Although AirPods have become incredibly popular in recent years, I’m using Apple’s lesser-known $19 EarPods in 2024, and I’m really impressed. They offer more than just nostalgia; here’s why you should consider buying them.
I prefer hard tips over silicone tips
While silicone tips certainly block out noise better than the hard tips found on EarPods, they’re too expensive for comfort for many people, including myself. I use my AirPods Pro occasionally, and while I love the active noise cancellation feature, I can’t wear them for more than an hour or two without getting a headache from the seal created by the silicone tips.
Since the EarPods don’t form a perfect seal in my ears and are lighter, they feel more comfortable while also fitting securely and not slipping off when I move my head. If you like tighter tips like me but don’t want to compromise on active noise cancellation, I would recommend considering the AirPods 4 instead of the AirPods Pro 2.
I don’t have to charge them
There have been countless occasions when I’ve left the house, taken out my AirPods and found that they’ve run out of battery. This is always frustrating, especially when I’m about to take public transport and I really need them. Making sure all my devices are charged has always been a hassle, and not having to think about charging my earphones is a huge benefit.
With my EarPods, I can just plug them into my iPhone and not worry about battery life. Plus, AirPods’ batteries degrade over time, lasting less on a single charge and becoming more disposable—all while being much more expensive than EarPods.
I’m using the same pair of EarPods that came with my iPhone XR in 2018, and they still work perfectly. Meanwhile, my first-generation AirPods Pro started showing signs of battery degradation and other issues within two years of purchase.
They’re only $19
Perhaps the biggest advantage of EarPods is their price. They come in three versions: one with a 3.5mm connector, another with a Lightning connector, and a third with a USB-C connector—all for just $19.
So, if you have an iPhone 15 or later with a USB-C port, as well as a MacBook or other modern laptop, you can simply buy the USB-C EarPods and connect them to both devices without any dongles or converters. Just plug them in, and they’re ready to go.
Considering how easy it is to lose your earphones, this makes a huge difference, knowing that I’ll only have to pay $19 if I lose them, rather than spending anywhere between $129 and $249 to replace my AirPods.
Better microphone quality than AirPods Pro
Interestingly, one area where the $19 EarPods absolutely outperform the AirPods Pro 2 is microphone quality – there’s a noticeable difference. Since the EarPods’ microphone is positioned near your lower jaw instead of pointing from your ears to your mouth like the AirPods, they pick up your voice better.
Also, Bluetooth can degrade audio quality due to limited bandwidth. Since the EarPods use a wired connection, they deliver a crisp and clear sound.
Even without any software-based noise cancellation, the microphone on the EarPods sounds much better, even in windy or noisy conditions. If you’re an amateur musician like me, you’ll appreciate the EarPods even more as they have practically zero latency when recording clips, which is not the case with the AirPods Pro 2.
Although the EarPods are absolutely impressive in 2024, they also have some shortcomings. The sound quality, though solid, can’t match the rich audio and immersive experience you get from the AirPods.
The lack of a wireless connection is also a big deal-breaker for many. However, when it comes to reliable, affordable backup earphones, the EarPods are perfect to keep in your bag for any situation.
