Tanglefree Headphones

Tangling is a problem that many earbud users have encountered. It happens that you put your earbuds in your bag or pocket only to discover that they have become a knotted mess. Let us walk you through the problem and viable solutions to rid yourself from the frustrations and go tanglefree.

There are many different ways that cables can be tangled-free, and you need to find the right solution. What are the differences between them? How do they work together? This can make it difficult to make a decision.

Why do Earphones Tangle so Easily?

Because headphone wires can’t exert enough strength and are too fragile to return to their original position, they give way to tension by twisting inwards to relieve tension. The result is a messy mess of wires.

How do Tangles Happen?

It has been often said by sage’s and audiophiles that the best way to tie a strong knot lies in two simple steps:

1) Put your headphones in your pocket

2) Wait a moment

Dorian M. Raymer (now a venerable 2006 paper titled ” Spontaneous knitting of an agitated strings” by Douglas E. Smith) found that complex knots form in seconds due to two factors: “critical length” and “agitation duration”. Smith and Raymer conducted a study to find out how and why tangles happen. They started the experiment by placing different wire length into a box and shaking it nearly three-thousand five hundred times. In the end, they identified 120 knot types which included prime knots with up to seven crossings.

The chances of a knot spontaneously forming are higher for longer lengths of cable. Although cable stiffness and diameter play an important role, it’s the length of the cable and how long you spend tumbling that matters most.

Raymer & Smith arrived at their conclusion by testing cables of different lengths and different “agitation time” settings. They discovered that cables shorter than 46cm will seldom, if ever, get knotted. This probability increases as the cable grows in size until it plateaus around 2 meters.

The average pair of earphones measures 139 cm in length. This means that there is a 50 percent chance of a knot forming spontaneously in an enclosed space the size of your bag or your pocket. You can be sure that your earphones will eventually get ruined if you don’t take them out after leaving work or school.

Raymer and Smith further noted that the Y form of earphones greatly increases the possibility of knotting. This is because only one end or cable has to cross another in order to trigger the tumble-weed reaction.

How Do I Stop My Earphones from Tangling?

These are some tips to make sure your earphone cords don’t get tangled or aren’t lost in your bag.

Store Them in a Figure 8

Instead of rolling them like a ball, wrap the earphones around your fingers and weave in such a way that they are not damaged or get tangled. Begin wrapping the chord over your fingers. Keep some length left at the end. Wrap the remaining length horizontally. The loop should look like a bow when you attach the headphone Jack to the one end. Open the jack by holding the earplugs in your hand.

Loop Wrapping

This technique is similar to how huge pipes or cables are typically wrapped. The cable must be wrapped around your fingers in alternate loops. Each loop should be placed over your fingers. Then wrap the cable around your fingers and weave the ends.

Rubber Band the Wires

The simplest way to hold your earphones is by using a rubber/elastic hair band. Use one of the two methods in point 8 to keep your earphones in place. Once you’re done, slide a rubber/elastic hairband over it or weave through its loops. Your earphones won’t be misbehaving.

The Paracord Wrap

The most professional way to wrap the cable for earphones is with scissors. Paracord, shrinking tubes and heat sources (blow dryer or lighter) are all required. First, you will need to cut the microphone and separate it from the rest. The microphone will be separated from the rest of the cables. You’ll have two types of cables: one with the headphone socket and two with the earplugs. Now take the paracord apart and take out any loose threads. You can now weave the paracords together and seal them with the shrinking tubes. For those loose threads that are not secured by the shrinking tubes, you can also use strong tape. The next step is to connect the microphone and the three pieces. Once you’re done, seal it using an electric tape.

Use Your Smartphone

You can use your smartphone as an equipment if you do not have enough props to wrap the wild headphones. Just wrap the cable around the phone, and then insert the jack in one coil. This will ensure that both the phone and the headphones stay in place. It also prevents the device from slipping out of your pocket or hands.

Use an Old Credit Card

An old credit card, shopping or cardboard card can be used to wrap your earphones. Simply cut the card lengthwise then punch holes at both ends for the speakers and the headphone jack. You can now wrap the cable around the card by weaving it.

Double Fold and Tie

Tie the earphones by taking the entire length. Double it twice. The easiest of all methods, but also the easiest to undo.

Strengthen the Wires

This is one of many ways to keep your earphones tangled. You will need some embroidery threads and a pair scissors to do this trick. Simply start knotting the thread across the length of your cable. Multi-colored threads could make them stand out. Make sure to leave the microphone out. This will not only protect the fragile cable, but it will also ensure that it is safe and secure inside your bag.

Clip the Wires

This is the easiest wrapping method and has dual functionality. This will require a medium-sized binder clip. Keep the speakers out and wrap the remaining cable around the clip. The cable can be clipped to your shirt, bag, or phone while you listen to music and take calls.

Velcro the Wires

You can cut a small strip from the self-adhesive tape (or Velcro) and wrap it around your earphone cable. Attach the cable to the neck with tape. Be sure to leave enough fabric tape. You can wrap the cable any way you like, but the fabric tape will hold it in place.

Why do Headphone Chords Always Get Tangled?

Increasing the confinement of a stiff string in a box causes an increased wedging of string against the walls which reduces the tumbling movement that facilitates knotting. The researchers also noted that a smaller container meant that headphones had less space to move about and get tangled in.

Which Earphone is Best for Daily Use?

Zipbuds Slip Sport V2

Cable type: Zip-lock style
Cable length: 93cm
Connector: 3.5mm
Controls: 1 button, in-line
Mic: Yes
Additional eartips: Three sets (S,M,L)

The Zipbuds Slip Sport V2 earbuds have a durable military-grade bulletproof fiber construction and a patent zip-lock cable design. This ensures that your cable will never get tangled. Zipbuds Slide Sport V2 also come with a noise-filtering microphone to help you sound clear and loud on the other end of phone calls.

While the design and physical construction of the earbuds is impressive, the sound quality from the 12mm drivers is not as good as other models on the list. The bass can sometimes sound too high and can cause a muddy sound.

Belkin Inear Lightning Headphones

Type of Cable: Flat
Cable length: 120 cm
Connector: Lightning
Controls: 1 button, in-line
Mic: Yes
Additional eartips: Three sets (S,M,L)

Belkin’s Lightning Headphones address the tangle free issue by using a flat, lightweight cable with a lightning connector. These sweat- and water-resistant earbuds feature comfortable tips that provide excellent noise isolation. The bass is loud but not overwhelming, while the mids and highs sound crisp and clear. They have a low, clean aesthetic that is perfect for any environment.

We found the construction to be delicate and fragile. The in-line controls can be pressed too hard, almost as though you will break them. It is possible that cheaper materials were used to make the earbuds feel lighter, but it is best to handle them carefully to avoid accidental breaking. The earbuds have a 2-year limited warranty.

Sennheiser CX 300S

Cable type: Flat
Cable length: 120 cm
Connector: 3.5mm
Controls: 1 button, in-line
Mic: Yes
Additional eartips: Four sets (XS to L)

Sennheiser headphones are known for their high quality and consistent manufacturing. The earbuds rank high because of their exceptional sound quality and build quality. The CX 300S allows you to choose from four different sizes of eartip pairs, which will provide an ideal fit for your ears. The silicon tips can cancel ambient noise from your surroundings, helping to isolate you and the music even in public areas.

Sennheiser 18-ohm transducer technology gives you an enhanced bass. This could be a great benefit for bass-lovers. Some people find the focus on bass can cause it to dominate other parts of the track. This is something to remember if you want clarity across all frequencies.

Sephia SP3060

Type of Cable: Braided
Cable length: 120 cm
Connector: 3.5mm
Controls
Mice
Additional eartips sets: 6 silicon + 2 memory foam

The Sephia’s earbuds are affordable and offer a variety of ear tips. The braided cables are durable and make it very difficult to get tangled around other objects.

Earbud housings are made of lightweight metal, which allows for easy portability. The SP3060’s design is more minimalistic than the Sephia SP1050VC predecessors. The SP3060’s built-in mic and inline controls have been removed, which seems to be a significant step back.

To maintain a low price, manufacturers may have cut corners on their durability. Their fragility can make them difficult to sell as they have a short life expectancy and we found can be easily damaged by frequent use.

Kirababy 3-Pack Earbuds

Thick cable type
Cable length: 118 cm
Connector: 3.5mm
Controls
Mic: Yes
Additional eartips: Two spare sets

The Kirababy3 Pack includes earbuds made with extra thick cables. These are specially designed to resist tangles, protect against cable pulling, and prevent fraying. The 3-pack may be for you if you’re a quick user or you just want to get some extras for your loved ones.

The in-line microphone is extremely powerful and clear. You can even hear whispers. There is also an in-line button that allows you to control music and phone calls. Furthermore, even though the drivers won’t outperform higher-end earbuds in terms of audio quality, they still deliver excellent audio to your ears for the price.

These cables are not the strongest in terms of durability. While the sound quality is excellent and the cable is thick, the earpieces may break easily if they’re not properly handled.

Joymiso Tangle free Earbuds

Cable type: Flat
Cable length: 130 cm
Connector: 3.5mm
Controls: 3 buttons, in-line
Mic: Yes
Additional eartip sets: 3 adult and 3 kid sizes

Joymiso’s Tangle free Earbuds, which are lightweight and have an ergonomic angled design for maximum comfort, are made by Joymiso. There are 6 sizes of tip, but only 3 are small enough for children and adults with smaller ears. A flat, sturdy cable ensures a comfortable listening experience that is free from tangles.

The earbuds themselves can withstand a lot of abuse and are protected by a sturdy jack and a carrying case. Without having to get out your phone, the in-line controls allow you to control your music, calls and volume. By only recording your voice, the noise cancelling mic makes phone calls crystal clear.

Which Earbuds Stay in Ear the Best?

Earbuds are a great alternative to traditional headphones. They are portable, more comfortable to use for calls and wireless with Bluetooth technology. The problem is that the earbuds often fall out of your ears. Many companies are working on fixing this annoying, costly design issue. We break down the best tanglefree earbud solutions for running, weight lifting, and commuting to work.

Earbuds that Work Best for Runners

Jaybird X3

The Jaybird In Ear Wireless Bluetooth Sports Headphones are designed to allow you to exercise without the earbuds falling out with a neck cord. The eartips will fit almost any ear with an array of color schemes to fit your personality.

Mifo O5 Plus

The Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 Touch True Wireless Sports Earbuds are a rock-solid choice for comfort and stability. We strongly believe these earbuds are exceptional for athletes on par with Bose and Sennheiser. The clear, powerful bass and high tones stand out in a pack of well engineered earbuds. Mifo’s base-shape ergonomic eartip creates a tight seal with great battery life and water-resistant engineering.

Plantronics BackBeat Sport

The Plantronics BackBeat Sport Earbuds FIT Boost Edition are a runners delight. The rigid rubberized headstrap is coupled with sweatproofing and a long battery life. Once you get accustomed to the headstrap you will find these are a dream for vigorous exercise.

Top Rated Earbuds for Weight Lifting

Bose SoundSport Pulse

The Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless Earbuds are a traditional, rich sounding audio experience with a tight lanyard and snug earbuds. Bose has created multiple eartips for ears of all sizes and shapes with a controller and microphone included.

Enacfire E19

The Enacfire E19 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds can be used wirelessly lifting weights in the gym or at home. The true wireless earbuds fit snugly in your ears thanks to the grippy tips. We found the sound quality is excellent will minimal spill over. The Enacfire E19’s do require more frequent charging so expect around four hours between charges.

Best Earbuds for Commuting

Treblab X5

The Trelab X5 Bluetooth Headphones are discreet earbuds with a unique design. We found them to be a great value that is durable and sound great listening to music and making calls on the go. The X5 could have engineered a more robust battery as a typical recharge is required around the four hour mark.

Apple AirPods

Apple AirPods Wireless Bluetooth Headset is an iconic earbud with a small form factor that obsesses over form and function. We found them simple to use and comfortable on the train. AirPods can be setup quickly with exceptional sound quality on all types of music we sampled.

How Do You use Earphones Without Damaging Your Ears?

Many people suffer hearing loss from repeated exposure to loud noises. Public health officials are now concerned about headphones. While you can still enjoy music with your headphones, it is important to take precautions to protect your hearing.

Reduce the volume
Use noise-canceling headphones
Use headphones and not earbuds
Listening breaks
Set a volume limit

How Do You Get Earbuds to Stay in Your Ear?

How to Keep Your Earbuds Safe from Falling Out

Once you have identified the causes of your problem, it should be easier to address the problem. These are some helpful tips to assist you in addressing your problem.

Make Sure You Wear Your Earbuds in the Correct Way

If you want your earbuds to stay in place, it is important to do so correctly. Here’s a guide to how to properly wear earbuds and IEMs. You should be careful as pushing too hard could cause damage to your ears.

Find the Best IEMs

Many IEMs come with replaceable tips in different sizes. Most IEMs come with medium-sized ear tips in the box. However, it is a good idea to test the different ear tips provided to find the one that fits you the best. Try different sizes if it feels too tight or loose in your ears. If none of the provided tips fit well, you might consider buying a separate set.

You can upgrade your ear tips to memory-foam tips to improve comfort, sound isolation and fit. Because it adapts to the contours of users’ ears, memory foam is the best ear tip material.

Avoid Using Cotton Swabs

Although you might have used cotton swabs to clean your earwax for hygiene purposes, medical professionals strongly discourage this practice. Because cotton swabs can block your ear’s natural cleaning process, They can push the earwax further into the ear canal, rather than pushing it out. This causes excess earwax buildup.

Other than ear wax buildup, cotton swabs can also cause injury and infection to the ears. This could increase your risk of hearing problems. These steps will help you get rid of ear wax.

To soften the earwax, add a few drops to your ear.
After the earwax is softened, use a bulb syringe to irrigate your ears and then add warm water.
After you have finished irrigating your ears, turn your head over to drain any excess water.
You can dry your outer ear with a clean cloth.
It’s best to consult your primary care physician if you suspect ear wax buildup.

Use Ear Warmers to Cover Your Ears

Ear warmers can be worn over your earbuds as an alternative. This protects your ears better and holds the earbuds securely in place. Make sure your ear warmers are not too tight, especially if you have bulky earbuds. It is not recommended to be worn in cold weather, particularly when you are running in winter.

Four Tips to Find the Right Earbuds for a Perfect Fit

If your earbuds don’t fit after you have tried everything, you might consider switching to another pair. We’ve compiled some tips to help you make the right decision.

1. True wireless earbuds are available

True Wireless earbuds are IEMs (earbuds) that connect via Bluetooth to an audio source. True wireless earbuds are not wired or require cables, unlike traditional earbuds. Wireless earbuds should be used by people who have earbuds that keep falling off from accidentally pulling the cables.

2. Get earbuds with ear hooks or over-the-ear/around-the-ear designs

Ear hooks or over-the-ear/around-the-ear designs actually clutch around your ears to prevent them from falling out. These are the best option if you plan to use your earbuds for activities that require a lot more movement.

3. To find out if the earbuds fit, try them on in person.

Although online shopping is convenient, nothing beats being able to test the earbuds out in person. Ask the store to let you try the earbuds on. It ensures they fit your ears. You can match your ear shape perfectly and won’t need to spend more on replacement tips.

4. You might consider customizing your earbuds

Some people have extremely unique ears, so finding the right earbuds can prove difficult. You might consider customizing your earbuds if this is the case. Many brands offer custom-made earbuds. These brands create earbuds that fit the user’s exact ears using the precise measurements of the user’s ear.

Why do Apple headphones get tangled?

All earbuds can get into trouble, even Apple’s. iPhone tangles are less noticeable because the wires are white, as part of Apple branding. Strangely, knots can even form when you carefully coil your earbuds before putting them away.

Conclusion: Tanglefree Headphone Options

Our guide on how to untangle headphones wires and keep them in a straight line will hopefully help reduce those annoying situations. Remember that even the slightest shift in orientation can cause a twist in your headphones’ wires. Being aware of this can make all the difference.

FAQ Tanglefree Headphones

How can I stop my cords tangling?

Zip ties and Velcro straps are one way to do this. Wrap them around the cord several times to prevent them from twisting. It’s a cost-effective way to organize your cords, and it’s very easy.