Alternative but similar to Apple Earpods?

[rsherid]

I actually like the wired Apple Earpods that come with iPhone 11, but they break so quickly. What’s an alternative that’s similar but higher quality build?

 

[IWT]

Hi rsherid,

Nice to hear from you again.

Do they have to be wired? If yes, then we can suggest other options. If no; well then you are into a different class of EarPods altogether.

Just in passing, I've had wired EarPods more or less from their introduction. Never had a "break". Now, I've gone wireless.

Ian

 

[chscag]

I actually like the wired Apple Earpods that come with iPhone 11, but they break so quickly. What’s an alternative that’s similar but higher quality build?

The Apple earbuds that ship with iPhones are not of good quality and like you stated, do not last very long. High quality wired earbuds can be very expensive. I suggest doing some shopping on Amazon or if you have a Best Buy close to your home, you can shop there.

I have purchased various makes over the years and while some last longer than others, overall, most earbuds that are not expensive are not going to last much longer than the Apple buds.

 

[rsherid]

The break in them is the wire inside the cord starts to show and then there’s static when listening. Might be time to try AirPods - they’re just really expensive. Question: How do people not lose them? What if you misplace them? Is there a “Find my Airpods” option?

 

[IWT]

The break in them is the wire inside the cord starts to show and then there’s static when listening. Might be time to try AirPods - they’re just really expensive. Question: How do people not lose them? What if you misplace them? Is there a “Find my Airpods” option?

I bought my first ever AirPods Pro about a month ago.

Personal impression:

Expensive, but I think worth it.
Very easy to set up and use including the noise cancellation feature
Nice built-in way of determining the best size for each ear via the iPhone (small-medium-large attachments provided and most people have differing ear canal sizes between left & right ears).
There are numerous ways of setting up what a "squeeze" of each Pod will achieve
Yes there is a sort of "Find My " misplaced AirPod
Yes, you can purchase individual ones if you permanently lose one.

I'm not endorsing them versus the competition. I just decided to give them a go. It's amazing what self isolation and boredom drives you to do;D

My wife may not understand the last statement!

Ian

 

[RadDave]

The break in them is the wire inside the cord starts to show and then there’s static when listening. Might be time to try AirPods - they’re just really expensive. Question: How do people not lose them? What if you misplace them? Is there a “Find my Airpods” option?

Boy, I've not used wired 'ear phones' for years - went Bluetooth (BT) ASAP - so definitely eliminate being tethered to your devices. As Ian has nicely outlined, Apple's AirPods are attractive but pricey - I've looked at them a number of times - as to one way to prevent loss, a strap can be used - there are plenty available cheaply on Amazon (see pic) - which would definitely be an accessory for me.

But there are just numerous BT options for listening to your 'media' on iDevices, and most are a lot less expensive than the AirPods - for myself, I have some 'in-ear' buds, bone-conduction earphones, and a pair of 'over the ear' headphones. As already suggested, look on Amazon or visit a local Best Buy (WELL, maybe not now! At least, wear a mask and distance yourself assuming the stores are even open?). Good luck in your selection - Dave
.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

The break in them is the wire inside the cord starts to show and then there’s static when listening. Might be time to try AirPods - they’re just really expensive. Question: How do people not lose them? What if you misplace them? Is there a “Find my Airpods” option?

Even more expensive are the Powerbeats Pro. But these have an earloop so no worries about them falling out and they sound GREAT once you find the right tips to your liking. I'm waiting on some Comply memory foam tips to arrive so I can try those. I actually didn't think I would like these Powerbeats since I am crazy sensitive to earbuds, but these I got used to quickly. Unlike the Airpods, these have real buttons to press, so you don't have to rely on voice commands.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I actually like the wired Apple Earpods that come with iPhone 11, but they break so quickly. What’s an alternative that’s similar but higher quality build?

Check out this article from a respected review site:

The Best Earbuds Under $50
The Best Earbuds Under $50 for 2020 | Reviews by Wirecutter

They even have a Bluetooth recommendation for only $17!