Wired IEMs
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
58Average
$15
Full review dataJLab Metal Earbuds Black 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.
Wired IEMs
TRUTHEAR HEXA
78Great
$25
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
Sound5.0
Value7.0
TRUTHEAR HEXA
Sound7.8
Value8.2
Specifications
| Spec | JLab Metal Earbuds Black | TRUTHEAR HEXA |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $15 | $25 |
| HearWiki score | 58 / 100 · Average | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 1DD+3BA Hybrid |
| Driver size | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 4 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 20.5 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 120 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 6 g |
| Water resistance | IP55 | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
These budget-friendly wireless earbuds offer a sturdy metal construction and a secure fit, making them a reliable choice for everyday listening. With IP55 water resistance and a compact 8mm driver, they deliver decent sound for casual use, though the battery life is modest and the connection relies on older Bluetooth 4.1 technology.
- Pro:Durable metal housing
- Pro:IP55 water resistance
- Pro:Compact and lightweight
- Con:Short 6-hour battery life
- Con:Only SBC codec support
- Con:No multipoint connection
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
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.