After misplacing my old AirPods last year, I turned to a pair of tried-and-true Lightning EarPods for several months until I upgraded to the iPhone 16. The transition back to wired headphones didn’t significantly impact my experience, aside from losing the wireless convenience. This leads me to believe that the EarPods still represent worthwhile value this year, especially since the new USB-C EarPods are currently discounted to $15.99, a savings of $3, available at Amazon and Walmart. This is the lowest price I’ve seen, making it a smart purchase for anyone who has lost their previous pair or is longing for the straightforward nature of wired earbuds.
The USB-C EarPods, launched in 2023, are tailored to be compatible with Apple’s latest iPhones, which have transitioned from the Lightning port to USB-C. Aside from that modification, these EarPods mirror their Lightning predecessors, including inline controls for volume adjustments and music playback. While they may lack advanced features found in newer AirPods models, their microphone quality remains highly praised among users, with some even finding it superior to older wireless options, including prior AirPods. The sound quality is commendable, making them a popular choice for calls among my colleagues.
What I appreciate most about these EarPods is their minimal maintenance requirements. There are no concerns regarding lag or battery life during extended use; simply plugging them in ensures an uninterrupted listening experience. Additionally, they are quite affordable to replace, which aligns perfectly with my tendency to misplace them.
