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Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) vs Tangzu Waner S.G: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Tangzu Waner S.G comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Tangzu Waner S.G - Outstanding overall at around $19.

Score breakdown

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

Tangzu Waner S.G leads on 3 of 5 measures.

  • Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)
  • Tangzu Waner S.G
HearWiki score
59
82
Sound
5.8
8.0
Calls
7.8
4.5
Value
7.4
9.5
Price (USD)
$19
$19

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

The Tangzu Waner S.G is 10 years newer, but it is 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. For 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)2012
  • Waner S.G202210 yr newer

Specifications

EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)Waner S.G
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$19
$19
HearWiki score
59
82
Released
2012
2022
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
42.4 Ω
20 Ω
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
10.2 g
4 g
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)

Apple's wired EarPods with a 3.5mm plug offer a straightforward, budget-friendly listening solution for devices with a headphone jack. They deliver a balanced, casual sound with decent clarity across vocals and instruments, though they don't aim for audiophile-grade performance. Their lightweight, open design and built-in controls make them a practical everyday choice.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Balanced midrange with clear vocals
  • Pro:Built-in remote and mic for calls and Siri
  • Con:No noise isolation or cancellation
  • Con:Midrange can sound slightly harsh
  • Con:Not the best value at this price

Tangzu Waner S.G

The Tangzu Waner S.G is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a compact, lightweight build and a 10mm dynamic driver. Its tuning leans warm and smooth, offering a relaxed, music-first sound that punches well above its price point for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Warm, easygoing sound signature
  • Pro:Very lightweight and compact
  • Pro:Detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Lacks water resistance
  • Con:Not for those seeking technical detail

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 comparisonApple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)Tangzu Waner S.G