Best cheap earbud+microphone for iPhone?

November 12, 2018 9:52 PM

I lost my iPhone earbuds (older phone, with a headset jack). Hoping for an Amazon replacement under $25. I mostly use it for talking on the phone while walking. I need a good microphone that doesn't make scratchy noises, and simple design that I can scrunch into my pocket. I don't need great music quality, or fancy bluetooth type features. What should I buy? Thanks!
posted by pseudostrabismus to Shopping (5 answers total)

Wirecutter has you covered.
posted by k8t at 10:29 PM on November 12, 2018 [3 favorites]

Honestly, you should get a couple of pairs of the Monoprice $3 buds and see how you get on with them. They're perfectly fine for voice, and at very least, you'll have them as backups.
posted by holgate at 5:55 AM on November 13, 2018

I lost my fancy earbuds while travelling (ugh) so I picked up a pair of Panasonic ErgoFit for $11 and I don't have any complaints.
posted by dis_integration at 7:16 AM on November 13, 2018

Best answer: I have a set right here on my desk I never use that came with my iPhone6. If you want them, MeMail me an address and I'll mail them to you. They fall out of my ears, so I went with over the ear headphones.
posted by advicepig at 7:27 AM on November 13, 2018 [2 favorites]

I think even pretty old iPhones can do Bluetooth. If not, then you can ignore this.

I got the earlier version of these a year ago and they're still working. I just store them in the little zipper bag. No one has complained about the sound quality. When I got them I was looking for "budget bluetooth with mic" and they were around $25. These are around $35, which is way more expensive advicepig's solution but someone else might be looking.

I can't use the Apple ones--they fall out of my ears. These are the kind that have interchangable silicone audiopositors that project into your ear canals.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 4:52 PM on November 16, 2018