Welp MagazineIn-ear monitors (IEMs) are a great way to enjoy your music on the go. They offer superior sound quality to earbuds, and they’re much more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. In-ear monitors (IEMs) are also essential for singers and performers, because they provide a clear and isolated sound that helps them to stay in tune and perform their best. They even protect singers’ hearing from loud stage noise. But if you’re on a budget, you not be able to afford these costly pieces of kit.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best IEMs under $100. We’ll discuss their features, sound quality, and build quality, to help you find the perfect pair for your needs. So, whether you’re looking for a new pair of IEMs for your daily commute or for your next music festival, read on to see our top five best IEMs under $100!
Product Comparison Table: Best IEM Under $100
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | Moondrop Aria High Performance IEM | $$$ | 4.5 stars | Best Aesthetics | Amazon |
 | Linsoul Tin Audio T2 | $$ | 4 stars | Best Noise-Cancelling | Amazon |
 | KZ ZS10 Pro In-Ear Monitors | $ | 4.5 stars | Best Budget | Amazon |
 | Shure SE215 PRO In-Ear Monitors | $$$$ | 4.5 stars | Most Reliable | Amazon |
 | BASN Bmaster Triple Driver IEM | $$$$ | 4.5 stars | Best Overall | Amazon |
Moondrop Aria High Performance IEM
The Moondrop Aria combines style with substance; it has an attractive wireless design and a ton of useful features to boot. It comes with a replaceable silver-plated cable with a nylon braided surface, connected via a universal 0.78 dual-pin interface. This means you can replace the stock cable with a mic cable, bluetooth cable or any other cable depending on your needs.
Internally, they have a 10mm diameter dual-cavity magnetic high-performance dynamic driver. Plus, the LCP (liquid crystal polymer) diaphragm offers excellent transient response and high-resolution sound details. There’s also a newly designed high-frequency phase Waveguide, which reduces distortion from high-frequency phase interference and smooths out the treble.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- High-performance dynamic driver
- LCP diaphragm for high sound quality
- Replaceable cable
Cons
- Feel heavy in smaller ears
Verdict
If you want an IEM under $100 that looks good, you can rely on the Moondrop Aria. It has excellent sound quality – despite only having one driver – and is the most aesthetically pleasing IEM on this list. However, the one downside of the attractive design is the weight and fit; it can be too heavy for smaller ears, especially when worn for long periods. It could also look a little feminine for some users – but don’t let gender norms hold you back from experiencing top quality sound!
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Linsoul Tin Audio T2
The Linsoul Tin Audio T2 boasts the TIN HiFi iconic streamlined metal cavity, with added functions for the new model. The T2 2022 version has been upgraded to the next level with dynamic driver configuration and an improved 0.78mm 2 Pin connector. On top of this, it has a fourth generation DLC composite diaphragm and 10mm DLC flagship dynamic driver, which improves frequency response and significantly decreases unnecessary vibrations.
Furthermore, a Japanese imported CCAW ultra lightweight voice coil adds richer details and higher sensitivity. The silver-plated cable is interchangeable, with German TPU cladding to prolong its lifespan and maintain lossless transmission. Even the internal cavity is made of aviation-grade aluminium, guaranteeing an original, natural and pure sound.
Pros
- Snug and secure fit
- Made of high-grade materials
- High-performance dynamic driver
- Interchangeable cable
Cons
- Bass could be deeper
Verdict
Overall, the Linsoul Tin Audio T2 is the perfect IEM under $100 for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a powerful and affordable listening experience with excellent noise cancelling. The shape of the earbud was designed based on a wide survey of human ears; this makes it snug enough to block out any annoying outside noise, or protect your hearing on stage. However, the noise-cancellation does make the bass a little more shallow.
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KZ ZS10 Pro In-Ear Monitor
The KZ ZS10 Pro is an upgraded version of the KZ ZS10. It features 4 balanced armature drivers – two 30095 drivers for high frequency, and two 50060 drivers for mid-frequency. This provides a dynamic, transient, and bright sound. It also adopts the second-generation Tesla double magnetic dynamic unit, extending the frequency beyond 40KHz. The faceplate is made of 304 stainless steel and the cavity is made of imported resin, giving it a sleek and durable design. It even comes in a range of colours: black, blue, purple, and yellow.
Meanwhile, the PCB frequency dividing board gives full play to all the drivers, displaying a smooth, sensible, and detailed music experience. The detachable gold-plated QDC cable offers full upgradability and the limit slot protection design prevents the pin from breaking. Lastly, the ergonomic design and noise cancelling technology ensure a comfortable and immersive listening experience.
Pros
- Value for money
- Comes in a range of colours
- Four balanced armature drivers
- Interchangeable cable
Cons
- Not the best sound quality
Verdict
The KZ ZS10 Pro is our best value IEM under $100, coming in at less than half of your budget. Although it doesn’t have the best sound quality (some find the high end too bright, and the low end too shallow) it’s good enough to be excellent value for the price. It even comes in a range of funky colors, making it perfect for performers who don’t want a big lump of black plastic messing up their outfit.
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Shure SE215 PRO In-Ear Monitors
The Shure SE215 PRO provides detailed sound with enhanced bass for personal listening or professional monitoring. It boasts boasts 20 ohms and a sensitivity of 107 dB; a single, vented balanced armature driver allows you to hear music the way it was meant to be heard. Sound isolating technology offers up to 37 dB of noise to eliminate distraction, while sound comes through clearly and with high fidelity.
The durable reinforced cable allows for easy replacement or customization. Plus, the formable wire ensures secure placement, and over-the-ear configuration keeps cables out of the way. The gold plated MMCX Connector even has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360-degree rotation for comfortable fit.
Pros
- High performance armature driver
- Sound-isolating technology
- Interchangeable cable
Cons
- Don’t fit small ears
Verdict
Overall, the Shure SE215 is a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable and well-built in-ear monitor with good sound quality and noise isolation. This IEM’s sound is full and balanced, with deep bass that doesn’t drown out the other frequencies. It is also relatively lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It may not be much to shout about, but the Shure SE215 is by far our most reliable IEM under $100.
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BASN Bmaster Triple Driver IEM
The BASN IEM Bmaster Triple Driver IEM offers great sound isolation, HiFi stereo sound, a comfortable and secure fit, and a detachable cable design. The sound isolation technology prevents outside noise from interfering with your listening experience, allowing you to enjoy your music even while riding a motorcycle! The HiFi stereo sound is full of low frequencies and rich in details, with balanced sound characteristics and a good bass effect.
The comfortable and secure fit rivals that of custom models, and the headphones will always stay in place perfectly while you are walking, running, or doing other activities. Lastly, the detachable cable design allows for easy replacement or customization, and the MMCX connector can be rotated 360 degrees for a comfortable fit.
Pros
- High-performance triple drivers
- Silicone and foam ear tips for snug fit
- Interchangeable cable
- Excellent noise cancellation
Cons
- More expensive
Verdict
The BASN IEM Bmaster Triple Driver IEM is the best overall IEM under $100. It excels in every area, making it the perfect all-rounder. Firstly, the sound quality is excellent, with clear highs, deep lows, and a well-balanced midrange. Then the fit is comfortable and secure, thanks to the included ear tips and the ergonomic design of the housing. And on top of all this, the build is durable, with a metal housing and a braided cable. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality IEM on a budget.
