If you want simple wired earbuds for a USB-C device, the Apple EarPods with USB-C Plug are still worth a look. They are small, light, easy to use, and do not need charging.
The best part is the simple plug-and-play design. Just connect the USB-C plug and start listening. There is no Bluetooth setup. There is no pairing. There is no battery to charge.
These EarPods also have a built-in remote. You can control music, adjust volume, and answer or end calls without reaching for your phone.
But they are not perfect.
The open ear design does not block much outside noise. The fit can also depend on your ear shape. So, are they a good buy?
In this Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug review, I will cover the design, sound, comfort, controls, microphone, compatibility, pros, cons, and more.
Apple EarPods USB-C Quick Review
The Apple EarPods USB-C are a good choice for people who want basic wired earbuds without the hassle of wireless audio.
They are best for everyday listening, calls, podcasts, videos, work, and travel. The built-in remote is also very handy.
I would not pick them for heavy bass, strong noise isolation, or workouts where earbuds need to stay locked in place.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Product | EarPods with USB-C Connector |
| ASIN | B0DCH8VDXF |
| Connection | USB-C |
| Design | Wired earbuds |
| Microphone | Built-in |
| Remote | Built-in |
| Volume Control | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes |
| Call Control | Yes |
| Noise Cancellation | No |
| Battery | Not required |
| Color | White |
| Best For | Music, calls, videos, podcasts, daily use |
Apple EarPods USB-C Review
Simple Wired Design
The first thing I like about these EarPods is the simple design.
There is no charging case. There are no pairing steps. There is no Bluetooth menu to open.
The cable connects directly to your device through USB-C.
That makes these earbuds easy to use when you just want sound without extra steps.
The classic Apple EarPods shape is also familiar. They sit in the outer part of the ear instead of using silicone tips that go deep into the ear canal.
This can feel more open and less tight than many modern in-ear earbuds.
The downside is fit.
Not every ear has the same shape. Some people may find the EarPods very comfortable. Others may find that they move around or do not stay secure.
So, comfort is partly personal with this design.
USB-C Connection Is the Big Upgrade
The USB-C plug is the main reason to consider this version.
Many newer phones, tablets, and other devices now use USB-C. That makes a USB-C wired earbud much more useful than an older connector.
For compatible devices, you simply plug them in and listen.
There is no wireless connection to drop.
There is also no need to remember to charge the earbuds before leaving home.
That is a big plus for me when I want a simple backup pair.
Still, USB-C does not mean universal compatibility.
A device needs to support USB-C audio for the EarPods to work properly. Some USB-C devices may also have limited support for controls.
So I would check your device before buying.
Sound Quality
The sound is good for basic everyday listening.
Voices are easy to hear. Podcasts sound clear. Videos are enjoyable. Calls also sound natural.
For casual music, the EarPods do a decent job.
But I would not buy them if deep bass is your main goal.
The open design does not create the same seal as silicone in-ear earbuds. Because of this, outside noise can also affect what you hear.
In a quiet room, they can sound quite pleasant.
On a busy street or loud train, you may want more isolation.
That is one of the main trade-offs.
You get a more open feel, but you give up strong noise blocking.
Built-In Remote
The built-in remote is one of the best features here.
It gives you physical controls on the cable.
You can use it to control music and video playback. You can also adjust the volume and manage calls.
This is useful when your phone is in your pocket.
It also makes the EarPods feel very simple.
There is no touch control to learn. There are no gestures to remember.
You press the button and use the controls.
For people who prefer physical buttons, this is a nice benefit.
Microphone and Phone Calls
The built-in microphone makes these EarPods useful for calls.
For normal phone calls and voice chats, the microphone can be handy.
The wired connection also means you do not have to worry about wireless connection problems while talking.
For office calls, casual conversations, and daily phone use, the microphone is a useful part of the package.
Of course, microphone performance can change based on the device, app, and surroundings.
In a quiet room, you should get the best results.
In a noisy place, background sounds can still be a problem.
Comfort
Comfort is one area where the Apple EarPods can be either very good or just okay.
I like the idea of an earbud that does not push a silicone tip deep into the ear.
This can feel more relaxed during long listening sessions.
There is also less of that plugged-up feeling that some people get from sealed earbuds.
But the hard plastic shape is not adjustable.
That means you cannot change the fit with different ear tips.
If the shape matches your ears, the EarPods can feel very comfortable.
If it does not, they may feel loose.
This is something to keep in mind before buying.
Are They Good for Working Out?
I would be careful here.
The cable can get in the way during exercise. The earbuds also do not lock into the ear like many sports earbuds.
If you are walking slowly, they may be fine.
For running, jumping, or intense workouts, I would choose earbuds designed for sports.
The open design also does not give you the same secure fit as many silicone-tip models.
So these are better suited to desk work, casual walking, travel, and everyday use.
No Battery to Charge
This is a major reason some people still prefer wired earbuds.
The Apple EarPods do not need a battery for normal wired listening.
That means you do not have to charge them overnight.
You do not have to check battery percentage.
You do not have to carry a charging case.
You plug them in and use them.
For long trips, this can be very useful.
A wireless pair may run out of power at the worst time. Wired EarPods do not have that problem.
As long as your device has power and supports USB-C audio, you can keep using them.
Apple EarPods USB-C Compatibility
Compatibility is important.
These EarPods use a USB-C connector, but USB-C alone does not guarantee that every device will support every feature.
They are a natural match for newer Apple devices with USB-C ports.
They can also work with some non-Apple USB-C devices.
However, Android compatibility can vary by device.
Some phones may support audio but have limited support for the inline controls. Other USB-C devices may not support wired USB audio in the same way.
So I would not assume that every USB-C phone will offer the same experience.
If you use an iPhone with USB-C, these are a much easier choice.
If you use Android, check your phone’s USB-C audio support first.
What I Like Most
The biggest strength is simplicity.
These are not trying to be smart earbuds.
They do not need an app.
They do not need Bluetooth.
They do not need charging.
They simply connect and play audio.
I also like the physical remote.
Being able to control volume and music from the cable is useful.
The lightweight design is another plus.
For basic daily listening, these EarPods can be a very practical choice.
What I Do Not Like
The biggest weakness is the open fit.
You get very little noise isolation.
That means outside sounds can easily reach your ears.
It also means people nearby may hear some of your audio when you turn the volume up.
The fit is another concern.
There are no silicone tips to help secure the earbuds.
If they do not match your ear shape, they may move or fall out.
The sound is also not aimed at bass lovers.
If you want powerful low-end sound, there are better choices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple plug-and-play design
- USB-C connection
- No battery charging
- Built-in microphone
- Built-in remote
- Volume controls
- Music playback controls
- Call controls
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable for many users
- Good for podcasts and calls
- Good for everyday listening
- No Bluetooth pairing needed
Cons
- Fit depends on your ear shape
- No silicone ear tips
- Little noise isolation
- Not ideal for loud places
- Not the best choice for strong bass
- Cable can get in the way during workouts
- USB-C compatibility can vary by device
- No active noise cancellation
Who Should Buy Apple EarPods USB-C?
I think these are best for people who want simple wired earbuds.
They make sense if you have a USB-C device and do not want another wireless device to charge.
They are also a good option if you mainly listen to podcasts, watch videos, make calls, or enjoy casual music.
They can be especially useful as a backup pair.
If your wireless earbuds are dead, you can grab these and keep listening.
Who Should Skip Them?
I would skip them if you want strong bass.
I would also skip them if you need strong noise isolation.
People who spend a lot of time on airplanes, trains, or busy streets may prefer sealed in-ear earbuds.
They may also not be the best choice for serious workouts.
If you need a very secure fit, a sports-focused earbud would make more sense.
Apple EarPods USB-C vs Wireless Earbuds
The biggest difference is convenience in different ways.
Wireless earbuds are convenient because there is no cable.
But they need charging.
The EarPods have a cable, but they do not need a battery for normal use.
Wireless earbuds can also offer features such as noise cancellation, transparency modes, app support, and advanced sound settings.
The EarPods keep things much simpler.
For someone who wants fewer features and fewer things to manage, that simplicity can be a benefit.
Apple EarPods USB-C: My Final Verdict
The Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug are not designed to compete with high-end wireless earbuds.
That is not their goal.
They are basic wired earbuds that focus on easy use.
The USB-C plug makes them useful with newer devices. The built-in remote is convenient. The microphone adds value for calls. And there is no battery to charge.
The biggest compromises are the open fit, limited noise isolation, and modest bass.
For quiet rooms, office work, calls, podcasts, videos, and casual music, they make a lot of sense.
If you want a simple pair of wired earbuds that you can plug in and use, I think the Apple EarPods USB-C are a solid option.
If you want deep bass, strong isolation, or a very secure workout fit, I would look elsewhere.
Overall, I would recommend the Apple EarPods USB-C for people who value simplicity more than extra features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Apple EarPods USB-C good?
Yes. They are good for basic daily listening, calls, podcasts, and videos. They are especially useful if you want wired earbuds with no battery to charge.
Do Apple EarPods USB-C need charging?
No. They connect directly to a compatible device through USB-C and do not need a separate battery charge for normal wired use.
Do Apple EarPods USB-C have a microphone?
Yes. They have a built-in microphone that can be used for phone calls and voice communication.
Can I control volume with Apple EarPods USB-C?
Yes. The built-in remote includes volume controls along with controls for music and video playback.
Do Apple EarPods USB-C work with Android phones?
They can work with some Android phones, but compatibility can vary. USB-C audio support is required, and some controls may not work the same way on every Android device.
Do Apple EarPods USB-C work with iPhones?
They are designed for Apple devices with a compatible USB-C port. Newer USB-C iPhones are the natural fit for this version.
Are Apple EarPods USB-C noise cancelling?
No. They do not have active noise cancellation.
Their open design also provides limited passive noise isolation.
Are Apple EarPods USB-C comfortable?
They can be very comfortable for many people because they do not use silicone tips that seal inside the ear canal.
However, fit depends heavily on the shape of your ears.
Are Apple EarPods USB-C good for music?
They are good for casual music listening.
They are less suitable if you want very strong bass or powerful noise isolation.
Can I use Apple EarPods USB-C for phone calls?
Yes. The built-in microphone and remote make them suitable for phone calls and other voice conversations.
Are Apple EarPods USB-C good for travel?
They can be useful for travel because they do not need charging.
However, their open design lets outside noise in, so they may not be ideal for very loud places.
Do Apple EarPods USB-C have Bluetooth?
No. They are wired earbuds and connect through USB-C.
Are Apple EarPods USB-C waterproof?
They should not be treated as waterproof earbuds. Keep them away from water and heavy moisture.
What is the biggest advantage of Apple EarPods USB-C?
The biggest advantage is simple use.
You plug them into a compatible USB-C device and start listening without pairing or charging.
What is the biggest disadvantage?
The biggest disadvantage is the open ear design.
It provides little noise isolation and may not stay secure for every user.
Final Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Call Quality | 4/5 |
| Controls | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
| Portability | 4.5/5 |
| Noise Isolation | 2/5 |
| Bass | 3/5 |
| Value | 4.5/5 |
| Overall | 4/5 |
Bottom line: The Apple EarPods USB-C are a simple, affordable, and practical choice for people who want wired earbuds without charging or Bluetooth pairing. They are not the best for bass or noise blocking, but they do the basic things well.