While most retailers (both on the high street and online) will happily refund products you later regret buying, our research highlights that this doesn't always apply to in-ear headphones.
We also know from our in-depth lab tests and professional listening panel that not all in-ear headphones will fit everyone's ears. Some manufacturers increase the chances of a snug fit by including a variety of different sized silicone eartips, but even with these some members of our listening panel complain about headphones that either create too much pressure on their ears or are just too small and prone to falling out.
Problem is, you'll only know whether your chosen headphones fit by actually putting them in your ears, which might mean they're no longer eligible for a refund.
To help you avoid making an expensive mistake this Black Friday (and having to decipher endless refund policies), we’ve spoken to some of the most popular retailers and asked them to clarify their refund policy specifically for in-ear headphones.
: discover which models aced our tough lab testsWhere can you return in-ear headphones?
In the table below, we've listed the retailers we've spoken to and detailed whether they let you return in-ear headphones (whether opened or still in the box) and how long you have to return them.
| Retailer | Are in-ear headphones eligible for a full refund if unopened? | Can I unseal the box and try in-ear headphones and still get a full refund? | Number of days provided to return headphones |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINK(https://ift.tt/AkOiCVH, Amazon) | Yes | Yes | 30 days |
| LINK(https://ift.tt/gD7x5Sa, AO) | Yes | Yes* | 30 days |
| LINK(https://ift.tt/dIWGzoL, Apple) | Yes | Yes | 14 days |
| LINK(https://ift.tt/AI1ENPW, Argos) | No | No | 30 days |
| LINK(https://ift.tt/M378aes, John Lewis) | Yes | No | 35 days |
| LINK(https://ift.tt/lnvySMd, Richer Sounds) | Yes | No | 30 days |
Amazon
Amazon doesn’t specify any extra conditions for returning in-ear headphones compared to other products. Provided the headphones are returned ‘within 30 days of receipt of delivery’, they will be accepted and a refund issued.
In terms of third-party sellers via Amazon Marketplace, Amazon told us ‘many sellers on Amazon.co.uk also follow this policy.’ However, we recommend you check with the third-party seller before purchasing.
AO
Regarding in-ear headphone returns, AO says: ‘If you want to unpack it and have a proper look at it first, that’s absolutely fine, but if you’ve used the product in any way at all we may only be able to offer you a partial refund.’
So if you return a set of in-ear headphones that don’t fit, you might not get all your money back.
Apple
If you purchase in-ear headphones from Apple, you can get a refund or exchange even if you’ve tested them out.
Apple does request, however, that they’re returned in their original box with all included accessories. And at 14 days, you have less time than most other retailers in which to request the refund.
Argos
Argos told us in-ear headphones are exempt from its 30-day money back guarantee policy due to ‘hygienic reasons’, unless faulty.
Following our conversation with Argos, it told us that it was actively reviewing its policy regarding returning headphones.
John Lewis
John Lewis has a list of exceptions to its standard refund policy, one of which is that the product must not be opened or unsealed, ‘other than where necessary to inspect’.
As with all retailers, it's still worth asking for a refund, but given you have to open the box to test the headphones, you not get your money back if they don't fit.
Richer Sounds
Like most retailers, Richer Sounds says any set of headphones that are unused and still in its original packaging can be returned for a full refund, but this has to be done within 30 days of the initial purchase.
However, while it allows you to return opened and unwanted over-ear and on-ear headphones, Richer Sounds told us that for hygiene reasons it doesn’t accept opened in-ear headphones for return, unless faulty.
Three in-ear headphones to consider
Apple AirPods Pro (2022)
The AirPods Pro (2022) have changeable silicone ear tips and a redesigned MagSafe charging case (this supports both Qi and MagSafe wireless charging). Additionally, these headphones now come packed with an extra silicone ear tip size and a number of new features that promise to improve the listening experience (although these are largely exclusive to Apple devices).
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s latest truly wireless in-ear headphones have arrived with the clear intention of topping the Apple AirPods Pro. A lot of features are included in order to achieve this goal including; wireless charging and ear detection compatibility, in addition to a well-equipped app with equaliser and preset customisation options. The fit in-ear is quite secure, but with four different-sized changeable ear tips to switch between, finding a good fit should be easier than is typical with most in-ear headphones.
LG TONE Free Fit UTF8
LG has packed a number of features into the UTF8 to make them better suited for use while exercising or even swimming. They’re rated IP67 water resistant which means they can endure 30 minutes submerged in up to one metre of fresh water. In addition to changeable earbud tips, LG has also included changeable ear hooks which fit within the ridge of your ears and make them more secure in-ear.
How we test the fit of in-ear headphones
In addition to how they sound, we ask our panel of experts (made up of individuals of different ages with differing ear and head sizes) to comment on the fit and comfort of the headphones, giving you an idea of whether they’re larger or smaller than average.
We also report on how many additional ear tips are supplied. The more sizes offered, the more likely you are to find one that fits your ears.
Tech tips you can trust –source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/dont-buy-wireless-headphones-this-black-friday-until-youve-checked-this-one-thing-aveqt9j47mVT