Wired IEMs
Apple EarPods (USB-C)
62Average
$19
Full review dataApple EarPods (USB-C) 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 (USB-C)
Sound5.5
Calls7.0
Value6.5
KZ Krila
Sound8.0
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | Apple EarPods (USB-C) | KZ Krila |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $19 | $34 |
| HearWiki score | 62 / 100 · Average | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | 1DD + 1BA hybrid (2nd-gen 10 mm XUN dynamic driver + 30005 balanced armature) |
| Driver size | 14.2 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | - | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 106 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 30 g | - |
| Water resistance | None | - |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Apple EarPods (USB-C)
These are a budget-friendly wired earbud option that connects via USB-C, designed for straightforward calls and casual listening. They offer a comfortable open fit and handy inline controls, though their sound quality is merely average and they provide no noise isolation or water resistance. They're a practical, no-frills pick for everyday use rather than an audiophile or feature-packed choice.
- Pro:Clear call quality with a useful inline volume button
- Pro:Comfortable open design that avoids ear canal pressure
- Pro:Simple plug-and-play USB-C connectivity with easy controls
- Con:Sound is average with bloated bass and slightly muddled treble
- Con:No noise isolation or cancellation due to open design
- Con:No water resistance or advanced features like multipoint
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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