Directory/Headphones/Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
Apple · Headphones

Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

6.2/ 10
Testwise score
Confidence: MEDIUM · scored on full spec sheet

"The cheapest, most reliable audio solution for a modern iPhone or iPad."

$19
at Amazon · price checked today
See it at Amazon →
The catch
They offer virtually zero sound isolation, making them borderline useless for listening to anything subtle in a moderately noisy environment.
The breakdown
4 axes, scored the same way across every headphones we log.
ANC Quality0.0
Sound Reality4.5
Comfort & Battery5.0
Price Honesty9.0
Spec, translated

The marketing claim that the design is 'defined by the geometry of the ear' means they are unsealed, hard plastic earbuds that rest in the outer ear, unlike earbuds with silicone tips that enter the ear canal.

Lab notes
The observations that actually change the buying decision.
01
This is a decade-old design with a new USB-C plug. The core audio and ergonomic characteristics are identical to previous generations of EarPods.
02
The hard plastic, one-size-fits-all build offers zero passive noise isolation. All ambient sound will be clearly audible during use.
03
Because they are wired, there is no battery to degrade. They will function as long as the cable is intact, outlasting any true wireless counterpart.
04
The audio quality is determined by the small, integrated DAC in the USB-C connector. It is engineered for voice clarity and casual listening, not high-fidelity playback.

Why you should buy

This product is for those who need a cheap, reliable backup pair of headphones for calls and podcasts. It is also a good choice for someone who consistently loses or breaks headphones and requires something that works without charging.

Why you should skip

Anyone listening in noisy environments like a subway or office should skip these due to the lack of sound isolation. Users seeking strong bass response or a secure fit for exercise will also be disappointed.

What buyers actually say
Themes pulled from real owner reviews, not marketing copy.

Pros

  • No battery means they always work.
  • Reliable in-line controls and microphone.
  • Extremely low price for an official accessory.
  • Simple plug-and-play with USB-C devices.
  • Clear microphone quality for phone calls.

Cons

  • Hard plastic can be uncomfortable for some.
  • Zero noise isolation from the outside world.
  • Sound quality is thin and lacks bass.
  • Thin wires are prone to tangling and wear.
  • Easily fall out of some users' ears.
Full specifications
Source: manufacturer + retail catalog · synced today.
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6.2
Apple Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and VolumePENDING · Headphones
$19See it at Amazon →