GUIDE: SG Mini or Ultimate V7?

Ready to get yourself a pair of Sounds Good earbuds but unsure which model to choose? Let us guide you and explore the unique strengths of the Ultimate V7 and SG Mini in detail for the perfect experience.

TL;DR

The SG Mini are more comfortable, better suited for small ears, and generally provide a more secure fit than the Ultimate V7.

The Ultimate V7s, on the other hand, feature Multipoint technology, are wireless charging compatible, and offer 7 hours of battery life (compared to 5 hours for the Mini). They also deliver slightly better sound quality than the SG Mini and are more effective at blocking ambient noise.

The choice between V7 and SG Mini earbuds depends on your usage and personal preferences. 

Size

• While the Ultimate V7 fit most people, if you have small ear canals and struggle to find earbuds that fit well, the SG Mini are likely your best option.

• If you're looking for lightweight, subtle, and delicate earbuds, the SG Mini are for you.

• If you have larger hands and prefer a sturdier build, the Ultimate V7 might be a better choice.

Fit

• For most of our customers, the Ultimate V7 offer a secure fit. You can twist them slightly back and forth, as if screwing them into your ears. However, those with very small or very large ears may find the fit less ideal.

• The SG Mini, on the other hand, stay in place for nearly everyone. Thanks to their small silicone hooks, you can do spins, any yoga pose, or even hang upside down—they won’t budge!

Sound quality

• First, it’s important to note that ear tips play a major role in how sound is perceived. If you feel like the bass is lacking, it's usually because the ear tips are too small and don’t create a proper seal. The SG Mini allow some ambient noise to pass through, which can slightly impact bass depth depending on your ear shape. For people with "regular" size ears, we recommend trying the Ultimate V7 ear tips to see which fit and sound best for your needs. For smaller ears, the V7 tips typically make only a marginal difference.

• Overall, the Ultimate V7 provide better definition across all frequencies, delivering richer, more dynamic sound with punchier bass. The SG Mini, on the other hand, offer clearer and louder sound. The difference is especially noticeable for those seeking higher audio quality.

Ambient noise cancellation

• The Ultimate V7 are so effective at blocking ambient noise that adding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) would be almost unnecessary. Their earplug-like design adapts perfectly to the shape of your ears, creating a tight seal that shuts out the world. The SG Mini, on the other hand, let in some external sound to keep you aware of your surroundings. However, you can enhance their noise isolation by using the Ultimate V7 ear tips.While the result won’t be as dramatic as with the Ultimate V7s, it still makes a noticeable difference!

Comfort

• For some people—especially those with small ears, the Ultimate V7 can feel uncomfortable, like most in-ear earbuds. For regular-sized ears, the Ultimate V7 are generally comfortable. That being said, when it comes to comfort, the SG Mini are the undisputed champions. We even have customers who can’t tolerate any in-ear earbuds except for the SG Mini. If comfort is your top priority, the SG Mini are likely your best choice.

Call quality

• Both models perform similarly for calls. The Ultimate V7 microphone picks up slightly more ambient noise than the SG Mini, but it delivers a more natural and less compressed voice quality. 

Sleep

• If you’re looking for earbuds to wear while sleeping, especially with direct contact against a pillow, the SG Mini are the ideal choice due to their compact size. If you want to block out more ambient noise while sleeping, we recommend adding the Ultimate V7 ear tips to your purchase, as they are also compatible with the SG Mini. The difference in noise isolation varies by ear type—for smaller ears, the impact is minimal, while for others, the improvement is much more noticeable.

Battery life

• The SG Mini offer 5 hours of music playback and 4 hours of call time. The Ultimate V7 offer 7 hours of music playback and 5 hours of call time. Both models offer 4 full recharges with the charging case. Due to their compact design, the SG Mini cannot accommodate a larger battery for extended playtime.

Wireless charging

• Only the Ultimate V7 support wireless charging.
  
  

Multipoint

• Only the Ultimate V7 feature Multipoint technology, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly.

Codecs

• In addition to AAC and SBC codecs, the Ultimate V7 unlike the Mini, offer the full range of aptX codecs, including aptX Adaptive and the promising aptX Lossless. Note that take advantage of aptX, your device must be compatible with this codec.

Water resistance

• The Ultimate V7 are IPX5 (can withstand a sustained low-pressure jet of water, but not recommended for use in the shower). The SG Mini are IPX4 (can withstand splashes of water in all directions). Legend has it that Ultimate V7 survived a washing machine cycle, but while they may work afterward, permanent damage could appear later—so better keep them away from laundry day! 

 

So, which earbuds are the right fit for you? Ultimate V7 or SG Mini ?