I'm looking for durable, inexpensive wireless earbuds that work well with an iPhone 13 and can be located if I misplace them. Ideally, they would show whether I left them at work or at someone else's house and alert me when I accidentally leave them behind. I tend to lose things despite being careful, so I'd also label them with my contact information.
I'd like a compact pair that can fit comfortably under a large beanie, though I'd also use them openly for studying in a library, exercising, and everyday listening. My ideal budget is $50 or less, but I could spend up to $100 if the options are substantially better. I'd go higher only if necessary. What models should I consider?
5 Answers
If losing them is the biggest concern, wired earbuds are still the cheapest and most practical option. They’re harder to leave behind, don’t need charging, and USB-C versions can work with modern phones. The downside is that they won’t provide location tracking or automatic separation alerts.
Older AirPods Pro models can be a good match for an iPhone because Apple’s Find My network and left-behind alerts are well integrated. Buying used or refurbished from a reputable seller may bring them closer to your budget, but check the battery condition and make sure they’re removed from the previous owner’s account.
Soundcore makes several affordable earbuds with solid battery life and decent sound. They’re worth comparing under $50, although their tracking features may not be as seamless as Apple’s Find My system, so check the exact model before buying.
Some inexpensive Redmi or Xiaomi earbuds offer surprisingly good sound, battery life, and even noise cancellation for around $15–$25. However, iPhone compatibility and tracking vary by model, so I wouldn’t choose them if reliable location features are your top priority.
Raycon and similar budget brands are another possibility, but make sure the specific pair supports the features you care about. For an iPhone user who frequently misplaces earbuds, paying a little more for dependable tracking may be more useful than maximizing sound quality.
I’m hoping to stay around $50, though I could stretch to $100 if tracking and reliability make the extra cost worthwhile.