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Why Apple's $17 EarPods with USB-C are my impulse purchase on Prime Day

The cheap EarPods have some of the best microphones I've tested, never have to be charged, and are discounted during Amazon Prime Day.
Written by Kerry Wan, Senior Reviews Editor
Apple EarPods against white backdrop
Kerry Wan/ZDNET

No, it's not a typo. You can now buy Apple's USB-C EarPods, not AirPods, for $17 (11% off) on Amazon. The discount is no Prime Day doorbuster, but take it from me: You'll want to buy a pair of these in-ear headphones even if you already own wireless earbuds or aren't an Apple user. 

Also: The best Prime Day deals right now

In fact, I just returned home from a work trip to Paris, and I can't even count the number of times the USB-C EarPods helped me stay productive, entertained, and connected with family and friends during my downtime. Here's how else it shines for the price.

For one, wired earbuds don't need to be charged; you just plug them into a phone, laptop, or tablet, and you're all set for your audio needs. This latest model that Apple is selling just so happens to have a USB-C plug, meaning it'll work with just about any modern piece of technology, including the latest iPhones.

Also: The best iPhone accessories of 2024: Expert tested

Secondly, the microphone quality on Apple's wired EarPods is some of the best I've heard. For video meetings, phone calls, and even voice recording, the EarPods' microphone is on par with lavaliers that cost significantly more. I've used these to record several video scripts for ZDNET's social media channels, and it blows my mind every time I hear how crisp the audio comes out.

It should come as no surprise that I quickly bought another pair of USB-C Apple EarPods when they finally went on sale this morning. You can bet I'll be bringing them along for more plane rides and commutes throughout the summer.

When will this deal expire?

Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on this deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com

Also: The best Amazon Prime Day 2024 deals 

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