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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Daisy Lester

Like Jacob Elordi and Bella Hadid, I swapped my £119 AirPods for a £16 wired pair – here’s why

Bella Hadid Jacob Elordi Apple Sony
Wired headphones are taking it back to basics - (Daisy Lester)

In a rapidly changing world of AI advancement, biohacking wellness, self-driving cars and tech-bros imploring you to buy the latest gizmo, there’s something nostalgic and comforting about an old-school pair of wired headphones.

Since Apple debuted its wireless AirPods in 2016, headphones have become ever more high-tech, compact and portable. From Samsung and Google to Bose, Sony and Sennheiser, the biggest tech brands are competing for the best sound quality and noise cancellation. Though offering plenty of choice for audiophiles, top-spec wireless earbuds don’t come cheap – Sony’s flagship pair are £219, while Apple’s are around £169 for the Pro model.

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