Wired earbuds are having a celebrity moment right now.
According to Rolling Stone's definitive guide to the best wired earbuds, A-listers from Ariana Grande to Paul Mescal are swapping their wireless buds for the corded throwback tech. Adam Driver has also been spotted wearing them. The aesthetic is retro-chic.
Addison Rae featured wired earbuds in her 2025 single "Headphones On," making the accessory central to the track and signaling Gen Z's embrace of the trend.
Ariana Grande gave Vogue Italia an exclusive look at her collection, a sign of genuine enthusiasm for the format.
Wired earbuds offer practical advantages: zero battery anxiety, no pairing requirements, and no wireless interference. The gummy tips deliver a snug seal and superior bass.
Rolling Stone tested options ranging from budget picks like Sony's IER-EX15C ($28) to premium models like Campfire Audio Iris ($349), with audiophile-approved choices from Fiio, Shure, and Sennheiser in the mid-range.
After Apple's AirPods dominated the market, celebrities are now choosing wired earbuds over wireless. With Grande and Mescal leading this shift, the wired earbud has become a visible accessory trend for summer 2026.
