These are shorter, so you cannot replace them with some from other brands of ear buds, since then the charging case will not close. Soda brand in this style is wonderful! High quality and very long. I took a chance and it worked out. However, after getting these and wearing them for awhile, I like the open style better. Assembly: very easy. We have a 2019 VW Tiguan. I partly blame myself for not reading the negative reviews about these clamps not fitting the vacuum hose. For the price I did not expect much, but it is much better than I expected. I have owned one in a different color for a few years, but it is a size too big.