Hey everyone! I recently picked up an iPhone SE (3rd Gen) because I still love the compact design and the home button, but I’m really struggling to find the right pair of Bluetooth earbuds to go with it. My main issue is comfort; I spend a lot of time on my daily commute listening to podcasts and music, and my current cheap pair starts making my ears ache after only 30 minutes.
Since the SE doesn’t have a headphone jack, I’m looking for something wireless that feels almost weightless. I’ve heard mixed things about the fit of the standard AirPods versus the Pro version with the silicone tips, especially for people with slightly smaller ears. I’m also open to third-party brands like Sony or Jabra, as long as they pair easily and stay connected without issues. I really need something that stays secure while walking but doesn't feel like it’s wedged too deep in my ear canal. My budget is around $150-$200, so I'm willing to invest in quality if they actually stay comfortable for long sessions.
For those of you using an SE 3rd Gen, which earbuds have you found to be the most ergonomic and reliable for daily use? I’d love to hear your personal favorites!
For your situation, I'd suggest being cautious with anything that wedges deep in ur ear. • Apple AirPods (3rd Generation): Pros: Weightless feel. Cons: No ANC.
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): Pros: Great noise cancelling. Cons: Kinda 'plugged' feeling.
• Sony LinkBuds WF-L900: Pros: Super open (very weird design!). Cons: Thin sound. Honestly, I'm satisfied with the 3rd Gen AirPods. They're the safest, most reliable pick for the SE... no complaints, works well!!
Honestly, for your SE, I'd recommend Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with MagSafe Case (USB-C). In my experience: 1. Safety: Transparency mode is actually the best for hearing traffic while commuting.
2. Reliability: They pair perfectly with the SE every single time.
3. Fit: They include XS tips, which I think are a game changer for smaller ears. So yeah, if you hate the 'plugged' feeling, Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless Earbuds are semi-open and maybe dont feel wedged in. cheers!
Found this thread and figured id chime in. If your ears are hurting after only 30 mins, you might want to consider looking at some Bose options. I usually tell people to go with Bose if comfort is the priority because their tip designs dont usually go as deep as others. Just be careful and make sure to try them on if you can, because everyones ears are shaped so differently... it can be a hit or miss tho. I would also suggest checking out basically anything from Beats. Since theyre owned by Apple, they talk to the iPhone SE perfectly, but the fit is totally different from standard AirPods. Just grab whatever the latest ones are and they usually handle the weightless feel better than the generic stuff. Ngl, those cheap pairs are almost never worth the earache. Just make sure to avoid the really bulky ones if youre walking a lot, they might just feel too heavy during a long commute.
Curious about one thing: do you prefer hard plastic or silicone? After years, my current setup is open-ear cuz 'plugged' buds realy hurt...
- Open: Comfy
- Silicone: Seal
- Plastic: Light
Open is best for comfort!
Seconded!
Would love to know this too