Looking for the best universal IEMs? We’ve got you covered! This list is ordered from the lowest to the highest price (List updated November 2024).
This is a dynamic list, meaning it will change often as IEMs/earphones come and go. We can’t cover them all but here are some of our favourites.
$1-50
Moondrop Chu (US$20)
When it comes to trickle-down audio quality, there’s no one who does it like Moondrop. The Moondrop Chu adopts the brand’s house sound and makes it available to lucky audio fans in the budget segment.
This earphone is also super comfortable and really well built, although it does have a non-detachable cable. But as far as sound goes, there are very few IEMs that can match the Chu at this price point.
Buy on AliExpress or Amazon
Review: https://primeaudio.org/moondrop-chu-review
7Hz Salnotes Zero (US$20)
Here’s another great example of winning Chi-Fi value. The 7Hz Salnotes Zero picks up where the Moondrop Chu left off and impresses even more with a detachable cable and beefier sound.
It’s balanced, dynamic and detailed and I think it’s currently the best budget IEM on the market. If you love midrange and budget IEMs then you owe it to yourself to get these for yourself today.
$19.99 from AliExpress or Amazon
Review: 7Hz Salnotes Zero Review
ZiiGaat Nuo (US$24)
When it comes to audio quality, the ZiiGaat Nuo IEM is a real standout. Despite its affordable price point, it delivers a well-balanced sound signature that emphasizes the bass and treble slightly while maintaining a clear and detailed midrange. A good single dynamic driver IEM at this price is insane value.
Available on AliExpress and
Review: https://primeaudio.org/ziigaat-nuo-review-outstanding/
KZ ZS10 Pro 2
The latest iteration of this KZ cornerstone takes things to new levels regarding fidelity and flexibility.
With some manipulation of the tuning switches, this budget IEM can border on basshead levels of bass or it can have transparent, neutral lows. Regardless of your chosen sound profile, this IEM has excellent instrument separation, detail retrieval and imaging.
And the best thing? It’s often on sale for under $30. Crazy!
Review: KZ ZS10 Pro 2 Review
KZ ZS10 Pro X ($33)
KZ’s iconic classic is back better and stronger than before. The new ZS10 Pro X has better sub-bass extension, instrument separation and a smoother treble.
Featuring some of the best imaging and positioning in its price range, this IEM scores highly in both fun and technical performance.
$33 from AliExpress, Amazon or Linsoul
Review: https://primeaudio.org/kz-zs10-pro-x-review
Tin Hifi C3 (US$49)
The Tin Hifi C3 might sound a LOT like the Tin C2, T2 DLC and T4 Plus but it sits right in the middle price-wise and has the best shells + cable.
It’s detailed and resolving with good soundstage and imaging but it’s also super smooth and free of sibilance or shoutiness. This one is a solid all-rounder and easy to recommend.
$49 from AliExpress or Linsoul
Review: https://youtu.be/s8SH14LLGEA
$51-100
KEFINE Klean (49 USD)
The KEFINE Klean is an outstanding budget IEM. It has all metal shells, great comfort and a quality stock cable. The sound is balanced, detailed and natural. There’s ample bass for engagement without compromising the overall clarity. The mids sound organic and nuanced and the treble is detailed yet smooth.
This one is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a musical daily driver that has great audio quality and durability.
49 USD from Aliexpress
ARTTI T10 ($53)
The aesthetic might not appeal to everyone but the ARTTI T10 planar IEM sounds incredible for the price.
It’s bold, upfront, bassy, detailed and bristling with energy. The midrange is clear and vibrant. The treble sparkles without sharpness. Simply put, the T10 is up there among the best sub $100 IEMs on the market.
$53 from AliExpress
Review: ARTTI T10 Review
KEFINE Delci ($59)
Here’s another sub-$100 gem that we didn’t expect to find on our rec list. The Kefine Delci has a dynamic, clear sound and aluminium alloy shells.
Delci impressed us with its punchy bass, midrange clarity and smooth treble with excellent detail retrieval. It also comes with a high-quality stock cable. This one’s a no-brainer!
$79 on AliExpress
Review: https://primeaudio.org/kefine-delci-review/
Kefine Delci AE ($89)
Building on the strengths of the original Delci, the Kefine Delci AE comes with an updated driver, a cable upgrade, tuning nozzles and a new colour.
Most importantly, the Delci AE improves even further on the audio quality of the original, bringing smoother highs with the silver filter and greater transparency with the gold filter.
$89 from AliExpress or Amazon
Review: Kefine Delci AE Review
Truthear HEXA (US$79)
The HEXA is a standout IEM with exceptional build quality and audio quality that you might not expect at this price.
It has a lively, dynamic sound with crisp bass notes, rich articulate mids and a detailed but smooth treble. Although the soundstage is a bit narrow, HEXA has good imaging and instrument separation.
$79 from Amazon or AliExpress
Review: https://primeaudio.org/truthear-hexa-review/
Simgot EA500 LM (US$79 US)
The EA500 LM is one of the best sub $100 IEMs so far this year (2023). Packed with a single 10mm dynamic driver, the EA500 LM delivers crisp, clear and exciting audio.
When it comes to sound, the EA500 LM doesn’t disappoint. The bass is engaging and well-defined, never overpowering the mids and highs. The midrange is a standout feature, with its dynamic range and captivating quality. The treble strikes a fine balance between smoothness and excitement, adding a polished sharpness to the overall listening experience.
The EA500 LM’s three sets of tuning filters also provide versatility, allowing users to customize their sound signature to their preferences. Overall, the Simgot EA500 LM is a great value for its price point and firmly takes a place among the very best sub $100 earphones available today. Highly recommended.
Check the latest prices on Amazon and AliExpress.
Review: Simgot EA500 LM Review
SIVGA Que (US$69)
Who would have thought that such a pretty little IEM could go toe to toe with the big boys when it comes to audio quality? The Que is a great-sounding earphone with a U-shaped sound signature, giving it meaty bass, forward, intimate midrange and crisp, clear treble.
Not only does the Que sound great but it has gorgeous wood faceplates and is really comfortable and perfect for smaller ears too. If you like the look, this one should be a no-brainer!
Review: https://primeaudio.org/sivga-que-review/
Shanling Audio Tino (79 USD)
The Shanling Tino is a gorgeous IEM with striking burned metal foil faceplates. It has a dual dynamic driver configuration and has a neutral-warm sound signature but still performs well when it comes to technicalities.
Its natural, musical tuning strikes a great balance between smoothness and detail, offering a sound signature that’s easy to enjoy for extended listening and it’s one of the top sub-$100 IEMs out there right now.
79 USD on AliExpress
Review: Shanling Tino Review
Letshuoer S08 ($99)
Boom! Didn’t see this one coming. This $99 planar magnetic IEM comes with a warm, beefy light V-shaped sound signature and great shells. It’s energetic and resolving, despite its warmth, thanks to the speed of the planar drivers.
It’s bold and different and it sounds great. It’s currently one of the best sub-$100 IEMs you can get.
$99 on AliExpress and Amazon
Review: Letshuoer S08 Review
$101-200
AFUL Explorer ($119)
With its comfortable shells and laid-back but nimble sound signature, the AFUL Explorer is a great entry-level IEM worth considering if you’re shopping around that $100 price point.
If you’re into a full-bodied bass paired with good spacing and detail retrieval, this one is hard to pass up at the price. It’s an absolute no-brainer if you can find it on sale.
Review: AFUL Explorer Review – Into the Unknown
Kinera Celest PhoenixCall ($129)
When it comes to aesthetics, there are very few that can compete with the Kinera Celest PhoenixCall. Furthermore, this entry-level IEM brings clarity, detail retrieval and a tonal balance that few others in its price range can match.
If you’re looking for an entry-level IEM with a dynamic, lively sound and upfront presentation, you need to jump on the PhoenixCall.
Review: Kinera Celest PhoenixCall Review
ArpegEar Hane (US$129)
Every now and then an IEM just resonates with me on all levels and that is what happened with the FiiO FH3. It’s supremely comfortable, lightweight and stylish and simply sounds fantastic.
Bass extension, neutral, inviting, natural mids and a light, airy treble with a touch of warmth all come together in this earphone. This is one that I think punches above its price point and is one of my favourite in-ear monitors.
Review: https://primeaudio.org/arpegear-hane-review/
Letshuoer S12 (US$152)
Letshuoer has been around for a while and was previously best known for the Shuoer Tape earphones. But recently they careened back into the vision of audio enthusiasts with the Letshuoer S12 planar magnetic IEM.
The S12 has a great tonal balance with meaty bass, resolving natural mids and a detailed but non-fatiguing treble. No wonder people are loving it.
Review: https://primeaudio.org/letshuoer-s12-review/
Simgot Supermix 4 ($149)
The Simgot Supermix 4 is a fantastic 1DD+1BA+1PM+1PZT IEM. It goes toe to toe with the Letshuoer S12 Pro and performs extremely well.
Supermix 4 has a balanced sound with an emphasis on the sub-bass. Its hybrid drivers maintain the utmost control over those big bass notes and deliver clean, natural mids. The treble is detailed but never harsh rounding up the fantastic presentation.
$149 on Amazon
Review: Simgot Supermix 4 Review
IKKO OH10 (US$189)
Following the success of the original OH1, IKKO built on its strengths to create the successor, the IKKO OH10. This impressive in-ear monitor has copper-alloy shells for improved acoustic properties. The shape of the shells is near identical to the OH1 which is great because it means the ergonomics and fit are great.
The OH10 Obsidian has a light v-shaped signature with a slight emphasis on sub-bass and upper midrange. It’s topped off with an airy, non-fatiguing treble. A neutral, slightly laid back midrange and the airy treble combine to create a sound that is spacious and open, even despite the powerful bass. As such, the OH10 has an expansive soundstage and a sound you can listen to all day long.
$189 on AliExpress
$189 on Amazon
Review: https://primeaudio.org/ikko-oh10-obsidian-review/
Kiwi Ears KE4 ($189)
The new Meta tuning is here and the Kiwi Ears KE4 proves that people like it. This hybrid 2BA+2DD IEM strikes the right balance between smoothness and technical performance, delivering an engaging sound that’s smooth enough for all-day listening.
$199 on Amazon
$199 on AliExpress
Review: Kiwi Ears KE4 Review
$201-500
Simgot EA1000 ($219)
Simgot has been on a roll lately and the Simgot EA1000 might just be the best model yet. It has nimble bass, warm, natural mids and an airy, spacious but smooth treble.
It comes with classy metal shells with attractive faceplates. The stock cable and other accessories are great too. Overall, the EA1000 is a great bundle and one of the best around the $200 mark.
$219 on Amazon
Review: Simgot EA1000 Fermat Review
Moondrop Blessing 3
the Moondrop Blessing 3 is an exceptional IEM that delivers a balanced and musical sound signature. With its outstanding bass control, textured and engaging midrange, and natural and cohesive treble, the Blessing 3 offers a tonality that is hard to beat. Its spacious soundstage and good overall resolution make for an immersive listening experience.
Overall, I believe that the Moondrop Blessing 3 is an outstanding IEM in its class, and it’s a highly recommended option for audiophiles looking for a high-performance and engaging IEM.
$320 on Amazon or AliExpress
Review: https://primeaudio.org/moondrop-blessing-3-review/
DITA Project M (US$325)
Project M is a gorgeous dual-driver earphone with 1 dynamic driver and 1 balanced armature driver. It has an immaculate build and is very comfortable. Without a doubt, the best thing about the Project M is its sound.
Punchy, resolving, clear and detailed are some of the words I use to describe Project M. End-to-end extension is excellent but it’s also a very smooth sound that is never harsh or sibilant. The dynamic driver delivers a solid visceral bass that can thump and rumble. Midrange notes are sweet and articulated with above-average resolution and the treble is handled well too.
Review: https://primeaudio.org/dita-project-m-review/
$501-1000
IO Audio VOLARE ($599)
The IO Audio VOLARE is a tribrid IEM with 1DD+4BA+4EST drivers. It comes with gorgeous monochrome shells that have an intricate faceplate pattern and a glittery finish on the inner surface. It also comes with a modular cable and 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs.
Volare has one of the best bass responses I’ve heard in a long time – it’s authoritative, punchy and impactful yet strictly controlled and agile. The midrange is spacious and articulate and the treble is precise, airy and detailed yet smooth.
I rarely say this but I think this IEM punches above its price and should be a top contender for anyone shopping for a mid-tier IEM.
Review: IO Audio Volare Review – Heavenly
Meze Audio ADVAR (US$699)
The Meze Audio ADVAR is an in-ear monitor (IEM) with a balanced and engaging sound. It has a warm, full-bodied and spacious sound that is rich in dynamics and detail. The bass is exceptional, with impact, naturalness and texture, and it provides a strong foundation for the lush and velvety midrange.
The treble is airy and precise, adding clarity to the midrange and definition across the spectrum. The ADVAR has a moderate-sized soundstage with excellent separation and imaging, and it maintains a black background between instruments and vocals.
The build quality and design of the ADVAR are also noteworthy, with a robust and emotive delivery that perfectly embodies the idea of musical expression. The ADVAR is more than an IEM, it’s an experience.
Review: Meze Audio ADVAR Review – Prime Audio Reviews
Sennheiser IE 800 S (US$999)
It’s hardly surprising to find something from the portable audio giant in our recommended list. The Sennheiser IE800 S is a stunning achievement in earphone technology. Its tiny earpieces are exquisitely crafted and very robust. The cable has an adapter system allowing you to switch easily between the 3 available plugs: 3.5mm SE, 2.5mm TRRS and 4.4mm TRRS.
It’s incredible what Sennheiser has done with this single dynamic driver. It delivers supreme coherency and a natural tonality that puts you right in the middle of the music. The IE 800 S remains one of my high-end reference IEMs and absolutely has to be part of this list for its masterful audio capability and triumph of engineering.
Review: https://primeaudio.org/sennheiser-ie-800-s-review/
FiR Audio 5×5 (VxV) (US$999)
In a field of interest where everyone is so serious, it’s nice to see something come along that injects a bit of good old fun back into the scene. That’s exactly what FiR Audio did with their 5×5 hybrid in-ear monitor.
But don’t be fooled by the cute bunny and fun shell design because, at heart, this earphone is a technically agile and competitive item. It has a lively, dynamic sound but one that is smooth and versatile enough for every day carry.
If you’re looking for a top-performing earphone but don’t want to pay the outrageous TOTL members fee, the 5×5 has got you covered.
$999 from FiR Audio
Review: https://primeaudio.org/fir-audio-5×5-vxv-review-hop-to-it/
Meze Rai Penta (US$1099)
After reading mixed reviews on the web, I wasn’t sure how the Rai Penta would perform. But when I put them in my ears I knew right away they would end up on this list! The Meze Rai Penta feels as good in the hand as it looks but the real pleasure begins when you start listening.
This is such a sumptuous, smooth and inviting IEM that wraps you up in the music and is perfect for long listening sessions. It has a fun, boosted but controlled bass, excellent midrange resolution and clarity, plus a buttery-smooth non-fatiguing airy treble.
Although it is the most expensive earphone on this list, it is actually quite reasonable for a TOTL flagship model compared to what other brands are putting out there. In a lot of cases, the Rai Penta also outperforms its more expensive competition and at the same time is one of the most attractive and comfortable IEMs on the market.
Review: https://primeaudio.org/meze-rai-penta-review-centerfold/
Westone MACH 60 (US$1100)
Based in the USA, Westone Audio has been catering to audio professionals going back many years. The Westone MACH 60 is one of the latest batches of universal IEMs from Westone. They’re designed primarily for music professionals as stage or studio monitors but they are also fantastic for audiophiles who want smooth reference tuning.
You’ll be amazed how this IEM mixes a warm, inviting sound signature with high-level technical performance. In particular, the soundstage, imaging and timbre are on another level compared to other IEMs in this price range.
$1100 on Westone Audio Official
Review: https://primeaudio.org/westone-mach-60-review