I’m Using Apple’s $19 EarPods in 2024, and They’re Actually Great

Although AirPods have become incredibly popular in recent years, I’ve been using Apple’s lesser-known $19 EarPods in 2024, and I’m genuinely impressed. They offer more than just nostalgia; here’s why you should consider getting them too.

1 I Prefer Hard Tips Over Silicone Tips

While silicone tips definitely block out noise better than the hard tips found on EarPods, they come at a cost in terms of comfort for many people, including myself. I do occasionally use my AirPods Pro, and while I absolutely 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 EarPods don’t create a perfect seal in my ears and are lighter, they feel much more comfortable while still fitting securely and not slipping out when I move my head. If you also prefer hard tips like me but don’t want to compromise on Active Noise Cancellation, I’d highly recommend considering the AirPods 4 over the AirPods Pro 2.

2 I Don’t Need to Charge Them

There have been countless times when I left the house, pulled out my AirPods, and realized they were dead. It’s always frustrating, especially when I’m about to use public transit and really need them. Ensuring that all my devices are charged has always been a hassle, and not having to think about charging my earphones is a huge plus.

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 costing much more than EarPods.

I’ve been 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.

3 They’re Just $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 priced at just $19.

So, if you have an iPhone 15 or later with a USB-C port, as well as a MacBook or any other modern laptop, you can simply get 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, it makes a big difference, knowing I only have to pay $19 if I do lose them, rather than shelling out anywhere between $129 and $249 for replacing my AirPods.

4 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 rather than pointing towards your mouth all the way from your ears like the AirPods, they pick up your voice much better.

Additionally, Bluetooth can degrade audio quality due to limited bandwidth. Since EarPods use a wired connection, they deliver a crisper and clearer sound.

Even without any software-based noise cancellation, the microphone on EarPods simply sounds much better, even in windy or noisy conditions. If you’re a hobbyist musician like me, you’ll appreciate the EarPods even more because they have practically zero latency when recording a clip, which is not the case with the AirPods Pro 2.

While EarPods are absolutely impressive in 2024, they do have their drawbacks. The sound quality, while solid, can’t quite compete with the richer audio and immersive experience you get from AirPods.

The lack of a wireless connection is also a huge deal-breaker for many people. However, when it comes to a reliable, affordable backup pair of earphones, EarPods are perfect to keep in your bag for any situation.