Google GA00485-US

The Google USB-C wired earbuds are a solid budget pick for calls and podcasts, with a comfortable fit and a surprisingly good mic. Sound quality is below average for music, and durability is a concern, but at $33 USD they're hard to beat for a no-fuss wired option. If you need something that just works without charging, these are worth it.

The sound is clear and solid for the price, but our database puts it at the 28th percentile for audio quality, which means most earbuds in this category sound better. Bass is present but polite, not the heart-pounding kind you'd get from a decent pair of IEMs. The mic is a bright spot for calls, though it only lands at the 37th percentile overall. Connectivity is the real weak point here at the 12th percentile, which makes sense for a wired-only option in a world dominated by wireless. Battery life is a non-issue since there's no battery, but our scoring still puts it at the 44th percentile because the category assumes wireless. Comfort is where these shine, sitting at the 70th percentile, and users consistently mention wearing them for hours without fatigue.

Stacked against the JLab JBuds Pods ANC or the Soundcore P31i, the Google earbuds lose on sound quality and features by a wide margin. Those wireless options give you ANC, better bass, and no cord to tangle. But they also cost more and need charging. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are in a completely different league for audio, but you're paying 5-10x the price. If you want the cheapest reliable wired option that just works with USB-C phones, the Google earbuds hold their own. If you care about music quality at all, look elsewhere.

At $33 USD, these are a no-brainer if you need a reliable wired backup or a cheap daily driver for calls and podcasts. You're not paying for ANC, wireless codecs, or fancy drivers. You're paying for a cord that works and a mic that doesn't make you sound like you're underwater. The value proposition is strong, but only if your expectations match the price tag.

Google's USB-C wired earbuds are the anti-AirPods. No charging case, no Bluetooth pairing dance, no firmware updates. Just plug them into your phone and go. That simplicity is exactly why a lot of people still swear by these things, and the 4.3-star rating across 955 reviews backs that up.

At around $33 USD, these are firmly in budget territory. You get a comfortable fit, a surprisingly decent mic, and inline controls that actually work. Sound quality is fine for podcasts and calls, but don't expect to be blown away by the music experience.

Skip these if you care about music quality or bass response. The sound is fine for voices but underwhelming for anything with a beat. Also skip if you're hard on your gear, since durability is a known weak point and the white cord shows wear quickly. If you need wireless freedom or ANC, these aren't even in the conversation.

Buy these if you want a cheap, comfortable wired headset for calls, podcasts, or as a backup pair that lives in your bag. They're not for audiophiles, and the durability concerns are real, but for $33 they deliver exactly what they promise. The mic quality and comfort are the standout features, and the plug-and-play simplicity is refreshing in a world of Bluetooth pairing hell.