VerdictAI
#5 in Best Wired In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

Apple · 8 more picks

Best for

Best everyday value

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.6(14,720)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGood
77/ 100

Current price

$19.00

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Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read

Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

Sources behind this verdict

12 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Apple USB-C EarPods generate a clear split between high-trust testing and popular sentiment. SoundGuys, a high-trust source, criticizes them for a distinct lack of bass, noticeable noise leakage and weak vocals on many tracks. Against that, verified-purchase reviewers on Target and community users on r/iems and r/airpods praise the clarity, imaging, plug-and-play built-in DAC, zero latency and all-day comfort, with several calling them their daily drivers and noting superior mic quality to AirPods.

What reviewers liked

  • Very high Amazon rating (4.6) over ~14,719 reviews and strong everyday-use sentiment
  • Built-in USB-C DAC, zero latency and plug-and-play convenience
  • Widely praised comfort for long wear and strong mic performance for calls

Where it falls short

  • SoundGuys (high-trust) flags weak bass, sound leakage and weak vocals
  • Open-style fit provides little isolation for noisy environments
  • Fit doesn't work for everyone, with some users reporting they won't stay seated

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Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Apple USB-C EarPods generate a clear split between high-trust testing and popular sentiment. SoundGuys, a high-trust source, criticizes them for a distinct lack of bass, noticeable noise leakage and weak vocals on many tracks. Against that, verified-purchase reviewers on Target and community users on r/iems and r/airpods praise the clarity, imaging, plug-and-play built-in DAC, zero latency and all-day comfort, with several calling them their daily drivers and noting superior mic quality to AirPods.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.

What customers say

4 verified voices
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Supportingvia Target customers
Looking to jump on the wired headphones trend? There are plenty of affordable options, but how do they sound? Of the four I tested, there's only one that should be on your shopping list.
Supporting!via PCMag
The clarity, imaging, and soundstage feel way beyond what you'd expect from wired buds at this price. plug and play, zero latency, built-in DAC ...
Supportingvia r/iems
The wired EarPods sound pretty good, and the microphone quality is actually superior to the AirPods. Definitely worth the $18 or however much ...
Supportingvia r/airpods

Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →

Video review

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Why is everyone buying these? Apple EarPods USB C” · YouTube

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