Skip to content
HearWiki

7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 vs Apple EarPods (USB-C): which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 - Outstanding overall at around $25.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 leads on 3 of 5 measures.

  • 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2
  • Apple EarPods (USB-C)
HearWiki score
83
64
Sound
8.1
5.9
Calls
-
8.0
Value
9.8
7.6
Price (USD)
$25
$20

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2023. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • x Crinacle Zero: 22023
  • EarPods (USB-C)2023

Specifications

x Crinacle Zero: 2EarPods (USB-C)
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$25
$20
HearWiki score
83
64
Released
2023
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
1DD
14.2 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD
-
Driver size
10 mm
14.2 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
-
buttons
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
-
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2

The 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 is a budget-friendly wired IEM that delivers a warm, fun sound signature with excellent tuning for its price. It's a highly recommended value pick that balances musicality with solid everyday performance, making it a worthy successor in the affordable audio space.

  • Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
  • Pro:Warm, enjoyable tuning
  • Pro:Detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Not a technical showcase
  • Con:Limited to wired use

Apple EarPods (USB-C)

The Apple EarPods with USB-C are an affordable, wired option that relies on a 14.2 mm dynamic driver to produce a sound signature with prominent bass and clear but slightly thin mids. Their open design offers good situational awareness and comfort, though it means they lack noise isolation and may require a careful fit for best performance. They are best suited for calls, casual listening, and everyday use rather than critical audio work.

  • Pro:Very affordable wired USB-C option
  • Pro:Comfortable open fit with no ear canal pressure
  • Pro:Clear call quality with a single mic and inline controls
  • Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open design
  • Con:Bass can sound boomy and mids may be thin
  • Con:Treble can come across as dry or slightly smeared

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2Apple EarPods (USB-C)