2 Pack Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume,Compatible for iPhone 15 16 17 Pro Max Plus. Review

If you've recently joined the USB-C iPhone club — whether you're rocking an iPhone 15, 16, or the brand-new 17 Pro Max — you've probably already discovered the headphone situation. No 3.5mm jack, no bundled earbuds in the box, and Apple's own EarPods sold separately at a premium. That's where budget 2-pack USB-C wired earbuds enter the picture. The pitch is simple: plug in, listen, done. But is it actually that simple?

Who Actually Needs These

Let's be honest about the target buyer here. These aren't audiophile earbuds. They're not trying to be. This is a backup pair, a travel pair, a drawer pair — the kind you toss in your bag so you're never caught without headphones. The 2-pack format makes that intent crystal clear. Buy one, lose one, still have one.

They're particularly relevant for iPhone 15 and newer owners who switched from Lightning devices and suddenly found their old wired earbuds useless. As one Reddit user upgrading from an iPhone 7 pointed out, Apple no longer even includes a cable or earbuds in the box — you're on your own from the start. For someone just wanting a no-fuss wired option without spending $19+ on official Apple EarPods, a budget USB-C pair makes sense on paper.

The USB-C Compatibility Question — And It's a Real One

Here's where things get genuinely interesting, and a little concerning. A Reddit post in r/iphone described a user whose genuine Apple USB-C EarPods refused to output audio on their iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18.3.2 — even though the same earbuds worked perfectly on an iPhone 16. The port charged fine, other USB-C accessories worked, and the fix remained elusive. The user suspected a software issue.

This isn't a minor footnote. If even Apple's own branded USB-C earbuds can hit compatibility snags with specific iPhone models or iOS versions, third-party budget earbuds face a higher bar to clear. Plug-and-play isn't always guaranteed. Before purchasing, it's worth checking whether your specific iPhone model and iOS version plays nicely with non-Apple USB-C audio devices.

What the Inline Remote Actually Does

The built-in remote handles the basics: play/pause, volume up/down, and call answering. For wired earbuds in this price range, that's exactly what you'd expect. It won't give you the granular control of a premium headset, but for skipping a track or grabbing a call without pulling out your phone, it does the job.

Phone call quality on budget wired earbuds is generally passable for voice calls but not impressive for video calls. Given that one Reddit reviewer noted FaceTime is one of the things iPhone users genuinely miss most when switching platforms, having functional call control on these earbuds at least keeps that experience intact for iPhone users.

Sound Quality: Temper Your Expectations

There's no tactful way to say this — at the budget price point these occupy, sound quality is functional, not impressive. Bass is present but thin, treble can get harsh at higher volumes, and soundstage is narrow. For podcasts, calls, and casual music listening during a commute, that's fine. If you're someone who cares about audio codecs (and some people genuinely do — one Reddit user switching from iPhone specifically cited Android's access to better audio codecs as a meaningful upgrade), these earbuds will frustrate you. They're not designed for that conversation.

Build Quality and the 2-Pack Value

Budget wired earbuds typically share similar construction: thin cables prone to tangling, lightweight plastic housings, and ear tips that fit some ears well and others not at all. The 2-pack value proposition softens the durability concern considerably — if one pair degrades or gets lost within a few months, you have a backup ready. For students, frequent travelers, or anyone who tends to go through earbuds quickly, this is a smarter buy than a single pair at the same total price.

Buyer Tips Before You Purchase

• Test the USB-C port with another accessory first — if your iPhone has had any port issues, sort that before blaming the earbuds
• Check your current iOS version; some users have reported audio handshake issues with third-party USB-C audio on specific iOS builds
• These are not compatible with older iPhones (Lightning port models like iPhone 14 and earlier) — the USB-C connection only works with iPhone 15 and newer
• If call quality matters a lot to you, manage expectations — the microphone is functional but not crisp

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these earbuds compatible with iPhone 15, 16, and 17 Pro Max?

A: They are designed for USB-C iPhones (iPhone 15 and newer). However, as noted by real users, USB-C audio compatibility can occasionally be affected by specific iOS versions or port conditions — it's worth testing promptly after purchase.

Q: Do these work for phone calls, not just music?

A: Yes, the built-in inline remote includes a microphone for handling calls, and the remote controls volume and playback. Call quality is adequate for basic voice calls.

Q: Why buy a 2-pack instead of a single pair?

A: Budget wired earbuds tend to have limited lifespans, and cables are vulnerable to wear. The 2-pack means you always have a spare — great for students, commuters, or anyone prone to losing one pair.

Q: How do these compare to Apple's own USB-C EarPods?

A: Apple's EarPods have better-tuned sound, a more reliable firmware handshake with iPhones, and stronger brand assurance. These budget alternatives trade audio quality and reliability for a significantly lower price point and the convenience of having two pairs.

Q: Can I use these with Android phones too?

A: USB-C audio is a standard, so these should work with most USB-C Android devices as well, though the product is marketed specifically toward iPhone 15/16/17 users.

At the end of the day, this is a product that knows its lane. It's not trying to compete with Sony or even Apple's own earbuds. If you need a reliable wired option for your new USB-C iPhone without spending much, and you appreciate having a backup pair out of the gate, these are a reasonable grab — just go in with realistic expectations and verify compatibility on your specific device and iOS version before assuming it'll be seamless.

— Tech Lead Editor, CPrice