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Air Tube vs Cabled Headphones

Writer's picture: David BlakeDavid Blake

All air tube headphones have horrendous sound quality and are not suitable for listening to music. Even voice calls lack the dynamics and depth that a good-quality set of headphones can produce. If you're not using the cellular function on your cell phone, you don't need air tube headphones; you can use cabled headphones instead.

The only electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of concern from headphones occur when the phone connects to a tower at lower 700-800 MHz AU/600-800 MHz US tier bandwidths, as the wavelength matches the length of the headphone's main wire (approximately 16 inches). This turns the headphones into an active antenna. This doesn't happen when you place your phone in flight mode. Plus, air tube headphones still act as an active antenna up to your chest and heart level in the same situation.
Cellular network calls can be made or received via Wi-Fi calling using a suitable grounded and tested Ethernet cable or even via a low-radiation/low-beacon 20MHz bandwidth 2/5/6 GHz Wi-Fi connection. The wavelengths in the 5/6 GHz band are only 2 inches or less, compared to 4 inches for 2.4GHz. The 5/6 GHz band is more ideal in terms of EMF exposure than 2.4 GHz. (You can turn off 2.4 GHz on wireless routers.)
As a music lover and long-time audiophile, I use both in-ear and over-ear corded headphones with an old SIM card-less Samsung smartphone for music on the go, as Samsung and LG DACs (Digital to Analog Conversion) are considerably better than those of other tested brands. Finally, opt for headphones featuring a cable that extends along one side of the headphones, as it is more convenient and helps in keeping the cord away from your chest and heart region. Need help integrating tech? Drop a note in the Home page or ask a question below.
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