# Why Apple still sells $19 EarPods

> AirPods win on features, but Apple's cheap wired buds solve problems no wireless pair can.
- Title: Why Apple still sells $19 EarPods · Engadget | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: apple, earpods, airpods, audio, gadgets, technology, still, sells, Engadget
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2251050/apple-wired-earpods-still-worth-buying
- Author: Filipe Espósito
- Published: 2026-09-13T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple, earpods, airpods, audio, gadgets, technology
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.