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Apple EarPods (Lightning) vs PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

Both are wired Lightning earbuds, so the real choice is fit and controls. The Apple EarPods use an open, ear-shaped design that stays comfortable for long stretches and is the safer pick for calls and everyday listening. The PALOVUE has aluminum housings, a retractable cable and touch controls, but it seals into the ear and is not water resistant. Owners of both report similar sound quality; the EarPods are the more proven, durable-feeling option for most shoppers.

  • Choose the Apple EarPods if you want an open, comfortable fit for long calls and everyday listening, with a proven Apple build and sweat resistance.
  • Choose the PALOVUE if you prefer a sealed in-ear fit, metal housings and a retractable cable that stays tidy in a bag.

Prices

  • Apple EarPods (Lightning): $15.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • PALOVUE Lightning Headphones: $20.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple EarPods (Lightning) is $5.99 cheaper than the PALOVUE Lightning Headphones today
Apple
Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) - MWTY3AM/A

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) - MWTY3AM/A

$15.00at AmazonChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Comfortable open fit for long wear
  • Physical buttons are easy to use without looking
  • Sweat and water resistant
  • Reliable Apple build and Lightning compatibility
Cons
  • Little noise isolation
  • Fixed cable can tangle
  • No touch controls
PALOVUE
PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone

$20.99at AmazonChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Aluminum housings feel sturdy
  • Retractable cable keeps things tidy
  • Sealed fit blocks some outside noise
  • MFi certified for Lightning devices
Cons
  • Not water resistant
  • Touch controls can misfire
  • Sealed tips are not for everyone

What separates them

Apple EarPods (Lightning)PALOVUE Lightning Headphones
FitOpen, ear-shaped design that rests in the earSealed in-ear tips that block outside noise
ControlsPhysical remote buttons for volume, playback and callsTouch controls on the earbuds
Build materialPlastic housingsAluminum housings
CableFixed 3 ft cableRetractable cable
Water and sweatSweat and water resistantNot water resistant
IsolationLittle noise isolationPassive noise isolation from the seal
DriverApple-tuned dynamic drivers9.2 mm dynamic drivers, 16 ohm, 20 Hz–20 kHz
CertificationApple Lightning audioMFi certified

Price history

$20.99$15.00
Nov 10Nov 11
  • Apple EarPods (Lightning): lowest $15.00 on Nov 11 at Amazon.
  • PALOVUE Lightning Headphones: lowest $20.99 on Nov 10 at Amazon; $20.99 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

  • DataVisionNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $21.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit DataVision
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $15.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 2 stores and price history →

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by pau_2365

    $26.99Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $39.39Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Newegg
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $20.99Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple EarPods (Lightning)PALOVUE Lightning Headphones
ColorWhiteBlack
Connector typeLightning—
Form factorIn-Ear Only—
Cable length3ft—
MicrophoneBuilt-In—
Wireless technologyBluetooth—
Number of earpiecesDouble—
Headphone connectorLightning Connector—
Built-in micYes—
Volume controlYes—
Sweat resistantYes—
Water resistantYes—
Show all 23 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple EarPods (Lightning)PALOVUE Lightning Headphones
Driver size—9.2 millimeters
Driver type—Dynamic Driver
Impedance—16 ohm
Frequency range—20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Connectivity—Wired
Headphone jack—Lightning
Control method—Touch
Enclosure material—Aluminum
Ear placement—In Ear
Water resistance

What reviewers say

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

Owners generally treat the EarPods as dependable everyday wired buds: easy, clear on calls and comfortable for longer stretches than expected. Sound quality draws mixed notes, with some finding it thin next to better wired or wireless models.

What people mention
  • FitPraisedMany owners say the ear-shaped housing stays in place more comfortably than round earbuds.
  • SoundMixedListeners call the sound clear enough for calls and casual music but light on bass and detail.
  • ConnectionCriticisedThe Lightning plug works only with Lightning devices, so USB-C or 3.5 mm gear needs an adapter.
  • CableCriticisedThe wired cable tangles easily and some owners report wear near the plug over time.

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

Owners of Lightning earphones like these mostly value the plug-and-play fit with iPhones and the built-in mic for calls. Sound is described as clear enough for everyday listening but short on bass depth and detail. The retractable cable draws both praise for tidiness and complaints about durability.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityMixedOwners call the sound clear for calls and podcasts but thin on bass and short on detail for music.
  • Lightning fitPraisedThe MFi chip means iPhones recognize them at once with no adapter or setup.
  • Retractable cableMixedThe retracting mechanism keeps the cable tidy, but some owners report it jamming or fraying over time.
  • ControlsCriticisedThe touch controls are easy to hit by accident when adjusting the earbuds.

Questions and answers

Which is better for running?
The Apple EarPods. They are sweat and water resistant and the open fit lets you hear traffic. The PALOVUE is not water resistant.
Which blocks noise better?
The PALOVUE. Its sealed in-ear tips cut more outside sound. The EarPods sit loosely and let most noise through.
Which lasts longer?
The EarPods have a longer track record for durability. The PALOVUE's retractable cable is convenient but adds a moving part that can wear.
Is the PALOVUE worth stepping up to?
Only if you want a sealed fit, metal housings and a retractable cable. For comfort and water resistance, the EarPods are the safer choice.
Do both work with iPhone?
Yes. Both use a Lightning connector, and the PALOVUE is MFi certified. Neither works with USB-C iPhones without an adapter.

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  • Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones vs PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cheap Apple EarPods wired earphones with Lightning connector
—
Not Water Resistant
Cable features—Retractable