New Delhi: Not too long ago, Bluetooth earbuds defined what “modern” looked like–small, wireless, and no-nonsense. People were done with the tangled cords of its predecessor.
But as it happens with most trends, wired headphones are making a comeback, with global sales jumping 20 per cent after five consecutive years of decline, reported The Times.
Market research firm Circana found that wired headphone revenue increased by 3 per cent in 2025, reaching $15 million worldwide, before jumping significantly in the first weeks of 2026. These numbers starkly contrast the assumption that true wireless stereo devices—like Apple AirPods—would completely replace them.
Instead, a mix of factors, including pricing and everyday usability, has pushed consumers back towards wires. Apple’s wired EarPods now cost around Rs 2,000, while in-ear AirPods range from roughly Rs 12,500 to Rs 23,000.
“Multiple brands and price points are seeing sales growth, a signal the trend is widespread,” the company said in a blog post.
Also Read: Why India’s young would rather pay for a crowd than sit quietly in a library
The nostalgia factor
More than anything, this attraction to wired earphones is part of a wider nostalgic trend shaping everyday life. For many, the appeal lies in looking back—whether it’s the return of Y2K fashion or the renewed popularity of digital cameras—signalling a move toward more tangible experiences.
Alongside this, the rise of analogue hobbies, such as knitting and the growing market for “dumbphones”, points to a broader desire to decrease constant digital use, even if not give it up entirely. From NBA players to Hollywood stars to even politicians, people are rallying in favour of wired earphones now.
Actors and musicians like Zendaya, Lily Rose Depp, Addison Rae, Harry Styles, Drake, and Ariana Grande have all been seen with Apple’s classic white cords.
In a 2023 interview with Vogue, actor Emma Watson said she prefers “the old-school plug-in ones.” The magazine’s popular “What’s In the Bag” videos last year also featured Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande, both casually showing their wired earphones as everyday essentials.
A December 2025 cover story by New York Magazine featured celebrity pairings—including Knicks superfan Ben Stiller and the team’s big man, Karl-Anthony Towns, can be seen casually sharing earphones on the subway, a nod to the magazine’s broader theme: “Reason’s to Love New York”.
With Ben leaning forward and Karl looking away. The duo seems to be ignoring each other, yet they remain connected by a song and a literal wire.
The magazine cover emphasizes that “people are sharing their headphones again.”
Even American footballers Caleb Williams and Ben Skowronek have embraced wired setups as part of their daily aesthetics in public. Earlier this year, in January, Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart said that he still turns to wired earphones as part of his pre-game routine.
“The Bluetooth ones are a little difficult. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they fall out, sometimes they disconnect, sometimes they lose power, sometimes you forget to charge them,” Smart said in an Instagram video shared by the Lakers.
Kamala Harris, former US vice-president, also shared her reasons to avoid Bluetooth earphones in August 2025.
“I know I’ve been teased about this. But I like these kinds of earpods that have [a cable] because I served on the Senate Intelligence Committee,” she said on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“I have been in classified briefings, and I’m telling you, don’t be on the train using your earpods thinking someone can’t listen to your conversation. I’m telling you, the [wired earphones] are a bit more secure,” Harris added.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)