t have the 3.5mm cable jack any more, meaning you can only use wireless headphones.

    WIRED VS. WIRELESS HEADPHONES-2

    WIRELESS HEADPHONES

    Wireless headphones usually use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone, laptop or portable music player. From earbuds that sit in your ear to over-ear headphones there are many different styles but AfterShokz's open-ear headphones is unique in allowing music to be heard via cutting edge bone conduction technology and still let the sound of your surroundings in as well. But be mind, some of the headphones are wireless, but not really Bluetooth headphones. For example, AfterShokz Xtrainerz swimming headphones is an MP3 player with no Bluetooth connection. For more info, check our blog AfterShokz Aeropex vs. Xtrainerz.

    Wireless headphones open up a world of opportunity for runners, cyclists, and even swimmers with complete waterproof headsets like the AfterShokz Xtrainerz. With wireless headphones you can freely walk between the office, kitchen, sofa, and garden without missing a word from the podcast or song you were listening to.

    Swimmng with Xtrainerz wireless bone conduction headphones

    Any qualms about Bluetooth reliability and connectivity can be quashed as technology continues to improve at lightning speed in the latest versions of Bluetooth. Nowadays, it’s standard for almost all devices to have Bluetooth and Bluetooth’s ability to handle data-heavy files is continuing to improve.

    WIRELESS HEADPHONES PROS:

    • Completely portable and cable-free experience. Perfect for those who enjoy the freedom of movement whether this is in the home, office, or during sports and leisure activities.
    • AfterShokz bone conduction headphones allow open ear listening so runners and cyclists can be aware of their surroundings while still listening to music and podcasts.
    • Convenience. Bluetooth technology generally allows for a considerable distance between user and device, and any smartphone can be paired with wireless headphones.
    • Increasingly better sound quality delivered through advances in technology.

    Running with Aeropex wireless headphones

    WIRELESS HEADPHONES CONS:

    • The price point is typically higher than wired headphones given the number of features and technology that is needed to create a wireless headset
    • The necessity to charge the batteries. However, battery life on wireless headphones is continuously improving. AfterShokz Aeropex boasts an enormous 8-hour battery life: enough battery life for the busiest work day or your longest endurance training session.

    It's time to cut the cord. We believe in wireless at AfterShokz and currently don't offer any wired bone conduction headphones.

    But find out which of our AfterShokz bone conduction wireless headphones will suit your lifestyle best here and free yourself from the cable!

     

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    • 5 BENEFITS OF BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONES
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    • How to clean your dirty headphones?
      How to clean your dirty headphones?
      AfterShokz .|Jan 26

      HEADPHONE HYGIENE AND OPEN-EAR HEADPHONES Open-ear headphones mean nothing blocks your ear canal, so you don’t need to worry about how to keep your headphones clean, or worry about getting an ear infection from dirty headphones. If you have ever had an ear infection from using in-ear headphones you'll know how important clean headphones and headphone hygiene is, but there is another solution AfterShokz open-ear headphones. Nothing blocking your ear canal means better ear cleanliness and a more comfortable way to enjoy music. Read on to discover how dirty your earbuds can get and how bone conduction technology, means you never have to spend time cleaning your earbuds again! ARE YOU USING DIRTY HEADPHONES? In 2018, 8.4 million people in Great Britain utilised noise-cancelling headphones, while a further 1.4 million used sport-specific headphones, and an estimated 6.7 million people used wireless headphones/earphones. The numbers grow year to year which proves we’re a nation that loves headphones. Earbuds, earphones, headphones are an essential part of our lives, they make it possible for us to listen to music, podcasts or take a call literally anywhere, and more importantly, they make public transportation and the gym *just* that bit more bearable. WHY CLEAN HEADPHONES ARE IMPORTANT TAKE YOUR EARBUDS OUT NOW AND HAVE A LOOK… Gross, right? You’re probably able to see remnants of ear wax, or if you’ve never taken the time to clean them, chances are you’re seeing a lot of earwax. Earwax in headphones doesn’t look great but it’s mostly harmless. While your ears are full of earwax, they’re also full of dead skin cells and a lot of bacteria, all of which will stick to your earplugs. The real problem with earbuds is that their wet, sticky surfaces are perfect for bacteria to multiply and grow. A recent study found that earbuds can harbour 119,186 colony-forming units of bacteria. When you wear headphones, it’s difficult for the air in your ears to circulate and the temperature in the ear rises sharply and bacteria on the surface of the headphones multiply quickly. Studies have shown that bacteria in your ears increase 11  times when you put headphones on as opposed to when they’re out. The narrow part of your ear, at the entrance to your ear canal, is the best place for bacteria and dirt to hide, causing ear inflammation and infection. In addition, the earbuds can get bacteria through contact with other objects. Think about how many surfaces your earbuds have contact with every day and how much bacteria you pick up and transfer into your ears yourself by doing this. WHAT CAUSES DIRTY HEADPHONES? There are two kinds of potential problems. 1. Sharing earbuds with others. People who like to share headphones with others are usually just helping a friend out or sharing a new music/podcast love. The action of sharing enables the exchange of staphylococcus (a type of skin bacteria) in someone's ear. We get used to our own skin bacteria and those we have close skin-to-skin contact with but if a new strain of staphylococcus gets into a wound or hair follicle, it can cause serious skin infections and other problems. 2. Wearing earbuds for sport. Earbuds absorb heat and moisture in the ears which makes them the perfect greenhouse for all bacteria to grow. If you wear headphones after swimming or while working out, you may increase the risk of ear infections, ear mites, pustules, or otitis media, an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. HOW TO CLEAN HEADPHONES If the headset is used frequently, it’s recommended to clean and disinfect the headset with 75% alcohol every week. When disinfecting, make sure that all waxy residue is cleaned off completely, then use a disinfecting spray or topical alcohol and wipe the earbuds with a cotton ball. After using the headset try to remember to wipe on a regular basis, particularly if you’ve sweat during use and make sure you dry them completely. Don’t forget the cords (if applicable to your headset) and store in a clean and dry environment. Keeping your headphones as yours and not lending them to others is also key to good hygiene. The more ears that your buds are put into, the more chance of infection there is. ANY OTHER OPTIONS FOR DIRTY HEADPHONES? Hygiene is a dilemma that all in-ear and semi in-ear headphones face together. If you try to find a solution within this market segment you’ll inevitably fail as the design itself assures it. Sticking something in your ear for long periods of time means your hygiene has to be perfect and you need to regularly follow an elaborate cleaning process otherwise, there is always a risk of ear infection from dirty headphones. So... you could step a little out of the traditional in-ear headphones market and be introduced to an innovative form of design that will completely change your listening experience. ENTER: OPEN-EAR HEADPHONES. Born with a mission to provide professional sport headphones that have uncompromised quality, AfterShokz headphones avoid in-ear dirt and bacteria no matter how sweaty you are. Using bone conduction technology sound is transmitted through your cheekbones to your eardrum leaving your ear canal completely open. Not only is this more hygienic it also allows you to hear your surroundings which is great for safety, especially when running or cycling, and means you can hear your teammates or chat to your friends whilst still hearing your own music. Open-ear headphones like ours assure you that your inner ear is going to remain clean and healthy. Find the right pair for you here and discover a better way to listen and look after your ears. Read more: 5 BENEFITS OF BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONES 【TIPS】WHICH OPEN-EAR HEADPHONES SHOULD I BUY? AEROPEX VS. XTRAINERZ

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