The Comeback of the Cord: why are wired headphones cool again

In an age dominated by sleek wireless earbuds and noise-canceling over-ears, one surprising trend has crept back into the ears—and hearts—of Gen Z and beyond: Apple’s wired EarPods. Yes, those simple white headphones with the unmistakable cord, once tossed in junk drawers after the arrival of AirPods, are now proudly worn like fashion accessories. But this resurgence isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a collision of aesthetics, practicality, and a bit of quiet rebellion.

Walking around NYC this week, it is the obvious common denominator between the Upper Eastside, The Village, Tri-Beca and Brooklyn. Wired Headphones on a Jack. They are everywhere and being worn by everyone. Its 1999 all over again!

The first factor behind the return of wired headph

Plug ins

ones is the aesthetic appeal. In a digital landscape obsessed with authenticity and "indie sleaze" throwbacks, the corded EarPods are having a moment not unlike Polaroids or flip phones. Spotted dangling from the ears of celebrities like Lily-Rose Depp, Bella Hadid, and Jacob Elordi, the classic white cord has become shorthand for “effortless cool.” On TikTok and Instagram, creators pair them with thrifted denim, oversized sweaters, and low-rise cargos—reclaiming early 2000s fashion in all its lo-fi glory. There’s something refreshingly analog about them in a hyper-digital world. When everything is about cutting-edge tech, the decision to go low-tech feels—ironically—kind of futuristic.

There’s also the anti-AirPod sentiment. AirPods, once the symbol of cutting-edge status, now carry a different cultural weight. Their minimalist design and high price tag have come to represent conformity, consumerism, and tech homogeneity. Wired headphones, on the other hand, say: I don’t care if I’m trendy. I care that I’m real. They speak to a generation that values individuality, rejects the overt signals of wealth, and leans into a more ironic, self-aware sense of cool.

But the resurgence isn’t all about image. There are some practical reasons why people are ditching Bluetooth for the trusty wire. First, there’s no battery anxiety. Wired headphones never die mid-song, mid-call, or mid-scroll. No charging case, no connectivity issues. They just work. And for many, especially students and commuters, the reliability is worth the tiny hassle of untangling a cord.

Then there’s the audio quality. While AirPods offer convenience, many audiophiles argue that the wired EarPods deliver cleaner, more consistent sound for the price. Podcasts and music come through with clarity, and there’s no lag when watching videos or FaceTiming. For creators recording voice memos or conducting interviews, the built-in mic on the cord is still a go-to for quick, quality audio capture.

Cost is another major factor. At under $20, wired EarPods are significantly more accessible than AirPods. For teens, students, or anyone who’s accidentally washed a pair of earbuds (we’ve all been there), it’s a lot easier to replace them.

Ultimately, the return of Apple’s wired headphones is more than a trend. It’s a cultural signal. In a time of wireless everything, cords are suddenly charming. Functional. Honest. And kind of radical. What was once seen as outdated is now a statement of taste, independence, and anti-hype style. So don’t be surprised if those white wires make their way back into your life. They were never really gone—they were just waiting for their encore.