Wired IEMs
Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)
68Good
$19
Full review dataApple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) vs KZ Krila: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Krila comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Krila - Great overall at around $34.
Wired IEMs
KZ Krila
78Great
$34
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)
Sound6.5
Calls6.0
Value7.5
KZ Krila
Sound8.0
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) | KZ Krila |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $19 | $34 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2012 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | 1DD + 1BA hybrid (2nd-gen 10 mm XUN dynamic driver + 30005 balanced armature) |
| Driver size | - | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 42.4 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | Siri | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10.2 g | - |
| Water resistance | Water-resistant | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)
These wired Apple EarPods offer a comfortable, open fit and a balanced sound that works well for casual listening across a wide range of devices with a 3.5mm jack. They deliver clear vocals and decent bass for the price, though their performance doesn't reach audiophile levels. The included carrying case adds convenience, making them a practical, everyday choice for iPhone users or anyone with a headphone port.
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight design
- Pro:Good clarity for vocals and instruments
- Pro:Built-in controls and Siri support
- Con:Midrange can sound slightly harsh
- Con:Not the best value compared to rivals
- Con:No noise isolation or cancellation
KZ Krila
The KZ Krila is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a surprisingly mature, well-balanced sound. It offers excellent build quality and technical performance that rivals pricier models, though its treble can occasionally come across as sharp and the tuning switches provide only subtle changes. For the price, it delivers strong value and comfortable fit, making it a solid pick for budget-conscious listeners.
- Pro:Excellent build quality for the price
- Pro:Well-balanced, mature sound signature
- Pro:Strong technical performance and detail retrieval
- Con:Treble can be harsh at times
- Con:Tuning switches have minimal audible effect
- Con:Lacks features like ANC or wireless connectivity
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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