Apple EarPods USB-C review

The Apple EarPods (USB-C) are very similar in shape to the 2nd generation of AirPods, with an ovoid opening at the end of a rather round, hard plastic earbud. To 1xbet download the Apple EarPods (USB-C)’s credit, they don’t do anything to change the formula that Apple users have been used to for over a decade now. All products featured are independently chosen by us. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. For the latest info, you should check the product page. As we don’t review these answers, we can’t take responsibility for anything they may say.

The Apple EarPods USB-C released in 2023 and are the tech giant’s debut in the wired USB-C world. Overall, then, the Apple EarPods USB-C are pretty solid given their low price – that is if you can deal with their lack of ear tips. The soundstage is a tad messy, with instruments often failing to find a defined pocket to play in. Sure, they still have the token Apple charm, sleek looks and minimalist design, and the wired look is aesthetically pleasing, in my view. And in terms of quality, the mic is pretty standard. The wire is also slim, rounded and not too bad of an offender when it comes to cable noise – which is still noticeable, but not overwhelming.

• This looser fit means that sound isn’t perfectly concentrated and the buds will sometimes feel as if they’re falling out of your ears.
• If you want passive noise isolation, you’re better off choosing some buds with ear tips in order to form a sound-repelling seal.
• They’re cheap earbuds that may end up in your junk drawer, but they work and cost less than $20.
• The Apple EarPods (USB-C) receive high praise for their sound quality, comfort, and reliability.

This muddiness almost smothered D’Angiò’s smooth, deep vocals, cluttering the soundstage. On top of that, you get a decent helping of bass – even if it’s not ultra-clear or able to stretch to extreme depths. But for the most part, they do still offer adequate audio.

You’re an audiophileIf top-drawer audio quality is what you’re after, keep looking. You’re on a tight budgetThese buds subvert the preconception that many have of Apple products – they’re not expensive at all. Vocals were decently clear on a voice recording and phone call, although there is some noticeable static in the background – something that’s typical for cheap and even some less cheap buds. It is worth noting, though, that some may find wearing buds with eartips for extended periods uncomfortable – so your impression of the fit itself will vary depending on personal preference.

Should you buy the Apple EarPods USB-C?

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Take a trip back to the iPod era with these wired Apple earbuds

These wired earbuds may not fit your iPod anymore, but they’ll work with almost any modern handset – Apple or not – thanks to their USB-C connector. We also don’t recommend the Apple EarPods (USB-C) for working out, as the poor fit and cables will create many opportunities for the earbuds to rocket out of your ears. We often take a dim view of earbuds that don’t block out much outside noise, and we do here as well. Geared towards the kind of folks that really only need something to play back audio on the cheap, Apple’s EarPods aren’t going to make you forget about the best earbuds out there. Sure, the controller is a little fiddly, but otherwise these are a great pair of wired earbuds.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It seems as though the Apple EarPods (USB-C) won’t work with all phones. Something may snag the wire, or the naturally slippery buds could just pop out on their own.

Unlike traditional, circular earbuds, the design of the EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. It’s not immediately clear why, but we were unable to get the earbuds to work with Asus phones, but Samsung devices were okay. You’ll have better luck with earbuds that actually seal to the ear for this activity. If you were hoping to listen to your tunes at a lower volume (or prevent people nearby from hearing what you’re listening to), these are not the kind of product to buy.

At just $19 / £19 / AU$29, they’re ideal if you’re working with a limited budget. You love the way Apple products lookIf you typically like the white, glossy look of Apple’s peripherals, you’ll surely be a big fan of these buds – well, design-wise at least. But on a positive note, these are a very elegant pair of wired buds – in fact, a lot of budget competitors can’t even come close in the style department. A less debatable flaw of the relatively loose fit of the EarPods is that it allows a lot of external noise to seep through.

When listening to music I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains songs spanning a variety of genres – though I also spent hours blasting bangers from my personal library. I tested the EarPods USB-C in the office, at home and while out on walks near busy roads. If your top priority is style, these hit the right notes, thanks to a diminutive connector, sleek curved buds and a slim wire. They’re available for just $19 / £19 / AU$29 – that’s in-line, or cheaper than a lot of competitors. One of the most attractive things about these buds is their super-low price.

Just like the old HTC, Huawei, and Google earbuds, the Apple EarPods (USB-C) don’t work with all other phones. These earbuds aren’t designed to seal to your ear, so you’re signing up for all the problems that come with that. Because the Apple EarPods (USB-C) is a set of hyper-cheap earbuds, it’s hard to be honest without being harsh to them. When appropriate, I compared these buds to the similarly priced Skullcandy Set USB-C, in order to better assess audio quality, comfort and elements of design. SoundMAGIC E80DIf you want to take a step-up on the Apple EarPods audio quality-wise, the SoundMagic E80D could be the perfect fit.

The Apple EarPods (USB-C) receive high praise for their sound quality, comfort, and reliability. To learn more about the cost covered by Apple for recycling and managing waste batteries, visit regulatoryinfo.apple.com/regulation1542 (opens in a new window) MyC-SPAN users can download four Congressional hearings and proceedings under four hours for free each month. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. The win completes a stunning turnaround orchestrated by second-year coach Curt Cignetti. He reviews everything from party speakers to wall chargers and has a particular interest in the worlds of audio and gaming.