Every device in the iPod range comes with a set of standard earphones. The Apple Earbud Headphones are basic sleek, white headphones which are designed to be inserted in your ears. There is no headband to hold them in place and many people find them extremely uncomfortable. They are also quite expensive, although you can buy them at a heavily discounted price on Amazon.

You don’t need to use the iPod earphones provided because there are plenty of other options out there. There are headphones which offer much greater comfort and there are headphones which offer better quality sound. Whether you prefer the earbud style or you want something which is held in place more securely there are plenty of options.

The most popular alternative to the Apple Earbuds for headphones in the same style are the JBuds. They also feature a sleek design and are supposed to be inserted in the ear with nothing to keep them in place. They come in black and are supposed to be slightly more comfortable and offer a better quality of sound.

If you need something in a different style because you find the earplug headphones keep falling out. You don’t necessarily need to go for headphones with a headband you could try out something like the iLuv Ear Clips. They are cheap, offered in a variety of colours and the earbuds are held in place by soft rubber ear clips which hook around your ears.  The sound quality is not fantastic and they certainly don’t stop noise from escaping but they are cheap and effective.

If you find that the earbud style is no good for you because it makes your ears hurt then you should try something different altogether. Instead of buds which are designed to fit into your ear you might want to check out a more traditional style of headphone. The older type of headphone needn’t be a traditional over the top headband design either there are sets which go around the back of the head now as well.

The Monster iFreePlay Cordless Headphones are designed specifically for the iPod shuffle. This clever design includes an actual iPod dock on the left headphone which allows you to slot in the iPod and eliminates the need for any wires. They loop over the ears and around the back of the head for comfort. They also feature traditional headphone style speakers which sit over the ear rather than in the ear. The sound quality is reasonable and these are fairly good value for money. If you have an iPod shuffle and you are sick of wires when you are exercising these just might be what you’ve been looking for.

If you are happy with a more traditional headphone design and you want comfort with excellent sound quality without breaking the bank then you need to check out the Sennheiser PX100 Collapsible Headphones. They are open headphone speakers that sit over the ear and they are held in place by a traditional over the top headband. They are super light with a great fold up design which allows you to put them away in your pocket using the case provided. They also offer terrific sound quality and for around $40 you will struggle to find a better option.

If you haven’t seen anything you’ve liked then perhaps the website Earphone Solutions can help you with their honest and interesting comparison of the best iPod earphones available.