Motorola Earbuds 3-S EARBUDS3-S-WHT
The 9.4mm drivers and built-in bass port deliver clear sound with emphasized low-end, while the anti-tangle flat cable and durable 135-degree angled plug enhance everyday reliability. The lightweight 32g build, three included silicone tip sizes, and hands-free in-line microphone prioritize practical comfort and call convenience. These wired earbuds are best for students or commuters needing an affordable, no-fuss headset for calls and casual listening.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Motorola Earbuds 3-S are cheap wired buds with a tangle-free cable and decent comfort. But the sound quality is terrible, landing in the 9th percentile, and durability is a common complaint. Only buy these if you need a $12 emergency backup and have zero expectations for music.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable fit for short listening sessions. 74th
- Flat cable actually resists tangling. 67th
- Works instantly with any 3.5mm jack, no charging needed.
- Dirt cheap and easy to replace.
Cons
- Sound quality is in the 9th percentile, it's genuinely bad for music.
- Durability is a gamble, with multiple reports of failure after a month.
- Mic quality is below average for calls.
- Foam ear pads can cause discomfort over time.
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.
Based on 13 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The 9.4mm drivers promise 'clear bass sound' but the reality is pretty thin. Our database puts the sound quality in the 9th percentile, which is one of the worst we've seen. Music sounds flat and struggles on both high and low pitches. The mic is mediocre at the 45th percentile, fine for a quick call but not for anyone who needs voice clarity. On the plus side, comfort sits at the 73rd percentile, so they're easy to wear for a while, though some owners report the foam pads cause ear pain after extended use.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Ear Tips | three size options |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Size | 9.4 |
| Impedance | 16 |
| Codecs | Motorola Earbuds 3-S Wired Earbuds with Microphone - Corded in-Ear Headphones, Comfortable Lightweight Silicone Ear Buds, Non-Tangle Flat Cable, 9.4mm Drivers Clear Bass Sound - White |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
Earbud Battery
| Charging | proprietary |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
vs Competition
Stacked against other budget options, the Earbuds 3-S fall behind fast. The Soundcore P31i or TOZO Crystal Pods will give you wireless freedom and significantly better sound for not much more money. Even Sony's WI-C100 neckband buds, while pricier, are in a completely different league for music. The JBL Endurance Race 2 are built for workouts and will actually survive sweat, unlike these. The only reason to pick the Motorolas is if you absolutely need a wired connection and have almost no budget.
| Spec | Motorola Earbuds 3-S EARBUDS3-S-WHT | Soundcore P31i | TOZO Crystal Pods | Baseus Bass BP1 Pro | Sony WI-C100 WIC100/B | JLab GO POP ANC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | - | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 6.0 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 10 | 7 | 12 | 25 | 7 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 50 | 35 | 55 | 25 | 24 |
| Water Resistance | - | IP55 | IPX5 | IP55 | IPX4 | IP55 |
| Multipoint | - | - | true | true | false | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola Earbuds 3-S EARBUDS3-S-WHT | 31.8 | 44 | 35 | 8.6 | 48.8 | 73.8 | 15.9 | 13.4 | 66.6 |
| Soundcore P31i Compare | 90.6 | 97.5 | 91.9 | 97.4 | 94.2 | 73.8 | 97.2 | 87.5 | 90.3 |
| TOZO Crystal Pods Compare | 93.5 | 91.9 | 91.9 | 95.4 | 84.9 | 73.8 | 97.2 | 97.1 | 81.4 |
| Baseus Bass BP1 Pro Compare | 97.4 | 97.5 | 91.9 | 89.6 | 96 | 73.8 | 92.1 | 98.7 | 90.3 |
| Sony WI-C100 WIC100/B Compare | 75.1 | 71 | 81.4 | 72.1 | 95.2 | 94.7 | 0 | 77 | 66.6 |
| JLab GO POP ANC Compare | 90.6 | 83.9 | 91.9 | 68.6 | 76.5 | 94.7 | 65 | 93.9 | 73.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Value is the one thing these have going for them, but it's complicated. The price range across vendors is wild, from $12 all the way up to an absurd $2,112. If you can snag them for around $12 on Amazon, you're getting what you pay for: a disposable pair of backup earbuds. Paying anything more than $20 for this level of sound and build quality is a mistake.
Amazon 1 offer From $11
Price History
Read more
Overview
Motorola's Earbuds 3-S are a throwback in a world gone wireless. They're simple, wired earbuds with a flat cable, an in-line mic, and a 3.5mm jack. If you just need something cheap to make your phone's FM radio work or to hop on a quick call, they technically do the job. But that's about where the praise ends.
Common Questions
Q: Do these work for making phone calls?
Yes, they have an in-line microphone, but the mic quality is only average. It's fine for a quick call in a quiet room, but your voice won't sound particularly clear.
Q: Are these good for listening to music?
Honestly, no. The sound quality is in the 9th percentile of all earbuds we've tested. Music will sound flat and lack detail, especially on high and low notes.
Q: Will the cable actually stay untangled?
The flat cable design does a surprisingly good job of resisting tangles compared to traditional round cables. It's one of the few bright spots in the design.
Who Should Skip This
Anyone who cares about music quality or plans to use these daily should skip them. If you need something durable for workouts, look at the JBL Endurance Race 2. If you just want cheap wireless buds that sound decent, the TOZO Crystal Pods are a much better buy. These Motorolas are a false economy if you have to replace them every other month.
Verdict
These are backup earbuds for a backup phone, and nothing more. If you need a wired pair to keep in your bag for an emergency call or to activate your phone's FM radio chip, and you find them for $12, fine. But if you plan to listen to music, podcasts, or take regular calls, spend a little more on literally anything else. Your ears will thank you.
