Apple still sells its wired EarPods more than a decade after they debuted, and despite the dominance of AirPods, they remain a sensible choice for certain users. While AirPods have evolved to include noise cancellation, health tracking and even live translation, EarPods remain a stripped-back option that some people prefer for their simplicity and reliability rather than nostalgia alone.

EarPods need no charging, avoid Bluetooth pairing issues, and their wired microphone offers better voice quality than Bluetooth audio. They are available with 3.5mm, Lightning or USB-C connectors, making them compatible with a wide range of devices, though using the phone's port for audio means it cannot be charged simultaneously unless a splitter adapter is used. Crucially, EarPods cost just $19, compared with $129 for the cheapest AirPods, making them a cheap backup or replacement option even though they lack features such as noise cancellation.