Looking for the best budget earphones without breaking the bank? This showdown pits five contenders against each other: the Kiwi Ears, Cadenza, 7Hz Zero 2, WER, and Indie Planet. We'll delve into their sound quality, build, and overall listening experience to help you choose the perfect pair. From established favorites to exciting newcomers, this review covers a range of price points and features, ensuring there's an option for every audiophile on a budget.This in-depth comparison analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each earphone, including a detailed look at the unique qualities of the Cadenza's beryllium driver and the surprisingly consistent performance of the Kiwi Ears, even after three years on the market. We also address inconsistencies noted with the Indie Planet, providing valuable insights to guide your purchasing decision. Prepare for a comprehensive review, packed with detailed analysis and a clear winner recommendation based on sound quality, build, and overall value.
Pros And Cons
- Much better build quality than Indie Planet
- Brilliant driver
- Plays back music well
- Good value for money
- Better fit and build than WER
- Very similar to other sets in the comparison
- Very musical and engaging
- Reviewer's sample differed from others received
- Inconsistent user experience
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Giveaway Alert!
To celebrate, I'm giving away a Fat Frequency Quantum planar headphone to one lucky subscriber! To enter, comment below this video, and ensure you're subscribed to both this channel and my unboxing channel. I'll announce the winner shortly. This is a $700 item – a fantastic opportunity!
Previously, I gave away a Lechure DX1, and the winner just needs to confirm their subscription to claim their prize. I'm excited to send this high-value item to someone around the world.
Indie Planet vs. Kiwi Ears vs. 7Hz Zero 2 vs. WER
This budget earphone battle features three familiar sets and two newcomers: the W and the Indie Planet. Graphically, they present typical safe budget tuning profiles.
Two stand out; the Cadenza, a strong performer from my past reviews, and also the Kiwi Ears. The Cadenza, at $34, is the priciest of the bunch, showcasing excellent build quality and a brilliant driver.
Indie Planet Issues and Kiwi Ears Triumph
My Indie Planet sample differed from others, leading to inconsistent reviews. I'll provide a link to a full video comparing the different graphs.
Even overlooking that, a direct comparison shows the Kiwi Ears surpasses the Indie Planet in sound quality and overall listening experience. The Kiwi Ears remains musically engaging and delivers a great playback of my diverse music library.
7Hz Zero 2 vs. WER: A Tale of Two Similar Sets
The 7Hz Zero 2 and WER are updated versions, offering similar performance to their predecessors. However, I favor the 7Hz Zero 2, due to its superior fit and build quality.
Personal preference plays a role, I find the aesthetics of the WER less appealing. The improved fit of the Zero 2 makes it the winner for me.
Cadenza vs. 7Hz Zero 2: The Final Showdown
The Cadenza and 7Hz Zero 2 present very similar tuning curves, with slight variations in ear gain. The Cadenza’s superior burillium driver offers noticeable advantages in terms of sound quality and efficiency.
While I appreciate the 7Hz Zero 2, my bias towards the Cadenza, driven by the burillium driver's superior performance and my enjoyment of its sound signature from previous experiences, makes it my top choice.
Conclusion: Budget Earphone Recommendations
Overall, the Kiwi Ears remains an excellent budget option, even after three years. Its musicality and engaging sound make it a compelling choice. The Cadenza’s burillium driver provides significant advantages.
The 7Hz Zero 2 offers a strong alternative with a superior fit and build. Avoid the Indie Planet due to inconsistencies in its production. The Cadenza takes the crown with its excellent build, exceptional sound, and the magic of the burillium driver. In short, there are some great options here depending on your priorities; but the Cadenza remains a standout performer.
