Which is better for noisy commutes?

The 7Hz Salnotes Zero. Its in-ear seal blocks more outside noise, while the Panasonic is open-air and lets sound in and out.

The Panasonic RP-HT21, thanks to its XBS port. The Salnotes Zero is neutral and light on bass unless you EQ it.

Which is more comfortable for hours?

The Panasonic for most people. It weighs 1.2 oz with foam pads, while the Salnotes Zero's short nozzle and angled shell bother some ears.

The Panasonic's fixed cable avoids the connector failures some Salnotes Zero owners report, but the Salnotes Zero's cable can be replaced if it breaks.

Is the Salnotes Zero worth stepping up to?

Yes if you care about detail, imaging and isolation. Skip it if you want bass-forward sound, a microphone or on-ear comfort.

Can I take calls with either?

Only the Panasonic RP-HT21 has a built-in microphone and switch. The Salnotes Zero has no mic.

7Hz Salnotes Zero vs Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones

Buy the 7Hz Salnotes Zero if you want in-ear isolation and a neutral, detailed sound for critical listening. Buy the Panasonic RP-HT21 if you want lightweight on-ear headphones for casual listening, calls and long wear. Reviewers rate the Salnotes Zero higher and praise its clarity, imaging and detachable cable, but some report cable failures and a bright treble. The Panasonic is simpler and more comfortable for hours, with extra bass but less detail and no detachable cable.

Choose the 7Hz Salnotes Zero if you want a wired in-ear with a balanced, detailed sound, good isolation and a replaceable cable.
Choose the Panasonic RP-HT21 if you want light on-ear headphones that stay comfortable for hours and add extra bass for music and movies.

Prices

7Hz Salnotes Zero: $17.84 at Linsoul Audio (checked today)
Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones: $12.69 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones is $5.15 cheaper than the 7Hz Salnotes Zero today

	7Hz Salnotes Zero	Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones
Fit type	In-ear with silicone tips, sits in the ear canal	On-ear open-air, rests on the ears
Isolation	Passive isolation from the seal, good for noisy places	Open design leaks sound both ways, little isolation
Sound signature	Neutral and balanced, bright upper mids, tame bass	Bass-forward from the XBS port, softer detail
Detachable cable	0.78 mm 2-pin, replaceable	Fixed 4.5 ft cable, not replaceable
Comfort over long sessions	Light, but the short nozzle and angled edges bother some ears	Very light at 1.2 oz with foam pads and a wide headband
Microphone	None	Built-in mic and switch on the cord
Build	Plastic shell with stainless steel faceplate	All plastic, folds flat for storage
Drivers	10 mm dynamic, 32 ohm, 108 dB sensitivity	30 mm dynamic, 16 ohm, 100 dB sensitivity

Spec	7Hz Salnotes Zero	Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones
Driver size	10 mm	30 mm
Sensitivity	108dB/V@1kHz	100 dB
Frequency response	10 Hz (Min) - 20 kHz (Max)	16 Hz - 22 kHz
Driver type	Dynamic	—
Impedance	32 ohm	—
Connectivity	Wired	—
Cord type	3.5mm Jack	—
Microphone	No	—
Detachable cable	0.78mm 2-Pin Detachable Earbuds	—
THD	<1%/1khz	—
Cable connector	detachable 0.78 mm 2Pin	—
Headphone Cup Type	—	On-ear

Spec	7Hz Salnotes Zero	Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones
Body Part Use	—	Ears
Noise Cancellation Type	—	Passive
Headphone Impedance	—	16 ohm
Sound Output	—	Stereo
Audio Highlights	—	XBS (Extra Bass System) port magnifies low-freq…
Connectivity Technology	—	Wired
Compatible Devices	—	Portable Electronics
Ports And Interfaces	—	3.5mm Jack
Cable Length	—	4.5 ft

7Hz Salnotes Zero vs Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones

Prices

7Hz Salnotes Zero vs Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones

Prices

Panasonic RP-HT21 On-Ear Headphones

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store