Choosing audio headphones gets complicated because the label covers so many different listening situations. You might need wireless earbuds for the go, a wired over-ear set for late-night TV, an in-ear monitor for critical listening, or simply new cushions for the headphones you already own. This comparison covers all four: the Apple AirPods 4, Joysico's noise-canceling over-ear headphones, a professional in-ear model, and a replacement ear pad set for Bose on-ear headphones.
Quick take
The AirPods 4 handle on-the-go listening, the Joysico covers TV and desktop use, the pro in-ear model targets detail-focused listening, and the Bose cushions refresh an existing pair. Pick the one that matches the job.
Listed prices run from $7.99 to $152.24.
Price comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods 4 | $64.00 | |
| Joysico Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones | $26.65 | |
| Professional In-Ear Headphones | $152.24 | |
| Bose OE2 Replacement Ear Pads | $7.99 |
How to choose
- For all-day listening: go with the AirPods 4 if you want Siri Interactions, voice isolation, and a compact in-ear fit.
- For an over-ear workhorse: the Joysico set includes volume control, rotatable earcups, and dynamic drivers for TV, desktop, laptop, or console use.
- For critical listening with a complete setup: the professional in-ear headphones use a balanced-armature driver and come with a protective case and multiple eartips.
- For reviving an existing Bose on-ear pair: the replacement cushions use memory foam and protein leather and fit OE2, OE2i, SoundLink On-Ear, and SoundTrue models.
Product notes
Apple AirPods 4
These open-box AirPods 4 bring the redesigned shorter stem, quick-press controls, voice isolation, and Siri Interactions. They are meant for all-day wear, and Personalized Spatial Audio adds a more immersive feel for music and calls. At the listed $64, this AirPods pair is the wireless in-ear option in the lineup. The trade-off is the open-box condition: the packaging may show scuffs, dents, or signs of repackaging, so the unboxing won't be pristine. You are getting the AirPods themselves with the comfort-focused redesign, but you should be comfortable with a box that has clearly been handled before. The 90-day warranty helps offset that concern.
Joysico Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones
If you want to plug in and get to work, this wired over-ear set uses dynamic drivers and a coil cord to keep you connected to a TV, desktop, laptop, or console. The volume control on the inline dial makes it easy to adjust without reaching for the source, and the 90-degree rotatable earcups help with fit and storage. It is also a new product at $26.65, which puts it at the lower end of this lineup. The trade-off is the wired connection: you have to stay in range of the cord, and cable management is something to plan around. It is a practical pick for late-night TV or long meetings where battery life is not a concern.
Professional In-Ear Headphones
The professional in-ear model is built for detail, with a balanced-armature driver that aims for crisp highs and clean mids while still adding body to bass. The detachable and replaceable cables are a big plus if you want to customize or swap a damaged cord, and the included carrying case, silicone and memory eartips, and 6.3mm adapter make it a complete travel setup. At $152.24, it is the most expensive item here, so it should be a deliberate purchase rather than an impulse buy. The white color and olive-green case give it a distinctive look. The main limitation is that no charger is included, so you will rely on the detachable cable system and whatever charging source you already have.
Bose OE2 Replacement Ear Pads
These replacement ear pads are not headphones themselves; they are cushions made to fit Bose OE2, OE2i, SoundLink On-Ear, and SoundTrue headphones. The high-density memory foam and protein leather are meant to reduce outside noise and restore bass response on an existing pair. At $7.99, this is the least expensive item in the comparison and is still a new product. The obvious limitation is compatibility: these pads are meant for that Bose on-ear family, so they need a matching headphone to be useful. They also come in black and blue, which may not match every existing headphone. If your Bose on-ear pair is worn out, this is a focused way to bring it back.
Final recommendation by use case
- For wireless daily listening: choose the Apple AirPods 4 if you want quick controls, spatial audio, and a cable-free in-ear fit, and you can accept the open-box packaging.
- For a wired over-ear option: choose the Joysico for a straightforward wired setup.
- For critical listening: choose the professional in-ear model.
- For refreshing an existing pair: choose the Bose replacement cushions if you own a compatible on-ear model.
