Griffin TuneBuds Mobile for iPhone, $22 shipped

(Credit: Griffin Technology)

For the last couple weeks, I've been playing with Griffin's TuneBuds Mobile. Compatible with iPods but designed with iPhones in mind, the TuneBuds combine noise-isolating earbuds with a talk-ready microphone and a play-pause control.

I like them. A lot. They're not perfect, but I was all set to tell you that they're worth the $39.99 list price. Then I remembered my job title and went digging for deals. And sure enough, I found one: OnSale.com has the Griffin TuneBuds Mobile for $16.99, plus $5 for shipping.

The TuneBuds come with three pairs of rubberized earbuds so you can get the best fit for your ears. I particularly like the nylon-coated cord, which helps prevent tangles. To that end, I wish Griffin supplied some kind of plastic cord wrap, but at least you get a zippered carrying case.

The earbuds include an in-line microphone for phone conversations. A small button lets you answer incoming calls or send them to voice mail. When not pulling phone duty, the button can play or pause your tunes, or skip to the next song.

How's the sound quality? To my ears, excellent, though I'm the first to admit that I'm not the best judge of audio fidelity. All told, I think that this is a great earbud headset solution for the iPhone, especially for a mere $22--less than you'd pay for some noise-isolating earbuds alone.

[DetJMunch]

Cheaper than the Apple iPhone headphones!

[mtmaloney]

For what it's worth, Amazon has these for $20.99 and is eligible for Free Shipping. So you can always pick them up from there if you have other purchases to make.

http://tinyurl.com/9l8eum

[rafe]

I have a set of these. They sound ok (especially for $20) but construction is not the best. The rubber cover over the jack slides off the plug easily, and the wrap around the mic/switch section is wrinkled. But for $20, I'm not too upset.

[wikeh]

I used the link you provided. The price is now $19.99 and the lowest shipping cost to Hawaii was $36!!
Not such a good deal, eh?

Thanks, but not for me. :-)

[iroq321]

Not for you Hawaiians, no.

[rickbroida]

Sorry about that! Try here: http://tinyurl.com/a3ujy9. This has the 'buds for $22 shipped (though not sure if that includes Hawaii).

[marco_n]

Too late for that too, ABT's price is now $29.

[BigSquareHead]

FWIW -

Very good earphones for the money. Nylon cord is nice (tangle free), sound is good (lacks a little bass but overall very good) and they integrate well with the iPhone/iTouch. Solid deal, had to wait because of backorder, but worth $20 w/out question.

The Cheapskate is wise.

REALLY not worth it!! I wasn't expecting outstanding sound for the price...but I assumed that it would be better than stock. I was wrong. The covers do tend to slide off easily. But that isn't too bothersome. The construction seems solid enough. The issue is that they are SO high pitched! It's as if they are screaming. I adjusted the sound to increase the bass but it is unbearable. And considering it was $5 for S & H and I'm going to have to send them back...I feel that I should have just purchased a pair for the amount I'm spending on shipping at a store (Sony or a more reputable brand).

Believe me...the price is not worth the headaches you will have from the ringing in your ears.