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Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector vs PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

Buy the Apple EarPods if you want the safest fit and a proven microphone for calls, and the two-pack covers a spare or a second device. Buy the PALOVUE if you want metal housings, a retractable cable and a touch remote in a black finish. Apple's EarPods are the better-known design with a huge base of owners and a 5-star average across thousands of ratings; the PALOVUE is MFi certified and more rugged on paper but has far fewer reviews and no water resistance.

  • Choose the Apple EarPods if you want a comfortable, familiar fit, a reliable inline mic and a spare pair in the box.
  • Choose the PALOVUE if you prefer aluminum earbuds with a retractable cable and touch controls.

Prices

  • Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector: $12.99 at Busbites (last seen Nov 8)
  • PALOVUE Lightning Headphones: $20.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector is $8.00 cheaper than the PALOVUE Lightning Headphones 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 BusbitesChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Busbites
Pros
  • Ear-shaped design fits more people comfortably
  • Inline remote and mic for calls and playback
  • Water resistant for sweat and light rain
  • Two pairs in the box
  • Long, well-documented ownership record
Cons
  • Plastic build feels less premium
  • No published driver specs
  • Fixed cable can fray with heavy use
  • Lightning only, no 3.5 mm option
PALOVUE
PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone

$20.99at AmazonChecked 16 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

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

Pros
  • Aluminum housings feel sturdier
  • Retractable cable cuts tangles
  • MFi certified for Lightning devices
  • Published driver and impedance specs
Cons
  • Not water resistant
  • Touch controls can misfire during workouts
  • Small review base
  • Round tips may not suit every ear

What separates them

Apple EarPods with Lightning ConnectorPALOVUE Lightning Headphones
Fit and comfortEar-shaped housing designed around the geometry of the earStandard round in-ear tips
Build materialPlastic housing, whiteAluminum enclosure, black
CableFixed cableRetractable cable
ControlsPhysical inline remote with volume and playback buttonsTouch controls
Water resistanceMarked water resistant, suited to workoutsNot water resistant
ConnectorLightning, for iOS devicesLightning, MFi certified
Driver specNot published by Apple9.2 mm dynamic driver, 16 ohm, 20 Hz–20 kHz
Track recordThousands of ratings averaging 5 out of 5Small review base

Price history

$20.99$9.99
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector: lowest $9.99 on Nov 10 at Amazon.
  • PALOVUE Lightning Headphones: lowest $20.99 on Nov 10 at Amazon.

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 16 h 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 →

PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $39.39Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $20.99Checked 16 h ago
    Visit Amazon

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

All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple EarPods with Lightning ConnectorPALOVUE Lightning Headphones
ConnectivityWiredWired
ColorWhiteBlack
With MicrophoneYes—
Quantity2 Pack—
StyleIn-ear—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
UseSports—
Width2.2″ wide—
Depth2.2″ deep—
TypeEarbuds—
Water Resistanttrue—
Connection TypeWired—
Show all 37 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple EarPods with Lightning ConnectorPALOVUE Lightning Headphones
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.

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 and gym use?
The Apple EarPods. They are marked water resistant and the ear-shaped housing stays put better for most people. The PALOVUE is not water resistant, so sweat is a risk.
Which one has the better microphone for calls?
The EarPods. Apple's inline mic is widely used and well tested. The PALOVUE has a mic too, but fewer owners report on call quality.
Which lasts longer?
The PALOVUE's aluminum shells and retractable cable resist wear and tangling better. The EarPods' fixed plastic cable is the usual failure point, though the two-pack gives you a backup.
Do both work with an iPhone?
Yes. Both use a Lightning connector, and the PALOVUE is MFi certified. Neither works with a USB-C iPhone or a 3.5 mm jack without an adapter.
Is the PALOVUE worth stepping up to over the EarPods?
Only if metal build and a retractable cable matter more to you than water resistance and a proven fit. Otherwise the EarPods are the safer pick.
Do either have noise cancelling?
No. Both are wired earbuds with passive isolation only. The EarPods' in-ear seal blocks some surrounding sound, but neither cancels noise actively.

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More comparisons

  • Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector 2-Pack vs Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones
  • 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
  • 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
false
—
Volume Controltrue—
In the BoxEarPods with Lightning Connector—
Parts Warranty1—
Labor Warranty1—
Package Weight1—
Driver size—9.2 millimeters
Driver type—Dynamic Driver
Impedance—16 ohm
Frequency range—20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Headphone jack—Lightning
Control method—Touch
Enclosure material—Aluminum
Ear placement—In Ear
Water resistance—Not Water Resistant
Cable features—Retractable