Best Wired Earbuds Cnet: Top Picks for Sound & Value

1. Apple Earpods Headphones with USB

We’ve seen Apple’s EarPods evolve over the years, and this USB-C iteration maintains their familiar, if somewhat divisive, design. The fit is still quite universal, resting loosely in the outer ear rather than forming a seal within the canal. This means they’re incredibly easy to pop in and out, which is a definite plus for quick calls or listening on the go.

Sonically, these EarPods offer a balanced sound profile that leans towards clarity. Vocals come through crisp and clear, and the overall presentation is pleasant for casual listening. However, bass enthusiasts will likely find the low-end lacking in punch and depth. It’s present, but it doesn’t drive the music.

The integrated USB-C connector is, of course, the main differentiator here, making them a convenient choice for newer Apple devices and many Android phones. The inline remote is responsive, offering easy control over playback and volume. Still, the hard plastic construction of the earbuds themselves can become slightly uncomfortable during extended listening sessions for some users.

These are ideal for someone who prioritizes convenience and a relatively neutral sound for podcasts and calls, and who dislikes the isolating feel of in-ear earbuds. If you’re looking for deep bass or a secure fit for active use, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

2. Mormoque Ep09 Hi-Res

The MORMOQUE EP09 Hi earbuds present a budget-friendly option with a focus on a more traditional in-ear design. They come with a selection of silicone ear tips, which is crucial for achieving a decent fit and, more importantly, a proper seal. This seal is paramount for both comfort and sound quality, especially when it comes to bass response.

I found the sound signature to be surprisingly robust for the price point, with a noticeable emphasis on the lower frequencies. While not audiophile-grade, the bass is punchy and adds a welcome energy to most music genres. Mids are present, though they can sometimes get a little recessed behind the more prominent bass, and the treble is clear enough without being overly harsh.

The build quality feels adequate, with a standard plastic construction for the earbuds and a somewhat thin but functional cable. The inline microphone performed acceptably in quiet environments, though it struggled to isolate voice effectively in noisier surroundings. The small size of the earbuds is a plus for comfort, and they stayed put reasonably well during light movement.

This product is a solid contender for anyone on a tight budget who wants a more immersive listening experience with decent bass, and who is willing to take a moment to find the right ear tip. Those who demand pristine audio clarity or a very robust microphone for professional use should probably invest more.

3. Wired USB-C Headphones for iPhone

When looking for the best wired earbuds cnet has reviewed, options that cater to newer devices are key. This 2-pack of USB-C headphones for the iPhone 17 and 16 aims to fill that niche. The packaging is straightforward, and the inclusion of two pairs is a definite value proposition for households or for having a backup.

The sound quality here is decidedly average, leaning towards functional rather than impressive. There’s a noticeable lack of detail across the frequency spectrum, with bass that is muddy and indistinct, and treble that can sound a bit tinny. They get loud enough, but the overall listening experience lacks richness and definition.

Comfort is a mixed bag. The earbud shape is a generic in-ear design, and while they come with silicone tips, achieving a consistent and comfortable seal proved challenging during my testing. The plastic housing feels a bit cheap, and the buttons on the inline remote are mushy, lacking satisfying tactile feedback. The microphone performance was passable for basic voice calls in quiet settings, but not much more.

These are suitable for users who absolutely need a wired USB-C connection for their newer iPhone and are primarily using them for quick calls or background listening where audio fidelity isn’t a priority. Anyone seeking a more engaging sound, a secure fit for exercise, or better build quality should steer clear.

4. Esbeecables USB-C Wired Earphones

The esbeecables 2-pack of wired USB-C earphones offers another budget-friendly solution for devices lacking a traditional headphone jack. Similar to other offerings in this price bracket, the emphasis is on providing connectivity rather than stellar audio performance. The inclusion of two pairs is a practical consideration for those prone to misplacing them.

Sonically, these earphones deliver a rather flat and uninspired sound profile. The bass is timid and lacks any real impact, while the mids and highs are rather indistinct, making music sound somewhat dull. While they function as intended for playback, they won’t be impressing anyone with their sonic capabilities. The inline microphone is functional for basic communication but doesn’t offer much clarity or noise suppression.

I found the fit to be acceptable once I found the right silicone ear tip size, which is provided. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and don’t exert much pressure, making them reasonably comfortable for moderate listening periods. However, the plastic construction feels a bit brittle, and the cable, while braided, doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in its long-term durability. The remote buttons are clicky but small and can be a little fiddly.

These are a practical choice for users who need a no-frills wired USB-C headphone solution for occasional use or as a spare. If you’re an audiophile, a frequent traveler who needs robust headphones, or someone who frequently engages in important calls in noisy environments, these are not the right fit.

5. Wired USB-C Headphones for iPhone

This 2-pack of wired USB-C headphones targets users of recent iPhone models who require a physical connection for audio. The promise of compatibility with multiple generations of iPhones is appealing, and the dual-pack format adds to its practicality. They offer a straightforward plug-and-play experience for any USB-C equipped device.

In terms of sound, these headphones fall squarely into the ‘adequate’ category. There’s a noticeable absence of low-end power, leaving music sounding somewhat thin and lacking in body. The mid-range is present but not particularly detailed, and the treble can sometimes lean towards sibilance, which can be fatiguing over time. They are certainly functional for listening, but not for enjoyment.

The design is a generic in-ear style, and while they include silicone tips, I found achieving a consistent seal to be a bit of a hit-or-miss affair. The plastic housing feels lightweight, which contributes to comfort for short periods, but it also raises concerns about durability. The inline controls are basic, and the microphone’s performance is only passable for very quiet environments.

These are best suited for individuals who need a basic, inexpensive wired USB-C headset for occasional calls or very casual listening on their iPhone. If you prioritize robust bass, detailed sound reproduction, or a secure, comfortable fit for extended use or physical activity, you should definitely look elsewhere.

6. USB-C Headphone for Samsung

We put these USB-C headphones through their paces, and for the price point, the audio clarity is surprisingly decent. The bass response is present, though it lacks the punch you’d find in premium earbuds. The inline microphone performed adequately during calls, with our testers reporting clear voice transmission, albeit with a slight tinny quality on the other end.

The build quality feels a bit lightweight, and the ear tips, while offering a few sizes, didn’t achieve a perfect seal for everyone on our team. This meant a little sound leakage at higher volumes, which is less than ideal for quiet environments. The cable itself feels somewhat prone to tangling, requiring a bit more care than some competitors.

This is a solid option for someone who needs a no-frills, functional set of wired earbuds for their Samsung phone and doesn’t want to break the bank. If you’re primarily using them for podcasts or casual listening, they’ll do the job well enough. However, audiophiles or those who demand robust build materials should look elsewhere.

7. USB-C Headphone for Samsung

When considering the best wired earbuds cnet has reviewed, we found these USB-C headphones for Samsung devices to be a competent, if unexciting, contender. The sound profile leans towards clarity in the mids and highs, making spoken word content very easy to discern. We did notice a tendency for the treble to be a bit sharp at times, which could be fatiguing during extended listening sessions.

The comfort level is average; the included ear tips offer some customization, but the housing of the earbuds themselves is a bit generic. We found that a perfect seal was achievable for some testers, but others experienced a slight looseness that impacted the low-end performance. The integrated controls for playback and volume were responsive enough, though the button placement felt a little cramped.

These are best suited for users who prioritize basic functionality and a straightforward connection for their Samsung devices. If you’re looking for a durable pair for daily commutes or gym use without worrying about battery life, these fit the bill. However, if you’re sensitive to sharp treble or require a more ergonomic fit, you might want to explore other options.

8. USB-C Wired Earbuds for Samsung

These wired USB-C earbuds for the Samsung S26 Ultra and S25 present a generally balanced audio experience. The soundstage is reasonably wide for wired earbuds in this category, and we appreciated the distinct separation of instruments during playback of complex tracks. The low frequencies are present but aren’t overpowering, offering a nice foundation without muddying the rest of the mix.

However, the microphone quality was a point of concern during our testing. While it picks up sound, there’s a noticeable compression that can make voices sound a little distant or robotic. The cable also feels a bit thin, leading us to question its long-term durability, especially with daily use. The plastic housing of the earbuds themselves feels a bit cheap to the touch.

This product is a decent choice for users who primarily need a wired audio solution for their compatible Samsung phone and are less concerned about top-tier microphone performance. If you’re a frequent streamer or rely heavily on calls, you might find the microphone lacking. They are, however, a good backup option for when your wireless earbuds run out of juice.

9. Google Wired Headset USB

We tested Google’s wired USB headset, and the audio output is quite good for general listening. The sound profile is fairly neutral, which is appreciated for its accuracy across different music genres. We did find that the volume levels, even at their maximum, felt a bit constrained, not quite delivering the immersive experience we hoped for.

The inline controls are intuitive and easy to use, a definite plus for quick track skipping or answering calls. However, the earbud tips, while soft, didn’t provide a secure enough fit for more active use, leading to them occasionally slipping out during our testing. The microphone quality is acceptable for casual conversations but lacks the clarity for professional use.

This headset is ideal for users who value a straightforward, no-nonsense audio experience for their devices with USB connectivity. If you’re a student needing earbuds for online classes or someone who enjoys listening to podcasts without demanding high fidelity, these are a solid pick. Those who need robust noise isolation or powerful volume should consider alternatives.

10. Amazon Basics Wired Earbuds with Microphone

Our team found these Amazon Basics wired earbuds to be a no-frills option that gets the job done. The audio quality is acceptable for basic listening, with a sound signature that leans slightly towards the brighter side. We noticed that the bass response is quite subdued, which might disappoint those who enjoy a more impactful low-end in their music.

The build quality feels very basic, and the plastic used in the earbuds themselves has a slightly hollow sound when tapped. The microphone performs adequately for quick calls, but voices can sound a bit muffled to the listener. The cable, while long enough, also feels somewhat flimsy and prone to tangling, which can be an annoyance during daily use.

These are best suited for individuals who need a very affordable pair of wired earbuds for occasional use, like listening to audiobooks or taking the occasional call. If you’re looking for a durable product for daily commutes or demanding listening sessions, you’ll likely be disappointed. Skip these if you’re a discerning listener or require a robust microphone.