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Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) vs TRUTHEAR HEXA: which should you buy?

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

Our pick: TRUTHEAR HEXA - Great overall at around $25.

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
TRUTHEAR HEXA
Sound7.8
Value8.2

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug) vs TRUTHEAR HEXA
SpecApple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)TRUTHEAR HEXA
TypeWired IEMsWired IEMs
Price (USD)$19$25
HearWiki score68 / 100 · Good78 / 100 · Great
Released20122022
Audio
DriverDynamic1DD+3BA Hybrid
Driver size-10 mm
Drivers per side24
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance42.4 Ω20.5 Ω
Sensitivity103 dB/mW120 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
Controlsbuttons-
Voice assistantSiri-
Design
Weight10.2 g6 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

TRUTHEAR HEXA

The TRUTHEAR HEXA is a hybrid in-ear monitor that combines a single 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures to deliver a balanced, neutral-leaning sound with a slight warmth. Priced around $90, it offers a comfortable fit, solid build, and good passive isolation, making it a strong value pick for critical listening, though its bass response is somewhat restrained and the soundstage feels intimate rather than expansive. Its technical performance is competent for the price, but it's not particularly suited for gaming or high-energy activities.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight design
  • Pro:Excellent passive noise isolation
  • Pro:Balanced, neutral tuning with a touch of warmth
  • Con:Bass is somewhat restrained
  • Con:Soundstage is fairly intimate
  • Con:Not ideal for gaming due to mediocre imaging

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonApple EarPods (3.5mm Headphone Plug)TRUTHEAR HEXA