Apple EarPods (USB-C) 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.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Tangzu Waner S.G leads on 4 of 5 measures.

Apple EarPods (USB-C)
Tangzu Waner S.G

HearWiki score

Sound

5.9

8.0

Calls

8.0

4.5

Value

7.6

9.5

Price (USD)

$20

$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

Apple EarPods (USB-C) (2023) against Tangzu Waner S.G (2022). These are 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.

EarPods (USB-C)20231 yr newer
Waner S.G2022

Specifications

EarPods (USB-C)Waner S.G

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $20; $19
HearWiki score: 64; 82
Released: 2023; 2022
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 14.2 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 14.2 mm; 10 mm
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: -; 20 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: -; 4 g
Water resistance: none; -
USB-C: Yes; -
Microphones: 1; -

Specification comparison of Apple EarPods (USB-C) vs Tangzu Waner S.G
Spec	Apple EarPods (USB-C)	Tangzu Waner S.G
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$20	$19
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2022
Audio
Driver	14.2 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	14.2 mm	10 mm
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	-	20 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	-	4 g
Water resistance	none	-
USB-C	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	1	-

What reviewers said

Apple EarPods (USB-C)

The Apple EarPods with USB-C are an affordable, wired option that relies on a 14.2 mm dynamic driver to produce a sound signature with prominent bass and clear but slightly thin mids. Their open design offers good situational awareness and comfort, though it means they lack noise isolation and may require a careful fit for best performance. They are best suited for calls, casual listening, and everyday use rather than critical audio work.

Pro:Very affordable wired USB-C option
Pro:Comfortable open fit with no ear canal pressure
Pro:Clear call quality with a single mic and inline controls

Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open design
Con:Bass can sound boomy and mids may be thin
Con:Treble can come across as dry or slightly smeared

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 comparison Apple EarPods (USB-C)Tangzu Waner S.G