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Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) vs Sennheiser IE 800 S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser IE 800 S comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser IE 800 S - Great overall at around $38.

Score 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
Sennheiser IE 800 S
Sound8.5
Value6.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) vs Sennheiser IE 800 S
SpecApple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)Sennheiser IE 800 S
TypeWired IEMsWired IEMs
Price (USD)$19$38
HearWiki score68 / 100 · Good78 / 100 · Great
Released20122017
Audio
DriverDynamicExtra Wide Band (XWB) drivers
Driver size-7 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz5Hz-46.5kHz
Impedance42.4 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity103 dB/mW-
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
Controlsbuttons-
Voice assistantSiri-
Design
Weight10.2 g8 g
Water resistanceWater-resistant-
Detachable cable-Yes
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

Sennheiser IE 800 S

The Sennheiser IE 800 S is a compact, high-end wired in-ear that impresses with its detailed, spacious sound and refined tuning, thanks to its single 7mm XWB driver. While it offers strong build quality and comfort, its premium price tag, noticeable cable noise, and some design quirks may give potential buyers pause.

  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and expansive soundstage
  • Pro:Natural, cohesive tuning with strong sub-bass
  • Pro:Very small and lightweight for comfortable extended wear
  • Con:High price that may not fully match performance
  • Con:Noticeable cable microphonics
  • Con:Not a neutral or linear frequency response

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

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New comparisonApple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)Sennheiser IE 800 S