Apple EarPods
The contoured, non-sealing design provides a comfortable fit for extended wear without the pressure of silicone tips. The splash and weatherproof build, combined with an in-line remote and microphone, makes it a practical wired option for calls and basic media control. These are best for users who prioritize all-day comfort and a reliable, tangle-free wired connection for casual listening and hands-free calls on Apple devices.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Apple EarPods are a cheap, comfortable, and dead-reliable wired headset for calls and podcasts. Music quality is one of the worst we've seen, but the mic and inline remote are flawless. Buy them as a backup or a dedicated call headset, not for enjoying your playlist.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The one-size-fits-most shape is genuinely comfortable for long stretches. 98th
- Inline remote and mic work flawlessly for calls and playback on Apple devices. 80th
- Dead simple to use, just plug in and go with zero battery anxiety. 72nd
- Dirt cheap and easy to replace if you lose or break them. 71st
Cons
- Music sound quality is a real weak spot, landing near the bottom of our database.
- The cord turns into a tangled mess the second you put it in your pocket.
- No noise isolation at all, so you'll hear everything around you.
- Feels flimsy and the cable can snag and catch on things easily.
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q3 2026100/100
Buyers praise these headphones for sound and mic quality, comfort, and value as a wired alternative to expensive wireless earbuds.
- Excellent sound and microphone quality for calls and recording.
- Good value, cheaper than flagship wireless earbuds with similar performance.
- Comfortable fit and versatile with USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity.
- Reliable wired alternative to AirPods Pro, which had early battery failure.
- Q2 2026100/100
Buyers praised sound quality, comfort, and battery life. One user repurchased after losing theirs, noting ease of use and call clarity, though music volume could be louder.
- Sound quality and comfort are phenomenal.
- Music volume could be louder; cord tangles but untangles quickly.
- Battery life is excellent.
- Easy to use and clear for phone calls.
- Q3 201880/100
Buyers praised crisp sound, fit, and compatibility with iPhones. One noted accidental wire damage but still recommended.
- Crisp, clear sound quality suitable for audiophiles.
- Good fit in ears, better than regular EarPods.
- Works as advertised, matches original Apple earbuds.
- Wire can be accidentally cut, leading to replacement.
Based on 16 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Let's be real about the sound. Our database puts these in the 2nd percentile for music, which is basically the bottom of the barrel. The bass is present but not deep, and the overall profile is just okay for spoken word. The mic is a solid middle-of-the-pack performer, totally fine for calls. Comfort sits at the 74th percentile, and that's the real win here. The shape fits most ears without that plugged-up feeling you get from silicone tips, so you can wear them for hours without fatigue.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | ear-tip |
| Ear Tips | S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 3.5 |
| Impedance | 32 |
| Codecs | Apple EarPods Headphones with 3.5mm Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Earbud Battery
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Charging | proprietary |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Voice Assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| Bone Conduction | No |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
vs Competition
Stacked against something like the Soundcore P31i or Anker Space A40, the EarPods get absolutely smoked on sound quality and features like ANC. Those are in a different league for music. But they also cost more and need charging. The EarPods' real competition is other cheap wired buds, and they win on comfort and mic clarity. The Sony WI-C100 is a closer rival with a neckband design, but the EarPods are lighter and less fussy to just throw in a pocket.
| Spec | Apple EarPods | Nothing Buds 2 | Soundcore P31i | EarFun Air Pro 4 | Anker Space A40 | JLab Jbuds Pods ANC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | hybrid | dynamic | dynamic |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 13.5 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 55 | 50 | 54 | 50 | 56 |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 | IPX4 | IP55 |
| Multipoint | - | true | - | true | true | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple EarPods | 30.8 | 39 | 70.9 | 1.8 | 44.8 | 80.4 | 49.3 | 98.1 |
| Nothing Buds 2 Compare | 93 | 97.4 | 91.1 | 81.9 | 95.4 | 92 | 97 | 81.4 |
| Soundcore P31i Compare | 89.6 | 97.4 | 91.1 | 97 | 92.7 | 97.2 | 86.3 | 90.2 |
| EarFun Air Pro 4 Compare | 89.6 | 97.4 | 91.1 | 99.8 | 94.5 | 97.2 | 99.3 | 90.2 |
| Anker Space A40 Compare | 97.2 | 97.4 | 79.3 | 94.4 | 92.7 | 80.4 | 97.3 | 73 |
| JLab Jbuds Pods ANC Compare | 93 | 97.4 | 91.1 | 78.2 | 94.5 | 92 | 97 | 81.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
For the price, which hovers between $13 and $45, these are a no-brainer as a backup pair or a dedicated headset for calls. You're not paying for audiophile sound, you're paying for a reliable, comfortable mic and remote that just works. If you need something to keep in your bag for Zoom calls or to use with a device that still has a headphone jack, the value is hard to beat.
Amazon 1 offer From CA$25
Best Buy 1 offer From CA$26
Price History
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Overview
Apple's EarPods have been around forever, and there's a reason they're still on shelves. They're the definition of a reliable backup pair. You plug them in, they work, and the inline remote just gets it right for calls and music control. The sound isn't going to blow anyone away, but for podcasts, calls, and casual listening, they're perfectly clear. Just know that the music score in our database is rough, so if you're looking for a rich listening experience, these aren't it.
Common Questions
Q: Do these work with Android phones or just Apple devices?
The 3.5mm plug works with any standard headphone jack, but the remote and mic functions are designed for Apple devices and may not fully work on Android.
Q: Are these good for working out?
They're sweat and water resistant, so they can handle a light workout, but the loose fit and dangling cord make them annoying for running or heavy movement.
Q: How do they compare to AirPods for sound quality?
They share a similar sound profile, but the EarPods lack any noise isolation and our testing shows their music performance is significantly weaker than most wireless options.
Who Should Skip This
If you care even a little bit about how your music sounds, skip these. The 2nd percentile music score means almost any other pair of earbuds, even cheap ones, will sound richer. Also, if you're constantly on the move, the tangling cord and lack of any noise isolation will drive you nuts.
Verdict
These are for the person who needs a reliable wired headset for calls, podcasts, and the occasional video, and doesn't want to think about battery life. They're also a perfect emergency pair to keep in a laptop bag. If you want to enjoy your music, spend a little more on literally anything else.
