My first encounter with someone playing their phone out loud in public was on a city bus, and it caught me off guard for two reasons. First, the volume was so high that not only the person next to them could hear it, but our entire section of the bus could hear it. Second, it was a FaceTime call, and neither the person nor their caller seemed to mind having their conversation in public. They seemed completely oblivious.
That was a few years ago. Since then, the problem of playing audio out loud has only gotten worse. I’ve witnessed it in grocery stores, airport lounges, coffee shops, and even just walking down the sidewalk. It’s not just phone calls or FaceTime; it’s music, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram — you name it. If it has an audio track, I’ve heard it blaring from someone’s phone speaker. During a recent episode of the New York Times’ tech podcast, Hard Fork, a listener described the issue as an epidemic, and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration.
We all know the solution: use headphones or earbuds. It’s that simple. Or is it?
I’ll give these individuals the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’ve been misled by myths about headphones and earbuds, which is why they behave the way they do.
They’re too expensive
In 2016, wireless earbuds like the first-gen AirPods from Apple were indeed pricey gadgets. But that was almost a decade ago, and since then, the market for wireless earbuds and headphones has become much more affordable. While top brands still sell their premium products for hundreds of dollars, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available for as little as $20.
The affordable products aren’t worth buying
Five or six years ago, I would have agreed with that statement. But today, it’s no longer the case. For example, take Moondrop’s Space Travel earbuds priced at $30. I’ve been using these wireless earbuds for a month, and they exceed expectations for basic functionality. They are comfortable, provide great sound quality, and even offer a bit of active noise cancellation. While they lack some advanced features found in more expensive models, they deliver what most users need at an incredibly affordable price.
Even if you spend less than $30, you can find earbuds that sound decent. While they may not be top-tier, the days of poor sound quality are behind us.
Here’s a list of the best wireless earbuds and headphones under $100.
I have an iPhone so I need AirPods
While Apple may want you to believe this, it’s not true. Any Bluetooth earbuds or headphones will work with an iPhone. I’ve tested numerous products, and I’ve yet to encounter one that couldn’t connect to my iPhone. Some claim that AirPods offer a more reliable connection for iPhone users, but there is no concrete evidence to support this. Connection issues are more likely related to the design of the earbuds rather than the phone itself. Apple’s AirPods are well-engineered for connectivity, making them more reliable in that aspect.
I can’t wear earbuds; they’re uncomfortable or keep falling out
Many people struggle to wear traditional earbuds comfortably due to their ear anatomy. However, there are now more options available, including open-ear earbuds. These earbuds position their speakers outside the ear canal, providing a different wearing experience. If traditional earbuds don’t fit well, open-ear earbuds like earhooks or ear clips could be a suitable alternative. While open-ear earbuds offer comfort and natural sound, they may not block external noises completely.
Alternatively, wireless headphones are generally comfortable for most users.
I prefer wired earbuds/headphones but my phone doesn’t have a headphone jack
Smartphones without headphone jacks are becoming more common, but there are ways to connect wired earbuds or headphones. A USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter is a simple and affordable solution that converts your phone’s charging port into a headphone jack. These adapters typically include a DAC for audio conversion. For iPhone users with Lightning ports, there are adapters available as well. External DAC/amps offer higher audio quality but may not support two-way audio. Some wired earbuds now come with a USB-C plug for direct connection.
While I can’t guarantee that debunking these myths will change the behavior of those playing audio out loud, I hope this information sheds light on the importance of using headphones in public spaces.
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