Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug vs 7HZ Salnotes Zero
Buy the Apple EarPods if you want a cheap, plug-and-play earbud with a mic and remote for calls, video and Siri on Apple gear. Buy the 7Hz Salnotes Zero if sound quality is the priority and you can live without a microphone. The EarPods ran $9.99 to $14.88 in the last days of October and early November 2026; the Salnotes Zero was $17.84 at Linsoul Audio as of November 1, 2026.
Ask our shopping agent
Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug
4.5Choose the Apple EarPods if you make calls, use Siri, or want a spare pair for a phone or laptop with a 3.5mm jack.
Pros
- Cheap: under $15 in the recent price range
- Inline mic and remote for calls, playback and Siri
- Comfortable open fit that does not plug the ear canal
- Works with any 3.5mm jack, including older iPhones and Macs
Cons
- Fixed cable, so a failure ends the pair
- No isolation from outside noise
- Bass-heavy tuning with less detail than the Salnotes Zero
What separates them
| Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug | 7HZ Salnotes Zero | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Apple-tuned dynamic drivers in a plastic housing | 10mm dynamic driver with metal composite diaphragm and N52 magnet |
| Microphone and remote | Inline mic and remote for volume, playback and calls | No microphone on the standard version |
| Cable | Fixed cable | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable, replaceable |
| Fit | Open, ear-shaped design that sits loosely | In-ear seal with silicone tips; short nozzle can seal poorly in deep canals |
| Sound signature | Warm, bass-forward consumer tuning | Balanced neutral tuning; bright treble, tame bass |
| Impedance and sensitivity | Low impedance, easy to drive from any phone | 32 ohm, 108dB/V at 1kHz; runs fine from a phone but benefits from a dongle |
| Durability | Cable and strain relief wear out over time | Metal faceplate holds up, but the stock cable has known failures within months |
Price history
$17.84$9.99
- Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug: lowest $9.99 on Oct 30 at eBay; $14.88 on Nov 1.
- 7HZ Salnotes Zero: lowest $17.84 on Nov 1 at Linsoul Audio; $17.84 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- AppleCheck price at Apple
7HZ Salnotes Zero
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- HIFIXAUDIOCheck price at HIFIXAUDIO
Specs compared
| Spec | Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug | 7HZ Salnotes Zero |
|---|---|---|
| color | Red | — |
| size | 2-Pack | — |
| With Microphone | Yes | — |
| Style | In-ear | — |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | — |
| Use | Sports | — |
| Assistant Support | Siri | — |
| Height | 0.98″ tall | — |
| Width | 2.63″ wide | — |
| Depth | 3.5″ deep | — |
| Quantity | 2 Pack | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for phone calls?
- The Apple EarPods. They have a built-in microphone and remote; the standard 7Hz Salnotes Zero has no mic.
- Which sounds better for music?
- The 7Hz Salnotes Zero. Its 10mm metal-composite driver gives a more neutral, detailed sound; the EarPods are warmer and less resolving.
- Is the Salnotes Zero worth the extra money?
- Yes if sound is your priority. At $17.84 versus $9.99 to $14.88, the Zero adds a detachable cable and better tuning for a few dollars more.
- Which lasts longer?
- Mixed. The Zero's metal faceplate outlasts the EarPods' plastic shell, but its stock cable has reported failures within months, while the EarPods' fixed cable cannot be replaced at all.
- Do either work with an iPhone?
- The EarPods work with any 3.5mm jack, including older iPhones; newer iPhones need a Lightning or USB-C adapter. The Salnotes Zero also needs an adapter on iPhones without a headphone jack.
- Which is better for gaming?
- The Salnotes Zero. Buyers report good clarity and detail for gaming and classical music; the EarPods' loose fit and bass-heavy tuning suit casual listening better.
