Earphone renaissance

No charging, no device pairing — just plug in your earphones and enjoy the music. After being overshadowed by wireless Bluetooth earbuds for nearly a decade, wired earphones are making a comeback in 2026.

According to the market research firm Circana, sales of wired earphones rose by 20 percent in the first quarter of this year.

On the social media platform Xiaohongshu (Red-Note), the hashtag "wired-earphone outfits" has also gained popularity, with young netizens creatively incorporating them into their style — using them as necklaces, belt decorations, and even hair accessories — bringing back the Y2K aesthetic.

So, what's driving this revival? Many people say Bluetooth earbuds are easy to misplace and require constant charging, while wired earphones are simple, reliable, and always ready to use.

In today's fast-paced digital world, the ever-present earphone cable has come to symbolize effortless, dependable freedom — with a touch of nostalgia and retro charm.

As one Xiaohongshu user puts it: "With wired earphones, you can enjoy lossless audio on music apps. And when you're with someone you like, you can share one side of the earphones. You sit close and enjoy the music together — it's really romantic."