Budget IEM Comparison Chart 2026
Driver setup, impedance, sensitivity, connector and box contents for 15 wired budget IEMs, side by side, with every spec sourced and dated.
How this page was made: PyroFinds pages are researched and written with the help of AI tools, then checked by us against manufacturer and retailer listings before publishing. We don’t hands-on test the products we feature. Last updated: October 31, 2026.
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This chart is for anyone comparing first or step-up in-ear monitors who wants the specs side by side instead of opening a dozen tabs. It covers 15 wired models: mostly chi-fi, plus the Shure SE215 PRO as a big-brand reference point. Each row lists driver setup, impedance, sensitivity, connector, what comes in the box, who the model suits, and which of our guides it appears in. It is a research resource, not a ranking. If you want opinions and context after you narrow things down, our Under $50 beginner guide and Under $100 step-up guide go deeper.
| In the box | Guide | Amazon | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moondrop CHU II | Single 10mm dynamic driver (aluminum-magnesium alloy composite diaphragm) | 18 ohms (+/-15%, 1kHz) | 119 dB/Vrms (1kHz) | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; 3.5mm plug | Earphones, cable, carry pouch, three pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L), manual and paper cards | Under $25 | Beginners who want an easy-to-drive single dynamic IEM with a case included | CHU II vs Zero:2 | Check price on Amazon |
| Moondrop CHU II DSP | Single 10mm dynamic driver | 18 ohms (+/-15%) | 119 dB/Vrms | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; USB-C plug (cable has built-in DSP and mic) | Earphones, USB-C cable, leather-style case, three pairs of tips (S/M/L), manual and paper cards | Not listed | Phone users without a headphone jack who want a one-piece USB-C setup with a mic | CHU II vs CHU II DSP | Check price on Amazon |
| 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 | Single 10mm dual-cavity dynamic driver (PU plus metal composite diaphragm) | 32 ohms | 108 dB/V (1kHz) | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; sold with 3.5mm or USB-C cable options | Earphones, cable and silicone tips (tip count not stated) | Under $50 | Buyers who want a mic option and a bit more bass than the original Zero | CHU II vs Zero:2 | Check price on Amazon |
| Truthear GATE | Single 10mm dynamic driver (carbon-based LCP dome with PU suspension) | 28 ohms (+/-15%) | 122 dB/Vrms | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin (recessed socket) | Earphones, cable, four pairs of wide-bore tips (S/M/L/XL), three pairs of narrow-bore tips (S/M/L), manual and warranty card | Not listed | Gamers on a tight budget who want the with-mic version | Gaming IEMs | Check price on Amazon |
| Truthear Zero:RED | Dual dynamic: 10mm plus 7.8mm | 17.5 ohms (+/-15%) | 117.5 dB/Vrms | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin | Earphones, four-strand cable, three pairs each of wide- and narrow-bore silicone tips, one pair of foam tips (M), a 10 ohm impedance adapter, manual and warranty card | Under $50 | Listeners who want a dual-dynamic alternative to the single-driver picks | Under $50 guide | Check price on Amazon |
| Truthear HEXA | Hybrid: 1 dynamic driver plus 3 balanced armatures | 20.5 ohms (+/-15%) | 120 dB/Vrms | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin (recessed socket) | Earphones, four-strand cable, three pairs each of two silicone tip types, one pair of foam tips (M), manual and warranty card | Under $100 | Listeners who want a neutral-leaning hybrid with lighter bass | Under $100 guide | No confirmed listing |
| KZ ZS10 Pro | Hybrid: 1 dynamic driver plus 4 balanced armatures | 30 ohms1 | 111 dB2 | Detachable 0.75mm 2-pin; 3.5mm plug | Not listed | Under $50 | Buyers who want a multi-driver KZ and do not need a mic | ZS10 Pro vs ZSN Pro X | Check price on Amazon |
| KZ ZSN Pro X | Hybrid: 10mm dynamic driver plus 1 balanced armature (30095) | 25 ohms | 112 dB2 | Detachable 0.75mm 2-pin; 3.5mm plug; with or without mic | Not listed | Not listed | Buyers who want a mic option and a simpler two-driver hybrid | ZS10 Pro vs ZSN Pro X | Check price on Amazon |
| SIMGOT EA500LM | Single 10mm dual-magnet, dual-cavity dynamic driver (lithium-magnesium dome diaphragm) | 21 ohms (+/-15%, 1kHz) | 123 to 124 dB/Vrms (1kHz), depending on nozzle and ring | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin | Earphones, silver-plated cable, two extra swappable tuning nozzles (three total) | Under $100 | Listeners who want a clear, detailed sound and the option to change tuning with nozzles | Under $100 guide | Check price on Amazon |
| SIMGOT EW300 | Tribrid: 10mm dynamic plus 6mm planar plus piezo (PZT) driver | 28 ohms (+/-15%, 1kHz) | 119 or 121 dB/Vrms (1kHz), depending on nozzle | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; 3.5mm plug, no mic | Earphones, cable, ear tips, protective case and manual; second set of threaded nozzles | Under $100 | Tinkerers who want a tribrid with two threaded tuning nozzles | Under $100 guide | Check price on Amazon |
| Moondrop ARIA 2 | Single dynamic driver (size not stated) | 33 ohms (+/-15%, 1kHz) | 122 dB/Vrms (1kHz) | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; cable with swappable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs | Earphones, cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, ear tips, storage case and manual | Under $100 | Listeners who want a smooth, warm, easygoing sound and a flexible cable | Under $100 guide | Check price on Amazon |
| TANGZU Wan'er S.G | Single 10mm dynamic driver (PET diaphragm) | 20 ohms | 107 dB (1kHz) | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin (recessed); 3.5mm, no mic on this listing | Earphones, OFC cable, three pairs of 'balanced' and three pairs of 'vocal' silicone tips | Under $100 | An easy-to-drive entry point to the step-up list | Under $100 guide | Check price on Amazon |
| Kiwi Ears Quartet | Hybrid: 2 dynamic (dual 10mm titanium, isobaric) plus 2 balanced armatures | 32 ohms | 110 dB | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; two tuning switches | Earphones, cable, ear tips, protective case and paperwork | Not listed | Drummers and bassists who want stronger low end | Drummers and musicians | Check price on Amazon |
| Kiwi Ears Cadenza | Single 10mm dynamic driver (beryllium-coated diaphragm) | 32 ohms | 110 dB | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin; 3.5mm plug | Earphones, detachable cable, nine pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L), manual | Under $50 | Listeners who mostly play jazz, classical, vocals or acoustic music | Under $50 guide | No confirmed listing |
| Shure SE215 PRO big-brand reference | Single dynamic driver (Shure MicroDriver) | 17 ohms (1kHz) | 107 dB SPL/mW (1kHz) | Detachable MMCX; 3.5mm plug | Earphones, 64-inch clear cable, zip case, foam and soft flex sleeves in S/M/L | Not listed | Musicians and buyers who want a big-brand, sound-isolating option | SE215 breakdown | Check price on Amazon |
Chart notes. 1 KZ lists 30 ohms for the ZS10 Pro; some retailer listings say 24 ohms. We show the manufacturer figure. 2 KZ gives sensitivity with no unit, so compare it only loosely with dB/Vrms or dB SPL/mW figures. The Shure SE215 PRO is a big-brand comparison point, not a chi-fi model. We do not link a listing for the Kiwi Ears Cadenza or Truthear HEXA because we could not confirm the exact Amazon listing. Price tier shows which of our guides a model appears in as of October 2026, not a current price.
How to read the chart
Driver configuration. Dynamic means a single cone-style driver, usually the simplest and most coherent setup. Balanced armature (BA) drivers are small and good at detail, often paired with a dynamic driver in a hybrid. Planar and piezo drivers show up in tribrid designs like the SIMGOT EW300. A higher driver count describes the hardware, not the quality of the sound.
Impedance. Measured in ohms. The models here range from 17 to 33 ohms, so all are easy to run from a phone or dongle. Lower numbers are slightly easier to drive.
Sensitivity. Pay attention to the units. Moondrop, Truthear and SIMGOT list dB/Vrms, the Shure SE215 lists dB SPL/mW, and the KZ models give a number with no unit at all. Those figures are not directly comparable, so use them only within the same unit.
Connector. The 0.78mm 2-pin is the most common detachable connector in this chart. KZ uses a 0.75mm 2-pin that looks similar but is a different size, and the Shure SE215 uses MMCX. Check this before buying a replacement cable.
In the box. Lists the cable, tip types, cases and extras like tuning nozzles. A cell marked Not listed means we could not verify the contents.
Best for. A short summary of who each model suits, drawn from our existing guides, which are based on listed specs and buyer feedback.
Price tier. This column only shows which of our guides a model appears in (Under $25, Under $50 or Under $100) as of October 2026. It is not a current price, and prices change.
Methodology
Specs come from manufacturer pages, or from major retailer listings when the maker’s page lacks them. Each source is cited below the chart with the date we checked it (October 2026). A cell marked Not listed means we could not verify that spec and chose not to guess. Where sources disagree, we used the manufacturer figure and noted it; the KZ ZS10 Pro impedance is one example. This chart is research-based. We did not test, measure or listen to these models for it.
How to choose
Your phone has no headphone jack. You have three routes: a USB-C IEM like the Moondrop CHU II DSP, which has the DSP and mic built into the cable; a separate USB-C adapter with any 3.5mm model; or a model with a swappable cable plug. Our USB-C DAC dongle guide covers adapters. Skip the DSP version if you also want to plug into a laptop or audio interface with a standard jack.
You want a mic. For calls or gaming, the Connector column notes mic details where the source lists them. The 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 and KZ ZSN Pro X are sold with mic options, and the Truthear GATE appears in our gaming picks as a with-mic version. Check the exact listing before you order, since many of these come in both mic and no-mic versions. Our gaming IEM guide has more. Skip the SIMGOT EW300 here, since its listing is 3.5mm with no mic.
You like to tweak the sound. The SIMGOT EA500LM ships with extra nozzles, the EW300 has two threaded nozzles, and the Kiwi Ears Quartet has two tuning switches. If you would rather not fiddle, a fixed-tuning single dynamic like the Moondrop CHU II is simpler. For a direct comparison, see CHU II vs Zero:2.
Stage or drumming use. Isolation, a secure fit and a cable that survives movement matter more than anything else. The Shure SE215 PRO is the familiar choice here, and our SE215 breakdown covers whether it still holds up. The Kiwi Ears Quartet is listed for drummers and bassists who want stronger low end. See our drummer and musician guide. Skip anything with a recessed socket if you plan to swap cables often on a dark stage, and check that the replacement cable matches the connector.
Single driver or hybrid. Single dynamic models are easier to understand and have fewer moving parts. Hybrids add BA drivers, as in the KZ ZS10 Pro (one dynamic plus four BA) and the Truthear HEXA (one dynamic plus three BA). If you are torn between two KZ options, read ZS10 Pro vs ZSN Pro X. Skip the multi-driver models if you just want something plug-and-play and low fuss.
New to IEMs altogether? Our IEM vs earbuds explainer and the headphone buying guide hub are good starting points.
FAQ
Do budget IEMs need a DAC or amp?
Usually not. Every model in this chart has an impedance between 17 and 33 ohms, which most phones, laptops and dongles can drive. A DAC mainly helps when your device has no headphone jack or a noisy output. See do you need a DAC for budget IEMs for the longer answer.
What is the difference between 0.78mm 2-pin, 0.75mm KZ pins and MMCX?
All three are detachable cable connectors. The 0.78mm 2-pin and KZ’s 0.75mm 2-pin look nearly identical but are slightly different sizes, so cables are not always interchangeable. MMCX is a small snap-on round connector, used by the Shure SE215 PRO. Match the connector before buying a cable.
Why do some cells say Not listed?
Not listed means we could not verify that spec from the manufacturer or a major retailer listing, so we left it empty rather than guess. For example, the box contents for the two KZ models say Not listed because neither source gives a full list.
Do more drivers mean better sound?
No. Driver count describes the hardware, not how the IEM sounds. Tuning, fit and your own preferences matter more. Plenty of single dynamic models are popular next to multi-driver hybrids.
Are these prices current?
We do not list prices on this page. The price tier column only shows which of our guides a model appears in as of October 2026. Check the retailer for the current price before you buy.
Sources
Each spec in the chart comes from one of the sources below. Dates show when we last checked the page. Specs and box contents can change between production runs, so confirm on the listing before you buy.
- Moondrop CHU II: Moondrop (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Moondrop CHU II DSP: Linsoul (checked Oct 31, 2026); Amazon.com listing B0CRP76PVM (checked Oct 29, 2026)
- 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2: Linsoul (checked Oct 31, 2026); Amazon.com listing B0CMZT5K21 (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- Truthear GATE: Truthear (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Truthear Zero:RED: Truthear (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Truthear HEXA: Truthear (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- KZ ZS10 Pro: KZ (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- KZ ZSN Pro X: KZ (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- SIMGOT EA500LM: Amazon.com listing B0CSJQDXCD (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- SIMGOT EW300: Amazon.com listing B0DCZLRKZN (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Moondrop ARIA 2: Amazon.com listing B0CM3Q7YNG (checked Oct 31, 2026); Moondrop (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- TANGZU Wan'er S.G: Amazon.com listing B0BL16M8FH (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Kiwi Ears Quartet: Kiwi Ears (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Kiwi Ears Cadenza: Kiwi Ears (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Shure SE215 PRO: Shure user guide (PDF) (checked Oct 31, 2026); Shure product page (checked Oct 31, 2026)