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Best budget IEMs
Published onFebruary 5, 2025
Today’s budget in-ear monitors prove that great sound doesn’t require deep pockets. While premium IEMs can cost hundreds of dollars, there’s a sweet spot of affordable options that deliver impressive audio quality for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re a commuter looking to upgrade from stock earbuds, a budding audiophile testing the waters, or simply someone who wants better sound without breaking the bank, these picks offer features and sound signatures that will make you question the need to spend more.
Editor’s note: this list was published on February 5, 2025, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
For our top five picks, you can find the frequency response charts in a drop-down tab in each section. You can learn more about how to read our charts here.
Best budget IEMs overall: Truthear Hexa
The Truthear Hexa shows exactly why we’re excited about the current state of budget IEMs. After extensive testing, these stood out for their exceptional clarity and versatile sound signature that works brilliantly for both casual listening and content creation. The bright-leaning tuning brings out vocal details beautifully, though you might want to tame the highs slightly through EQ if you prefer a warmer sound.
While the angular design might look aggressive, the housing is actually quite comfortable during long listening sessions. With a variety of included ear tips and a replaceable cable, the Hexa offers premium features and sound quality that make them an easy recommendation for anyone looking to step up their audio game without breaking the bank.
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The Truthear Hexa delivers a neutral sound signature with a slight emphasis on treble strength. Bass strength is slightly conservative but remains detailed and precise. The overall response closely follows our reference target, offering a natural, homogenous presentation across frequencies. If you find it too bright, a simple EQ adjustment can help achieve a darker sound. Given their high sensitivity, they’re easy to drive from any source while maintaining good clarity throughout the frequency range.
The chart below shows how the sound of the Truthear Hexa was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.
With a Timbre score of 4.8 and a Distortion score of 4.3 in MDAQS testing, these IEMs demonstrate exceptional technical performance.
Best budget IEM for music: Tangzu Wan’er
At just $24.99, the Tangzu Wan’er S.G. offers a sound signature that’s perfect for extended listening sessions. The slightly dampened treble and fuller bass response make it especially appealing for younger listeners who might find brighter IEMs fatiguing. During testing, we found that while it might not wow you with dramatic sound characteristics, that’s exactly what makes it excellent for all-day music enjoyment. The included seven pairs of silicone ear tips and detachable cable add value well beyond its budget price point.
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The Wan’er S.G. delivers a dark sound signature with good bass strength, while treble is intentionally less emphasized. This creates a listening experience that’s easy on the ears, particularly with tracks heavy on highs and effects. While some listeners might want more treble presence, the “boring” (in a good way) tuning means you won’t find any surprising peaks or valleys that detract from your music. The sound remains clean and natural across the frequency range, though older listeners might want to boost the highs around 8.5kHz to restore some brilliance.
The chart below shows how the sound of the Tangzu Wan’er S.G. was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.
The Tangzu Wan’er S.G. achieves impressive scores across all MDAQS metrics, earning a 4.8 for Timbre (how faithfully it reproduces frequencies), 4.0 for Distortion (how clean the sound is), and 4.0 for Immersiveness (how well it presents spatial audio). The overall score of 4.8 out of 5.0 indicates that most listeners will find the sound quality highly enjoyable, especially impressive given its budget price point.
Best value IEM: Moondrop Chu II
For less than $20, the Moondrop Chu II proves that excellent sound doesn’t require deep pockets. We found its frequency response closely tracks our preference curve through the bass and midrange while offering slightly forward vocals that bring clarity to your music. The metal construction and detachable cable (a welcome upgrade from its predecessor) provide premium features at an entry-level price. While they’re not the lightest IEMs around at 8g per bud, the over-ear cable design helps manage the weight for comfortable, shorter listening sessions.
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The Chu II delivers a clean, natural sound signature with a slight emphasis in the upper mids around 3kHz that brings vocals forward in the mix. The bass and midrange follow a well-balanced curve, though the highest frequencies show some roll-off typical of single-driver IEMs. Overall, it offers a homogenous presentation that leans toward neutral, with enough presence to make vocals and instruments sound clear without becoming aggressive.
Best budget IEM for detail: 7Hz Salnotes Zero
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero caters to listeners who prioritize clarity and vocal presence in their music. During our testing, these IEMs demonstrated their prowess with a bright, detail-oriented sound that brings out the nuances in complex tracks. While the angular design might look intimidating, the light 5.8g weight and over-ear cable design create a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. Plus, the detachable cable and six different ear tip options help customize your experience.
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The Salnotes Zero delivers a bright sound signature that emphasizes clarity and detail. There’s a notable emphasis in the ear gain region around 3kHz that brings vocals and upper frequencies forward, while bass remains precise but controlled. This tuning particularly shines with vocal-focused tracks, though some listeners might find the heightened treble presence a bit intense during longer sessions. For those who enjoy dissecting the finer details in their music, this sound signature reveals subtle nuances that often get lost in bassier IEMs.
The chart below shows how the sound of the 7Hz Salnotes Zero was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.
The Salnotes Zero scores impressively, with a 4.8 for Timbre, 4.0 for Distortion, and 3.2 for Immersiveness, resulting in a strong overall score of 4.5. These scores indicate excellent tonal reproduction and clean sound, though spatial presentation is more modest compared to pricier options.
Best budget IEM for gaming: Truthear x Crinacle Zero
The Truthear x Crinacle Zero offers a bass-forward signature that makes it perfect for immersive gaming experiences. During testing, we found its strong sub-bass emphasis particularly excellent for bringing out explosion effects and footsteps while maintaining good spatial awareness and localizability. The included foam tips provide excellent noise isolation, and the comfortable, lightweight 5g design makes these ideal for long gaming sessions. What really sets these apart for gamers is the ability to fine-tune your experience — from different ear tips to an included bass+ resistor that can enhance low-end impact when you want even more boom in your games.
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The Zero delivers a powerful, dark sound signature with prominent bass that enhances gaming immersion. While bass is notably strong, it maintains enough clarity in the upper frequencies to keep competitive gaming viable – you’ll hear both the boom of explosions and the subtle audio cues you need. The included bass+ resistor lets you boost the low-end even further if you want maximum impact in your games, while different tip options help you dial in your perfect sound signature.
The chart below shows how the sound of the Truthear x Crinacle Zero: Red was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.
With impressive scores of 4.9 for Timbre, 4.1 for Distortion, and notably high 4.4 for Immersiveness, resulting in an overall score of 4.9, these IEMs excel at creating an engaging soundstage that’s particularly beneficial for gaming. The high immersiveness score specifically indicates excellent spatial audio performance – crucial for accurately placing enemy positions in competitive games.
What you should know about budget IEMs
Understanding Sound Signatures
Audio terminology can be confusing, so let’s break down some common terms you’ll encounter when shopping for IEMs:
- Neutral refers to how faithfully the IEMs reproduce sound without coloring it. A neutral IEM aims to present sounds as true to life as possible, without artificially enhancing bass or treble. While this might sound ideal, many listeners actually prefer some coloration to their music.
- Balanced doesn’t mean the same thing as neutral. A balanced sound signature means bass and treble are emphasized similarly relative to each other, creating a consistent listening experience across frequencies. This makes balanced IEMs versatile for different music genres.
- Bright describes IEMs that emphasize upper frequencies, particularly in the treble range. This can make vocals more forward and detailed, but might also lead to fatigue during long listening sessions. The Salnotes Zero in our list is a good example of a bright IEM.
- Dark indicates the opposite of bright – these IEMs reduce treble emphasis while maintaining or boosting bass frequencies. This often results in a warmer, more relaxed sound that some find more comfortable for extended listening. The Tangzu Wan’er S.G. demonstrates this type of tuning.
- V-shaped is a popular sound signature that boosts both bass and treble while slightly reducing the midrange. This creates an energetic, engaging sound that many listeners enjoy, though it might not be the most accurate representation of the music.
Remember that these terms are relative, and what sounds “bright” to one person might sound balanced to another. Your personal preferences will ultimately determine which sound signature you enjoy most.
How we test budget IEMs
At SoundGuys, we put every IEM through the same rigorous testing process using industry-standard equipment, including our B&K 5128 test head. We collect detailed measurements of frequency response, isolation performance, and distortion to provide objective data about each product’s performance. Beyond the lab tests, we also wear each IEM for several hours while performing typical daily activities to evaluate comfort, fit, and real-world performance. You can learn more about our testing methodology here and why these tests matter here.
How we choose the best budget IEMs
Our selections combine objective measurements with extensive real-world testing. We consider not just sound quality but also build quality, comfort, and value. We pay special attention to frequency response measurements, isolation performance, and long-term durability—factors that are particularly important in the budget IEM category. Each pick represents the best value in its specific use case, whether that’s analytical listening, bass-heavy music, or gaming. We regularly update our selections as new products emerge and existing ones get discontinued.
Why you should trust SoundGuys
SoundGuys has been testing audio gear since 2013, maintaining high editorial standards and a rigorous testing methodology. We disclose when we purchase or receive review units directly from retailers and never accept payment for reviews or recommendations. Our team includes audio engineers, musicians, and experienced tech journalists who combine technical expertise with real-world experience. Every article undergoes editorial review to ensure accuracy and clarity. You can learn more about our ethics policy here.
Frequently asked questions
For most listeners, $20-100 is the sweet spot for budget IEMs. You can get excellent sound quality in the $50-80 range, while even $20-30 options like the Moondrop Chu II offer impressive performance. Spending more typically brings diminishing returns unless you’re an enthusiast seeking specific sound characteristics.
There’s no single “best” IEM as preferences vary, but the Truthear Hexa ($79.99) offers exceptional all-around performance with a balanced sound signature that works well for most genres. However, depending on your needs, any of our top picks might be “best” for your specific use case.
IEMs typically offer better sound quality and isolation for the price, while AirPods offer wireless convenience and smart features. Wired IEMs will generally give you better audio quality at a lower price point, but they lack the convenience features of wireless earbuds.
Audiophiles appreciate IEMs for their excellent price-to-performance ratio, ability to provide detailed sound reproduction, and strong noise isolation. They also offer a wide variety of sound signatures to match different preferences, and their wired connection avoids Bluetooth compression, latency, and interference issues.
Budget IEMs often prioritize sound quality over build quality to meet price points. The most common failure point is the cable, which is why many models now feature detachable cables that can be easily replaced. Proper storage and handling significantly extends their lifespan.
IEMs with detachable cables typically last longer than traditional earbuds because the most common point of failure can be replaced rather than requiring you to replace the entire unit. However, longevity depends heavily on care and usage patterns.
Regular ear hygiene is important for IEM users. Clean your ear tips with a soft, slightly damp cloth before and after use, and ensure your ears are clean and dry before insertion. Never insert IEMs into wet ears, and avoid using them while sweating heavily. Consider periodically cleaning the nozzles with a soft brush to remove any buildup.