Having failed to actually find anybody advertising specifically nickel-free earbuds I looked for some inexpensive ones which were likely to be nickel-free. I chose the plastic Sony MDR-EX10’s. I picked the white ones figuring that they won’t have any metal in the paint given it’s not a metallic color.
I found a lot to like about these headphones – the sound quality is good and the provided soft cups fit my ears well, block out a lot of background noise and give good bass.
But are they nickel free? Turns out they are. Even the metal 2.5mm connector is – I scraped it in case there was some coating to wear away and expose nickel later. The plug tested negative (i.e. no nickel).
So there’s a recommendation for earbuds.
If you’re looking for full size headphones then Marshall’s specifically state that their headphones are made with nickel-free metals. These are much pricier than the Sony pair I bought; they sell earbuds and headphones.
The Sony MDR-EX10’s are available from Amazon.
Marshall’s headphones and earbuds are available from marshallheadphones.com
Rachel Dalley says
Many thanks for this info. It suddenly occurred to me this might be my problem too, as I am sensitive to nickel. I have ordered some Sony ear buds!
Chad says
Any info on EarBuds with a mic, for use with my phone? Talking on my phone is just about the worst thing for my nickel allergy, and i’m thinking nickel free earbuds are the answer.
THANKD
Steve Michaels says
Chad: Sony has the plastic MDR-EX15 with a mic and one button. Otherwise they look similar to the MDR-EX10 pictured here.
Christine Eland says
Can you get them in England
Leda Stephens says
Leda Stephens PO Box 2683 Brookings, Oregon 97415 dlyardcare@charter.net.
I itch so bad, that it bleeds, and takes awhile to heal. I cannot listen to the phone, as my ears start popping to the point that it hurts. HELP???
R Brown says
Is there a class action suit for this and the cheap metal allergic reaction (severe hives) inside my ear canals? It is so painful. I paid money to go to the doctor and get ear antibiotic drops. I missed work. My life is disrupted with the pain and lack of proper hearing in both of my ears. This is not my fault… why would I do this to myself. There is no warning on anything from Apple stating the ear buds are not hypoallergenic. I called Apple and they said to just discontinue using the ear buds. Duh…Already done and never using again! I have had a sever cheap metal allergy all my life. If I had known they were made of cheap metal, I would never have used them. You would think Apple would care about their customers and their reputation for quality products. It seems they don’t.