The $35 Earbuds I Like Better than AirPods
My AirPods broke. Or maybe they just reached their planned obsolescence endpoint. Either way, they stopped being functional and it made me SO MAD. This is my third pair of AirPods, because they last like 2-3 years and then just… give up. AirPods are inexpensive enough that it’s cheaper to buy a new pair than to try and replace them part by part (Ship of Theseus AirPods are NOT a financially responsible decision), but they’re expensive enough that having to buy new ones unexpectedly is obnoxious and maybe even unfeasible. I looked into AirPods, I looked into AirPods Pro (because when something has broken three times, maybe the answer is to spend MORE money!), and I decided to buy some cheapo earbuds and decide what to do about my AirPods later. I bought Wirecutter’s budget pick, the EarFun Free 2S, for $35 and dare I say it, they are better than AirPods.
First, the fit. I used EarBuddyz silicone covers on my AirPods to make them fit more securely in my ears. The EarFun earbuds come with four sizes of silicone ear tips to make sure you get the perfect fit. They fit much more snugly in my ears, and I actually feel like I could run (I never run) or ride my bike wearing them and not be worried they’d fall out. The snug fit does cause some noise cancellation, which might be a plus to some but it’s a con for me. I like to be able to hear what’s around me! I own these noise cancelling headphones and I only use them when I’m inside my house and the dog is in sight.
The case is a similar size to the AirPods case, albeit a different shape, and I love that this case can stand up vertically. You can have the case open and standing on its own! I don’t really know when this would be necessary, but it’s a nice change nonetheless. The earbuds also fit right in your ears. No little stem sticking out that will get caught and go flying when you put your hair up or take your sweatshirt off. I never got in the habit of tapping my AirPods to change tracks or pickup calls, and the EarFun Free 2S earbuds are so sensitive, I accidentally pause whatever I’m listening to all the time becasue I’m checking to see if they’re really THAT secure in my ears (they are). I guess you could see that as a pro or a con, but I’m impressed.
Also did I mention these cost THIRTY FIVE DOLLARS??
