The first time I encountered someone listening to their phone out loud in public, it was on a city bus. I was taken aback for two reasons. First, the volume level on the phone wasn’t just audible to the person sitting next to them; our entire section of the bus could hear it. Second, it was a FaceTime call, and neither the person on the bus nor their caller seemed the slightest bit hesitant to carry on their conversation in public. In fact, they appeared completely oblivious. This incident occurred a few years ago, but since then, the problem of listening out loud has escalated significantly.
I've encountered this issue in various places including grocery stores, airport lounges, coffee shops, and even while walking down the sidewalk. It's no longer limited to phone calls or FaceTime; music, YouTube videos, TikTok clips, and Instagram reels—if it has an audio track, I’ve heard it blaring from someone’s phone speaker. A recent episode of the New York Times’ excellent tech podcast, Hard Fork, featured a listener who referred to this trend as an epidemic, and I don't believe that's an exaggeration.
We all know the solution: simply use a set of wired or wireless headphones or earbuds. It sounds straightforward, but perhaps it’s not as simple as it appears. I’m willing to give these folks the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’ve fallen victim to misinformation—myths about headphones and earbuds—and that’s why they behave this way. With that in mind, let’s dispel a few of the more common misunderstandings about headphones and earbuds.
Back in 2016, when Apple launched the first-gen AirPods, wireless earbuds were indeed pricey gadgets. However, that was almost a decade ago, and since then, the market for wireless earbuds and headphones has become heavily commoditized. Yes, the biggest brands still sell their premium products for hundreds of dollars, but there’s now a plethora of affordable options available for as little as $20. If you’re looking for budget-friendly choices, the days of overpriced, low-quality earbuds are behind us.
Five or six years ago, I would have strongly agreed with the statement that affordable products aren’t worth purchasing. But today, that’s no longer true. For example, Moondrop’s Space Travel earbuds, which cost only $30, have exceeded my expectations. They’re comfortable, sound great, and even offer a small amount of active noise cancellation (ANC). While they lack some extras found in more expensive models—like wireless charging and advanced features—they perform the essential functions remarkably well. For less than the cost of an average meal for a family of four at McDonald's, you can own a decent pair of earbuds.
It may be a common belief that you need to use AirPods with an iPhone, but that’s not the case. Any set of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones will work seamlessly with any iPhone. I’ve tested hundreds of these products, and I have yet to find one that wouldn't connect to my iPhone. While Apple’s AirPods are well engineered for connection quality, the reliability of any Bluetooth device often hinges more on the design of the product itself rather than the phone.
This is not a myth; many people genuinely find it challenging to keep earbuds in their ears due to anatomical differences. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever, including open-ear earbuds. Unlike traditional earbuds that either sit in front of your ear canal or seal it, open-ear models position their speakers just outside the ear canal, eliminating discomfort. If you’ve struggled with traditional wireless earbuds, exploring the world of open-ear options may offer a superb alternative.
While it's true that most smartphones no longer come with headphone jacks, that doesn’t mean you can’t connect wired earbuds or headphones. The easiest and most affordable solution is to use a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter. These compact accessories plug into your phone’s charging port, effectively turning it into a headphone jack. They often include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) which is essential for converting digital audio into sound. For those still using iPhones with Lightning ports, adapters are available as well. Apple offers one for just $10.
While I wish I could confidently say that this myth-busting will convince everyone who listens out loud in public to change their habits, I doubt it will have a significant impact. However, it's essential to understand the options available for personal audio experiences. Just remember, the next time you find yourself in a crowded space, consider using headphones or earbuds to maintain a respectful auditory environment. This is not a new problem, but it is one that can be addressed with the right mindset and tools.
