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These were recommended to me by a music enthusiast and I can see why--the earbuds form a seal in the ear that helps block outside noise. I use my headphones primarily for talking on my iPhone, though, and with outside noise blocked out, I could not hear myself talk on the phone, a very weird sensation. It caused me to talk too loudly! And since I always used them when driving, to be hands-free, I had to wonder how much traffic noise it was blocking out, such as sirens and horns honking, which I think is a safety issue. It also made me feel like I needed to equalize the pressure in my ears, an uncomfortable sensation. And, within a month, one ear went completely dead. I returned them to the Apple store and went back to the standard issue headphones. Would not buy these again.

(1 of 4 people found this review useful)

I purchased these particular headphones because they are in-ear, and the only in-ear headphones that worked with the iPod Shuffle. I’ve always used in-ear headphones when using any of my iPods, and I’m pleased with the audio quality. I also do not have any issues with the comfort or ability to stay in the ear.
I do have an issue with what I’d call a design flaw. Like many others, I use my iPod when working out. Like many others, I sweat when working out. If my cheek makes contact with the right side of the headphone cable (the side with the controls) and I’m sweating, there is a very good chance that the controls will stop working. This could be temporarily, or permanent if it happens more than once. This was the case with my first set of $79 Apple In-Ear Headphones. I decided that I’d settle for the regular headphones that come with the iPod Shuffle. It happened again. I’m sure that it would not be too difficult during the manufacturing process to apply a water barrier at the top of the controls to prevent moisture from descending into the controls, rendering them inoperable.
Rating - 1 for design, 5 for everything else

(1 of 2 people found this review useful)

IMPORTANT NOTE: I've been seeing a lot of the lower ratings complain about the "walking noise" or "movement noise" caused by these earphones. This is caused by people not using them properly. The earphones come with an often-ignored clip right by the place where the wire splits up to the two headphones. This clip is designed to slide up and eliminate that noise. I find that if I put the clip about six inches up from where the wire divides into two, the noise from jogging, walking, exercising, etc. is completely eliminated.

I would imagine that there might be some variation on this "sweet spot" for the clip depending on your body size, if you put it too close to your neck, it can pop out. I find that you don't want it too tight, but definitely closer to your chin.

Now that we've addressed the walking issue, I find these to be the perfect headphones. They block out a very good amount of external noise, come with three sized ear plugs so that you can find the right size so that they won't fall out. Most importantly, they have the remote and mic which are critical for iPods and iPhones during exercise/outdoors. This makes it so you don't have to dig out your device in order to change songs or repeat one.

I can't recommend these enough, and again, for those who complain about the walking/moving noise... you aren't using them correctly.

(1 of 1 people found this review useful)

I am really happy with these head for the price I head other ear bud and they don't stand up very happy with these head phone for them not being bose good job Apple

(1 of 2 people found this review useful)

I love these headphones and find that they work as well, if not better than the Shure ones I had that were twice the price (and the internal wiring eventually fried after a couple years in those). My only complaint is that the silicone tips don't stay on. One of the reason I like these headphones is that they offer such a small size earbud tip - regular in-ear headphones never fit in my ears, but these do. Unfortunately, I have to be incredibly careful with them because if I just toss them in my bag, the silicone tips fall off. It's irritating to have to put them back in their little case every time I want to transport them anywhere so I don't lose the tips.

Apple - please fix this! I'd be willing to pay for new small earbud tips if they stayed on better...I'm afraid I'm going to lose them and not be able to use the headphones at all, since from what I've read, Apple doesn't offer replacements.

(9 of 14 people found this review useful)

The Apple In-Ear Headphones I purchased produce clear highs and reasonably deep bass. Inserting the headphones properly is key. Make sure the headphones are inserted far enough because the low end will only be heard if you do.

The build quality could and should be more robust. You will just need to be careful with the headphones if you purchase them. Replacement silicone buds would be helpful. Replacement mesh caps come with the headphones, so silicone replacement buds should at least be offered.

(5 of 9 people found this review useful)

Volume control doesn't work.The buttons just don't do anything. Sound is Ok at best, the original ear phones sound better. The good, is that they block outside sounds VERY well. That said, it bums me out that these aren't that good and I'm out $75.

(3 of 17 people found this review useful)

The controls never worked, but that's the least of the problems. I don't know who is writing the positive reviews, but they must not have had them long enough to lose one of the earbuds (which makes them useless), which should occur within a week given how easily they fall off. Until Apple comes up with replacements that can be purchased, don't consider these. The package should say "Warning - earbuds easily lost due to defective design and replacements not available."

(7 of 8 people found this review useful)