Buying Guide
The Best Wired In-Ear Monitors
Seven wired IEMs from single dynamic drivers to hybrid multi-driver sets.
By The PC Journal editorial team
13 min read7 products evaluated
Wired IEMs isolate well and have no latency, which suits gaming on a PC, console controller or handheld. These seven span single, dual and hybrid designs.
None of these has a mic; see our IEMs-with-mic roundup for that.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Brand Pick
Sennheiser IE 100 PRO In-Ear Monitors
A 10mm Sennheiser transducer.
Best for: Stage and desk use.
Our take Check price for Sennheiser IE 100 PRO In-Ear Monitors (opens in a new tab)
Most Drivers
TRUTHEAR Hexa In-Ear Monitors
One dynamic and three balanced armatures.
Best for: Detail-focused listening.
Our take Check price for TRUTHEAR Hexa In-Ear Monitors (opens in a new tab)
Best Dual Dynamic
TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:RED
Two dynamic drivers per side.
Best for: Mid budgets.
Our take Check price for TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:RED (opens in a new tab)
Best Small Shell
Moondrop CHU III In-Ear Monitors
A small bean-shaped shell.
Best for: Small ears.
Our take Check price for Moondrop CHU III In-Ear Monitors (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Hybrid
KZ ZS10 Pro In-Ear Monitors
Four balanced armatures and one dynamic.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for KZ ZS10 Pro In-Ear Monitors (opens in a new tab)
Best Matched Drivers
Kiwi Ears Belle In-Ear Monitors
Individually matched drivers.
Best for: Consistent sound.
Our take Check price for Kiwi Ears Belle In-Ear Monitors (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price
7Hz Salnotes Zero In-Ear Monitors
A 10mm driver near $23.
Best for: First IEMs.
Our take Check price for 7Hz Salnotes Zero In-Ear Monitors (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Brand Pick1 of 7
Sennheiser IE 100 PRO In-Ear Monitors on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sennheiser's IE 100 PRO is an in-ear monitor with a 10mm dynamic transducer and detachable cable.
Best for
- Stage and desk use.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no built-in microphon rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the most compact Sennheiser option here. Silicone and foam tips shield outside noise when they fit well, and the dynamic driver aims for distortion-free reproduction. Fit matters: the wrong tip size costs bass and isolation.
You also get a slim single-driver shell. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Worth noting too: no charging or pairing needed. It was the highest-priced of the 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Hexa and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 10mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: In-ear
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 10mm dynamic broadband transducer
- Slim single-driver shell
- Detachable cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing
Most Drivers2 of 7
TRUTHEAR Hexa In-Ear Monitors on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TRUTHEAR's Hexa pairs one dynamic driver with three balanced armatures per side on a 0.78mm 2-pin cable.
Best for
- Detail-focused listening.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no built-in microphone.
Why we like it
It is the most driver-dense TRUTHEAR here. It pairs one dynamic driver with three balanced armatures, including a custom treble driver, in a medical-grade resin shell. The compact square shape keeps the fit secure.
You also get a 1DD+3BA hybrid and a 3D-printed cavity. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. When we checked, only the Zero:RED and cheaper picks cost less, and the IE 100 PRO cost more. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the IE 100 PRO instead: it comes in at 10mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired, 0.78mm 2-pin
- Design: In-ear, 1DD+3BA hybrid
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 1DD+3BA hybrid
- 3D-printed cavity
- 0.78mm 2-pin cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing
Best Dual Dynamic3 of 7
TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:RED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TRUTHEAR x Crinacle's Zero:RED uses dual dynamic drivers per side.
Best for
- Mid budgets.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no built-in microphon is a problem.
Why we like it
It sits in the mid price tier for IEMs. Its DLP-3D printed shell is usually reserved for high-end IEMs, and it comes with a thicker copper-plated silver cable. You also get a dual-cavity magnetic circuit.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing. Its price falls between the KZ ZS10 Pro and the Hexa, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 10mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: In-ear, dual dynamic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Dual dynamic drivers (10mm and 7.8mm)
- Dual-cavity magnetic circuit
- Detachable cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing
Best Small Shell4 of 7
Moondrop CHU III In-Ear Monitors on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Moondrop's CHU III uses an Al-Mg alloy dome diaphragm in a small shell with a 0.78mm 2-pin cable.
Best for
- Small ears.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no built-in microphone.
Why we like it
It has no mic. An aluminium-magnesium dome diaphragm with an N52 magnet drives the sound, in a cast alloy shell with a brass nozzle. It is a sturdier build than most budget IEMs.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. Its price falls between the 7Hz Zero and the Kiwi Ears Belle, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the IE 100 PRO, which comes in at 10mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: In-ear
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Al-Mg alloy dome diaphragm
- Small bean-shaped shell
- 0.78mm 2-pin detachable cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing
Best Budget Hybrid5 of 7
KZ ZS10 Pro In-Ear Monitors on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
KZ's ZS10 Pro packs four balanced armatures and a dynamic driver into each shell.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no built-in microphone.
Why we like it
The cable detaches. Its five drivers per side include four balanced armatures, in a resin shell with a stainless steel faceplate. The shell is moulded to stay in place during movement.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. Worth noting too: detachable cable. On price it sat fourth of 7, between the cheaper Kiwi Ears Belle and the pricier Zero:RED, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 10mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: In-ear, 4BA+1DD hybrid
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Five-driver hybrid per side
- Four balanced armatures
- Detachable cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing
Best Matched Drivers6 of 7
Kiwi Ears Belle In-Ear Monitors on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Kiwi Ears's Belle uses a 10mm DLC dynamic driver with individually matched drivers.
Best for
- Consistent sound.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no built-in microphon rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It ships with a silver-plated cable. Its DLC dynamic driver has a heavy bass and warm mids balanced by a 3kHz peak, which suits pop, hip-hop and vocals. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
Worth noting too: no charging or pairing needed. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing. Its price falls between the CHU III and the KZ ZS10 Pro, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 10mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: In-ear
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 10mm DLC dynamic driver
- Silver-plated cables
- Individually matched drivers
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the 7Hz Zero at the time of writing
Lowest Price7 of 7
7Hz Salnotes Zero In-Ear Monitors on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
7Hz's Salnotes Zero uses a 10mm metal composite diaphragm and a 0.78mm 2-pin cable.
Best for
- First IEMs.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no built-in microphon rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It sits in the budget tier. Its 10mm dynamic driver sits in a metal housing, and the ergonomic shells suit long listening. It is a budget IEM known for a neutral tuning.
Its cable detaches at standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, so a broken cable is easy to replace. An N52 magnet drives the 10mm driver. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
It undercut the CHU III and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is driver size; for more, the IE 100 PRO comes in at 10mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 10mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: In-ear
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 10mm metal composite diaphragm
- 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Budget price tier
Cons
- No built-in microphone
How We Chose These Wired In-Ear Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
What to Look for in a Wired In-Ear Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
How to Choose a Wired In-Ear Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stage and desk use | IE 100 PRO | A 10mm Sennheiser transducer |
| Detail-focused listening | Hexa | One dynamic and three balanced armatures |
| Mid budgets | Zero:RED | Two dynamic drivers per side |
| Small ears | CHU III | A small bean-shaped shell |
| Tight budgets | KZ ZS10 Pro | Four balanced armatures and one dynamic |
| Consistent sound | Kiwi Ears Belle | Individually matched drivers |
| First IEMs | 7Hz Zero | A 10mm driver near $23 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Design | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE 100 PRO | 10mm | Wired 3.5mm | In-ear | None |
| Hexa | Not listed | Wired, 0.78mm 2-pin | In-ear, 1DD+3BA hybrid | None |
| Zero:RED | 10mm | Wired 3.5mm | In-ear, dual dynamic | None |
| CHU III | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | In-ear | None |
| KZ ZS10 Pro | 10mm | Wired 3.5mm | In-ear, 4BA+1DD hybrid | None |
| Kiwi Ears Belle | 10mm | Wired 3.5mm | In-ear | None |
| 7Hz Zero | 10mm | Wired 3.5mm | In-ear | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | 7Hz Zero, CHU III, Kiwi Ears Belle |
| About $50 to $100 | KZ ZS10 Pro, Zero:RED, Hexa, IE 100 PRO |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Do I need a separate microphone?
Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Bottom Line
Sennheiser's IE 100 PRO is the brand-name pick. TRUTHEAR's Hexa has the most drivers, and 7Hz's Salnotes Zero is the budget choice.