Top 15 Best In-Ear Monitors in 2022

In-ear monitors or IEMs are available in many different brands and types depending on your specific needs. Choosing a suitable IEM for your needs will help ensure ear comfort and safety, making it a great option that will serve its purpose for many years.

These devices are technically used by audiophiles, audio engineers, and musicians for personal or on-stage monitoring. But with so many options and terminologies, choosing the right one for you can be a bit overwhelming. Read our latest guide about the best in-ear system to help you decide which in-ear monitor will suit your needs.

Read our latest guide about the best earbuds for small ears.

What Exactly Are In-Ear Monitors?

In-ear monitors are a type of professional-grade audio device often used by musicians to directly hear their mix during any performance. In the consumer market, low-grade versions of IEMs are called earphones or earbuds. These audio devices are the least expensive but tend to be inferior when it comes to sound quality. When you see musicians wearing a unique pair of earbuds along with a belt pack device that similarly looks like a two-way radio device, those are in-ear monitors.

There are three component parts in an in-ear monitor system. These components are the transmitter, receiver, and earphones. The transmitter is a rack unit that sends the monitor mix or audio to the receiver, which is usually worn by performers as a belt pack. The receiver resembles the size of a mobile phone device and is where the earpiece or earphones are plugged into. The audio or monitor mix is then heard through these earphones in superb sound quality. In-ear monitors are quite popular in live band performers and worship music artists since they provide a significant reduction in stage volume and other acoustic concerns.

Read our complete guide about the best wireless earbuds for working out.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using In-Ear Monitors

The rise and popularity of IEMs are primarily due to the need for great live performances on stage without risking hearing damage. One of the advantages of using IEMs is the outstanding and consistent sound quality they produce. In-ear monitors also allow performers to hear their mix better than traditional wedges, which are loud and amplified to counteract acoustic challenges while performing live on stage. Using IEMs also has lesser feedback and enables a more spacious, cleaner, and nicer stage.

In-ear monitors also promote freedom to move around the stage since most of them tend to be wireless. You’ll always hear your mix on any part of the stage as long as you’re wearing your earphones. For this reason, using an in-ear monitor allows you to boost your confidence and live performance on stage. Another advantage of using IEMs is personal control of what you hear. With IEMs, you have direct control in adjusting the volume by turning the knob on your receiver or belt pack. Aside from mobility, IEMs are also compact and portable, making them ideal during tours and travels.

However, like any other device, in-ear monitors also have a few drawbacks. Because IEMs allow performers to freely move around the stage, there is an increased risk for the earphones or earbuds to become loose and fall out of the ears, particularly those with a generic fit. Losing your earbuds on stage would be a great challenge because you’ll have difficulty hearing your mix. Tiny earbuds can also camouflage with all the cables or wires scattered across the stage, making them quite difficult to find, especially when performing on a dark stage. This problem can be remedied by investing in a custom-fit model because it allows the earphones to remain in place.

One of the functions of IEMs is to remove crowd feedback so using them can isolate performers from the band and audience, making them feel detached from the crowd on any performance. Another issue when using IEMs is audio dropouts or interference. Sound quality can be affected because IEM wireless systems use radio waves, making them susceptible to audio dropouts. In spite of a few drawbacks, using IEMs still prove to be effective and beneficial to most performing musicians.

Types of In-Ear Monitor Driver Units

An integral part of an in-ear monitor is its type of driver unit. Driver units are tiny speaker units that play a significant role when it comes to the sound quality you hear in your ear canal. Just imagine a miniature loudspeaker contained in your earbud or earphone.

A driver unit is composed of three parts: voice coils, magnets, and a cone-shaped diaphragm. The size of a driver unit can indicate how well the device can produce high-quality sound. There are two basic types of IEM driver units: dynamic and balanced armature.

Dynamic Drivers:

These small but heavy-duty drivers produce a more powerful and coherent sound. Dynamic drivers are ideal for those who love to play and change sounds. These drivers are designed to effectively produce all frequencies within the sound spectrum. They are also an affordable choice but are more prone to distorted sound, particularly at high volumes.

Balanced Armature (BA) Drivers:

These drivers tend to be smaller than dynamic drivers and a more expensive option. Balanced armature or BA drivers are only available in IEMs due to their smaller size. These drivers were initially used on hearing aids to achieve a clearer and better sound along with producing high-resolution frequency. Thus, BA drivers provide a more detailed and accurate sound. These drivers have better isolation and do not use air displacement in their mechanism, giving a more detailed sound.

Things to Consider When Buying In-Ear Monitors

The following are some of the things that you’ll need to consider before buying an in-ear monitor:

Sound Quality

The quality and number of drivers really matter if you want to have high-quality sounding IEMs. Single driver IEMs have one driver and have a low-end output and limited frequency range. Dual drivers both have high and low frequency range. If your IEM has three drivers, it means that you have a 3-way crossover or IEM system for low, middle, and high frequencies. Such combination produces clearer sound and a deeper bass within the frequency spectrum.

As the number of drivers increase, so does the price. For this reason, you must also identify the main use or purpose of your IEM before buying one. In-ear monitors with three or more drivers produce clearer highs and deeper lows, which most drummers and bass players definitely appreciate.

Design and Customization

Depending on your budget, you can get in-ear monitors in two main styles. If you have a smaller budget for your IEM, you can go with the ones with a generic or universal fit. An IEM with a generic fit is usually available in many different tips, which often fit most ear canals. However, if you have an extra budget, you may want to consider getting custom-molded earphones, which have better noise-canceling features. A set of custom-fit earphones can efficiently filter noise and feedback due to their airtight seal design. Since they are specifically made for your ears with the perfect fit, they are unlikely to fall off during any performance. There are also several IEM designs to choose from. Depending on your preference, you can choose from in-ear canalphones, earbuds, on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, clip type, and behind the neck IEMs.

Wireless vs. Wired In-Ear Monitors

Wired in-ear monitors are ideal for producers, audiophiles, and those who record and monitor their mix in studios. Wireless IEMs, on the other hand, tend to be more beneficial to musicians and stage performers who move around the stage from time to time. Although wireless IEM systems are more expensive than wired IEMs, they are definitely a good initial investment for most musicians and performers.

However, musicians such as keyboardists, pianists, and drummers, who don’t leave their post while performing may benefit more from wired IEMs. Wired IEM systems don’t need a belt pack because the earphones are directly plugged into the mixer, minimizing potential interference, which tends to occur in wireless IEMs. Using a wired IEM can help them perform better without spending extra money.

Top 15 Best In-Ear Monitors in 2022 – Complete Guide

Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
	1. Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Top Pick)	Four high-definition drivers	$$$	4.5
	2. Shure SE535-V Sound Isolating Earphones	Excellent noise isolation	$$$	4.4
	3. Shure SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones	Detachable cables	$$$	4.4
	4. FiiO FA7	Removable cable system	$$$	4.3
	5. Ikko OH1 Hybrid In-Ear Monitor	Dual dynamic titanium driver	$$$	4.2
	6. Shure SE215-CL Professional Sound Isolating Earphones	Outstanding treble and mids	$$	4.2
	7. Shure SE215 SPE	No sound leakage	$$	4.2
	8. KZ ZS10	5-driver hybrid configuration	$$	4.2
	9. CCA C10	1-year warranty	$$	4.0
	10. Shure SE112-GR Professional Sound Isolating Earphones	Good sound isolation	$$	4.0
	11. KZ AS10	Lightweight and small	$$	3.9
	12. RevoNext QT3s	Decent build quality	$$	3.9
	13. BASN BC100 Professional In-Ear Monitor	Well-balanced tuning	$$	3.9
	14. MEE Audio M6 Pro 2nd Generation Noise-Isolating In-Ear Monitor	Dust resistant and low-pressure water resistant	$$	3.9
	15. KZ ZSN HiFi Noise-Isolating In-Ear Monitor	Attractive-looking audio gear	$$	3.9

1. Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Top Pick)

Fine-tune your listening experience with the Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones!

The SE846 by Shure features incredibly engineered sound isolating earphones ideal for professional musicians, performers, and serious audiophile-type listeners.

Sound Quality

The Shure SE846 features quad balanced armature drivers that provide outstanding dynamics and impressive isolation. The SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones has amazing isolation up to 37 dB and features a true subwoofer performance. This audio device also comes with a removable metal nozzle and interchangeable nozzle inserts so you can customize or alter sound signatures in balanced, warm, and bright options. It also features Shure’s innovative low-pass filter, which allows users to experience clear details of the highs and mids, including a deeper bass experience.

Design and Customization

The SE846 is a universal-fit earphone that looks sleek and sophisticated. Although it has a generic fit, it is one of the best earphones in the market today because of its overall design and custom options. This IEM comes with lots of accessories and a fit kit, which provides different sleeves in small, medium, and large sizes to get the best fit, seal, and frequency response. With these features, the Shure SE846 certainly provides only the best results for your IEM needs. It is available in four finish options: clear, black, bronze, and blue. You can also get the SE846 in wired and wireless systems.

It also has a durable and flexible over the ear design. The SE846 comes with a removable reinforced cable for replacement or customization. The ear cable also has a moldable section, which helps keep the earphones stay in place for long hours. The earphones are also designed with rotating connections, eliminating the chance of the cables getting intertwined. This product also includes a spare cable, adapters, and multiple ear tips to ensure a good fit.

Special Features

The SE846 features a highly customizable frequency response by switching its nozzle inserts. This unique feature allows you to modify sound signatures by installing different filters. Depending on your preference and the type of music you’re into, you can boost the brightness, have a flat frequency response, or warm up the sound. This audio device definitely allows remarkable customization.

Pros

Excellent engineering work
Available in both wired and wireless systems
Quad microdrivers
Outstanding sound isolation
True subwoofer
Adjustable sound signatures
Sturdy detachable cable
High-quality accessories
Great ear tip selection
Four color finish options

Cons

Hefty price tag

2. Shure SE535-V Sound Isolating Earphones

Discover and listen to music like never before with the Shure SE535 Sound Isolating Earphones!

The Shure SE535 Sound Isolating Earphones features superior immersive audio ideal for serious audiophiles and professional musicians.

Sound Quality

The SE535 by Shure successfully blocks outside noise up to 37 dB, taking your listening experience to a whole new level whether you’re on the go or performing on stage. It also comes with triple high-definition speakers and dual subwoofers, which provide an immersive audio experience and rich bass. The SE535 produces clear details from highs to lows and definitely allows you to listen to your music the best way possible. This Shure audio device also provides different sleeves to help its users get an ideal seal or fit to achieve the best sound and bass response, including comfort when used for an extended period of time.

Design and Customization

The Shure SE535 is a sound isolating earphone with a universal fit. However, it provides lots of sleeves in its fit kit. The sizes of the sleeves available are small, medium, and large, which come in different materials and form factors, such as rubber, foam, and triple flange.

The SE535 has a flexible over the ear placement design, which lets users comfortably enjoy their listening time. Its ear cable has a removable design for user customization and easy replacement. The ear cable also has a 360-degree rotating mechanism and a moldable section over the ear for a more secure and better fit. The SE535 is available in bronze, clear, red/black, red/gray, and red color finish options. You can also get the SE535 either in a wired or wireless system.

Special Features

The SE535 features three microdrivers and two subwoofers for an outstanding listening experience anywhere you are and anytime you want. With these earphones, you can also have the option to go wireless by separately purchasing Shure’s Bluetooth-enabled cable. Other options for connectivity include USB-C, lightning, Bluetooth, and 3.5 mm universal audio cable.

Pros

Triple high-definition drivers
Dual subwoofers
Has an option to go wireless
Excellent noise isolation
Comes with a premium carrying case
Has a fit kit with different sleeves
Sturdy removable cable
Comfortable to wear

Cons

The moldable section of the ear cable does not hold its shape quite well

3. Shure SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones

Have the best audio gear wherever you go with the Shure SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones!

The SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones by Shure is a great audio gear for studio, personal listening, and travels or commute due to its high-quality audio and convenient portability.

Sound Quality

The Shure SE425 is built with impressive two high-definition speakers, which accurately provide both low- and high-frequency sounds. The SE425 also features impressive sound isolation, which can block ambient noise up to 37 dB. It has a frequency response at 20 Hz (deep base) to 19 kHz (high frequency) and earphone sensitivity at 109 dB SPL/mW. The SE425 allows you to feel closer and more engaged in music and guarantees to provide the best sound for your ears.

Design and Customization

The SE425 is worn over the ear and has a generic fit. Although it has a universal fit, the SE425 comes with a variety of sleeves that come in its fit kit. These sleeves are made from different materials along with small, medium, and large sizes. To get the best fit and sound isolation for your ears, you can try the sleeves, which come in foam, rubber, and triple flange forms. The earphones also have a removable cable system, which allows users to customize their listening experience with other options for connectivity, such as Bluetooth, USB-C, lightning, and 3.5 mm universal audio jack. This sound-isolating audio gear is available in clear and silver color finish options.

Special Features

Other than being equipped with dual microdrivers, the Shure SE425 promotes customization by offering both wired and wireless systems. If you want to have a wireless listening experience, you can choose the Bluetooth connectivity option and separately purchase a Bluetooth-enabled cable, which you can also get from Shure.

Pros

Durable audio gear
Crisp and accurate sound
Dual high-definition speakers
Amazing sound isolation
Detachable cables
Offers other connectivity options
Nice over the ear fit
Comes with a fit kit and carrying case
Available in wired and wireless systems

Cons

Lacks bass

4. FiiO FA7

Explore sound signatures with the FiiO FA7!

The FiiO FA7 is an in-ear monitor that comes with four balanced armature drivers per ear working in perfect harmony.

Sound Quality

Since the FiiO FA7 is built with quad Knowles BA drivers, it produces a well-balanced treble, mid-range, and bass. It is ideal for easy listening with frequency response at 20 Hz to 40 kHz and earphone sensitivity at 110 dB SPL/mW. This IEM also provides decent sound isolation through its 13 pairs of ear tips, which cover balanced, vocal, and bass sound signatures, including bi-flange and foam ear tips.

Design and Customization

The FiiO FA7 has a universal fit and is worn over the ear. Even though the FA7 has a generic fit, it provides customization that allows users to explore and enjoy their listening experience through its 13 pairs of ear tips. You can easily switch these ear tips to get the right sound signature that you prefer. These ear tips also come in small, medium, and large sizes to get the best fit.

The FA7 uses a detachable copper-plated silver cable wire that is made of high-purity monocrystalline material. Its shell is made with medical-grade transparent resin, which is highly resistant to discoloration and damage. It also has a water ripple texture and comes in aesthetically elegant red, blue, black, and silver color finish options. Overall, the FA7 is not only comfortable to wear; it is also an attractive piece of audio gear.

Special Features

The FiiO FA7 is a premium quad BA IEM first produced through 3D printing process. According to FiiO, the FA7 consistently produces the exact sound because of the 3D printing technology. This IEM is also capable of providing high-definition audio as certified by the Japan Audio Society.

Pros

Attractive color finish
Durable and comfortable to wear
Quad Knowles BA drivers
Produced using 3D printing technology
Decent sound quality and isolation
Medical-grade resin material
Removable cable system
Available in wired and wireless options

Cons

Earphones can be somewhat slippery to handle
Wavy cable wire

5. Ikko OH1 Hybrid In-Ear Monitor

Experience comfort and great sound in sleek modern style with the Ikko OH1 Hybrid In-Ear Monitor!

The Ikko OH1 Hybrid In-Ear Monitor is suitable for beginners who seek audiophile-approved IEMs.

Sound Quality

The Ikko OH1 is a hybrid in-ear monitor built with Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver and a titanium-plated dynamic driver. It produces clean details and good depth. This hybrid IEM produces above-average sound isolation with minimal sound leakage. High to ultrahigh frequencies in this IEM are achieved through its balanced armature driver, while the lows and mids are attributed to its titanium dynamic driver. The Ikko OH1 has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz and earphone sensitivity at 106 dB SPL/mW.

Design and Customization

The Ikko OH1 has distinctive three-dimensional stonework details on its metallic blue shells, which are made with advanced lightweight alloy material. It looks stunningly sleek and modern, making it easily recognizable even when worn at a distance. It is available in blue color with a matte shine. This IEM is designed with a braided cable system, which comprises four oxygen-free copper (OFC) silver-coated conductors. The Ikko OH1 also has an ergonomic design because it incredibly conforms to your ear’s best cavity shape or auricle.

Special Features

It is built with one balanced armature driver and 1 dynamic driver, promoting delicate to clear high-frequency sounds and low-frequency fullness.

Pros

Hybrid in-ear monitor
Seamless and ergonomic design
Attractive and unique looking
Dual dynamic titanium driver
Enough variety of tips
Detachable cable
Impressive isolation and clarity
Excellent bass

Cons

No chin slider

6. Shure SE215-CL Professional Sound Isolating Earphones

Listen to music like a pro with the Shure SE215-CL Professional Sound Isolating Earphones!

The Shure SE215-CL features detailed sound and deep bass, making it a great IEM for aspiring and professional musicians alike.

Sound Quality

The SE215-CL has a single high-definition dynamic driver, which provide sound clarity along with excellent bass. This IEM also has impressive sound isolation up to 37 dB, allowing users to fully enjoy their listening experience. Its great sound isolation feature is attributed to the different sleeves that come with the earphones.

Design and Customization

The Shure SE215-CL comes in a transparent color variation. It has a flexible and comfy over the ear design and generic fit. This in-ear monitor also swivels at 360 degrees, which is quite helpful when removing or inserting the earphones. Although it has a universal fit, it provides customization on its ear tips and sizes. The tips that come in the SE215-CL fit kit are made from silicone and foam materials. After choosing your preferred tip, you can then decide which size fits you the best. It also has a detachable cable design for easy replacement and further customization. The SE215-CL not only ensures an attractive design and comfortable style, but it also guarantees reliable durability, stability, and great sound isolation.

Special Features

The SE215-CL has great accessories, which include foam sleeves that have a built-in wax filter. Because of regular and frequent use, earwax buildup can clog the nozzles and affect the earphone’s sound quality. When this happens, you can simply change or replace the foam sleeves and resume listening to proper sounding earphones.

Pros

Has a 2-year warranty
Durable cable wire
Impressive sound isolation
Outstanding treble and mids
Removable cable system
Nice and comfortable over the ear design
Comes with accessories inside the fit kit

Cons

Long and rigid cable wire

7. Shure SE215 SPE

Be always in tune with the Shure SE215 SPE!

The Shure SE215 SPE is special edition isolating entry-level earphones that works well in simple acoustic pieces.

Sound Quality

The Shure SE215 SPE is built with a single dynamic microdriver, which provides a good sound signature. It allows users to experience enhanced bass and great mids but with a reduced treble. This entry-level IEM blocks noise up to 37 dB, making it ideal to use when you want to focus on your music or prefer to have privacy when commuting during rush hours. The SE215 SPE also has a frequency response at 21 Hz to 17.5 kHz and earphone sensitivity at 107 dB SPL/mW.

Design and Customization

This IEM has a durable over the ear design with a limited color edition in lucent blue. Although the driver casing is made with plastic, the translucent blue casing of this IEM makes it look aesthetically sleek and elegant. Its detachable and thick cables, on the other hand, look plain and simple. The design of the SE215 SPE does not include inline controls so you will always have to reach for your device or music player to make certain adjustments to the volume. This product also includes a fit kit for further customization.

Special Features

The SE215 SPE has an excellent noise-isolating feature with crisp sound and deep bass. It also has a removable cable system, which is sturdy and thick. This detachable cable system enables users to further customize their listening experience along with providing an easy replacement when it breaks.

Pros

Excellent built quality
Good accessories
Great bass and mids
No sound leakage
Detachable and durable cable
Comes with a variety of ear tips

Cons

Low treble quality
Absence of inline controls

8. KZ ZS10

Have premium quality in-ear monitors without breaking the bank with the KZ ZS10!

The KZ ZS10 is a premium in-ear monitor that features five hybrid drivers ideal for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts.

Sound Quality

This IEM features penta-hybrid driver technology consisting of four balanced armature and one dynamic driver. This driver configuration allows users to experience high-quality resolution and clear vocals. It also has decent sound isolation when listening to sounds in moderate to high volume. It has a frequency response at 7 Hz to 40,000 Hz and earphone sensitivity at 104 dB/mW. An incredible bass response can also be experienced in this IEM. However, ideal sound signatures often depend on the specific type of ear tip used.

Design and Customization

The KZ ZS10 is available in black, blue, and red colors. Its housings are also durably built because of the high-quality materials used. This IEM features a detachable copper-plated cable wire with an ergonomic ear hook to keep the earphones in place. Its bronze-colored and heavy-duty cable wire also has an attractive braided design, which measures about 3.9 ft. in length. You can further customize your listening experience by testing which specific size of earbud tips fits you well. You can also replace the KZ ZS10’s standard 3.5 mm audio jack with a Bluetooth cable for a more convenient and effective wireless option.

Special Features

This IEM is available in both wired and wireless connections. You can also get the KZ ZS10 with or without a remote and microphone depending on your personal preference. The version that comes with an inline microphone is compatible with both Apple- and Android-powered devices.

Pros

Premium IEM features
Value for money
5-driver hybrid configuration
Comes with a 1-year full warranty
Clear sound and enhanced bass using the right tips
Lightweight and comfortable
Outstanding sound isolation
Available in three colors

Cons

Slightly big in-ears

9. CCA C10

Enjoy your favorite music wherever you are with the CCA C10!

The CCA C10 is another impressive budget earphone that’s well-designed and easy to drive.

Sound Quality

The CCA C10 produces a balanced and smooth sound signature. Its bass has a warm tone along with producing a satisfying meaty bass. It uses a 10-driver hybrid technology, which consists of four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver on each side of the ear. For this reason, the CCA C10 is easier to drive even in the absence of amplifiers. With this IEM, you can listen to deep bass, good mids and highs along with experiencing minimal sound leakage and impressive isolation.

Design and Customization

This budget IEM comes in three attractive transparent colors: cyan, black, and purple. It is designed with a metal black plate with an elegant silver matte finish. The CCA C10 also features four pairs of silicone ear tips ranging from small to large sizes that offer extra in-ear comfort. It has a detachable 4-wire braided cable in iron gray color and provides just the right weight and thickness. You can also get this IEM in two versions: with or without an inline microphone.

Special Features

Being lightweight with an ergonomic design, the CCA C10 is a perfect companion for casual listening or during gym workouts and other outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, biking, and jogging. It also features a hybrid driver configuration that ensures superb performance and top-notch sound quality.

Pros

10-driver hybrid technology
Above average noise isolation
Budget-friendly IEM
Comfortable to wear
Ergonomic fit
Attractive colors and design
Color-coded earpiece
Sturdy and detachable cable system
Comes with a 1-year warranty

Cons

No chin slider
Nozzles don’t have an ear tip lip

10. Shure SE112-GR Professional Sound Isolating Earphones

Develop music appreciation with the Shure SE112-GR Professional Sound Isolating Earphones!

The Shure SE112-GR does not disappoint when it comes to sound signature and overall build quality.

Sound Quality

The Shure SE112-GR is well built with a single dynamic microdriver. It features great sound isolation that can block outside noise up to 37 dB. It has a frequency response at 25 Hz (deep base) to 17 kHz (high frequency) and earphone sensitivity at 105 dB SPL/mW. When these earphones are properly fitted with the right sleeves in your ears, they provide an incredible bass response and sound isolation.

Design and Customization

The SE112-GR is designed with a fixed cable, which can be worn hanging down or over the ears, depending on your preference. This audio gear is available in gray color finish either in wired and wireless versions and with or without a remote and microphone. The wireless version that has a microphone and inline remote provides a reliable and consistent performance when it comes to voice commands and controls, such as phone calls and music playback. This version also works well up to 10 meters and 8 hours of battery usage.

Special Features

The SE112-GR provides an accurate sound signature for a more affordable price. You can also have the option to choose its wireless version and separately purchase a Bluetooth-enabled cable for it. The wireless version of the SE112-GR also pairs well with most mobile gadgets equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.

Pros

Adjustable cord slider
Good sound isolation
Decent bass response
Comes with a sleeve fit kit and cleaning tool
Secure ear inserts
Comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons

Undetachable cable
Over the ear design can be uncomfortable

11. KZ AS10

Intimately revel in music with the KZ AS10!

The KZ AS10 is an awesome-sounding in-ear monitor that you can get at an affordable price.

Sound Quality

The KZ AS10 is built with an astounding five balanced armature drivers on each side of the earphone, essentially offering 10 BA drivers capable of producing 109 dB SPL/mW along with frequency response at 20 Hz up to 40,000 Hz. This audio gear is also easy to drive with good listening volumes when listening to music through a smartphone. Like its predecessor, the KZ ZS10 does not really provide superb sound isolation since it only reduces a bit of outside noise volume. However, this issue can be solved to some extent by using foam ear tips.

Design and Customization

The KZ AS10 is designed not only to provide great-sounding audio but also overall comfort and ease of use. Although the KZ AS10 looks almost the same with the KZ ZS10, the former tends to be smaller with a slightly triangular shape than the latter. You can get the KZ AS10 in two colors: black and cyan. It has a helix-designed cable that comes in golden copper color. Other accessories available for this IEM include three pairs of ear tips to provide its users a better fit.

Special Features

If you’re looking to upgrade the KZ AS10, you can do so because it has a detachable cable system. You can replace the original cable wire by separately purchasing a Bluetooth cable.

Pros

5 balanced armatures
Detachable cable system
Fits comfortably well
With balanced tuning
Lightweight and small
1-year warranty

Cons

Lacks deep bass
No splitter and carrying case

12. RevoNext QT3s

Take pleasure in listening to good music with the RevoNext QT3s!

The RevoNext QT3s is an upgrade to its predecessors, providing a more attractive and functional design to boost your audio experience.

Sound Quality

The QT3s is built with four drivers: two dynamic and two balanced armature drivers. This audio gear has the ability to produce a detailed and cleaner audio experience that beginner audiophiles will surely appreciate. Also, the RevoNext QT3s definitely delivers great sound quality in this price range. It has a frequency response at 7 Hz up to 40,000 Hz and earphone sensitivity at 105 dB/mW. The treble is also a bit controlled, more balanced, and less piercing than its predecessors.

Design and Customization

The RevoNext QT3s is available in black, gray, and red colors with full aluminum shells. It is also built with an ergonomic design, which provides impressive sound isolation and superior comfort. The QT3s also has a chin slider, making this IEM more manageable and easier to use. This product also comes with three pairs of medical-grade black silicone ear tips in three sizes to comfortably fit your ears.

Special Features

The QT3s is RevoNext’s upgrade from their QT2 and QT3 earphones. In this updated IEM version, issues regarding treble and cable wire are addressed and improved. Its treble is a bit tamed and the cable has been updated, solving compatibility issues in modern smartphone models. A separate Bluetooth cable can also be purchased if you want to go wireless.

Pros

Quad drivers
Decent build quality
Easy to drive
Great sound isolation
Incredible sub-bass response
Comfortable to use
Removable cable system
Comes with a chin slider
6-month limited warranty

Cons

Limited accessories
Can feel bulky

13. BASN BC100 Professional In-Ear Monitor

Listen to different types of music with exceptional clarity using the BASN BC100 Professional In-Ear Monitor!

The BASN BC100 is a professional and universal in-ear monitor ideal for serious music lovers, professional musicians, and singers in studios or during on-stage performances.

Sound Quality

This in-ear monitor is built with two dynamic microdrivers with a frequency range at 20 Hz up to 20,000 Hz. The BASN BC100 provides neutral sound quality and impressive sound details, making it a good IEM for both beginner audiophiles and professional musicians. This IEM also blocks ambient noise quite well, allowing you to focus more on your music for long hours. It produces music with exceptional clarity, including extended lows, detailed mids, and crisp highs.

Design and Customization

The BASN BC100 is a universal-fit in-ear monitor with an ergonomic over the ear design. This audio gear comes with five pairs of high-grade silicon ear tips to find the best fit for your ears and enhance your overall listening experience. The BASN BC100 is also designed with a detachable cable system for an easier upgrade and replacement. Having different ear tips and connectivity options allow users to freely customize their audio experience according to their liking. You can get this IEM either in wired or wireless systems and in brown, red, green, and violet color finish options.

Special Features

This IEM features SoundBack technology, particularly during on-stage monitoring. The BASN BC100 also has a flexible and durable earhook made with high-quality and durable material, which ensures a secure and comfortable fit. Its MMCX connector is also compatible with some Westone and Shure in-ear monitors, promoting more customization options.

Pros

Two dynamic microdrivers
Comes with woofer and tweeter
Impressive sound isolation
Clear details
Well-balanced tuning
Adjustable and ergonomic earhook
Available in wired and wireless options
MMCX connector compatible with some Westone and Shure IEMs

Cons

Weaker bass when compared to mids and highs

14. MEE Audio M6 Pro 2nd Generation Noise-Isolating In-Ear Monitor

Own a pair of custom fit in-ear monitor with the MEE Audio M6 Pro 2nd Generation!

The M6 Pro 2^nd Generation is a highly customizable in-ear monitor from MEE Audio that features the option of monitor and faceplate personalization.

Sound Quality

With the M6 Pro 2^nd Generation, you get to experience crisp sound in high resolution, which you can never get from other budget in-ear monitors. It has a 10 mm dynamic driver with natural treble along with smoother and detailed mids. It has a frequency response at 20 Hz up to 20 kHz. Good-sounding quality and decent sound isolation are also achieved through its Comply memory foam tips.

Design and Customization

This budget-friendly IEM comes in clear, smoke, red, and blue color finish options. Aside from having different color options, this product has a sweat-resistant and dust-resistant design. It has a comfortable over the ear design, a detachable and replacement cable system, and a variety of ear tip options for a more tailored fit and better sound isolation. This IEM also includes a ¼-inch adapter and separate headset and stereo cables in the box.

Special Features

The included headset cable comes with an inline remote and microphone, allowing you to control playback and answer calls with ease when connected to compatible mobile devices. Another notable feature of the M6 Pro is its optional custom-fit ear tips through 3D printing and personalized engraved faceplates, which you can customize in their website. This added custom touch from MEE Audio allows you to monitor and listen to your favorite music according to your mood and style.

The MEE Audio M6 Pro also comes with a lifetime replacement program, which offers a 50 percent discount for damaged M6 Pro IEMs after the warranty period.

Pros

Balanced sound tuning
Comes with Comply foam ear tips
Comes with both headset and stereo cable
Detachable cable system
Highly customizable
Dust resistant and low-pressure water resistant
1-year warranty
Half-price replacement after the warranty expires

Cons

Mild bass response

15. KZ ZSN HiFi Noise-Isolating In-Ear Monitor

Unleash the audiophile in you with the KZ ZSN HiFi Noise-Isolating In-Ear Monitor!

The KZ ZSN is a great sounding and budget-friendly in-ear monitor alternative that does not disappoint.

Sound Quality

The KZ ZSN is a great choice for beginner audiophiles on a budget. With its super affordable price range, you get to have one dynamic and one balanced armature drivers with a frequency range at 20 Hz up to 40,000 Hz and sensitivity at 104 dB. This audio gear also produces fun and punchy bass with decent sound isolation suitable for daily regular use. Although it does lack in texture and accuracy, with its price point, it offers average to above average sound satisfaction.

Design and Customization

The KZ ZSN is a universal-fit earphone available in three attractive color options: silver purple, black, and cyan. It has aluminum-made faceplates with a unique zigzag pattern. The material used for its shells is made from imported resin. For a more secure and comfortable fit, the KZ ZSN is designed with preformed ear guides. However, it doesn’t have a chin slider, so the cable wires are more prone to twisting and tangling. For a better fit, the KZ ZSN includes a fit kit, which has black Starline silicone ear tips that come in small, medium, and large sizes. It also has a detachable cable system for easy customization and replacement. You can easily convert the KZ ZSN into a wireless Bluetooth earphone by separately purchasing compatible Bluetooth cables.

Special Features

This budget-friendly IEM is a great all-rounder audio gear that sufficiently provides standard IEM features. It is safe to say that the KZ ZSN may not the best for serious audiophiles, but they’re not also bad to start with, especially with its affordable price.

Pros

Balanced tuning
Fun sub-bass
Sturdy cable wire
Lightweight and comfortable
Decent build quality
Attractive-looking audio gear
Comes with four silicone ear tips in different sizes
Available in three colors
Best value for money IEM

Cons

Prone to twisting or tangling
Does not include a carrying case