this thing's incredible

These Grippy Wings Are Like ‘Condoms for My Apple AirPods’

For months, on Twitter, I mocked the Apple AirPods and the early adopters who wore them. I was relentless and unhinged, one man using his voice to push back against Apple’s attempt at integrating wireless Bluetooth technology into our daily lives. But eventually, like most people, I grew tired of tangled cords and the other day-to-day annoyances of the Apple EarPod. I needed to roam free, and the AirPods seemed like the only logical choice. When Christmas came around, and my mom asked me wanted I wanted, I quickly sent her a link to the AirPods — my untethered future awaited.

The first days of AirPod use were strange and unsettling. The left AirPod did not feel secure, I was afraid that with one wrong nod I was going to lose it, and I would have to return, defeated, to the corded masses. After a few weeks, I got the hang of it, but much to my dismay, the left AirPod fell out sometimes. One morning, I watched it tumble into oncoming traffic on Avenue A, just missing a violent death by truck tire. I was shook. I needed the AirPods to stay secure, become part of me. I knew I wasn’t the only one with this problem; there had to be others like me out there. I took my issue to Amazon and found a product that would change my life.

EarBuddyz promised to keep my AirPods secure. The EarBuddyz 2.0 Apple AirPods covers only cost $12 for two pairs. It was low risk, I ordered them immediately. They are basically grippy condoms for my AirPods made from “high-performance elastomers.” The real magic lies in the extra little piece of plastic that conforms to the groove of your inner ear. I strapped them on and took them for the ultimate test: a sweat-drenched run. They didn’t budge. I didn’t even have to adjust them once! It was a miracle.

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Select All’s Jake Swearingen tried out six of the leading wireless headphones out there and landed on these Bose SoundSports as the best. Read his review here.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

These Grippy Wings Are Like ‘Condoms for My Apple AirPods’