There are high quality ear buds. The cords are thick, strong and resist knotting. They also detach from the buds. The weight of these ears buds are just right for keeping them in your ears when you are working out. I have been using them for the better part of a year now. The sound quality is quite good, very detailed, although the sound stage is somewhat cramped. The sound is does not compare with my Beyerdynamic DT990's.