Where can I find the best iPhone replacement headphones?

December 23, 2008 8:12 PM

Where can I find the best iPhone replacement headphones?

I use my iPhone as a listening device primarily for listening to audiobooks. This means that when someone interrupts me to talk to me, or I need to check out and talk to a cashier, or anything else interrupts me, I need a quick way to pause my book. Unlike music, it matters if I miss 10 or 15 seconds.

I love the feature of the original iPhone headphones that I can click the button and they will automatically pause. I can then click it again and they will restart. Trouble is, these headphones don't seem to put up with heavy use. I went through my first pair in 6 months and my second pair is on it's last legs after only 5. First the earphones start buzzing, and then they die altogether. Its very frustrating to listen to a book with a busted speaker buzzing on every word.

I don't particularly need a microphone built into the headphones because I have a bluetooth headset for that. However, this clicking feature is a dealbreaker. Does anyone make headphones that include that feature that are better quality headphones than these stock ones apple sells?

posted by jeffderek to sports, hobbies, & recreation (13 comments total)

Yes: Apple now does — but they seem to be sold out everywhere.
posted by nicwolff at 9:32 PM on December 23, 2008

I use the Etymotic HF2 and love it. Link is to ipod lounge review. You will find others there as well.
posted by Lame_username at 9:33 PM on December 23, 2008

I like the V-Moda Duo headphones -- mic, clicker, and nice in-ear sound quality. Unlike the Apple in-ear headphones (which are supposed to be very good), they are readily available.
posted by bokane at 12:18 AM on December 24, 2008

This Shure adapter works fine and allows you to use any kind of earphones as it just contains the 'clicker' and a female jack for the phones. Expensive, but solid.
posted by daveyt at 1:04 AM on December 24, 2008

I need a quick way to pause my book

Pulling any kind of headphones out of the socket will pause the player. Not so helpful for starting again though.
posted by TrashyRambo at 5:13 AM on December 24, 2008

Pulling any kind of headphones out of the socket will pause the player. Not so helpful for starting again though.

Yeah, my quick solution is to pull my headphones out. To start again, I double-click the home button while the phone is still locked, and then resume playing using the iTunes buttons that pop up. It's the quickest way possible, it'll restart from where you were listening from, and you don't have to exit any programs you were using.
posted by suedehead at 5:30 AM on December 24, 2008

I have the Shure adapter (am using it now, actually) and will vouch for it-- it was a bit steep at $40 CAD but being able to do the handsfree thing with my SE530s has been great.
posted by heeeraldo at 7:10 AM on December 24, 2008

I bought the over-expensive Sennheiser MM50 set (don't know where you're located, link is to US Apple Store). As the image shows, they include the button to mute sound.

My big complaint with the standard apple earbuds is that they fall out too easily - the MM50 is an in-ear earbud, they provide a great seal against outside sound. No carrying case is included (if you're into that kind of thing). Personally, I like them a lot.
posted by lowlife at 7:29 AM on December 24, 2008

I have the vModa that Bokane mentioned, and I really like them--BUT I have found them to be flaky. I returned my first set when the audio cut out of the right ear, and now have to send the second set in to vModa to get them serviced for the same issue. I think each lasted two and a half months or so.

I found the sound to be great (while it worked), and the mic was good. Remote control is a must. But I think a $99 pair of earbuds should last more than 75 days.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:38 AM on December 24, 2008

I used to be a big fan and advocate of the VModa phones, but I've had to send them back for warranty return twice, which is way too often for $100+ phones that I treat pretty nicely. (In comparison I've had a set of Sony $50 phones for years that still work. Even after going through the wash.) So I've come around to saying stay away from the VModa, even though they have a pretty easy return policy. And they have a really heavy bass output, bad enough that I need to change the EQ pretty drastically when using them.

I've got my eye on the Shure set. I don't have personal experience with them, but Sure regularly is near the top of the list of headphones.
posted by Ookseer at 1:55 PM on December 24, 2008

iRepair sells them if you have one near you.

I think you need to focus on why your headphones keep breaking. Mine never break--I had the same Apple earbuds for years and, far as I know, they still work. I've had the same iPhone headphones for 8 months and they're like new. I use them every day.

Here are my tips:

- don't wrap the headphones around anything (including your iPhone). You're just stressing the wires. If you must do the wrap thing, unplug them from the device--don't wrap them while still plugged in--that sharp angle's not good for them and stresses the inside part where the metal meets the jack.

- don't drop the bud part on the table when you put them down or leave them in a bag where they slosh around getting hit by books and surfaces. Place them down gently.

- try to keep your device upright so that the cord is not bent at an angle while in your pocket or bag.
posted by Manhasset at 2:09 PM on December 24, 2008

Strongest possible second for Etymotic. I have their older (cheaper) 6i phones, without the clicker or mic; the HF2 model recommended above is the successor to mine, with the same incredible audio & build quality plus the features you need.
posted by kalapierson at 9:38 AM on December 28, 2008

daveyt, thanks for the Shure tip! Here it is on Amazon for about $20 less shipped.
posted by kalapierson at 9:47 AM on December 28, 2008