Apple EarPods Headphones with 3.5mm Plug: A Comfortable and High-Quality Audio Experience

The Apple EarPods are a classic wired earbud that have been around since 2012. Despite being an older model, they continue to be a popular choice for Apple device users due to their sound quality, comfortable fit, inline controls, and affordable price point. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at the design, features, audio performance, and overall value of the EarPods to help you decide if they are the right earbuds for you.

Overview

Apple EarPods with 3.5mm Plug are wired earphones designed by Apple, known for their comfortable fit and decent sound quality at an affordable price. Released in 2012, they have become a popular choice among Apple users due to their ergonomic design and user-friendly features. Despite being an older model, the EarPods continue to be relevant, especially for those who prefer wired earphones or have older Apple devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

History and Evolution

The EarPods were first introduced by Apple in 2012, replacing the previous generation earbuds that came with iPods and iPhones. They quickly gained popularity due to their improved design and sound quality compared to their predecessors. Over the years, Apple has made minor revisions to the EarPods, but the core design and features have remained largely unchanged.

Design

The EarPods feature Apple’s signature contoured design that is optimized to fit the geometry of the ear for comfort and stability. The smooth, hard plastic body rests gently inside the ear without inserting too deeply into the ear canal. The sleek white color matches Apple’s aesthetic. Additionally, the EarPods are designed to be sweat and moisture resistant, making them suitable for light exercise or outdoor use. The cable is 1.2m long and connects to devices via a 3.5mm headphone plug. The cable is made of a durable rubber material that is designed to resist tangling.

Features and Controls

The EarPods have an inline remote and mic module about halfway down the right audio cable. It has volume up/down buttons to control volume levels on compatible iOS devices. There is also a center button that handles play/pause, call answer/end, and digital assistant activation. The built-in microphone allows for clear call quality and voice commands.

Sound Quality

The EarPods produce very good sound quality for the price. The sound signature is balanced with clear mids and highs. The frequency response is wide, covering the range of human hearing, and the soundstage is surprisingly spacious for earbuds.
Bass response has decent punch but lacks some depth. The soundstage feels intimate yet airy. Volume levels can get quite loud thanks to the efficient speaker design. However, some audiophiles may find the sound to be a bit lacking in warmth and depth. Overall, the audio is clean and detailed which enhances the listening experience.

Built-in Microphone

The EarPods feature a high-quality built-in microphone that ensures clear and crisp audio during phone calls and voice commands. This microphone is strategically positioned to pick up your voice accurately, even in noisy environments. Whether you’re taking a business call or chatting with friends, the EarPods’ microphone delivers reliable performance.

3.5mm Headphone Plug

The EarPods come equipped with a standard 3.5mm headphone plug, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of devices. This universal connector allows you to easily plug the EarPods into your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any other audio device with a 3.5mm audio port. Whether you’re using an Apple device or not, the 3.5mm plug ensures hassle-free connectivity.

Tangle-Resistant Cable

The EarPods’ cable is designed with a tangle-resistant material, minimizing the frustration of tangled wires. This thoughtful feature ensures that you can quickly and easily untangle the EarPods and get to listening to your music or taking calls without any hassle.

Comfort and Fit

The contoured shape allows the EarPods to rest comfortably and securely inside most ears. This is due to their ergonomic design, which is based on the shape of the human ear canal. Since they don’t seal the ear canal, you avoid the stuffed up feeling from noise isolating designs. The hard plastic shell can cause discomfort over long listening sessions for those with small ears. Trying different eartip sizes can improve the fit.

Durability

The EarPods are reasonably durable thanks to the sturdy build quality and tangle-resistant cable. With proper care, they can easily last over a year of regular use. The most common point of failure is cable damage near the headphones or plug.

Compatibility

The EarPods are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods. They can also be used with other devices that have a 3.5mm headphone jack, such as Android smartphones and laptops. However, some features, like volume control, may not work on non-Apple devices.

Use Cases

The EarPods work great for:
- Listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks
- Making calls on iPhone or Android
- Voice assistant access like Siri
- Casual listening while commuting or at work
- Everyday audio needs on a budget

Value

At around $20, the EarPods deliver outstanding value compared to other wired earbuds in this price tier. The combination of Apple’s acoustic engineering, sturdy construction, comfortable fit and surprisingly good sound justify the investment for those on a budget. While higher end models exist, the EarPods provide an ideal balance of quality and affordability. Considering their long-lasting performance if properly maintained, they represent a worthwhile purchase for light use cases. For those wanting an inexpensive but capable earbud for casual listening, the EarPods are a smart choice.

Conclusion

The Apple EarPods continue to be an excellent wired earbud option, especially for iPhone users. The comfort-focused design, convenient controls, and surprisingly good audio make these a solid choice for casual listening and calls. If you want good sound without breaking the bank, the EarPods get the job done.