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Hoco L1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£20
  • Avg. price in US: ~$20
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Hoco L1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.4

Sound

20.0%

5.9

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

5.7

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.6

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 3.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    8.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Hoco L1 is a wired digital in-ear headphone designed for Apple devices with a Lightning port, eliminating the need for a 3.5mm adapter. It uses 14mm drivers and an integrated digital audio decoding chip, paired with a 1.2m TPE cable and inline controls for playback and volume. Its main strengths are easy plug-and-play compatibility with iPhones, a lightweight ergonomic fit, and sound quality that is solid for the price with decent bass extension. Main drawbacks are the lack of active noise cancellation, limited compatibility outside Lightning-equipped iOS devices, and a sound signature that can feel a bit clinical or thin in the mids and highs.

Technical Specifications of Hoco L1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.0
Hoco L1 has a technical score of 5.04 points, which is higher than that of 54.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Hoco L1 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.5
Hoco L1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Hoco L1 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

14 mm
Hoco L1 uses a driver size of 14 mm, smaller driver size than 84.6% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Hoco L1 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Hoco L1 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Hoco L1 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Hoco L1 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

?
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Hoco L1 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Hoco L1 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Hoco L1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Hoco
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

10 g
Hoco L1 weighs 10 g, lighter than 95.3% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Hoco L1 vs the average headphone

  • 95.4% lower weight
    Hoco L1 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Hoco L1 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.10 g vs 218 g
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Hoco L1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Hoco L1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • In-line controls
    Hoco L1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Hoco L1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Hoco L1 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Hoco L1 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 4.5x cheaper
    Hoco L1 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
    Hoco L1 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Hoco L1 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Hoco L1 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 95.4% lower weight
    Hoco L1 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Hoco L1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Hoco L1 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • In-line controls
    Hoco L1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Hoco L1 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Hoco L1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 26 mm smaller driver size
    Hoco L1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Hoco L1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 95% lower input power handling
    Hoco L1 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • No voice assistant support
    Hoco L1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 26 mm smaller driver size
    Hoco L1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Hoco L1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.14 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Hoco L1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Hoco L1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Hoco L1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Hoco L1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Hoco L1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Hoco L1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4.65x less popular
    Hoco L1 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Hoco L1 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 95% lower input power handling
    Hoco L1 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Hoco L1 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.5 mW vs 100 mW
  • 3.2% worse value for money
    Hoco L1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.53 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Hoco L1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.53 vs 6.736).6.53 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Hoco L1 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Hoco L1?

  • Integrated Lightning connector allows direct connection to modern iPhones without needing a 3.5mm adapter.
  • Digital audio decoder chip with built-in DSP provides clear bass and audio performance.
  • Ergonomic in-ear design with a lightweight build (approx. 262g) ensures a comfortable fit for extended wear.
  • Effective passive noise reduction due to a tight acoustic seal that prevents music leakage.
  • Includes a multi-functional controller for music playback, volume adjustment, and answering calls.
  • Durable build featuring elastic fiber filament yarn that is resistant to tension and corrosion.

What customers dislike about Hoco L1?

  • Bass extension can sometimes become muddy, and midtones/trebles may sound slightly clinical at times.
  • Limited compatibility; while it fits all Lightning ports, certain older models like the iPhone 6/6S Plus may only support music functions, not calls.
  • Lacks advanced active noise cancellation (ANC), relying instead on passive physical isolation.
  • Wired design limits mobility compared to newer wireless TWS alternatives from the same brand.

Expert reviews

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
08/12/2018
Hoco L7 headphones review", "Review of the Hoco L7 headphones

The Hoco L7 review on Letem světem Applem highlights these budget-friendly Lightning earphones as a compelling alternative to Apple’s EarPods, offering plug-and-play functionality without needing Bluetooth. Key advantages include durable construction, a tangle-resistant cable, and good audio quality with decent bass, though the sound can appear clinical in midtones and treble. Cons...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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