In this saturated IEM market, it has become easy, yet overwhelming to find a great IEM under 100 bucks. So, we’ve sifted through them for you and come up with 5 models that vary widely in their sound signature and shine through the crowd in the under $100 category. 

Tin HiFi T4

Price: $99

If you appreciate a luminous, tight sound profile, the Tin HiFi T4 will deliver. These IEMs have a lightness to their sound that works great for funk and other genres that benefit from a fast transient response. The imaging is also quite impressive for the price point, conveying very precise instrument placement on both the horizontal and vertical axis. So, if you already own IEMs with a more traditional sound signature, the T4 will be a more interesting addition to your arsenal.

Driver: 10mm CNT dynamic driver

Frequency Range: 10Hz- 20kHz

Impedance: 32Ω

Sensitivity: 102dB

Kinera Seed

Price: $49

Another tight and fast IEM, the Kinera is really fun to listen to, especially when playing funk and neo-soul type music. Like the Tin HiFi T4, it takes on a lighter feel, making it also an ideal IEM for acoustic instruments like guitars and strings. So, folk and classical music sound great on these buds. But if you prefer a lusher or more full-bodied profile with a generous low-end, you might want stick with an IEM like the Shozy Form 1.1. (Last thing to note: the Seed employs MMCX connectors rather than the increasingly more popular 2 pin connection).

Driver: 1 8 mm dynamic; 1 balanced armature

Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz

Impedance: 17 Ω

Sensitivity: 108 +/- 2dB

Shozy Form 1.1

Price: $75

Shozy is an emerging company in the IEM world, so many may not recognize the brand. But given the quality of sound for the price, we think they’re here to stay. The Shozy Form 1.1 sports a comfortable small shell with a sparkly black design. It boasts a hybrid design that pairs a beryllium coated dynamic driver with a balanced armature driver. The result is a visceral sub-bass, punchy bass, full midrange and detailed highs. It presents a very versatile balance with a generous, yet sensible low-end. In addition, the soundstage feels expansive an impressively multidimensional for an IEM at this price point. It’s designed for a thoroughly pleasurable listening experience that mimics the sound signatures of well-known and much higher priced IEM brands, such as Empire Ears and Effect Audio. All in all, a solid buy. 

Driver: 1 9.2 mm beryllium coated dynamic; 1 balanced armature

Frequency Range:  20Hz-20kHz

Impedance: 19 Ω

Sensitivity: 100dB

Moondrop Aria

Price: $79

Moondrop has become a huge brand in the higher-end IEM world. And they offer some great entry-level options for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a more dynamic sound, the Aria is a great choice. The lower mids are a little recessed, giving vocals and cymbals plenty of room to shine. Bass frequencies are also a little restrained on this model. So, if you appreciate a lighter low-end, the Aria is probably the best choice on this list. 

Driver: 10mm dual-cavity magnetic dynamic

Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz

Impedance: 32 Ω

Sensitivity: 122dB

Final Audio E3000

Price: $55

For a long time, we’ve been recommending this model to budget conscious customers in search of audiophile sound. If you know headphones, you’re going to know the Final Audio brand. Although they are best known for their high-end headphones which sell for over 3K, they are also very popular for their affordable in ear-ear options. And the E3000 is their best example. In terms of sound, you can expect fantastic separation, speed and clarity with a balance that work for all music genres.This is the only IEM on the list that isn’t designed as a classical IEM with an over-ear wire. Instead, Final employs the traditional pop-in earbud design. So if you hate to fiddle with over-ear wires, the E3000 is the way to go.

Driver: 6.4mm dynamic

Frequency Range: Not Specified

Impedance: 16 Ω

Sensitivity: 100dB