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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
If you want a wireless neckband with a long battery, magnetic earbuds and dual-device switching, choose NANAMI Earbuds; if you need a simple wired earbud with an inline mic, a 3.5mm jack and no charging at all, choose Koss CL/3i.
• NANAMI Earbuds — biggest strength: Bluetooth 5.3 with a 200mAh battery rated for up to 18–20 hours of playtime, plus dual-device connection and magnetic earbuds that clip together around your neck.
• NANAMI Earbuds — biggest trade-off: It is wireless only. There is no 3.5mm jack, so it needs charging (about 2 hours) and a Bluetooth source.
• Koss CL/3i — biggest strength: A wired 3.5mm connection with an in-line microphone and remote, so calls and track control work with no battery, no pairing and no charging.
• Koss CL/3i — biggest trade-off: Wired only, with no noise control listed and no wireless mode, so you are tethered to the device by the cord.
• Pick NANAMI Earbuds if you want freedom from the cord, long listening sessions and the ability to swap between a phone and a laptop.
• Pick Koss CL/3i if you want the simplicity of plug-and-play wired audio with an inline mic for calls.
The NANAMI Earbuds are built around convenience and endurance. The 200mAh polymer lithium battery is rated for 15 hours average life and up to 18–20 hours of playtime, and a full charge takes about 2 hours over USB-C. Bluetooth 5.3 handles pairing with phones, tablets, laptops and TVs, with a stated range of 10 meters. The standout feature for a lot of buyers is dual-device connection: you can pair two devices at once and switch between a phone call and laptop audio without re-pairing.
The design is aimed at movement. The IPX7 rating means it resists sweat and rain, which suits gym sessions and commutes. The flex neckband is soft and bendable, and the earbuds have built-in magnets so they snap together and hang like a necklace when you are not listening — no tangled cord in a pocket. Controls are push-button, including a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant when pressed three times, plus in-line buttons for track changes, volume and answering calls.
Who should buy it: anyone who wants wireless audio for sports, housework, commuting or long work sessions, and anyone juggling two devices. Who should skip it: if you specifically want a wired connection, a 3.5mm plug, or you dislike charging earbuds, this is not the right pick. Note that the noise control here is sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation, so it relies on fit to block outside sound.
The Koss CL/3i is a wired earbud with a clear, transparent plastic shell and a retro 90s look. The design is deliberately simple: rounded tips, a lightweight build, and a 3.5mm standard headphone jack that plugs into tablets, smartphones, gaming devices, computers and laptops. There is nothing to pair and nothing to charge — you plug in and listen.
The in-line OneTouch mic and remote are the core feature. You can answer and end calls, pause, play and skip tracks right on the cord. Audio is delivered by a dynamic driver with a stated frequency range of 60–20,000 Hz, which the brand describes as deep bass, crisp highs and a full midrange. The in-ear fit is meant for working out, traveling and general on-the-go listening, and the lightweight construction is pitched at extended wear.
Who should buy it: anyone who wants a no-fuss wired earbud with a mic for calls, especially for computers, gaming handhelds or older devices that still use a 3.5mm jack. It also suits buyers who like the transparent retro aesthetic or who want a backup pair that never needs charging. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Who should skip it: if you want wireless freedom, magnetic earbuds or any form of noise control — none is listed here — this is not the one. You are also tied to a device that has a headphone jack or an adapter.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for battery life and long sessions → NANAMI Earbuds. Up to 18–20 hours of playtime on a 200mAh battery, with a 2-hour charge time.
• Best for zero-charge simplicity → Koss CL/3i. Wired means no battery to manage at all.
• Best for calls on a desktop or gaming device → Koss CL/3i. The 3.5mm jack plugs straight into computers, tablets and gaming hardware.
• Best for the gym and sweaty workouts → NANAMI Earbuds. IPX7 water resistance and a bendable, secure neckband.
• Best for retro style → Koss CL/3i. The clear transparent housing is the whole point of the design.
• Best for tangle-free storage → NANAMI Earbuds. The magnetic earbuds snap together and hang around your neck.
• Best for a no-frills backup pair → Koss CL/3i. Plug in, use the inline remote, done.
In my opinion, the NANAMI Earbuds are the better everyday pick for most people, because the wireless freedom, 18–20 hour playtime, dual-device switching and IPX7 protection cover more situations — gym, commute, work calls — without you thinking about it. I would only steer you to the Koss CL/3i if a wired 3.5mm connection is non-negotiable: a laptop, a gaming device, or a preference for never charging anything. If that describes you, the CL/3i's inline mic and remote do exactly what you need with no fuss. Either way, check the current price on Amazon before deciding, since that is the one variable this comparison cannot cover.
what is an inline mic on headphones
An inline mic is a small microphone built into the headphone cable, usually paired with a button or remote module on the cord. On the Koss CL/3i, that in-line mic and remote let you answer and end calls and control playback without touching your phone. The NANAMI Earbuds instead use a built-in MEMS microphone with noise filtering for hands-free calls over Bluetooth.
how to use wired headphones with mic on pc
Plug the 3.5mm jack into your computer's headphone or combo audio port, then select the headset as your input and output device in the sound settings. The Koss CL/3i uses a standard 3.5mm connector, so it works with computers, laptops and tablets that accept that plug. If your PC has separate mic and headphone jacks, you may need an adapter to combine them.
Yes, they connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.3 to laptops and other Bluetooth-enabled devices within a stated 10-meter range. They can also pair with two devices at once, so you can switch between a phone and a laptop. Just remember they need charging — about 2 hours for a full charge.
No. The CL/3i is a wired earbud with a 3.5mm jack, so it draws no battery and never needs charging or pairing. That makes it a reliable choice for devices with a headphone jack, though it has no wireless mode and no listed noise control.
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