Apple EarPods (USB-C) Review: The Wired Earbuds People Still Buy
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Key specs
- Brand
- Apple
- Color
- White
- Form Factor
- In-ear, wired
- Connector
- USB-C
- Impedance
- 40 ohm
In a market full of wireless earbuds, wired EarPods keep selling because they solve problems wireless ones can't: zero charging, zero pairing, and a backup that always works.
Who it's for
These make the most sense as a backup pair, a budget option, or for anyone who specifically wants zero-latency, zero-battery audio for calls, gaming, or watching video without worrying about charge level. They're also a sensible pick for classrooms, offices, or shared devices where pairing Bluetooth repeatedly is a hassle. If your priority is workout use, noise isolation, or all-day wireless freedom, dedicated wireless earbuds with an in-ear seal will serve you better. EarPods' open-fit design trades noise isolation for comfort and never needing a battery.
What we liked
- No battery to manage is genuinely useful as a backup for when wireless earbuds die mid-day.
- USB-C plug now works directly with modern iPhones and most Android phones without an adapter.
- Built-in remote handles volume, calls, and playback without opening your phone.
What could be better
- No noise cancellation or seal. Background noise leaks through more than in-ear wireless earbuds.
- A cord is a cord. Not ideal for workouts or anything active.
Key specs, explained
- Connector (USB-C): This version plugs directly into any USB-C port, which now covers current iPhones and the vast majority of Android phones, so you don't need a Lightning or 3.5mm adapter to use them. However, it also means they can't be used while a phone is charging through the same port unless you use a splitter.
- Impedance (40 ohm): Impedance affects how much power is needed to drive the earbuds to a comfortable volume. At 40 ohms, EarPods are easy to drive from a phone's built-in amplifier without needing a separate headphone amp, unlike higher-impedance headphones meant for dedicated audio equipment.
- Form factor (in-ear, wired, open-fit): Unlike silicone-tipped earbuds that seal the ear canal, EarPods' shape rests in the ear without a tight seal. That means less passive noise isolation, but also less ear fatigue and no pressure buildup during long listening sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will these work with Android phones, or only iPhones? Since this version uses a standard USB-C connector rather than Apple's proprietary Lightning port, it works with most Android phones that have USB-C ports and support USB-C audio, in addition to current iPhones.
Q: Can I charge my phone and use these at the same time? Not through the same port since both the charger and EarPods use USB-C, you'd need a USB-C splitter/adapter that supports simultaneous charging and audio, or use a wireless charger instead.
Q: Do EarPods have a microphone for calls? Yes. the inline remote includes a built-in microphone along with volume buttons and a center button for playback, calls, and (on supported devices) Siri.
Should you buy it?
As a cheap, reliable backup for calls, for travel, for when your main earbuds are dead. These still make sense even in a wireless-first world.
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