StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds vs Apple EarPods (Lightning)

Both are Lightning wired earbuds for Apple devices, so the choice comes down to fit and features. The Insignia adds IPX4 sweat resistance, three ear tip sizes and a detachable cord, which suits runners and gym users. The Apple EarPods use a fixed open-fit shape that many people find comfortable for hours, and owners widely report a reliable mic and remote. Build on both is basic plastic; neither has active noise cancellation.

  • Choose the Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones if you want a secure in-ear seal, swappable tips and sweat resistance for workouts.
  • Choose the Apple EarPods if you prefer an open fit that doesn't plug the ear canal and want Apple's own remote and mic.

Prices

  • Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds: $7.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)
  • Apple EarPods (Lightning): $15.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds is $8.00 cheaper than the Apple EarPods (Lightning) at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 11)
Insignia
Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones

4.5(207 ratings)
$7.00at eBayChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Three ear tip sizes for a secure seal
  • IPX4 sweat and splash resistance
  • Detachable cord
  • 3-button remote with in-line mic
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Sealed fit can feel tight or muffled to some
  • Lightning only, so no use on USB-C devices
Apple
Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) - MWTY3AM/A

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) - MWTY3AM/A

$15.00at AmazonChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

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

Pros
  • Open fit many people find comfortable for long wear
  • Apple-built mic and remote
  • Simple, familiar design
  • Works with Lightning iPhones and iPads
Cons
  • No ear tips, so fit is one-size
  • Little passive noise isolation
  • Fixed cord, no detachable option
  • No published IP rating

What separates them

Insignia Lightning Wired EarbudsApple EarPods (Lightning)
FitIn-ear tips in three sizes for a sealed fitOpen, ear-shaped design that rests outside the canal
Sweat and waterIPX4 rated for sweat and splashesListed as sweat and water resistant, no IP rating given
CableDetachable 3 ft cordFixed 3 ft cord
Controls3-button in-line remote and micIn-line remote with volume and playback, built-in mic
Sound isolationSealed tips block some outside noise passivelyOpen fit lets in ambient sound
Driver10 mm driver, 20Hz-20kHzApple-engineered drivers, no size published
Noise cancellationNone activeNone active
Device supportMost Apple devices with LightningApple devices with Lightning

Price history

$15.00$12.99
Nov 1Nov 11
  • Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds: lowest $12.99 on Nov 1 at Best Buy; $12.99 on Nov 11.
  • Apple EarPods (Lightning): lowest $15.00 on Nov 11 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Insignia Lightning Wired Earbuds

  • eBayPre-owned

    In stockSold by jerseyteam2015

    $7.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $12.99+ $5.49 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • SearsNew

    In stock

    $44.89Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Sears
  • 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 Nov 10
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

  • DataVisionNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $21.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit DataVision
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $15.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecInsignia Lightning Wired EarbudsApple EarPods (Lightning)
Cable Length3 feet3ft
Water ResistantYesYes
ColorWhiteWhite
Headphone Cup TypeIn-ear—
Body Part UseEar—
Noise Cancellation TypeNo (Active)—
Connectivity TechnologyWired—
Compatible DevicesMost Apple devices—
Ports And InterfacesLightning—
Microphone HighlightsBuilt-In Microphone, 3-button control, In-line …—
Noise Cancelling MicrophoneNo—
Integrated MicrophoneYes—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecInsignia Lightning Wired EarbudsApple EarPods (Lightning)
Microphone Frequency Response100Hz - 8kHz—
Microphone Mount TypeIn-line mic—
Driver Size10 mm—
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz—
Sensitivity42 decibels adjusted—
Sound OutputStereo—
Audio HighlightsIntegrated Amplifier—
Total Harmonic Distortion3 percent—
Water ProtectionIPX4 sweat and splash resistance—

What reviewers say

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 isolationMixedThe in-ear seal blocks some noise, but there is no active cancellation.

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.

Questions and answers

Which is better for running and the gym?
The Insignia. Its sealed tips and IPX4 rating hold up to sweat better, and the three tip sizes help it stay in place. The EarPods' open fit can slip during hard movement.
Which sounds better?
They differ in character more than quality. The Insignia's sealed fit gives more bass and isolation; the EarPods sound open and airy but let in background noise. Neither has active noise cancellation.
Which lasts longer?
Both are basic plastic builds. The Insignia's detachable cord helps if the cable wears out, since you can replace it. The EarPods' fixed cable means a failure ends the set.
Do the EarPods work with a USB-C iPhone?
No. The EarPods here use a Lightning connector, so they fit Lightning iPhones and iPads only. The Insignia has the same limitation.
Is the Insignia worth stepping up to over the EarPods?
If you want a sealed fit, swappable tips and sweat resistance, yes. If you dislike things inside your ear canal, the EarPods are the more comfortable pick.
Do either have a microphone for calls?
Yes, both have an in-line mic and remote for calls and playback. Neither has a noise-cancelling microphone.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector 2-Pack vs Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones
  • Insignia Lightning Wired Earbud Headphones vs PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone
  • Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) - MWTY3AM/A vs PALOVUE Lightning Headphones Earphones MFi Certified with Microphone

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cheap Apple EarPods wired earphones with Lightning connector
Waterproof
No
—
StyleEarbud Headphones—
WirelessNo—
Simulated Surround SoundNo—
Background Noise ActivationNo—
Wi-FiNo—
Speaker Configuration2.0 (stereo)—
FoldableNo—
MultipointNo—
Type of HeadphoneIn-Ear—
Noise Cancelling (Active)false—
Sound ModeStereo—
Connection TypeWired—
Built-In Microphonetrue—
Carrying Casefalse—
Headphone FitIn-Ear—
Ear Tip Sizes IncludedSmall, Medium, Large—
BrandInsignia™—
Model NumberNS-HPLTNG23—