Apple EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug ​​​​​​​(2024)

Despite owning the latest Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation, USB-C) — which are brilliant in their own right — I keep coming back to these humble Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector. I’ve bought them repeatedly for over a decade, and honestly, I can’t imagine not having a pair nearby. Lightweight, simple, and more comfortable than most modern alternatives, especially for one specific use: sleep.While AirPods Pro offer incredible noise cancellation and wireless convenience, I find them unsuitable for overnight use. I sleep on my side, and the pressure from bulky buds can quickly cause ear soreness or dislodge them. The EarPods, on the other hand, rest so lightly in the ear that I barely feel them, even when my head’s on a very soft latex pillow. The flat shape doesn’t press deep into the ear canal, making them ideal for hours of use without discomfort.Of course, sleeping with earphones is something I researched thoroughly. To do it safely, I follow a strict hygiene routine. After every use, I spray the ear tips and mesh grilles with isopropyl alcohol from a small atomiser bottle, wipe them gently, and let them dry. I also regularly clean my ears, avoid excess wax build-up, and switch sleeping sides during the night for balance. It's a habit built over years and has never caused any irritation or infection.Functionally, EarPods still hold up. The audio is clean, vocals are crisp, and the inline remote is responsive and intuitive. There’s no battery to worry about, no Bluetooth pairing faff, and no signal drops. Plug in, press play, done. For podcasts, audiobooks, or ambient sounds through the night — they’re perfect. The Lightning connector is also more secure for sleep use than USB-C variants, which can wiggle loose.Sure, they’re not audiophile-grade, and they won’t blow you away with bass. But for nightly use, long listening sessions, or minimalist convenience, I can’t think of a better wired earphone. They’ve never failed me. I’ll continue to buy them for as long as Apple makes them. Quietly brilliant — and entirely dependable.

apple doesint fail so far, perfect fit and durability is though the roof. plug in play so super easy set up and design mega well though of so they don't fall out your ears. brill sound quality no complaints really,

Given these earphones 4/5. These are the basic usb-c headphones for anything usb-c related but I've been using them on my iPhone and MacBook Air. They are super cheap but the audio quality is great. They are lightweight, so not annoying in your ear. Connecting to my MacBook Air by usb c also allows for the volume control to work.The only downside is that I have to keep adjusting the earphones to sit in my ears. But once sat down and working away, the earphones dont move and the music still sounds amazing, for a pair of £19 earphones!Only reason I got these as I have a pair of Jabra 85T and they annoy me for long periods due to a tiny hiss and they make my ears itch a little due to the rubber.I'm glad I got these.

A really excellent set of earphones. Soooo pleased with them .

Sound quality is good but poor to no noise cancelling function. As it’s hard wired it’s friendly to your phones battery life. Over the years the design has evolved a little. Not as comfortable as air pods

Apple's own ear pods are undoubtedly the best! Others I have tried I always have to 'connect'! I use the 'plug in' ones.

As you would expect from Apple, pricey but good.

I didn't know that they only work with Apple products, probably my fault for not checking properly or simply not realising. I got them to use with a mixing desk for my small on-stage monitor and they aren't compatible with the normal 3.5mm outlet. Appears that Apple plugs have 4 sections and these don't line up properly with non-Apple sockets...Ironically my iPhone 15 doesn't work with wired headphones (without an adapter...more expense). They do work with my iPad pro gen 2 though, and they sound great!