[krossav1]

Is it worth considering IEMs if I don't have the budget for a custom impression? Or should I go with earbuds? Which models do you recommend?

I have Audio Technica headphones for home listening. The earbuds or IEMs would be for on the go (gym, walking around, riding the subway, etc.).

 

[warrenpchi]

What type of music do you like?

 

[krossav1]

What type of music do you like?

Pretty wide range. Indie rock, alt country, reggae, funk, jazz. I prefer a little bass boost. I’m a bass player

 

[earmonger]

You don't need custom IEMs. You might have to try a variety of tips if your ears are unusual, but probably not even that.

Get IEMs and not earbuds. The first thing earbuds sacrifice is bass because they can't get as tight a seal. If you love bass you should get dynamic driver IEMs.

 

[krossav1]

You don't need custom IEMs. You might have to try a variety of tips if your ears are unusual, but probably not even that.

Get IEMs and not earbuds. The first thing earbuds sacrifice is bass because they can't get as tight a seal. If you love bass you should get dynamic driver IEMs.

Any recs for wireless IEMs under $100?

 

[earmonger]

Is wireless essential? You'll be trading off sound quality, and especially on a budget, that can get tight. You can get much better sound with wired IEMs.

 

[krossav1]

Is wireless essential? You'll be trading off sound quality, and especially on a budget, that can get tight. You can get much better sound with wired IEMs.

Can you recommend some wireless and wired? I use them at the gym so wires are a PITA. If I go with wires, ideally a shorter cable like 42” though these seem rare.

 

[RADI0HEAD]

Is it worth considering IEMs if I don't have the budget for a custom impression?

IEMs or "in ear monitors" don't necessarily need to have custom impressions. They can use standard ear tips too.

 

[warrenpchi]

And lastly, what it your approximate budget?

 

[krossav1]

And lastly, what it your approximate budget?

Under $100

 

[warrenpchi]

Okay cool!

First, there is no wireless IEM under $100 (or anywhere close to $100) that I would recommend. Well, I might suggest Raycons to a mortal enemy... but not to you as I feel that's a bad way to start a friendship.

For wired IEMs that need to balance a wide range of genres, and doesn't have too anemic a low end, I guess something like a MoonDrop Aria?

 

[Smirk 24]

Under $100

Truthear Hexa, Truthear Zero x Crinacle: Red are two great options.

You can occasionally find a AFUL MagicOne close to $100 when it goes on sale which is another decent option.

 

[earmonger]

If you're using them while working out, you're not going to need the ultimate in sound quality or the absolute latest model.

Here are two lists of wireless under $100 that overlap on the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. No personal experience with those, though I had other Galaxy buds that were good.
https://www.soundguys.com/best-wireless-earbuds-under-100-20397/
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/wireless-bluetooth-earbuds-under-100

I've also had the Sony WF-1000XM3, once pricey but now replaced by newer models; they are $109 at Amazon, maybe even cheaper elsewhere. They had good noise-canceling, which might be helpful at the gym.

 

[krossav1]

If you're using them while working out, you're not going to need the ultimate in sound quality or the absolute latest model.

Here are two lists of wireless under $100 that overlap on the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. No personal experience with those, though I had other Galaxy buds that were good.
https://www.soundguys.com/best-wireless-earbuds-under-100-20397/
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/wireless-bluetooth-earbuds-under-100

I've also had the Sony WF-1000XM3, once pricey but now replaced by newer models; they are $109 at Amazon, maybe even cheaper elsewhere. They had good noise-canceling, which might be helpful at the gym.

Thanks. My girlfriend has the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. If I decided to get earbuds and not IEMs, I’d get the Liberty 4. They sound solid and fit me well.

 

[krossav1]

Truthear Hexa, Truthear Zero x Crinacle: Red are two great options.

You can occasionally find a AFUL MagicOne close to $100 when it goes on sale which is another decent option.

I can’t find the Hexa IEMs for sale. I just see earbuds. Can you share a link?