Budget IEM recommendation list

Budget IEM Recommendation List


This is a recommendation list for IEMs under and around 100$. It is recommended to choose one of the cheaper IEMs and EQ that set of IEMs by preference, then choose one of the IEMs which fit the description of the preferred sound signature. You can still ask the sender for help, which one to choose, when you like a specific kind of sound.

If you don't have any preference in terms of sound signatures, choose the one which aesthetically looks the best for you.

As always, please check the pricings in your country, as they may differ from the price on this list. The IEMs here are listed at their MSRP.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A TIERLIST

Legend:

< Price tier

Price: Name of the IEMs (Sound signature) - additional notes


< $30

$18.99 - $19.99: Truthear GATe (balanced)

$19.99 - $21.99: 7Hz-Salnotes Zero (bright)

$24.99: 7Hz x crinacle Salnotes Zero:2 (warm/balanced)

$24.99 - $29.99: Tanchjim ONE/Tanchjim ONE DSP (mild V-Shape (3.5mm)/variable (DSP)) - for tiny conchas/bullet IEMs enjoyer

$19.99: QKZ x HBB (warm/bassy) - made for bassheads

$20 - $28.99: Kinera Celest Wyvern series (mild V-shape) - some options have a boom mic, would be the best headset for broke gamers


< $60

$54.99: Truthear x crinacle Zero:RED (mid-forward or bassy neutral with high output impedance [10 Ohms or higher]) - WARNING: VERY BIG SHELL, VERY LONG AND WIDE NOZZLE

$34.99 - $45.99: BLON x HBB Z300 (warm) 

$59.99: Moondrop May (variable with DSP/balanced with analog cable)

$39.99: Moondrop LAN (mid-forward) - for smaller ears

$52: Floaudio Lily (dark-neutral/mid-centric) - for Treble-sensitive people, high isolation, bad accessories, unvented


< $100

$79.99: Truthear Hexa (neutral) - for those who don't mind poor Bass quality

$79: Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv (mid-forward) - Truthear x crinacle Zero:RED alternative

$70: Artti R1 (warm) - very big shell

$75: Artti T10 (bright) - weird shell shape

$89.99: Simgot EA500LM (bright V-shape)

under $90: Floaudio Bluelover ("Meta") - not widely available, bad accessories, high isolation, unvented


around $100

$99.99: Letshuoer S08 (warm)

$99.99: NiceHCK F1 Pro (bright V-shape) - more comfortable Artti T10

$139.99: Etymotic ER2SE/XR (SE: mid-centric/XR: neutral) - for people who want the best isolation, very deep fit/very intrusive

$109.99: Aful MagicOne (warm/neutral) - high isolation, noticeable pressure buildup

$119.99: Aful Explorer (warm)

Comments

  1. seedguyMay 20, 2024 at 8:42 AM

    I feel like there should be a "- considered the best by the community" on some of the options like hola and zero red

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RazanMay 21, 2024 at 11:59 AM

      I feel like that this would influence the beginners' opinions too much - I want them to freely choose between them.

      Delete
    2. seedguyMay 22, 2024 at 4:30 AM

      I guess that's fair.

      Delete
  2. seedguyJune 21, 2024 at 9:01 AM

    This list is great but i think adding a list showing the "Non-Reputable IEM Brands" (stuff like kz) at the bottom will be nice just in case

    ReplyDelete

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