With a new price under €20, Apple’s USB-C EarPods cater to users prioritising reliability and compatibility over advanced features, offering an affordable wired solution amid more expensive wireless rivals.
Apple’s USB-C EarPods have slipped back below the €20 mark, with Amazon and MediaMarkt both listing them at €16.99. For buyers who still prefer wired headphones, the appeal is straightforward: no battery to charge, no pairing step and immediate use with newer USB-C devices.
According to Apple, the EarPods are shaped to follow the geometry of the ear for a more comfortable fit, and the in-line remote handles volume, playback and calls. The company says they work with iPhone models running iOS 17 or later, iPads on iPadOS 16.4 or later and Macs on macOS Monterey 12.6 or later, which makes them a neat fit for Apple users who want a simple plug-in accessory.
Reviews from SoundGuys and TechRadar suggest that simplicity is the product’s main strength and also its main limit. The EarPods are easy to live with and inexpensive, but they do not isolate noise and cannot match the richer sound or extra features of better wireless models. Consumer Reports reached a similar conclusion, saying they remain usable for music and voice but have clear shortcomings in bass, detail and overall refinement.
That makes the current discount most relevant for a narrow group of buyers: people who value reliability, compatibility and price over advanced audio features. Compared with AirPods 4, which Amazon and MediaMarkt list at €129 and which add a charging case, Siri support, spatial audio and the H2 chip, the EarPods are a basic alternative rather than a rival. Even so, when the price drops under €20, they remain a practical spare set for commuting, office use or as a backup in a bag.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
