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Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, Wired Ear Buds for iPhone with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
Apple

Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, Wired Ear Buds for iPhone with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

4.6(25K+ reviews, all variants)
budget$0-$4910K+ bought in past month
weight
1.13 ounces
connectivity
Wired

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AI Verdict

These are basic, reliable wired earbuds with a surprisingly crisp inline microphone, perfect for endless Zoom calls and people who hate charging batteries.

Situational Fit

The 1.13-ounce hard plastic design is strictly a love-it-or-hate-it shape that offers zero passive noise cancellation. They excel as a zero-latency, battery-free communication tool for iOS devices thanks to the highly rated inline microphone. If you need deep bass or commute in loud environments, the unsealed fit will completely wash out your audio.

If you need to block out background noise, look for earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) and silicone ear tips.

Regret Score™

Low Risk

Lower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity

23/100
vs. 385 Speakers & Audio we've analyzedSafer than 75%
Hidden Defects
9/35

Issues discovered after purchase

Achilles' Heel
0/25

Critically weak dimension

Expectation Gap
5/20

Amazon rating vs actual quality

Fit Risk
9/20

Chance this product isn't for you

BuyChoice Score
3.6

Pros

  • Inline microphone captures voice clearer than the iPhone's built-in mic during FaceTime and Zoom calls
  • Semi-open plastic shell avoids the pressurized feeling of silicone ear tips
  • Built-in remote allows instant volume adjustments and call muting with a physical pinch
  • Zero latency and no battery to charge thanks to the direct Lightning connection
  • Paper-like diaphragm material delivers a balanced midrange without artificial bass boosting

Cons

  • Hard plastic casing lacks interchangeable tips, meaning they either fit your ear geometry or they fall out
  • Zero passive noise isolation lets in background noise and leaks your audio to people sitting nearby
  • The thin rubberized cable is prone to tangling and the adhesive on the earbud seams can fail after a couple of years
  • Lacks the dynamic range and sub-bass punch found in dedicated IEMs with silicone seals

Dimension Scores

Sound Quality6/10

Balanced mids and clear vocals, but lacks the detail, dynamic range, and attack of dedicated audiophile earbuds.

Bass & Volume5/10

The unsealed design prevents deep sub-bass buildup, and the volume output is adequate but not deafening.

Connectivity9/10

Instant, zero-latency audio through the Lightning port with no Bluetooth pairing required.

Build & Portability7/10

At 1.13 ounces they disappear in a pocket, but the thin rubber cable is prone to tangling and long-term fraying.

Best For

  • Back-to-back Zoom meetings in a quiet home office
  • Listening to podcasts while walking where you need to hear traffic
  • Keeping as a reliable backup pair in your laptop bag

Not Recommended For

  • Commuting on loud trains or airplanes due to zero noise isolation
  • Cycling or intense workouts where sweat and movement will make the hard plastic slip out

Watch Out For

  • No silicone tips included — if the one-size-fits-all hard plastic shell doesn't match your ear shape, they will constantly fall out.
  • Severe sound leakage — anyone sitting next to you in a quiet room will hear exactly what you are listening to.
  • Cable durability issues — the wire near the Lightning connector tends to fray if you bend it sharply in your pocket.
  • Volume limits on non-Apple devices — the inline volume controls often do not work if you plug them into a Windows PC via an adapter.

Full Specifications

UPC195949506055
ASINB0D7FVQ1ZB
BrandApple
ColorWhite
StyleLightning
Units1.0 Count
MaterialPlastic
Impedance23 Ohms
Model NameEarPods with Lightning Connector
Form FactorIn Ear
Item Weight1.13 ounces
Control TypeVolume Control, Call Control, Voice Control
ManufacturerApple
Cable FeatureRetractable
Ear PlacementIn Ear
Noise ControlSound Isolation
Control MethodTouch
Headphones JackLightning
Number of Items1
Special FeatureFoldable, Lightweight, Microphone Included, Volume Control, iOS Phone Control
Audio Driver TypeDynamic Driver
Item model numberMWTY3AM/A
Compatible DevicesCellphones, Desktops, Gaming Consoles, Laptops, Telephones
Product Dimensions2.67 x 0.82 x 2.66 inches
Included ComponentsEarPods with Lightning Connector
Water Resistance LevelNot Water Resistant
Age Range (Description)Adult
Connectivity TechnologyWired
Specific Uses For ProductMusic
Recommended Uses For ProductAudio Monitoring, Calling, Cycling, Exercising, Gaming
Wireless Communication TechnologyWired

What Buyers Say

The microphone quality is the biggest shocker here, consistently beating out expensive wireless earbuds for voice clarity on calls. The hard plastic shell divides buyers — some find the lack of silicone tips a massive relief from ear canal pressure, while others experience physical pain after an hour of use. Audio performance is strictly middle-of-the-road, prioritizing clear dialogue for podcasts and calls over thumping bass. The direct Lightning connection eliminates Bluetooth latency and battery anxiety, making them a staple for office workers. The most frequent complaint involves the thin cable tangling easily and eventually failing near the connector joint.

“I bought these just so I wouldn't have to charge my wireless buds during 4 hour zoom calls and honestly the mic sounds way better anyway even if the wires get tangled in my pocket.”

Common Praise

  • Microphone captures crisp, natural voice audio without sounding muffled
  • Semi-open design prevents the 'plugged ear' feeling during long conversations
  • Inline remote allows instant muting and volume adjustments without touching the phone
  • Zero battery anxiety or Bluetooth pairing friction

Common Complaints

  • Hard plastic casing causes physical ear fatigue for users with smaller ears
  • Zero noise isolation makes them useless on airplanes or loud trains
  • Smooth plastic slips out of ears easily during physical activity
  • Rubber cable coating degrades and frays near the Lightning plug over time

Ownership Tips

  • The white rubber cable attracts dirt quickly and requires wiping down with rubbing alcohol to stay clean.
  • The adhesive holding the two halves of the plastic earbud shell can split open after a year of daily use.
  • Audio leaks heavily at volumes above 60%, meaning coworkers will hear your music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these sound better than the old 3.5mm headphone jack version?

Yes, the Lightning connector version bypasses the phone's internal DAC and uses its own, resulting in slightly clearer audio that isn't as muddy as the older 3.5mm models.

Can I use the volume buttons on a Windows laptop?

No, the inline volume controls (+ and -) are designed specifically for iOS and macOS devices. If you use a Lightning-to-USB adapter for a PC, you will have to adjust the volume on the computer itself.

Do these have a microphone for gaming or calls?

Yes, there is an integrated microphone on the right cable strand. It sits close to your mouth and picks up voice audio very clearly for phone calls, Discord, and Zoom.

Will these stay in my ears while running?

Probably not. The smooth plastic shell lacks any grip or ear hooks, making them prone to slipping out when you sweat or move heavily.

Do I need to charge them?

No, they draw power directly from the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad, so they are always ready to use.

Buying Guide

You are buying these for convenience and microphone quality, not for an immersive music experience. The hard plastic design means they sit loosely in your outer ear rather than sealing your ear canal. This is fantastic for hearing your own voice naturally during phone calls, but terrible for blocking out a noisy coffee shop. Treat the thin cable gently, especially where it meets the Lightning plug, as bending it sharply will snap the internal wires.

Lightning Connector

Plugs directly into the charging port of older iPhones (iPhone 5 through 14) and iPads, bypassing the need for a 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.

Integrated Microphone

Sits on the cable right next to your jaw, acting like a tiny boom mic to capture your voice much clearer than a microphone hidden up by your ear.

Semi-open Earbud Design

Rests in the ear rather than plugging it like a cork, letting ambient room noise in so you stay aware of your surroundings.

Alternatives

If you need to block out background noise or want heavier bass, search for 'in-ear monitors with silicone tips' or 'active noise cancelling earbuds'.

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