Today I have prepared a list of the the best in-ear monitors (IEM) under $30 in 2024 that you can buy in 2023. There are eight IEMs on the list as well as one honorable mention. All IEMs on this list have been released in 2022 or earlier, which means they withstood the test of time.
Searching for the best IEM under $100 instead? I invite you to take a look at my 2024 recommendations list
The IEMs are listed in no particular order, each IEM has its own pros and cons and I will also share with you, which IEM out of this bunch I liked the most. In addition, I will also leave the links to the products in this review for easier navigation. So without any further delay, let’s jump straight into the list.
CCA CRA
CCA CRA doesn’t need any special introduction as it was probably one of the most recommended IEMs in 2022. The IEM has a single 10mm composite polymer dynamic driver and it can be usually found well under $20.
PROS: Well extended bass, relaxed sound signature, good ergonomics and coherent sound.
CONS: Recessed mid range and slightly unnatural instrument timbre.
TANCHJIM Tanya
Tanchjim Tanya is yet another interesting ultra budget IEM. It features a 7mm Micro Dynamic Driver and nowadays a rare bullet shape. It usually sells for under $25
PROS: Well reproduced mid-range, non-fatiguing treble, good sound stage and organic timbre.
CONS: Lacks some dynamics & resolution, busy musical tracks can sound on this pair a bit cluttered and non-detachable cable can be a deal breaker for some people.
MOONDROP Chu
Another much-recommended IEM of 2022 which is especially appealing to those familiar with Moondrop’s in-house tuning. Moondrop CHU features a 10mm nano-crystal coated composite dynamic driver with titanium-coated diaphragm and usually comes at $19.99
PROS: Metal shells and good build, good tonality and timbre, excellent value per dollar and it comes with Moondrop Spring ear tips which cost 13 USD alone.
CONS: Average detail retrieval and soundstage width, non-detachable cable can be a deal breaker for some people and upper mids can sound a bit harsh on some tracks.
7Hz Salnotes Zero
7Hz Salnotes Zero is another praised IEM. It features a 10mm Dynamic Driver With Metal Composite Diaphragm and comes at around $25.
PROS: Natural timbre, punchy bass, good treble extension and excellent price to performance ratio.
CONS: Can be fatiguing during long sessions due to the tuning, note weight is lacking, and bass quantity can be a deal breaker for some people.
TRIPOWIN Lea
Sometimes labeled as a poor man’s KATO, the Tripowin LEA features a 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver and usually comes at $26.
PROS: Excellent build, well extended, punchy and textured bass, neutral warm tonality and a natural timbre.
CONS: Upper midrange can sometimes be harsh, the treble extension could be better and IEM lacks in detail.
FINAL AUDIO E500
E500 is usually overlooked IEM, but I recommend you give it a try. It’s another IEM on my list with a bullet shape, it features a 6.4mm dynamic driver and usually comes at $20.
PROS: Great performance per price ratio, comfortable fit, smooth and non-fatiguing tuning and in addition IEMs come with a full set of final E series ear tips which cost more than IEMs itself if purchased separately,
CONS: non-detachable cable can be a deal breaker for some people, the IEM lacks a bit in dynamics and if you need a lot of bass you should look elsewhere.
QKZ x HBB
QKZ x HBB is a collaboration between Hawaiian Bad Boy and QKZ. It features a 10mm Titanium-Coated Diaphragm Driver and usually comes at $20
PROS: Excellent design, dynamic and engaging sound, excellent bass response, full and rich vocals and a good soundstage.
CONS: Bass amount can be too much for some people, and tuning won’t be appealing to those who seek neutral tonality, extensive detail retrieval or technicalities.
TinHiFi C2 Mech Warrior
It’s a new release from TinHiFi. C2 Mech Warrior features a 10mm Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver and it comes at around $29. If you’re interested in learning more details about TinHiFi C2, feel free to check out my review.
PROS: Metal shells and a good built, engaging and fun sound signature, punchy and well rounded bass, crisp treble and excellent technical abilities.
CONS: Treble cam sounds a bit unnatural and overall tuning can sometimes be slightly analytical and fatiguing.
Honorable mention
Some might already guessed it, it’s a BLON BL-03 which was released a few years ago. It features a 10mm Carbon Diaphragm Dynamic Driver and back in the day it would cost you $25. The prices now increased, inflation and stuff you know, but sometimes you can find it on sale below 30 USD.
PROS: Metal shells and good build quality, punchy bass, natural midrange, overall warm tonality and a good soundstage.
CONS: Finding a good fit may take a lot of time and experiment and if you need a neutral tuning, you need to look elsewhere.
Conclusions & Nominations
It’s really hard to name a clear winner here, as each IEMs on my list is better at something than the rest. In addition, a lot of stuff is subjective in our hobby, so you need to decide for yourself. But to make things a bit easier I decided to make categories and name a winner in each of these categories.
Most generous packaging and accessories: Moondrop Chu and Final Audio E500
Best stock cable: Tin C2 Mech Warrior
Most sub bass extension: CCA CRA
Least sub bass extension: Moondrop Chu and Final Audio E500
Most midbass impact: QKZ x HBB, Tanchjim Tanya
Least mid bass impact: Moondrop Chu
Most natural midrange: Moondrop Chu and Tin C2 Mech Warrior
Least natural midrange: Tanchjim Tanya
Most treble extension, air and sparkle: Tin C2 Mech Warrior
Least treble extension, air and sparkle: Final Audio E500
My favorite IEM out of this bunch: TinHiFi C2 Mech Warrior
I hope this list has been helpful and if you’d like to see more content like this, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for future updates. Thank you for joining me, and until next time, goodbye!
** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links in my reviews are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase.
[…] The Best IEM under $30 in 2023 […]