The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMS) for Every Budget in 2026
Discover the best in-ear monitors for every budget in 2026, from affordable beginner IEMs to high-end audiophile gear. Each pick on this list earned our Metalverse Approved award for outstanding sound quality, comfort, and performance across multiple price ranges.
In-ear monitors or "IEMs" are the go-to choice for professional musicians and audiophiles alike, opening up a new world of high fidelity audio that can really bring music to life.
Below is our list of the absolute best In-Ear Monitors we’ve tested to date. Each IEM on this list impressed us and earned our “Metalverse Approved” award. In order from lowest to highest price, these are the best In-Ears for every budget that we’ve tried so far.
If your favorite IEM isn’t on the list, let us know—we might not have gotten our hands on them yet!
Kiwi Ears Belle
Added 11/2025
At just $30, the Kiwi Ears Belle provides an introduction to audiophile quality listening while keeping things convenient for newcomers. The Belle comes in USB-C or 3.5mm termination, letting you pick whats most convenient for you while also having a built-in microphone, which is great for gaming or call purposes.
Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
Added 2/2026
The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is an impressively refined budget in-ear monitor that focuses on balance and musicality rather than flashy tuning, delivering a warm-leaning neutral sound with particularly strong mids, smooth treble, and controlled—though not bass-head-level—low end.
Its titanium-coated dynamic driver and updated KARS 2.0 tuning system help produce clean separation, natural timbre, and above-average technical performance for the ~$50 price range, while the lightweight ergonomic shells make it easy to wear for long sessions. The main compromises are a soundstage that’s good but not class-leading and a presentation that prioritizes fatigue-free listening over maximum detail or impact, but overall, it stands out as one of the most mature and well-rounded options in the entry-level IEM market.
SimGot - EG280
Added 10/2025
The SimGot EG280 follows well-received releases like the EA1000 and EW200. The EG280 is designed for both gaming and HiFi audio listening, and it delivers a great performance for each. With 1 dynamic driver and 1 planar driver, this IEM prioritizes a balanced tuning that will sound natural whether you’re listening to music or listening for positional audio in multiplayer games. The EG280 is a good all-rounder headphone for people who play games and listen to music regularly, and also comes with a built-in microphone.
Alba - Meze Audio
Added 10/2025
At $160, Meze Audio’s Alba is a single dynamic driver IEM that provides an incredibly comfortable fit with a durable aluminum that leaves no doubt it will last for long-term use. The Alba has a fun sound signature that has a satisfying amount of bass, clean mids with slight warmth, and accurate treble that reveals detail without coming across as sibilant. At its price point, the Alba exceeds expectations, with its sound character, build quality, and comfort level.
FOLA - Tanchjim
Added 11/2025
The FOLA gives you a ton of options that are normally outside of the $200 price range. With an overall natural sound tuning, Tanchjim leaves the choice of how you want your music to sound up to you. The FOLA comes with 3 different tuning nozzles and a customizable EQ app, letting you create your ideal sound. The FOLA is a great choice for any audiophile looking for an upgrade that lets them experiment with what tuning they prefer.
Etymotic - ER4XR
Added 11/2025
With the ER4XR, Etymotic delivers the quality of their original ER4SR with a slight bump in the bass response. This is by no means a bass-heavy IEM and instead focuses on professional level accuracy and neutrality with no noticeable coloration. The extended bass response gives a slight edge to the ER4XR over the SR version, making bass feel more natural while not overwhelming the excellent mid and treble response. For audiophiles or professionals looking for nearly perfect neutrality, the ER4XR will perform highly for its price bracket.
Softears - Volume S
The Softears Volume S delivers a highly refined listening experience that blends technical precision with musical engagement. Its hybrid driver configuration produces a clean, well-layered soundstage with excellent instrument separation, allowing complex metal mixes to breathe without sounding congested. The bass is tight and controlled rather than overpowering, while the midrange maintains strong clarity for vocals and guitars—making it particularly well-suited for genres where detail retrieval matters.
What sets the Volume S apart is its tonal balance and versatility. It manages to sound resolving and analytical when needed, yet never sterile, retaining enough warmth and body to keep music enjoyable during long listening sessions. Combined with its premium build quality and thoughtful tuning approach, the Volume S stands out as a compelling option for listeners seeking an IEM that can handle both critical listening and everyday enjoyment with equal confidence.
Kiwi Ears - Orchestra 2
Added 11/2025
Following the reputation of the original orchestra, Kiwi Ears flagship IEM is back and better than ever. Featuring a 10 BA driver setup (2 more than the original) and at a $350 compared to the OG’s price of $500, the Orchestra 2 is an excellent choice. The Orchestra 2 has a neutral tuning that feels realistic while keeping a good level of bass response that keeps the sound from feeling overly clinical. At the price point, I see no sound weakness on the Orchestra 2 and it’s treble, bass, and soundstage exceed expectations. Overall this was one of my favorite sets I tested in 2025.
Thieaudio Hype 4 MKII
Added 1/2026
The original Hype 4 was well loved for its bassy tuning and its successor–the Hype 4 MKII–takes on a new sound signature. While keeping boomy sub bass and excellent bass quality, instead the Hype 4 MKII has a much more treble-forward and energetic sound than the original. With 2 dynamic drivers and 4 balanced armatures, the second iteration of the Hype 4 is an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a bright, treble emphasised sound. Bass is solid, mids are clean, and highs are airy and far-reaching. At about $400 USD, the Hype 4 MKII is very good for its price and an IEM I'd recommend to any treble-head.
FiiO - FA19
Added 10/2025
Priced at $999, the FA19 is outside of many budgets, but FiiO justifies its price with a lovely tuning that reveals great detail and accuracy while keeping an energetic feeling of life and color that has so much character. The FA19 is an incredibly fun and dynamic IEM that stays very comfortable during longer use. With an incredibly comprehensive accessory set, great build, and sound quality, and coming from a well-known brand, the FiiO FA19 performs very well in the under 1,000$ IEM range.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our list of the best IEM's we've tested to date. What are your favorite in-ear monitors and what do you want to see us cover on the site next?
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