These headphones are indeed a step up from the Apple ear buds if you take your iPod on a run. Initially, these headphones were just the ticket. They folded up nicely in my carry-on (I travel weekly), and were VERY secure on my runs.Then they broke. Then I kicked myself for not taking to heart the many other reviews indicating their fragility.As noted in other reviews, it would be much better to have a metal band running through the headset rather than it being made of separate plastic components. But that's what you get for the price.