It seems perfectly natural to want to upgrade from the cheesy white stock headset that come with the iPhone, to a much more compatible – and complimentary – headset in silver and black…and that’s where Zagg Z.buds come in.

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

Z.buds feature convenient in-line volume control and a premium length, tangle-free cord. Multiple sliders mean better cord management and greater listening convenience – try our “Hangin’ Tight” slider alignment in image above. Z.buds Music Control for iPhone completes the experience, allowing iPhone users a seamless switch between their calls and their music.

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

  • Rich, responsive sound from superior speakers
  • “Hangin’ tight” wearable – wear Z.buds around neck
  • Built-in music control for iPhone
  • Premium length, tangle-free cord
  • In-line volume control
  • Multiple sliders for better cord management
  • 3.5mm jack compatible with first gen iPhone
  • Multiple earbud adaptors for all ear sizes
  • 2009 CES Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase Honoree

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

Specifications:

Earbuds
speaker diameter: 10mm
frequency response: 20hz to 20Khz
impedance: 32 Ohms
max input power: 10mW
cable length: 1.37 meters/54 inches
plug type: 3.5mm
sensitivity: 94dB +/- 3dB SPL/mW
Microphone: Noise Cancelling Condenser
frequency response: 30hz to 16Khz
impedance: 10 Ohms
sensitivity: 42dB +/- 3dB

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between Z.buds and the typical wired mobile phone headset is the nylon cording wrapped around the cables; this allows the earphones to be virtually tangle-proof, and it also gives them a more substantial feel than their unwrapped counterparts.

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

Of course, the Z.buds won’t only work with iPhones, they can be used with any digital music player or mobile phone that has a 3.5mm jack. A removable built-in lanyard can be used to attach to a button to keep the cables under control. The silver beads on the dual headset cables look stylish and serve a purpose – they slide on the cables to give a better fit.

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

The black squiggly box shown below contains a volume slider…

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

…and this is the button to push when accepting or hanging up on a call.

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

I tried this headset with my first generation iPhone, and found that the Z.buds were a huge improvement over the stock headset. Not only did the headset better match my device, it felt more substantial, and it delivered much better audio. The in-ear design of the buds also made for a better listening experience in noisy environments. My only complaint was that it seemed like there was an awful lot of extra cordage, but it makes sense when you wear the Z.buds as intended.

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

Gear Diary Holiday Gift Suggestions: Zagg Z.buds for the Chatty Audiophile photo

If you or someone you know has been stoically suffering while using a set of stock iPhone earphones, then perhaps it is time to upgrade to the in-ear design of the Z.buds.

Z.buds retail for $79.99, but are available now for an introductory price of $64.99. They are available in either silver and black or red and black.

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About Judie Lipsett Stanford

View all posts by Judie Lipsett Stanford
I have had a fascination with all types of gadgets and gizmos since I was a child, beginning with the toy robot that my grandmother gave my brother - which I promptly "relieved him of" in 1973. I have long been captivated by devices that did anything interesting or served a unique purpose - however silly. I can't tell you how everything works – but I am known world-wide for using a product until I have a full understanding of what it does, what its limitations are, and if it excels in any given area...or not.
  • Joel McLaughlin

    Dang these look cool! :D I could use a set! Is there a set for 2.5 mm? Do they have straight earbuds with no mic in it??