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CrinEar Reference vs OPPO MH135-3: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the CrinEar Reference vs OPPO MH135-3, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

CrinEar Reference leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • CrinEar Reference
  • OPPO MH135-3
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
9.1
-
Value
8.9
-
Price (USD)
$350
-

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 CrinEar Reference is 2 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.

  • Reference20262 yr newer
  • MH135-32024

Specifications

ReferenceMH135-3
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
-
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
14.2 mm dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
14.2 mm
Drivers per side
5
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
106 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
No
Weight
-
12 g
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
USB-C
Model code
-
MH135 Type-C
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

CrinEar Reference

The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor with a hybrid 2DD + 3BA driver setup, offering a balanced and detailed sound signature. It features a detachable 4.4mm balanced cable and relies on a tight seal for passive isolation, making it a strong choice for critical listening at its price point.

  • Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers rich, layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexible connectivity
  • Pro:Good passive isolation from proper eartip seal
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise isn't fully blocked
  • Con:Requires a balanced source to fully utilize the 4.4mm connector
  • Con:Fit may be finicky for some users to achieve optimal seal

OPPO MH135-3

The OPPO MH135-3 is a simple wired in-ear headset that connects via USB-C, making it a convenient option for modern devices without a headphone jack. It features a 14.2mm dynamic driver for balanced sound and a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. With a lightweight design and inline buttons, it's aimed at everyday communication and casual listening.

  • Pro:Lightweight 12g design
  • Pro:USB-C connector for wide compatibility
  • Pro:Built-in microphone for calls
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ
  • Con:Limited to wired use only

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

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