IMO, they are. you can always return them if you don't feel they're for you. no wires alone is a plus. they're great for the gym for me.
you don't HAVE to buy separate tips, though they are pretty cheap for what I feel like they are worth more. I hear no outside noise with these tips, comfortable feel to me and will never wear silicone tips again. Foam tips for my ears.
You can find them at Radio Shack or Target if you have one in your area. Though they only carry the basic black color. I stumbled upon them early last year at Radio Shack for my freedoms and now have the blue's for my bluebuds x.
I am from the UK so no idea where to get those from!