Delivering sound via hollow air tubes rather than traditional wires, the DefenderShield® EMF Radiation-Free Earbuds Air Tube Headphones offer an incredible listening experience while protecting from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation exposure. Our DefenderShield® EMF Radiation-Free Earbuds are the best quality air tube earbuds in the world. Our EMF Free Earbuds eliminate RF wireless frequencies due to being wired to your device. Hollow air tubes then switch the electrical signal to an acoustic signal, preventing any ELF (extremely low frequency) radiation from reaching your head and ears.

Try out our EMF-Free Over-Ear Headphones if you would rather have over-ear headphones!

Perfect For: travel, workouts, listening to music and podcasts, taking short or extended calls

SAFETY

• EMF radiation-free technology delivers crystal clear sound via hollow air tubes rather than traditional wires.
• Braided nylon cord is infused with copper for additional protection from Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation.

SOUND

• Developed by audio engineering specialists.
• Advanced, professional-grade speakers deliver higher fidelity stereo sound.
• Air-filled hollow tubes increase space for tone development, producing body and delivering a superior acoustic audio.

CONVENIENCE

• Built-in hands-free microphone with audio controls.
• Highly flexible yet strong air tubes and tangle-free braided nylon cord.
• Interchangeable sport tips and clip to keep earbuds securely in place while playing sports, exercising or running.
• Small, medium and large silicone ear tips for a custom fit.
• Add-on Memory Foam Earbud Tips to enhance comfort and fit while listening.

The DefenderShield® Radiation-Free Earbuds are built with professional-grade stereo quality speakers, while air tubes increase space for audio development, producing more body and delivering superior acoustic sound.

Multiple accessories are included to keep your earbuds secure while doing any activity. Choose from 3 sizes of silicone ear tips, or for a more secure fit try the 3 sizes of silicone sports tips or you can add-on memory foam ear tips that expand once in your ear for a secure fit.

Place the DefenderShield® Air Tube Earbuds in your ear, and depending on your earbud model purchased, you can plug the earbuds into the appropriate 3.5 mm or USB-C port on your devices. It is the perfect accessory to go with our superior EMF Radiation Protection Phone, Laptop, and Tablet Cases! Make sure to have the appropriate adapter for cell phones without audio ports.

Play the music or audio on the device, and adjust the volume on both the device and on the headphones' audio controller located below the air tubes. Make sure the audio is at a low conversational level (below 65 dB) before placing the EMF-free headphones in your ears.

You can use the audio controller on the headphones to raise or lower the volume, play or pause audio, skip a track, and to answer or end phone calls.

Experience crystal clear sound with the highs and lows of your music, listen to podcasts without distortion, and enjoy muffle-free conversations with your family friends, all while protecting yourself from EMF radiation.

If you need replacement earbud tips, you can order them here.

3.5 mm:
Weight (lbs): 0.056
Cord (in): 42.5 (from 3.5mm plug to speaker)
Air Tube Length (in): 7 (from speaker to headset)
Earbud Size: Small, Medium, Large
Compatible with most 3.5 mm audio devices, and other devices with an adapter (not included)

Patent License #: 6453044

USB-C:
Weight (lbs): 0.056
Cord (in): 42.5 (from USB-C plug to speaker)
Air Tube Length (in): 7 (from speaker to headset)
Earbud Size: Small, Medium, Large
Compatible with most USB-C audio devices (iPhone 15 and newer, Google Pixel, and newer Samsung phone models)

If your earbuds aren’t working, often the earbuds are not defective but the device, port, or adapter you are using. Even if the port looks correct, it may not be compatible.

Follow the guide below to ensure your earbuds are functioning properly.

Our Top Tips:

• Adapters complicate compatibility. Direct connections are the most stable.

• If devices have multiple port options, the 3.5mm earbuds have the most universal audio and mic connection. 

• For devices with unsupported ports (regular USB, Lightning) it is better to use the 3.5mm earbuds with an adapter, than to use USB-C earbuds with an adapter.

• The earbuds should work on most devices (with the correct adapter if needed) for audio connections, while the mic and controls may be less universally compatible.

3.5mm Earbuds Information

Compatibility

Device port AND adapter (if used) needs to be a TRRS (4-pole) connection.

Our 3.5mm earbuds include a microphone, which requires a TRRS (4-pole) connection.

• TRRS (4-pole) → audio + mic + controls
• TRS (3-pole) → audio only (mic and controls will not work)
• Always use adapters labeled TRRS, 4-pole, or “supports headset/mic”.
  • Make sure there are 3 lines on the ring of the jack, otherwise, the microphone and controls may not work.
  • Cheap or generic adapters are often just for charging (audio and microphone/controls won’t work) or audio (microphone or controls won’t work).
  • Adapters that may not fully work:
    • Cheap “pass-through” adapters (no DAC)
    • Plane/dual-prong adapters
    • Splitters not rated for TRRS
    • Many Amazon Basics or generic adapters
    • Confirm your device supports TRRS (4-pole) 3.5mm jacks for audio and mic (input and output).
• Common devices with TRS-only jacks (may not fully work):
  • Desktops and some laptops
  • Older computers with separate headphone + mic jacks
    • Handheld gaming devices
    • Cameras with separate headphones + mic jacks
    • Any device that requires a USB-C or Lightning connection without an active, MFi/USB DAC adapter
  • Check device input/audio settings to select the external headset/mic.

  • Test the earbuds on a different device (or 2) to confirm they function.

  • Refer to your device manual or manufacturer website for “headset with mic” support.

How do I fix an unsupported adapter or port?

Devices with a TRS-only port cannot be changed to recognize and support mic input. Earbuds should work for audio, but without full mic/controls functionality.

You can purchase a 4-pole TRRS 3.5mm adapter, just make sure it says “supports headphone and mic”.

Typical Problems & Fixes:

Audio works but microphone doesn’t:

• Likely wrong adapter (TRS instead of TRRS) → use TRRS/4-pole adapter. It must include a DAC if adapting to USB-C or Lightning (cheap pass-through adapters won’t work).

• Device not selecting external mic → check audio/input settings.

• App may be blocking external mic → test in a native voice recorder app.

• Plug not fully seated → push until it clicks, remove case if blocking.

• Device port is audio-only → check device settings, or test the earbuds on a few different devices. If it works on other devices, the port likely only supports audio.

Inline controls (play/volume/skip) don’t work:

• Some devices ignore analog controls →  this is a device limitation — the earbuds themselves are fine.

• Adapter may not support inline signals → test in a device without an adapter and if it works, get an adapter that supports inline signals.

• Your device’s media volume may already be at maximum or minimum → check native device volume control.

• On some devices, the inline volume buttons control media volume, not call volume — try playing music or a video while adjusting.

• When using with music apps, some devices require the media app to be active first before the earbuds’ inline controls can send commands → Hit Play directly on the device. After the audio starts, the earbuds’ buttons should work as expected.

• The control buttons may be stuck or jammed → press each button a few times in different spots with varying pressure. Try a longer, firmer press and release. If it still doesn’t work, gently clean around the buttons with a dry brush/cotton swab to remove dust or debris.

Static, low volume, or one side cutting out:

• Straighten kinked air tubes.

• Clean debris from the port.

• Clean debris from the ear tip and make sure the ear tip is correctly placed on the earbud.

• Check Accessibility → Disable Mono Audio to restore normal stereo output.

• Reset EQ or audio effects.

• Re-seat the plug firmly and make sure a case isn’t getting in the way.

• Turn off Bluetooth to ensure audio isn’t being routed wirelessly.

• Adapter or device issue: Try using it in a different device that doesn’t need an adapter (it may be a faulty adapter connection). Or, try a different device WITH the adapter. If it exhibits the same problem, the adapter is the issue.

Ear tips fall off the earbuds:

Ear tips are designed to be interchangeable and may not have been put on correctly, or are not fully seated.

• Remove the ear tip, check for damage, then pinch ear tip and stretch it over the earbud stem as far as it can go, twisting as you place it on.

• The sport tips feature an in ear hook with an R or L→ Make sure you match the right sport tip (R) with the right earbud (side with  mic and controls). Stretch the sport tip on top of the earbud, fully covering the raised silver ring on the earbud attachment. Twist into place so that the ear hook extends directly up.

• Watch our ear tip replacement video on our website.

Ear tips fall out or don’t fit correctly:

Due to the high quality metal stereo speakers at the bottom of the air tubes, the earbuds have to hold more weight than a normal pair of earbuds, so they may feel less secure.

• Try out all sizes of ear tips (S, M, or L) to find the best fit in your ear.

• Our earbuds have a left and right side. Make sure the right earbud (with mic and controls) is in your right ear. Pull the top of your ear up and gently twist until the ear bud is firmly and comfortably seated in your ear. The slanted ear tip should be angled 35° forward towards the front of your face.

• The ergonomic sport tips come with an in-ear hook for an extra secure fit.

• Using the 2 plastic metal-sprung clips, clip each wire just below the air tubes to your collar or shirt to support the weight of the earbuds and reduce movement. Our earbuds are compatible with most third-party earbud tips and ear hooks, allowing you to purchase a custom option to provide the most comfortable and secure fit for you.

USB-C Earbuds Information

Make sure your device port supports analog USB-C audio (adapter not recommended).

There are different types of USB‑C headphones/adapters:

• Active:  Has its own internal DAC (digital to analog converter) + amp. It expects digital audio from the device.
  

• Passive / “Accessory Mode”: Relies on the device to output analog audio through USB‑C just like a 3.5 mm jack would.

Our USB-C Air Tube earbuds use analog audio signaling with a microphone, meaning it works with devices that support analog audio input. That means the device has a DAC to convert the audio from analog to digital.

Every device manufacturer handles analog USB‑C differently — some support it fully, some partially (audio yes, mic no), and some not at all. Apple does not explicitly state analog USB-C earbud compatibility with its newer USB-C iPhones, but our own testing has shown consistent functionality with the DefenderShield USB-C earbuds.

Key Note: Analog USB‑C headphones work best directly plugged into a device that supports analog USB‑C audio. Mic and inline controls may not function on partially compatible devices, or when using an adapter.

How to check compatibility:

Confirm your device supports analog USB-C audio/microphone.

• Likely compatible devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer

• Newer iPad Pro / iPad Air with analog USB‑C audio

• Some Chromebooks or Windows laptops that support analog USB‑C audio

• iPhone 15 and newer (*doesn’t explicitly state analog USB-C support)

• Likely incompatible or partial function:

• Android phones with a 3.5mm and USB-C port (Moto G Stylus 5G) don’t support any USB-C audio

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold

• Motorola Razr

• OnePlus Nord series

• Most Windows laptops without analog USB‑C audio

• Nintendo Switch (audio may work; mic may not)

• USB-C hubs, multi-port adapters, charging-only adapters, or extenders

• Test on another known compatible device to confirm functionality.

• Refer to your device manual or manufacturer website for “USB-C analog audio” or “headset with mic” support.

Adapters / Hubs:

• Plug directly into the device for the best results.

• Avoid multi-port USB-C hubs, charging-only adapters, docking stations, car USB ports, or USB-C extenders.

• Lightning to USB-C requires an adapter that is labeled "Charging and Audio" or "Data Transfer" to support full functionality.

How do I fix an unsupported adapter or port?

If the device has an audio and mic compatible port (3.5mm, Apple Lightning), purchase an adapter that converts to USB-C analog audio with microphone. Depending on the adapter, there may still be issues with mic and inline controls.

Devices that do not support analog USB-C with mic input cannot be changed to recognize the earbuds, and there is not an adapter that will convert USB-C analog audio earbuds to digital. Earbuds may be audio-only.

Typical Problems & Fixes

Audio works but microphone doesn’t:

• Device may not support analog USB-C mic → check audio/input settings.

• Android: Settings → Sound → Input → select “Headset Microphone”

• App may be blocking external mic → test in a native voice recorder app.

• Plug not fully seated → push until it clicks, remove case if blocking.

• Test on a different compatible device → if it works elsewhere, your device likely does not support analog USB-C mic input.

Inline controls (play/volume/skip) don’t work:

• Many devices only support digital USB-C commands, so analog controls may not function → this is a device limitation — the earbuds themselves are fine.
• Adapter may not support inline signals → test in a device without an adapter and if it works, get an adapter that supports inline signals if possible or try to use without an adapter.

• Your device’s media volume may already be at maximum or minimum → check native device volume control.

• On some devices, the inline volume buttons control media volume, not call volume — try playing music or a video while adjusting.

• When using with music apps, some devices require the media app to be active first before the earbuds’ inline controls can send commands → Hit Play directly on the device. After the audio starts, the earbuds’ buttons should work as expected.

• The control buttons may be stuck or jammed → press each button a few times in different spots with varying pressure. Try a longer, firmer press and release. If it still doesn’t work, gently clean around the buttons with a dry brush/cotton swab to remove dust or debris.

Static, low volume, or one side cutting out:

• Straighten kinked air tubes.

• Clean debris from the port.

• Clean debris from the ear tip and make sure the ear tip is correctly placed on the earbud.

• Check Accessibility → Disable Mono Audio to restore normal stereo output.

• Reset EQ or audio effects.

• Re-seat the plug firmly and make sure a case isn’t getting in the way.

• Turn off Bluetooth to ensure audio isn’t being routed wirelessly.

• Adapter or device issue: Try using it in a different device that doesn’t need an adapter (it may be a faulty adapter connection). Or, try a different device WITH the adapter. If it exhibits the same problem, the adapter is the issue.

Ear tips fall off the earbuds:

Ear tips are designed to be interchangeable and may not have been put on correctly, or are not fully seated.

• Remove the ear tip, check for damage, then pinch ear tip and stretch it over the earbud stem as far as it can go, twisting as you place it on.

• The sport tips feature an in ear hook with an R or L→ Make sure you match the right sport tip (R) with the right earbud (side with  mic and controls). Stretch the sport tip on top of the earbud, fully covering the raised silver ring on the earbud attachment. Twist into place so that the ear hook extends directly up.

• Watch our ear tip replacement video on our website.

Ear tips fall out or don’t fit correctly:

Due to the high quality metal stereo speakers at the bottom of the air tubes, the earbuds have to hold more weight than a normal pair of earbuds, so they may feel less secure.

• Try out all sizes of ear tips (S, M, or L) to find the best fit in your ear.

• Our earbuds have a left and right side. Make sure the right earbud (with mic and controls) is in your right ear. Pull the top of your ear up and gently twist until the ear bud is firmly and comfortably seated in your ear. The slanted ear tip should be angled 35° forward towards the front of your face.

• The ergonomic sport tips come with an in-ear hook for an extra secure fit.

• Using the 2 plastic metal-sprung clips, clip each wire just below the air tubes to your collar or shirt to support the weight of the earbuds and reduce movement. Our earbuds are compatible with most third-party earbud tips and ear hooks, allowing you to purchase a custom option to provide the most comfortable and secure fit for you.