u/stephenk_lightart

Created with the Thermal Master P4.

I'm a tech reviewer, and recently branched out into reviewing IEMs (who doesn't like a good rabbit hole). I've written this buying guide review based on my own tests, and analysis of reviews. It's aimed more as an IEM resource for newbies rather than audiophiles. Interested in constructive feedback. An abridged version of the content (minus introduction, links, and conclusion) is as follows:

Best IEMs under $25

These will all deliver decent sound quality, very impressive for the price when compared to headphones. Build quality is good, but may only last a few years of heavy use.

Truthear Gate $22 1DD

V-shaped sound profile with good treble and clarity. Available with/without Mic.

Pula Arc $22 1DD

Smooth and balanced sounding IEM. Available with 3.5mm plug without mic, or USB-C with mic.

Tanchjim Bunny $23 1DD

This popular IEM has a balanced warm sound, and fits small ears. 3.5mm plug or USB-C DSP version both have mics.

Moondrop Chu II $23 (DSP $28) 1DD

One of the most popular budget IEMs, with a VSDF V-shaped sound signature. Reports that ports can get easily clogged with ear wax, and oxidisation issues in humid environments. The USB-C DSP version allows for app controlled EQ changes. The Moondrop III-Chu 3 is expected to be released in 2026.

TAGZU Wan'er S.G II Red Lion $23 1DD

Slightly more expensive than the OG S.G II, the Red Lion is a good budget option for bass heads. V-shaped sound signature and elevated sub-bass rumble. Available with 3.5mm plug with/without mic, or USB-C with mic.

7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 $25 1DD

This is my personal favourite budget IEM, with phenomenal sound quality for the price, works with a wide range of music, gaming, and comfortable to wear. Slight V-shaped sound signature, both bassy and bright. Developed by 7Hz and renowned IEM expert Crinacle. Available with 3.5mm plug with/without mic, or USB-C with mic. If you can't decide on a budget IEM, this is your best option.

Best IEMs under $50

This price range has a noticeable improvement in sound quality and build quality. I have listed the most recommended IEMs at gradually increasing price points.

Tripowin x 0DiBi Vivace $30 1DD

Designed in conjunction with South Korean audio reviewer 0DiBi, this IEM has a balanced V-shaped sound signature. It is the best budget IEM for gamers.

Kiwi Ears Belle $30 1DD

The IEM is designed to deliver a lively yet accurate sound that suits every scenario—from casual music enjoyment to gaming and professional monitoring. Neutral to bright sound signature. Available with 3.5mm plug with/without mic, or USB-C with mic.

ooopusX Op.22 $35 2DD 2BA

A fairly new IEM which is getting excellent reviews, and can compete with more expensive IEMs. It can be switched between two different tuning modes - natural, and bass boost.

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II $50 1DD

Highly acclaimed and affordable IEM with a vibrant and detailed V-shaped sound signature. Tuned for optimal sub-bass and warm midrange. A noticeable step up from more budget IEMs, and the best option for most users in the $50 and under category.

Also consider the new Kefine Loric ($30-36), which is getting good early reviews for its smooth and balanced sound.

Best IEMs under $100

IEMs in this category have multiple drivers to create more detailed sound quality.

SIMGOT EW300 $80 1DD 1P 1PZT

A very well reviewed IEM at this price point, with triple driver combination, and detachable nozzles with two different sound signatures - SIMGOT-Golden2023 and H-2019 target curves. This IEM is designed for both audiophiles and gamers, and is a solid choice. HBB, and USB-C DSP versions also available.

Truthear Pure/Hexa $90 1DD 3BA

The Truthear Pure and Hexa have a similar price point, but quite different tuning and BA drivers. The Pure is more warm neutral, and the Hexa is more neutral. Mainly positive reviews, but not for everyone.

AFUL Explorer $96 1DD 2BA

The AFUL Explorer delivers rich, detailed sound with precise bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs for an immersive listening experience. Warm sound signature, and the "go to" IEM for many IEM enthusiasts in this price range. Often available under $100, though RRP is $119. Available with 4.4mm or 3.5mm plug options.

ARTTI T10 Pro $98 1P

A popular IEM with a warm U-shaped sound signature, with decent sub-bass for EDM. Available with 4.4mm and 3.5mm plugs.

Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant $99 1DD 3BA

Recommended for audiophiles who like value detail, clarity, and a fatigue-free presentation for just $100. Slight V-shaped signature. Available with 3.5mm or 4.4mm plugs, or USB-C.

Best IEMs under $150

In the $100 to $150 price bracket, we start to see some established audio manufacturers as well as Chi-Fi manufacturers.

SIMGOT EM6L $125 1DD 4BA

Very popular IEM, tuned for the Harman-2019 response curve. This IEM is designed for both audiophiles and gamers.

Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE $150 1DD

New "budget" professional quality IEMs from Beyerdynamic which have been very well received by early reviewers, noting good comfort, IP54 rating (which is something that most IEMs lack), 39dB passive sound isolation, and replaceable parts. Balanced sound signature.

Sennheiser IE200 $150 1DD

The Sennheiser IE200s have a good reputation for a balanced response with elevated bass, low weight, small size, and comfortable fit (including for people with smaller ears). Popular with musicians.

Best IEMs under $200

This price range is aimed for those wanting a more discerning listing experience, and high quality construction.

7Hz x Crinacle Diablo/Devine $159 1PL

The Diablo offers a powerful 12dB bass boost, perfect for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock. The Divine offers a more subtle 10dB bass boost, delivering a smooth and balanced tonal signature that enhances midrange transitions.

SIMGOT SuperMix 4 $170 1DD 1BA 1PL 1PZT

The well reviewed SuperMix 4 has carefully constructed four-in-one matrix acoustics architecture allows for precise frequency response adjustment and overall balance. Suitable for both music and gaming.

Kiwi Ears Aether $170 1PL

A studio-tuned sound signature provides a clean sub-bass response, flat midrange, and a natural treble peak for clear, balanced audio from a large planar driver. Suitable for gamers.

CrinEar Daybreak $170 1DD 2BA 2mPT

Precision-tuned by Crinacle to the IEF 2025 Curve for speaker-like balance and true tonal neutrality. Neutral with bass-boost sound signature. Can be used with a wide range of music types, and punches well above its price point. Many reviews mention that this is an "endgame" IEM in the sub-$200 category.

Best IEMs US$200-400

This category has multiple impressive IEMs suitable for a more critical audience, or those with lots of spare cash! I've limited this article to max US$400, as I would expect that those spending more will be reading more specialist audiophile articles.

AFUL Performer 5+2 $240 2DD 4BA 1mPT

Designed to delivering rich, detailed audio with enhanced clarity and depth for an immersive listening experience.. Mild V-shaped sound signature. Sometimes available for around $200.

Kiwi Ears Astral $299 1DD 6BA

The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a controlled sub-bass that merges smoothly into a clear midrange and refined treble, ensuring every detail is faithfully reproduced. V-shaped sound signature.

Punch Audio Martilo $329 2DD 1PL 2BA

The Martilo delivers a massive 14 dB sub-bass boost for deep, punchy impact, a natural, accurate midrange, and fast transients with enhanced detail for the upper frequencies. Popular with bass heads.

CrinEar Reference $350 2DD 3BA

Through precise acoustic modeling and measurement validation, the CrinEar Reference achieves an exceptionally flat frequency response. This is the IEM equivalent of a studio monitor, highly accurate, but not necessarily exciting.

XENNS Mangird Tea Pro $359 2DD 6BA

The Mangird Tea Pro’s tuning has been optimized for a balanced sound. The sub-bass has been enhanced, mids have more body, and treble frequencies are now clearer and more defined, delivering a fuller, more engaging audio experience. This IEM has consistently good reviews.

Bluetooth Options

To optimise sound quality, most IEMs are wired. With improvements to Bluetooth and wireless audio codecs, this may change over the next few years. Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Pods have excellent sound quality, but are very expensive. Here are a couple of affordable Bluetooth TWS IEMs

Moondrop Space Travel 2 $29 1DD

Bluetooth 6.0, with noise cancelling (ANC), and low-latency game mode. Uses the Moondrop VSDF sound signature with a large dynamic driver.

Moondrop Pudding $49 1DD

Bluetooth 6.0, with noise cancelling (ANC), low-latency game mode, and compatible with advanced wireless audio codecs. Professional 10 band EQ tuning allows for a range of different sound signatures.

Thermal Master P4. Iron Hot pseudo colour palette. 100C-600C setting.

This setup used eight Convoy T3 365nm ultra-violet (UV) flashlights/torches with ZWB2 filters to minimise visible light and optimise the green fluorescence glow. This produces a much better glow than typical UV/blacklight display lighting.

Model is wearing a t-shirt. Thermal Master P4, Night Vision colour palette.