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Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector vs Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds

Buy the Apple EarPods if you want the proven fit, the cleaner Lightning remote, and a spare pair in the box. Buy the Insignia if you want sealed in-ear tips, three sizes, and IPX4 sweat resistance for running. Both are wired Lightning earbuds with a mic and volume controls and no noise cancelling. Apple has the far larger track record and higher owner ratings; Insignia adds silicone tips and a stated water rating, but its 3% distortion figure and smaller review base are worth noting.

  • Choose the Apple EarPods if you want the earbud shape most people already know, a reliable in-line remote, and two pairs in one box.
  • Choose the Insignia if you want silicone tips in three sizes and a stated IPX4 sweat rating for workouts.

Prices

  • Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector: $12.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds: $12.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Difference: both cost the same at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector 2-Pack

Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector

Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector 2-Pack

5(6,600 ratings)
$12.99at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Ear-shaped design fits more people without tips
  • Two pairs in the box
  • Large, strong owner rating history
  • Built-in remote for volume, playback and calls
Cons
  • No silicone tips, so isolation is limited
  • No published IP water rating
  • Fixed cable, not detachable
  • No noise cancelling
Insignia
Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones

4.5(207 ratings)
$12.99at Best BuyChecked 46 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Three ear tip sizes for a sealed fit
  • Stated IPX4 sweat and splash resistance
  • 10 mm drivers with a published frequency range
  • Detachable 3 ft cable
Cons
  • 3% total harmonic distortion is high
  • Small review base compared with Apple
  • No noise cancelling
  • Single pair in the box

What separates them

Apple EarPods with Lightning ConnectorInsignia Lightning Wired Earbuds
FitOpen, ear-shaped plastic bud with no tipsIn-ear with three silicone tip sizes
Sweat and waterMarketed as sweat and water resistant, no IP rating givenStated IPX4 splash and sweat resistance
RemoteApple in-line remote with volume, playback and call control3-button in-line remote and mic
Driver and distortionApple-tuned drivers, no published figures10 mm drivers, 20Hz-20kHz, 3% total harmonic distortion
CableFixed Lightning cable3 ft cable, listed as detachable
Owner feedbackRated 5 out of 5 from about 6,600 ratingsRated 4.5 out of 5 from about 207 ratings
What's in the boxTwo pairs of EarPodsOne pair plus extra ear tips
Device supportLightning devices on iOS 10 or laterMost Apple devices with Lightning

Price history

$15.00$9.99
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector: lowest $9.99 on Nov 10 at Amazon.
  • Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds: lowest $12.99 on Nov 1 at Best Buy; $12.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $12.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • BusbitesNew

    In stock

    $12.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit Busbites
  • Mobilize PhoneNew

    In stock

    $13.50Checked 46 min ago
    Visit Mobilize Phone
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by thrifte30 (97.6% positive, 92 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $10.99+ $5.80 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • BevMo!Check price at BevMo!
  • TigerTech ShopCheck price at TigerTech Shop

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 55 stores and price history →

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $12.99Checked 46 min ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • DoorDashNew

    In stockSold by Best Buy US

    $12.99Checked 46 min ago
    Visit DoorDash
  • Uber EatsNew

    In stock

    $17.99Checked 46 min ago
    Visit Uber Eats
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by donman13 (100% positive, 69 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $7.00+ $6.40 shippingChecked 46 min ago
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple EarPods with Lightning ConnectorInsignia Lightning Wired Earbuds
ColorWhiteWhite
StyleIn-earEarbud Headphones
Water ResistanttrueYes
Connection TypeWiredWired
ConnectivityWired—
With MicrophoneYes—
Quantity2 Pack—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
UseSports—
Width2.2″ wide—
Depth2.2″ deep—
TypeEarbuds—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple EarPods with Lightning ConnectorInsignia Lightning Wired Earbuds
True Wirelessfalse—
Ideal For Wireless TV Usefalse—
Ideal For Sports And Workoutstrue—
Android Controlstrue—
iPhone Controlstrue—
Bluetoothfalse—
Sound Isolationtrue—
Noise Cancellingfalse—
Microphonetrue—
Power Switch

What reviewers say

Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector

  • 5 / 56,600 ratings

Owners of Apple EarPods generally treat them as reliable, no-fuss earbuds for calls and everyday listening. Most complaints center on the wired design and the Lightning-only connector as newer devices moved to USB-C.

What people mention
  • SoundMixedOwners call the sound clear and fine for calls and podcasts but thin on bass.
  • FitPraisedThe molded EarPods shape stays comfortable for many people over long sessions.
  • CableCriticisedReviewers report the wire tangling and the connector area wearing out with heavy use.
  • MicrophonePraisedCallers say the mic picks up speech clearly in quiet rooms.

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds

  • 4.5 / 5207 ratings

Buyers rate these highly at 4.5 out of 5 from 207 ratings, and the pattern is consistent: they work, they are cheap, and they sound fine for the money. Complaints center on the Lightning-only plug and the lack of noise cancellation.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners call the sound clear and balanced for the price.
  • ConnectivityCriticisedThe Lightning plug limits them to Apple devices with that port.
  • Mic and controlsPraisedThe in-line mic and 3-button remote are reported to work well on calls.
  • Noise isolationMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for running?
The Insignia. Its silicone tips seal in the ear and it carries a stated IPX4 sweat and splash rating. The EarPods resist sweat but publish no IP rating and sit looser.
Which sounds better?
The EarPods are the safer pick for balanced, familiar sound. The Insignia publishes a 3% distortion figure, which is high for earbuds, so expect less clean output at higher volume.
Do both work with an iPhone?
Yes. Both use a Lightning connector and work with Lightning iPhones and iPads. Neither works with USB-C devices without an adapter.
Which lasts longer?
The EarPods have a much larger owner base and higher ratings, which is the better signal for long-term reliability. The Insignia's detachable cable helps if the cord is what usually fails.
Is the Insignia worth stepping up to?
Only if fit and sweat resistance matter most to you. Otherwise the EarPods give you two pairs and a longer track record for the same job.
Do either cancel noise?
No. Neither has active noise cancelling. The Insignia's sealed tips block more sound passively than the open EarPods.

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More comparisons

  • Wired Earphones for iPhone, Earbuds with Lightning Connector,Plug&Play Built-in,Microphone & Remote Control Headsets Compatible with iPhone 14/13/12/11/XR/XS/X/8/SE/Pro/Pro Max Support All iOS System vs Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector 2-Pack

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cheap Apple EarPods wired earphones with Lightning connector
false
—
Volume Controltrue—
In the BoxEarPods with Lightning Connector—
Parts Warranty1—
Labor Warranty1—
Package Weight1—
Headphone Cup Type—In-ear
Body Part Use—Ear
Noise Cancellation Type—No (Active)
Connectivity Technology—Wired
Compatible Devices—Most Apple devices
Ports And Interfaces—Lightning
Cable Length—3 feet
Microphone Highlights—Built-In Microphone, 3-button control, In-line …
Noise Cancelling Microphone—No
Integrated Microphone—Yes
Microphone Frequency Response—100Hz - 8kHz
Microphone Mount Type—In-line mic
Driver Size—10 mm
The in-ear seal blocks some noise, but there is no active cancellation.