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Best wired earbuds

Wired earbuds never need charging, add no lag and cost less than wireless ones for the same sound. Check the plug first: 3.5 mm, USB-C or Lightning, to match your phone or laptop. A mic on the cable makes them work for calls too.

Top 10 of 30 that qualify, from 256 headphones compared. Best known and best liked first.

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  1. Apple EarPods (Lightning)

    Top pick

    Apple EarPods (Lightning)

    Wired earbuds with remote and mic

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    Built-in mic
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  2. Apple EarPods (3.5mm)

    Apple EarPods (3.5mm)

    Wired earbuds with remote and mic

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    Built-in mic
    What 3 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  3. Apple EarPods (USB-C)

    Apple EarPods (USB-C)

    Wired earbuds with remote and mic

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    Built-in mic
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  4. Skullcandy Jib

    Budget pick

    Skullcandy Jib

    Wired earbuds with mic

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    Built-in mic
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  5. KZ ZST

    KZ ZST

    Wired hybrid in-ear monitors, 2 drivers

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    No mic
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  6. KZ ZS10 Pro

    KZ ZS10 Pro

    Wired hybrid in-ear monitors, 5 drivers

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    No mic
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  7. Avantree E171

    Avantree E171

    Wired ear-hook earbuds with mic

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Sport, Music
    Microphone
    Built-in mic
    What 7 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  8. CCA C12

    CCA C12

    Wired hybrid in-ear monitors, 6 drivers

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    No mic
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  9. KBEAR KS1

    KBEAR KS1

    Wired in-ear monitors

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    No mic
    What 7 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  10. Sony MDR-EX15AP

    Sony MDR-EX15AP

    Wired earbuds with mic

    • Pocketable in-ear fit
    • Wired: no battery, no lag
    Fit
    In-ear
    Connection
    Wired
    Noise cancelling
    No
    Best for
    Music
    Microphone
    Built-in mic
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

How we picked

We compared 256 headphones with real Amazon listings and kept the 30 that meet all of this:

Every pick fits, so the order is about what to look at first. Models that independent reviewers recommend come first, the most often recommended at the top. The rest follow, best known and best liked first, with the newest model of a line ahead of older ones. No brand pays to be listed or placed higher. Prices change daily, so we never print one; Amazon shows today's price.

Questions

What are the best wired earbuds?

Our top three are the Apple EarPods (Lightning), Apple EarPods (3.5mm) and Apple EarPods (USB-C). Each one meets everything this guide asks for.

What should wired earbuds have?

Pocketable in-ear fit and wired: no battery, no lag. Every pick on this list does.

Are these links sponsored?

Links to Amazon may earn Build Your Setup a commission. It does not change what you pay, and no brand pays to be listed or placed higher.