Over my time I have gone through a lot of earbuds, 5 earbuds ago I decide to document how much they cost, how long they last, signs of breaking, also my opinion and experience.
I get the earbuds that are wired, no wireless or Bluetooth. Although wireless may last longer I prefer the wired earbuds because I forget to charge the wireless all the time.
You have to note I MANHANDLE my earbuds and constantly use them 24/7. I hold them by the wire dangling my phone when I drop it and when I'm not using them they're getting mistreated.
So take in mind these brands can do better in better conditions. This experiment is extremely harsh conditions that doesn't involve out right breaking them.
Also most of these are going for less than 10$ dollars at most 20$ because I'm broke. I'm willing test expensive ones if someone mail them to me for free.
(I will add the previous 5 brands I used this afternoon, when I get my tablet that has all the data)
I agree with you on most of your points. I also use wired for various reasons. They cost less, are harder to lose, the wires don't bother me at all, and I think wired (in general) sounds better.
The ones I use most (when I use them) are the Apple EarPods. For about $16 I get basically the same sound as the much more expensive wireless version. Why would I spend $150 or more for wireless? In my case, it wouldn't make sense.