# Apple EarPods

18 Hacker News commenters recommended Apple EarPods and 4 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 4 of 13 months. It meets the Hacker Approved badge rule.

**Verdict:** People recommend the wired EarPods for a reliable connection, no batteries, and a good microphone for calls. Caveat: they pick up more background noise than AirPods.

## Why people recommend it

- Good microphone for calls (7 comments): "The audio quality is acceptable on public transit, they’re cheap enough to lose and the mic is surprisingly good." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47374369)) "With wired earpods, people put the mic next to their mouth and get above-average audio quality." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47373623)) "Speech clarity is just so much better even with Earpods compared to tws earplugs." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47375979))
- Reliable wired connection, no batteries (3 comments): "I like having a reliable wired connection that works and disconnects predictably." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47375587)) "no battery, no silicone tip, no bt compression, happiness" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49638344)) "Wired solves all of this." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47373960))
- Cheap and solid build (2 comments): "The audio quality is acceptable on public transit, they’re cheap enough to lose and the mic is surprisingly good." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47374369)) "the Apple ones are cheap and solid, mic is also nice for calls" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47375596))
- Works with iPhone and iPad (3 comments): "If you want Apple-quality headphones to go with your MacBook Neo" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47407434)) "I cannot be happier with those for my iphone and ipad, resp." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47374425)) "I've had no trouble using corded headphones with my iphones" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46372686))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Sony wired earbuds](https://hackerapproved.com/p/sony-earbuds.md): 10 recommend
- [Shure SE215](https://hackerapproved.com/p/shure-se215.md): 5 recommend

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+EarPods+USB-C+wired+headphones&tag=hackerapprove-20) (affiliate link)
- [Official site](https://www.apple.com/us/search/EarPods-USB-C?rdt=redirectionFromProductPage&tab=accessories)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Apple EarPods", https://hackerapproved.com/p/apple-earpods/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).