From Engadget · Filipe Espósito · · 1m 20s
Why Apple still sells $19 EarPods
AirPods win on features, but Apple's cheap wired buds solve problems no wireless pair can.
In brief
AirPods win on features, but Apple's cheap wired buds solve problems no wireless pair can. For $19, EarPods buy you zero charging, zero pairing and better mic quality, so keep a pair around even if AirPods are your daily driver. Originally reported by Engadget.
AirPods turn 10
A decade in, Apple's wireless buds do noise cancellation, heart rate and live translation. Wireless won the argument. Mostly.
“If people ever had doubts about wireless earbuds, that's largely a concern of the past”
A stubborn niche remains
Some people still buy the wired earbuds that used to ship in the iPhone box. It isn't only nostalgia keeping them alive.
Not just wired vs wireless
AirPods Pro 3 track your heart rate during a workout and add Spatial Audio. EarPods are plain earbuds with no gestures and no voice commands.
“AirPods are packed with modern features that make them go far beyond a simple pipe for transmitting audio.”
Nothing to charge or pair
No battery means no red battery icon after a few days off the charger. A cord means no Bluetooth re-pairing when you hand them to a friend.
“EarPods require zero maintenance.”
Better mic, three plugs
Wired audio still beats Bluetooth for voice quality, and EarPods come in 3.5mm, Lightning and USB-C. The catch: no charging while you listen, unless you carry a splitter.
“Bluetooth audio still doesn't sound as good as wired audio.”
$19 versus $129
The cheapest AirPods cost $129 and aren't the good ones. EarPods cost $19, less than replacing a lost AirPod at $69 and up.
“For $19, EarPods are unbeatable.”
The short version
For $19, EarPods buy you zero charging, zero pairing and better mic quality, so keep a pair around even if AirPods are your daily driver.
