IEM is an acronym for “in ear monitors”. The most common type of IEM is an in-ear monitor or earphone. They come in various shapes and sizes and cost between $50 and $300.
A few examples of popular brands include MEE, Shure, Bose, Sony, Plantronics, Sennheiser, AKG, Audio Technica, and many more. In general, the more expensive models tend to sound better than the cheaper ones. Some IEMs have features like a built-in mic and volume control, which can make them more convenient to use than regular earphones.
We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 10 best IEM under $200 available today.
Quick List:
- Shure AONIC 215
- Shure SE215 PRO
- FiiO FH3
- SIMGOT EM2
- BASN Bmaster
- MEE Professional MX4 PRO
- 1More Quad Driver IEMs
- Moondrop KATO
- Linsoul TINHIFI P1 Plus
- Thieaudio Legacy 3
Best IEMs under $200 Reviews
1. Shure AONIC 215
The Shure AONIC 215 is a single dynamic driver in-ear headphone that is designed to deliver crystal clear sound without sacrificing comfort. The unique shape of the ear canal is designed to provide a comfortable fit and a seal to eliminate ambient noise.
It’s also designed with Shure’s Sound Isolating Technology which isolates the driver from outside noise. This helps ensure that you can hear your music with ease. The cable is detachable, so you can connect it to your device or use it as a standalone headphone.
The AONIC 215 also has a built-in microphone and remote control that allow you to communicate hands-free. You can easily answer calls, adjust volume, skip songs, and even change tracks.
If you’re looking for a great IEM under 200 dollars with excellent sound quality and comfort, then the Shure AONIC 215 is definitely worth a look. It’s comfortable and stylish, and it delivers high-quality sound that’s easy on the ears.
2. Shure SE215 PRO
The Shure SE215 is the new generation of Shure’s premium in-ear earphones, designed with a wide range of customers in mind. The SE215 is one of the most comfortable and versatile earphones you can get, and is also one of the best for on-the-go listening.
The new Shure SE215 are built with a vented balanced armature driver, and features sound isolating technology, which makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions. And because they have such a wide frequency response, they provide great sound quality.
In addition to that, the SE215’s design and ergonomic shape makes them very comfortable. They don’t pinch the ear canal, and even the cable is comfortable to wear.
And the most important part of any headphone is the durability, so these Shure SE215 are built to last. It has a durable reinforced cable that’s flexible and flexible enough to bend and fold. It can be easily stored in a compact carrying case, so you can bring it with you wherever you go.
3. FiiO FH3
The FiiO FH3 is a fantastic IEM under 200 that offer excellent sound quality and great comfort for any activity. It’s an all-around great pair of headphones that will be suitable for any type of listening experience.
It offers a 10mm beryllium-plated diaphragm dynamic driver for lightning-fast response and deep bass.
With its Hi-Res Audio certification, you can rest assured that this pair of headphones will provide you with the best sound quality that money can buy. You’ll be blown away by the rich, clear audio it delivers.
The FH3 uses two Knowles BA drivers for powerful bass that can really fill a room with sound. The S.TURBO acoustic design delivers clear, immersive sound without distortion.
4. SIMGOT EM2
The SIMGOT EM2 is an affordable IEM with decent sound quality, reasonable price and good comfort in use. This is the best hybrid IEM under 200 with one high-definition driver (HD driver) and one balanced driver (balanced driver), with a wide frequency range that covers bass, mid-range and treble, resulting in a very clear, natural and clean sound.
The EM2 has 3 sizes of ear tips that are carefully selected to provide the best fit for every wearer. Its dual dynamic drivers with excellent balance between highs and lows make the sound clear and crisp. It’s built with a special anti-interference material that minimizes background noise interference, so you can listen to your music without disturbance.
EM2 is made from high-quality materials, such as soft silicone, TPE and ABS, so it’s comfortable to wear all day. The flexible cables are braided with high-quality silver-plated copper to ensure the best transmission of the audio signal. No worry about the cable being damaged or twisted during use.
The EM2 is designed to fit well in your ears, making them easier to take along when traveling. The compact carrying case can be used to store your earphones or to transport easily.
5. BASN Bmaster
The BASN Bmaster is a professional-grade in-ear monitor that delivers the ultimate performance for musicians and audiophiles. This IEM features the industry’s most advanced, dynamic driver and hybrid balanced armature technology, delivering the highest fidelity sound with crystal clear highs and deep lows.
The Reinforced Earhook design is a patented, ergonomic design that keeps the ear hook from slipping out of the ear canal. This design also provides superior comfort for long listening sessions.
The updated design delivers high fidelity sound and a better fit, while the new cable provides an enhanced connection between the in-ear monitor and your equipment. The Bmaster is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, with a flexible cable that allows for the monitor to be worn in any ear.
The 10mm Dynamic Drivers are specifically designed to deliver a wide range of frequencies and allow the bass to be controlled by the tweeter. This allows the bass to be controlled more accurately without affecting the mid-range and treble.
The BASN Bmaster offers a new level of performance, thanks to the innovative hybrid balanced armature drivers, which provide the best of both worlds, with a wide frequency response and a high-quality sound quality.
6. MEE Professional MX4 PRO
The MEE Professional MX4 PRO feature a 10mm moving coil subwoofer and three balanced armatures. Each driver is optimized for a specific frequency range, resulting in a truly balanced sound tuning.
The 10mm moving coil subwoofer provides deep bass and a strong mid-range for precise instrument separation, while the three balanced armatures cover the rest of the audio spectrum, delivering a wide soundstage and clear high frequencies.
This professional in-ear monitor from MEE is designed for the musician who demands the best in sound quality and fit. The MEE Professional MX4 PRO In-Ear Monitor delivers high-quality sound with a wide frequency range, balanced sound tuning, and superb comfort.
This MEE product is designed to deliver high-quality, professional-level sound, and is suitable for stage and studio monitoring.
The MX4 PRO In-Ear Monitor includes a audio-only cable and a remote control cable. It features a soft, flexible ear tip that is comfortable for extended listening sessions.
7. 1More Quad Driver IEMs
1More has always been a company that makes great products, but it’s really come into its own over the past few years. It’s probably most known for its headphones, but it also makes a fantastic in-ear monitor.
The Quad Driver is one of their best-selling models, and it’s not hard to see why. This in-ear monitor is designed to provide a full and rich sound experience, while still being comfortable and portable. It features four powerful drivers for an impressive amount of sound quality.
It’s designed for portability and has an ergonomic design. The aluminum housing is lightweight and sturdy, while it offers a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. It also has a travel case that makes it easy to carry around.
This is a great in-ear monitor if you want to be able to hear your music while on the go. The sound quality is very good, and it’s made from durable materials. Plus, there are three sizes of ear tips to choose from. You’ll be able to find the right fit quickly.
8. Moondrop KATO
The KATO has a 10mm dynamic driver, with a 3rd generation DLC composite diaphragm. This means that its high frequency response is comparable to the likes of the B&W P5. And it delivers an extended frequency response range from 20Hz to 20kHz, which is much wider than any other budget in-ear earphone.
The driver is also extremely sensitive, with a sensitivity of 123dB/Nrms. This makes it one of the best budget in-ear earphones out there, even when compared to the premium models.
Moondrop also has a proprietary noise reduction algorithm, which is a step above the industry standard of -40dB. And it allows you to customize the volume for each ear, making the KATO a true universal in-ear monitor.
All this makes the KATO a great option for anyone looking for the best in-ear monitor under $200 that’s good enough for any situation. It’s the best budget in-ear earphone you’ll find anywhere, and we can’t recommend it enough.
9. Linsoul TINHIFI P1 Plus
This model features ultra-nanometer diaphragm technology, which makes the diaphragm extremely thin and light, so it can move more freely. This allows the diaphragm to deliver more power and better sound quality.
The headphones have an impedance of 22Ω ± 15%, which means they’re easy to drive. They’re sensitive enough to pick up even the slightest of sounds, and they can even be used with higher volumes.
This Linsoul TINHIFI P1 Plus In-Ear Monitor is rated at 108dB sensitivity @1k Hz V0.179V, which is impressive. You can easily hear details in songs that were once difficult to hear, and the sound quality is quite good overall.
10. Thieaudio Legacy 3
If you’re looking for an affordable in-ear monitor that doesn’t skimp on audio quality, the Thieaudio Legacy 3 is the best choice.
It has a unique sound signature that is focused on delivering a powerful bass and clear mids, with no highs or lows to muddle things up. This is made possible by a 10mm Nano-Membrane dynamic diaphragm driver that ensures you can hear every detail of the music.
You’ll enjoy an accurate experience, even if you listen to your favorite songs at high volumes. It’s also great for watching movies or playing games because the bass and mids are well-balanced and won’t disturb anything else in the room.
It’s also got a wide frequency range, so it covers both low-bass and high-treble frequencies. You can use this earphone for everything from classical music to EDM to hip-hop and everything in between.
What is an In-Ear Monitor?
In-ear monitors are a type of headphones that are designed to fit inside the ear canal. They are usually used by musicians, runners, and people who want to listen to music without disturbing others.
In-ear monitors are also known as earbuds or earphones. They can be wired or wireless and come in different sizes and shapes. The most common type of in-ear monitor is the earbud style which has a round shape with a flat cable that goes over the top of the head.
How to Choose the Best IEMs Under $200
If you’re looking for your first pair of in-ear monitors, there’s a wide variety of models to choose from, with some offering much better sound quality than others. If you’re interested in picking up a set of headphones for less than $200, here are a few recommendations to help you out.
The best IEMs under 200 are usually designed with top-notch sound quality in mind, and offer a full range of features. This includes wireless connectivity options, noise cancellation, multiple listening modes, and more. For this list, we’ve focused on the best in-ear monitors under $200 that offer a lot of bang for your buck. These models will give you the sound quality you’re looking for at an affordable price point. So, let’s get started!
Frequency Response
Frequency response is simply the range of frequencies a particular model can reproduce, so it’s important to pay attention to what frequencies a model is capable of producing when you’re making your purchase decision.
For example, a wide range of frequency response is good if you want to be able to hear all types of music. On the other hand, a narrow range may not be sufficient if you’re looking for accurate reproduction of vocals.
In-Ear Monitor Type
When you buy an in-ear monitor, you want to look for ones that use a single type of earpiece, as this will ensure that you’re hearing the same sound in both ears, rather than having a difference in quality between the left and right sides.
We’ve found that most IEMs offer a variety of ear tips, which include a variety of sizes and shapes. Some models may also come with different tips for different listening modes, so be sure to read the description to find out what they offer.
Bluetooth
Most of the best IEMs under $200 on this list come with Bluetooth connectivity options, allowing you to pair them with your mobile device or computer. This feature is especially useful if you’re looking to listen to music from your phone while you’re driving, as you can do this wirelessly.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation helps eliminate background noise, which can reduce the quality of your music. The best IEMs under $200 on our list all include this feature, so you’ll want to look for a model that offers it.
Multiple Listening Modes
If you plan on using your IEMs for a variety of different activities, then it’s important to look for a model that offers multiple listening modes. This will allow you to easily switch between music, podcasts, and phone calls without having to change anything.
Durability
Durability is a major factor when it comes to buying headphones, as the last thing you want is to have a pair of IEMs break on you just when you need them most. To ensure that you’re buying a durable pair, look for models with an IPX rating of 6 or higher. This rating indicates how well the earpieces are protected from moisture and dust.
Cable Length
When you’re looking to buy headphones, you may want to consider length, as the longer the cable, the more flexibility you have in terms of where you can place your headphones. For this reason, it’s recommended to go with a model that offers at least 4 feet of cable, but no more than 5 feet. This will give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to placing your IEMs in your ears.
Design
The design of an IEM is also important to look at, as the aesthetics will impact your overall experience with the headphones. When shopping for headphones, you’ll find that the design will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you may want to look at each of their designs to see what you like.
Conclusion
Our list is not exhaustive and we are sure that you will find more than one product that you like. We hope our list will help you in your search for the best IEM under $200, not just affordable, but also provide great sound quality and comfort.
