Top IEM headphones worth buying for $40

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Moondrop Lan

Moondrop Lan is a headset that has been sought after by many Wibu recently. Lan is considered an improved and upgraded version of the Moondrop Chu headset model. Possessing a design quite similar to her sister’s, Lan is given a new paint color along with a better-built cable that can be easily removed. The driver configuration equipped on the Lan will have a 10mm dynamic driver with a composite speaker membrane covered with beryllium to increase hardness. With the support of N52 neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils, Lan’s sound will become more detailed and realistic.

The overall sound quality of Moondrop Lan will follow a bright direction with highlights focused mainly on the upper mid and treble range. The ability to perform female vocals and acoustic instruments is one of the notable highlights of Lan. Although Lan’s bass is not strong in the bass range, it is tuned neatly and has a beautiful texture enough to satisfy music lovers.

Moondrop LAN HiFi Earphone Wired Earbuds IEM with 0.78mm 2Pin Detachable Cable Earbuds: Buy it now

Kiwi Ears Cadenza

Launched at the end of 2022, Kiwi Ears Cadenza is a cheap headset with an extremely beautiful design and very good finishing. The beauty of Cadenza lies in the housing made of medical-grade plastic and embellished with colorful lines on the faceplate. The headset will have all 4 color options: blue, green, red, and purple. The light weight helps Cadenza bring a very comfortable, snug, and smooth wearing experience.

Inside the Cadenza is only equipped with a single 10mm dynamic driver with a beryllium-plated speaker membrane. The sound quality that Cadenza possesses will tend to be V-shape. The bass range is focused heavily on the sub-bass, the mid-range sounds round and slightly backward and the treble range has just the right amount of detail. With such tuning, Cadenza can play many different music genres well.

Linsoul Kiwi Ears Cadenza in Ear Monitors (Red) +TIN HiFi Portable PU Leather Storage Case: Buy it now

Linsoul Kiwi Ears Cadenza in Ear Monitors (Purple) + DUNU S&S Silicone Eartips S/M/L (3pairs): Buy it now

Linsoul Kiwi Ears Cadenza in Ear Monitors(Blue) + Tripowin Zonie Silver Plated IEM Cable(2pin-0.78mm, 3.5mm): Buy it now

Linsoul Kiwi Ears Cadenza in Ear Monitors(Green) + Tripowin Zoe Earphones Cable (2pin-0.78mm, 3.5mm): Buy it now

Tangzu Wan’er SG

On audio forums in Asia, Tangzu Wan’er SG emerged as a phenomenon of 2023. Possessing an ultra-light plastic housing, Wan’er SG brings an experience that is both comfortable and smooth. Translucent housing allows users to easily observe the internal structure of the headset. In addition to the two black and white versions, recently, Wan’er also launched a special green version.

Like other headphones, Wan’er also uses only one dynamic driver with a diameter of 10mm. However, the speaker membrane will be in PET form for better durability. Wan’er’s sound is adjusted to be flattering and easy to listen to. The bass range is emphasized in the midbass section, while the mid-range will have a slightly warm feel in the low midsection due to the influence of the midbass section. The treble range performed by Wan’er sounded very smooth, and comfortable, and rarely encountered sibilance.

Tangzu Wan’er SG promises to be a very good choice for you in this price range.

Linsoul TANGZU Wan’er S.G in-Ear Earphone +Tripowin Zonie 16 Core Cable: Buy it now

Linsoul TANGZU Wan’er S.G in-Ear Earphone(Green, with Mic) +Tripowin Zoe 16 Core Cable(Recessed 2pin, 3.5mm, Zoe): Buy it now

Linsoul TANGZU Wan’er S.G in-Ear Earphone(White, Wan’er S.G) +Tripowin Zonie 16 Core Cable (Recessed 2pin, 3.5mm, Pink): Buy it now

iBasso IT00

This is the current lowest-priced headphone model from iBasso. iBasso IT00 is considered a shortened version of the company’s previously very popular IT01.

iBasso IT00 has an identical design to IT01 for comfortable and smooth wearing ability that has been verified by the user community. Inside is equipped with a dynamic driver, Graphene diaphragm technology, and a special Helmholtz sound chamber that allows for vivid bass reproduction.

The overall sound quality of the iBasso IT00 is dark. The bass has very good speed and technique, the mid-range is thick, smooth, and warm combined with the treble range that is easy to listen to. iBasso IT01 will be a perfect IEM headset for beginners.

Fiio FH1S

Coming from a Chinese brand that is trusted by many people. FiiO FH1S is the latest headset option in the popular price range of this company. FiiO FH1S is the successor of the previous FH1 with a complete upgrade inside and out. Housing has an impressive Semi-Custom design with a Hybrid configuration of 2 drivers on each ear.

FiiO FH1S has a balanced overall sound with a slight warmth that is suitable for the majority of new users. The bass range goes deep with quite a good volume and fast response speed. The mid-range is slightly advanced, not colorful and detailed. The high range is crispy but the sound is a bit dry and not very smooth.

Anyway, overall FiiO FH1S is still a well-made headset with very good sound quality.

Blon x HBB Z300

Coming from a cheap brand that causes fever year after year with the legendary Blon BL-03. However, this brand also has other products in the higher-end segment, such as the Blon x HBB Z300 headset.

Still a durable all-metal design language, the Z300’s housing has a good ergonomic shape for a more comfortable and smooth wearing feeling. Inside the Z300 is equipped with a 10mm diameter silicone speaker dynamic driver.

The sound quality of the Z300 is tuned in a vibrant and strong direction with the bass range being the dominant sound range that is emphasized better than the other two sound ranges. The bass-heavy sound quality helps the Z300 play vibrant music genres such as EDM, Hiphop, Kpop, etc. If you are looking for a headphone with a vibrant and warm sound, the Blon x HBB Z300 is one of them.

Linsoul BLON x HBB Z300 10mm Silicone Diaphragm in-Ear Monitor and Tripowin Zonie 3.5mm QDC Cable Bundle: Buy it now

​Moondrop SSP/SSR

The pair of headphones making the most noise in 2020 within the price range of $45 is none other than SSR and SSP from Moondrop. Carrying a creative design, unlike or similar to any other headphone brand ever. Compact, extremely well-made, and with the ability to easily replace wires, Moondrop SSR and SSP are the design and finishing standards of current low-cost headphones.

The sound quality of SSR and SSP is also an extremely interesting case in the price range. SSR does not follow the usual V-shaped sound pattern but instead focuses on the high-mid to create a flying feeling. The sound style is extremely suitable for fans of Anime and JPop.

The SSP is made more balanced by enhancing the bass range, still retaining the quality of the SSR but being able to sound better.

In short, Moondrop SSR and SSP are still monuments within the price range of $45. There is no big difference in appearance, which ear model to choose depends on your music taste.

Moondrop SSR Earphone Beryllium Dome Diaphragm Dynamic Driver in-Ear Earphone Green: Buy it now

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