Apple EarPods are fairly simple entry-level wired headphones made for people who don’t need active noise cancellation, adaptive equalizers, advanced processors, or other Apple headphone bells and whistles. The company positions EarPods as a simple, reliable option for everyday use that lets you quickly plug into a smartphone and start listening to music, podcasts, or making calls without extra setup or worrying about a dead battery.


The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, and they stay in your ears even during long wear. The open earbud design doesn’t fully isolate you from the outside world, so you can still hear what’s going on around you. The in-line remote on the cable lets you switch tracks, adjust volume, and take calls, turning EarPods into a simple yet functional tool for everyday work and leisure.

For convenience, Apple released several versions of EarPods with different connectors. The model with a classic 3.5 mm mini-jack is intended for owners of older smartphones, laptops, and traditional audio gear. The EarPods version with a Lightning connector is intended for iPhone and iPad models from previous generations. And the USB-C variant ensures compatibility with newer Apple devices and other gadgets that support USB-C.