Koss KE5w

The white-shelled version of Koss's most basic earphone. The KE5 is a flat earbud from before sealed in-ears took over: it rests in the outer ear, blocks nothing, and lets music and room share your attention. For cyclists, reception desks and anyone who must stay reachable, that is the whole appeal.

It is also the definition of a stress-free spare — cheap enough to live in a coat pocket, glovebox or guest drawer permanently. Wired, 3.5 mm, nothing to fuss over.

For bass, isolation and commuting, skip sideways to the sealed KEB9i instead.