I bought these to use with my iPod and was a bit unsure about the metal when I purchased them, but I have to say that they are probably the best earphones I have ever bought. They are a lot more comfortable than a lot of plastic earphones I've used and stay in the ears without constantly readjusting them. The metal, as you'd expect, is a bit cold at first but with the silicon ear pieces after a minute or 2 you hardly notice the metal at all. Compared to other iPod earphones, the sound quality is also excellent. I would definately recommend these.