Catastrophe. Regardless of doing all your analysis after which scouring the net for one of the best value (together with our Black Friday headphone offers), you’ve ended up with a set of in-ear headphones which can be both too huge, too small or simply plain uncomfortable. Worse nonetheless, since you have opened and examined the headphones, the retailer gained’t challenge a refund.
Whereas most retailers (each on the excessive avenue and on-line) will fortunately refund merchandise you later remorse shopping for, our analysis highlights that this does not all the time apply to in-ear headphones.
We additionally know from our in-depth lab exams {and professional} listening panel that not all in-ear headphones will match everybody’s ears. Some producers improve the probabilities of a comfortable match by together with quite a lot of totally different sized silicone eartips, however even with these some members of our listening panel complain about headphones that both create an excessive amount of stress on their ears or are simply too small and vulnerable to falling out.
Drawback is, you will solely know whether or not your chosen headphones match by really placing them in your ears, which could imply they’re now not eligible for a refund.
That can assist you keep away from making an costly mistake this Black Friday (and having to decipher countless refund insurance policies), we’ve spoken to among the hottest retailers and requested them to make clear their refund coverage particularly for in-ear headphones.
Greatest headphones for 2023: uncover which fashions aced our powerful lab exams
Can I get a refund on in-ear headphones?
Within the desk beneath, we have listed the retailers we have spoken to and detailed whether or not they allow you to return in-ear headphones (whether or not opened or nonetheless within the field) and the way lengthy you need to return them.
After all, you will nonetheless have the ability to return them for a full refund in the event that they’re defective (see our information on your rights on defective merchandise for extra).
*Partial refund could also be supplied
Analysis carried out August 2023 (final checked November 2023)
Amazon
Amazon doesn’t specify any additional situations for returning in-ear headphones in comparison with different merchandise. Supplied the headphones are returned ‘inside 30 days of receipt of supply’, they are going to be accepted and a refund issued.
By way of third-party sellers by way of Amazon Market, Amazon advised us ‘many sellers on Amazon.co.uk additionally observe this coverage.’ Nonetheless, we advocate you verify with the third-party vendor earlier than buying.
TO THE
Concerning in-ear headphone returns, AO says: ‘If you wish to unpack it and have a correct take a look at it first, that’s completely positive, however for those who’ve used the product in any manner in any respect we might solely have the ability to give you a partial refund.’
So for those who return a set of in-ear headphones that don’t match, you may not get all of your a refund.
Apple
If you buy in-ear headphones from Apple, you will get a refund or alternate even for those who’ve examined them out.
Apple does request, nevertheless, that they’re returned of their authentic field with all included equipment. And at 14 days, you have got much less time than most different retailers during which to request the refund.
Argos
Argos advised us in-ear headphones are exempt from its 30-day a refund assure coverage on account of ‘hygienic causes’, except defective.
Following our dialog with Argos, it advised us that it was actively reviewing its coverage relating to returning headphones.
John Lewis
John Lewis has a listing of exceptions to its normal refund coverage, considered one of which is that the product should not be opened or unsealed, ‘aside from the place crucial to examine’.
As with all retailers, it is nonetheless value asking for a refund, however given you need to open the field to check the headphones, you not get your a refund if they do not match.
Richer Sounds
Like most retailers, Richer Sounds says any set of headphones which can be unused and nonetheless in its authentic packaging will be returned for a full refund, however this must be executed inside 30 days of the preliminary buy.
Nonetheless, whereas it means that you can return opened and undesirable over-ear and on-ear headphones, Richer Sounds advised us that for hygiene causes it doesn’t settle for opened in-ear headphones for return, except defective.
Three in-ear headphones to contemplate
Apple AirPods Professional (2022)
- Actually wi-fi, in-ear headphones
- Energetic noise cancelling
- IPX4 ranking for water resistance
We like: MagSafe charging case with Discover My app help
We don’t like: Extra restricted when used on Android gadgets
The AirPods Professional (2022) have changeable silicone ear ideas and a redesigned MagSafe charging case (this helps each Qi and MagSafe wi-fi charging). Moreover, these headphones now come filled with an additional silicone ear tip measurement and plenty of new options that promise to enhance the listening expertise (though these are largely unique to Apple gadgets).
Take a look at our full Apple AirPods Professional (2022) assessment earlier than you commit to purchase
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Actually wi-fi, in-ear headphones
- Energetic noise cancelling
- Helps wi-fi charging
We like: Effectively-equipped and designed accompanying app
We don’t like: Mediocre microphone
Sony’s newest really wi-fi in-ear headphones have arrived with the clear intention of topping the Apple AirPods Professional. Plenty of options are included with the intention to obtain this purpose together with; wi-fi charging and ear detection compatibility, along with a well-equipped app with equaliser and preset customisation choices. The match in-ear is sort of safe, however with 4 different-sized changeable ear tricks to swap between, discovering a very good match ought to be simpler than is typical with most in-ear headphones.
For our verdict on the sound, noise cancelling and battery life, and to see if these headphones did problem the Apple AirPods Professional efficiently, try our full Sony WF-1000XM5 assessment
LG TONE Free Match UTF8
- Actually wi-fi, in-ear headphones
- Energetic noise cancelling
- IP67 water-proof
We like: They’re washable beneath the faucet
We don’t like: Tight match with the ear hook gained’t be for everybody
LG has packed plenty of options into the UTF8 to make them higher fitted to use whereas exercising and even swimming. They’re rated IP67 water-proof which suggests they’ll endure half-hour submerged in as much as one metre of recent water. Along with changeable earbud ideas, LG has additionally included changeable ear hooks which match throughout the ridge of your ears and make them safer in-ear.
How do they sound and is the noise cancelling efficient towards the sound of crashing water? For the complete outcomes, learn our LG TONE Free Match UTF8 assessment
How we check the match of in-ear headphones
If you happen to stay cautious about buying a set of in-ear headphones – particularly in the event that they’re a premium pair with a hefty price ticket – make certain to check out our headphone opinions.
Along with how they sound, we ask our panel of specialists (made up of people of various ages with differing ear and head sizes) to touch upon the match and luxury of the headphones, providing you with an thought of whether or not they’re bigger or smaller than common.
We additionally report on what number of extra ear ideas are equipped. The extra sizes supplied, the extra seemingly you might be to seek out one that matches your ears.
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