Google Wired

The Google Wired USB-C earbuds are a $34 workhorse with a surprisingly great mic and a comfortable fit. Sound quality is just average with weak bass, but the plug-and-play reliability and price make them a solid backup or daily driver for calls. Worth it if you hate charging earbuds.

The audio is a solid middle-of-the-pack performer, landing in the 31st percentile for sound. It's clear enough for YouTube and voice calls, but music lovers will notice the lack of punchy bass and a slightly muffled top end compared to something like Apple's old wired buds. The real standout, oddly enough, is the microphone. Owners consistently praise it for calls, even though our database puts it at a disappointing 14th percentile. The wired connection is rock-solid with zero latency, but the overall connectivity score is dragged down by the lack of any wireless features.

Stacked against the Sony WF-C700N or Soundcore P31i, the Google Wired buds get absolutely smoked on sound quality and features like ANC. Those wireless options are in a different league. But they also cost three to four times as much and need charging. Compared to other cheap wired USB-C buds, the Googles hold their own with a better mic and more consistent fit. The JLab Jbuds Pods ANC offer wireless freedom at a similar price, but you'll trade that reliable wired connection for battery management and a worse microphone.

At $34, these are a no-brainer if you just need a reliable wired backup. You're getting clear audio, a shockingly good mic for calls, and a fit that won't make your ears sore. The value proposition falls apart if you're a bass head or an audiophile, but for everyone else who just wants to plug in and go, the price is right. It's cheap enough that you won't cry if you lose them or eventually wear them out.

These are the wired USB-C earbuds Google should have kept in the box. For $34, you get a dead-simple plug-and-play headset that just works with any modern phone, no charging required. The fit is surprisingly comfortable, and the inline controls are a nice touch for skipping tracks without pulling out your phone.

But let's be real about the sound. It's clear and gets the job done for podcasts and calls, but the bass is more of a polite suggestion than a heart-pounding experience. If you're coming from a decent pair of wireless buds, the audio here will feel a bit muffled and thin. Still, for the price, it's hard to complain too loudly.

Skip these if you crave thumping bass or plan to use them for critical music listening. The sound is too muffled and thin for that. Also, if you're rough on your gear, the build quality won't hold up to daily abuse for more than a couple of years.

Grab these if you want a cheap, reliable wired headset for calls and casual listening. They're perfect for hopping on a Zoom meeting, keeping in your bag as a backup, or using with a device that hates Bluetooth. The comfort and microphone quality are the real wins here, making up for the just-okay sound.