I need help finding a nice pair of in-ear headphones.  I need something that is sturdy, comfortable, and under $100.  The headphones should be suited for podcast listening.  An inline remote for iPhone is also a must.  Currently I am using apple earpods, but I've gone through two pairs in the past 3 months.  I like the earpods but in the past two pairs the left earpod always goes out.  Thank you for your help.

Quote:

samtheman14 said:

I need help finding a nice pair of in-ear headphones.  I need something that is sturdy, comfortable, and under $100.  The headphones should be suited for podcast listening.  An inline remote for iPhone is also a must.  Currently I am using apple earpods, but I've gone through two pairs in the past 3 months.  I like the earpods but in the past two pairs the left earpod always goes out.  Thank you for your help.

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There's not really a set standard for an earphone/IEM that needs to be met in order to be good for podcasts, though I would assume something midrange-forward would be a start. In which case the A161P slots right under 100, mic/remote functionality, great mid-centric but still balanced signature.

I use the Bose IE2 every day for listening to podcasts and audiobooks. My last set lasted almost 3 years and went through the washer/dryer once. When one of the ear buds stopped producing an audio signal, Bose replaced the set for half the price of the current model even though my warranty had long expired. I like their comfort and the lack of isolation is a plus as I listen while walking around. The model with iPhone control will cost you a bit more than $100 and they rarely are on sale anywhere.
 
My second recommendation would be to go really cheap - like less than $10 as podcasts and audiobooks do not require great fidelity. Most are recorded at very low bitrates and have a very narrow frequency range to reproduce. Just about any bud will do that. My favorite cheapos right now are the Philips SHE 3580 and the Meelectronics RX12. Both are In Ear Monitors and will isolate you from hearing much of what is going on around you, if that matters.