Budget IEM Recommendation List

a guide for people who are new to IEMs

Budget IEM Recommendation List

last updated on: April 1st, 2025

< $30

$15.99 - $16.99: Tanchjim Zero Ultima/Tanchjim Zero Ultima DSP (balanced (3.5mm)/variable (DSP)) - fixed cable [microphone option by default]

$19.99 - $20.99: Tanchjim Bunny/Tanchjim Bunny DSP (mid-forward (3.5mm)/variable (DSP)) [microphone option available] Amazon US HiFiGo (mostly on Amazon sites)

$19.99: QKZ x HBB (warm/bassy) - made for bassheads [microphone option available] AliExpress Linsoul

$21.99 - $22.99: Truthear GATe (balanced) [microphone option available] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio The Hangout

$22.99 - $25.99: 7Hz-Salnotes Zero (bright) [microphone option available] AliExpress Linsoul The Hangout

$24.99: 7Hz x crinacle Zero:2 (warm/balanced) - Truthear Hola alternative [microphone option available but not recommended] AliExpress Linsoul The Hangout

$24.99 - $27.99: Tanchjim ONE/Tanchjim ONE DSP (mild V-Shape (3.5mm)/variable (DSP)) - for tiny conchae/bullet IEMs enjoyers [microphone option available but not recommended] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio

$25.99 - $29.99: Kinera Celest/Queen of Audio Wyvern series (mild V-shape) - some options have a boom mic, would be the best headset for broke gamers [microphone option available] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio


< $60

$34.99 - $36.99: 7Hz G1 (V-shaped) [microphone option available] Linsoul The Hangout

$34.99 - $45.99: BLON x HBB Z300 (warm) [microphone option available] AliExpress Linsoul The Hangout

$45.99: Moondrop LAN (mid-forward) - for smaller ears [no microphone] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio The Hangout

$52: Floaudio Lily (dark-neutral/mid-centric) - not widely available, for Treble-sensitive people, high isolation, bad accessories, unvented [no microphone] AliExpress


< $100

$64.99: 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 [no microphone] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio The Hangout

$70: Artti R1 (warm V-Shape) - very big shell [no microphone] Aliexpress (choose R1) Volkchoi

$70 - $80: Simgot EW300 series (warm V-shape) [no microphone] AliExpress Linsoul

$74.99: Moondrop May (variable with DSP/balanced with analog cable) [has microphone by default] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio The Hangout

$75: Artti T10 (bright/bright W-shape) - weird shell shape [no microphone] AliExpress (choose T10) Volkchoi

$79: Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv (mid-forward) - Truthear x crinacle Zero:RED alternative [no microphone] AliExpress Linsoul The Hangout

$89.99: Truthear Hexa (neutral) - for those who don't mind little amounts of Bass [no microphone] AliExpress Shenzhenaudio The Hangout

$89.99: Simgot EA500LM (bright V-shape) [no microphone] AliExpress Linsoul

under $90: Floaudio Bluelover ("Meta") - not widely available, bad accessories, high isolation, unvented [no microphone] AliExpress


around $100

$99.99: Letshuoer S08 (warm/mid-forward) [no microphone] AliExpress Linsoul

$99.99 - $104.99: NiceHCK F1 Pro (bright/bright W-shape) - more comfortable Artti T10 [no microphone] AliExpress HiFiGo

$109.99: Aful MagicOne (warm/neutral) - high isolation, noticeable pressure buildup, unvented [no microphone] AliExpress HiFiGo

$119.99: Aful Explorer (warm) [no microphone] AliExpress HiFiGo

$139.99: Etymotic ER2SE/XR (SE: mid-centric/XR: neutral) - for people who want the best isolation, very deep fit/very intrusive [no microphone] Etymotic (ER2SE) Etymotic (ER2XR)

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
    3. Jvin85February 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM

      I kinda wish there was a “best by community” list. For example when buying TV’s Reddit has these lists and they’re very helpful in avoiding certain brands or models that are known for QA & QC issues. So users get informed and can decide if they’re ok with everything.

      Delete
    4. RazanFebruary 8, 2025 at 7:18 AM

      all the models which have quality control issues are not recommended. refer to the FAQ site for other reasons.

      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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