Apple EarPods USB-C Review: Worth It for Calls?

Apple EarPods (USB-C)

Photos coming soon.

The short version

Buy it if

People who want cheap wired earbuds for calls and casual listening
Owners of USB-C phones, tablets and laptops without a headphone jack
Anyone who wants a backup pair with no battery to manage

Skip it if

You want noise isolation or a snug in-ear fit
You plan to wear them for workouts
Music quality matters more than call quality

What owners like

Clear call quality, even in noisy places
Simple and reliable with no battery to charge
Work with non-Apple USB-C devices such as Android phones and handheld PCs
Comfortable for people whose ears suit the shape

Common complaints

Thin bass and muddy sound for music
No seal, so outside noise leaks in
Fall out easily, especially during exercise
Thin cable and strain relief can wear out with pocket use
Some Android phones are reported not to work with them

Based on Hands on reviews from SoundGuys and TechGearLab and a Slickdeals community thread..

Research scores

Performance 5.5 clear call mic, but thin bass and no noise isolation

Build quality 6.0 durable shells, though the thin cable and strain relief can wear

Ease of use 7.5 plug in and go with an inline remote, but the open fit falls out easily

Value 7.0 low price for reliable call earbuds

Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.

Ownership

Owned sinceNov 2025

Owned for11 months

Times bought1

Price range$

Nov 2025
First bought.

Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.

What it does

Apple's wired earbuds with a USB-C plug and an inline remote and microphone. This page covers them in place of the unbranded USB-C wired earphones, which had too little readable coverage.

USB-C plug works with recent iPhones, iPads, Android phones and laptops
Inline remote adjusts volume, controls playback and answers calls
Call microphone that reviewers rate as clear
No battery, pairing or charging
Open design keeps you aware of your surroundings

A cheap, plug in and go pair for calls, podcasts and casual listening on USB-C phones, tablets and laptops, with a call microphone that reviewers rate well. The trade-off is fit and sound: the hard open shell has no ear tips, lets outside noise in and falls out easily, so anyone who wanted the sealed, in-ear fit of the original should look at the alternatives.

How it compares

Moondrop Chu IIBetter sound and a sealed in-ear fit if you are willing to use a USB-C adapter$

JLab Go Air PopBetter if you would rather go wireless at a low price$

KZ ZSN Pro XBetter for wired music listening with ear tips that block noise$

Specs

Connector: USB-C
Cable length: About 112 cm (44 in), per TechGearLab
Weight: 11.9 g, per TechGearLab
Controls: Inline remote with volume up, volume down and a multifunction button
Microphone: Inline call mic
Ear tips: None, open fit
Water rating: None

Worth knowing

There is no water resistance rating, so keep them away from heavy sweat and rain.
The open fit lets traffic and other sounds through, which matters when walking or cycling near roads.

Questions

Do USB-C EarPods work with Android phones?

Usually. Owners report they work with Android phones and other USB-C devices, but SoundGuys found at least one Android phone they did not work with.

Do USB-C EarPods have noise cancelling?

No. They have an open fit with no ear tips, so outside noise comes through.

Are USB-C EarPods good for calls?

Yes. TechGearLab rated the call mic well, and owners report clear voice quality.

Are they good for running?

Not really. Reviewers found they fall out during vigorous movement and they have no water rating.

Sources

Researched 2026-10-02. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.