They’re swinging back into style among athletes, celebrities, and fashion lovers alike.

For instance, NBA stars like Anthony Edwards and Steph Curry now favor wired earbuds. Likewise, artists such as Drake, Harry Styles, and Zendaya have embraced cords over Bluetooth.

Emma Watson told Vogue in 2023 she prefers “old school plug-in ones.” Similarly, Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande have showcased wired headphones in magazine segments. Even Ben Stiller and Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns shared wired earbuds on the subway, New York Magazine reported.

Shelby Hull, founder of the Instagram account Wired It Girls, has documented this trend since 2021. She started after reading about model Bella Hadid choosing wired headphones over expensive wireless alternatives. Hull said, “She didn’t care about the latest tech trends, and that effortless vibe resonated with me.”

Consequently, wired headphones have become a symbol of accessible cool. They cost just over $25 on Apple’s site, compared to AirPods starting at $159 and Max over-ear versions reaching $669. Therefore, fans can join the trend without breaking the bank.

Athletes also drive the movement. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Steelers receiver Ben Skowronek proudly wear cords. NBA tunnels have become catwalks, blending fashion and sport. Founder of NBA Fashion Fits, Chad Brown, said, “It’s nostalgic and part of the fit. Any recent draftee is likely wearing wired headphones.”

Practicality matters too. Wireless earbuds can disconnect, lose power, or fail to charge. Marcus Smart of the Lakers prefers cords, saying, “Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.”

Sales data shows wired headphones accounted for 34 percent of global sales in 2025. Meanwhile, Bluetooth dominates with 66 percent. Still, wired options appeal for security, ease of use, and reliability.

Beyond practicality, nostalgia drives the resurgence. Hull calls it part of a growing “analog lifestyle” movement. People seek tangible, offline experiences amid AI and digital saturation. She collects film cameras, VHS players, and vintage headphones to reconnect with a more analog world.

Ultimately, wired headphones have become a cultural accessory. They combine style, practicality, and nostalgia, offering a tactile link to the past in an increasingly digital age.

Join the Dadli News WhatsApp Group:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/L04JxtMbG39FLBbxYWlz9T
Join the Dadli News WhatsApp Group:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/L04JxtMbG39FLBbxYWlz9T