The best In-ear Monitors (IEM) under $100 in 2024

Today I have prepared a list of the best IEMs under $100 that you can buy in the end of 2023/beginning of 2024. We will discuss the pros and cons of each IEM, listing them in no particular order. 

I have also published a detailed reviews about most of the IEMs on this list. You can click the IEM title to go to the detailed review. And now without any further delay, let’s jump straight into the list.

Dunu released several successful IEMs in the past, but Titan S is their budget offering, which IMHO sounds great.

Pros: Light and solid metal build, Great set of accessories, IEM is easy to drive. It has an excellent technical performance, natural timbre, and a good neutral tonality.

Cons: The cable is thin and microphonic.Sub-bass roll-off happens too early and long nozzles may be a potential issue for those with smaller ears.

🛒 Dunu Titan S on Amazon

Moondrop Aria Snow Edition

Why not Aria OG/ Aria 2? Well because I think Snow Edition is the most balanced version out of these three.

Pros: Beautiful design, good fit and comfort, smooth sound presentation, balanced tuning. The IEM has a good tonality, and natural timbre that works well with many genres of music.

Cons: Not the most resolving pair in its price range. Some people would prefer more sparkle in the treble. Also, the IEM has an average sound stage width and depth.

🛒 Moondrop Aria Snow Edition on Amazon

TinHiFi T3 Plus

Another good all-rounder IEM in this price category.

Pros: Attractive design and a good build. Comfortable fit and good passive isolation. Balanced sound signature with a boosted sub-bass. It has a good-sounding midrange with full and rich vocals. Spacious sound stage and good imaging. Excellent price-to-performance ratio.

Cons: Bass can sometimes sound too congested and the treble could use more air.

🛒 TinHiFi T3 Plus on Amazon

Etymotic ER2SE

A good-sounding IEM that will appeal to studio people in the first place.

Pros: It produces uncolored, flat, and neutral sound. The dynamic driver responds quite fast. Excellent clarity, details, and resolution. The sound isolation is the best in its class. The technical performance is excellent. And it comes with a good set of accessories.

Cons: The fit is not for everybody. Sub-bass extension is lacking (consider the ER2XR as an alternative). The cable is microphonic unless you use a shirt clip. The semi-proprietary MMCX connectors make cable swapping difficult. The IEM has a very narrow soundstage. 

🛒 Etymotic ER2SE on Amazon

Simgot EA500

This is one of the best releases of 2023 if you ask me as Simgot just perfected their in-house tuning.

Pros: Good design & build. Interchangeable nozzles or filters. Engaging and lively tonality. Good sub-bass extension. Sparkly and airy treble. Great technical abilities for the price. A good stock cable.

Cons: Some people find the shallow fit a deal breaker. Additionally, some listeners find the mid-range too forward. The treble can sound grainy on occasion, especially with black filters.

🛒 Simgot EA 500 on Amazon

TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero Red

A re-turned revision, which in my opinion sounds better than the original Zero.

Pros: The tuning is neutral with a bass boost. The double dynamic driver configuration is well-implemented. The shells are beautiful. The treble is smooth. The sound is cohesive. It’s great value for the money.

Cons: The nozzle diameter and length may still be uncomfortable for some people. Plus, the upper mids are still a bit harsh. Also, the treble still needs some air and sparkle.

🛒 Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red on Amazon

Kiwi Ears Melody

At the moment this is the only planar magnetic IEM I would recommend getting under $100.

Pros: Fun V-shaped sound signature. Lightweight shells. Fast planar bass, with a strong emphasis on mid-bass. Plus, an airy treble and a good price-to-performance ratio.

Cons: Fit may vary. Stock ear tips are hard to put on. The midrange needs more clarity and definition. The cable is basic. There is no case or pouch included with the IEMs.

🛒 Kiwi Ears Melody on Amazon

TRUTHEAR Hexa

A fantastic hybrid (1DD+3BA) configuration at an affordable price. 

Pros: Neutral tuning with sub-bass boost. Dynamic and engaging. Very coherent sound. Excellent imaging and instrument separation. Organic timbre. Good and comfortable fit. Great passive sound isolation. Decent accessories.

Cons: Mid-bass lacks impact, which can be a deal breaker for some people. The stock cable is not the best. IEMs love power and may lack dynamics and presentation when paired with a weak source.

🛒 Truthear Hexa on Amazon

So which is the best IEM under $100?

Well, it really depends on your sound preferences, but here’s my subjective nominations that can give you an idea.

Best build: Dunu Titan S and Simgot EA500

Best sub-bass extension: TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO Red and Tin T3 Plus

The best mid-bass impact: Moondrop Aria and Simgot EA500

Most natural mid-range: Etymotic ER2SE

Best treble extension: Simgot EA500

Best technical capabilities: Etymotic ER2SE and Truthear HEXA

Most neutral sound presentation: Etymotic ER2SE

Most engaging sound presentation: TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO Red and Simgot EA500

The most comfortable IEM for my ears: Dunu Titan S and Truthear HEXA

And finally If I only could pick one: it would be Truthear HEXA

In the end, the best IEM under 100 USD is the one that provides you with a good fit, seal, isolation and your sound preferences.

And that concludes my review for today. If you want 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!

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