Wireless earbuds were once seen as a symbol of a modern lifestyle, but trends now appear to be shifting as wired headphones make a noticeable comeback.
Two decades after Beats headphones became a fashion statement at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a similar shift is taking place again. According to a recent CNN report, everyone from rising baseball players to Hollywood stars is increasingly opting for wired headphones over Bluetooth devices.
Basketball stars such as Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry, along with global celebrities including Drake, Lily-Rose Depp, Harry Styles, and Zendaya, have been spotted ditching wireless earbuds in favor of plug-in headphones.
Actress Emma Watson said in a 2023 interview that she prefers old-school headphones, while Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande have also praised wired earbuds in fashion magazine features.
The trend has gained media attention as well. In December, New York Magazine featured several celebrities on its cover wearing wired headphones on the subway, including Ben Stiller and New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns.
At the same time, the Instagram account “Wired It Girls,” founded by Shelby Hill in 2021, has been highlighting the trend. Hill says that stars like Bella Hadid choosing simple wired headphones over expensive
AirPods has become a symbol of understated confidence and quiet style. According to Hill, the idea of a “wired It Girl” is different from the traditional image of luxury and excess. Instead, simplicity is now being viewed as fashionable. Cost also plays a role, as wired headphones are available on Apple’s website for around $25, while AirPods start at $159 and can go much higher.
The sports world has also embraced the shift. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Pittsburgh Steelers player Ben Skowronek proudly describe themselves as “wired guys.” NBA arenas have turned into fashion runways where players like Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Kawhi Leonard have been seen wearing wired headphones.
Some athletes cite practical reasons, such as wireless earbuds getting lost, losing connection, or running out of battery. Others see wired headphones purely as a style statement.
Although wireless devices have dominated the market since Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone in 2016, with wireless sales reaching 66 percent in 2025, supporters of wired headphones highlight their simplicity, reliability, and resistance to hacking.
Experts say the revival is not just about nostalgia but reflects a growing desire for an “analog lifestyle.” As people feel overwhelmed by screens and artificial intelligence, they are gravitating toward tangible, hands-on experiences. This shift has also fueled renewed interest in knitting, simple mobile phones, instant cameras, and now wired headphones.
Shelby Hill notes that even while using modern smartphones, she collects VHS cameras, film cameras, and DVDs, believing many people today are seeking a more authentic and grounded way of living.
