Don’t buy in-ear headphones (until you’ve checked this one thing)
Our research shows in-ear headphones are often excluded from retailer refund
policies, so it pays to check before you buy
Disaster. Despite doing your research and then scouring the web for the best price (including our guide to the best headphone deals), you’ve ended up with a set of in-ear headphones that are either too big, too small or just plain uncomfortable. Worse still, since you've opened and tested the headphones, the retailer won’t issue a refund.
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 (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.
Best headphones for 2024: discover which models aced our tough lab tests
Can I get a refund on 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.
Of course, you'll still be able to return them for a full refund if they're faulty (see our guide on your rights on faulty products for more).
| Yes | Yes | 30 days | |
| Yes | Yes* | 30 days | |
| Yes | Yes | 14 days | |
| No | No | 30 days | |
| Yes | No | 35 days | |
| Yes | No | 30 days | |
*Partial refund may be offered
Research conducted August 2023 (last checked November 2023)
Amazon headphone refunds
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 headphone refunds
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 headphone returns policy
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 headphone returns policy
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 headphone returns policy
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 headphone returns policy
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)
- Truly wireless, in-ear headphones
- Active noise cancelling
- IPX4 rating for water resistance
We like: MagSafe charging case with Find My app support
We don’t like: More limited when used on Android devices
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).
Check out our full Apple AirPods Pro (2022) review before you commit to buy
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Truly wireless, in-ear headphones
- Active noise cancelling
- Supports wireless charging
We like: Well-equipped and designed accompanying app
We don’t like: Mediocre microphone
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.
For our verdict on the sound, noise cancelling and battery life, and to see if these headphones did challenge the Apple AirPods Pro successfully, check out our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review
LG TONE Free Fit UTF8
- Truly wireless, in-ear headphones
- Active noise cancelling
- IP67 water resistant
We like: They’re washable under the tap
We don’t like: Tight fit with the ear hook won’t be for everyone
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 do they sound and is the noise cancelling effective against the sound of crashing water? For the full results, read our LG TONE Free Fit UTF8 review
How we test the fit of in-ear headphones
If you remain wary about purchasing a set of in-ear headphones - especially if they’re a premium pair with a hefty price tag - be sure to take a look at our headphone reviews.
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.
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