The Best IEM Under 200
There are many reasons why people would go the in-ear monitor route. Some do it because of what they do for a living. Performance artists, in particular, need the on-stage control and aural accuracy provided by IEMs. Meanwhile, others do it because, why not? Cleaner, more refined audio never really hurt anyone, after all.
With that said, at $200 (and lower), you’ll find that there are plenty of IEMs on the market to choose from.
Some of these are good choices. Some aren’t and are a good waste of money.
Below, we’ve rounded up the 5 best IEM under 200 dollars to help make shopping for a good pair a lot easier.
1. Shure SE215
Detachable cables
The thickened cables are durable enough to withstand some degree of punishment. But the best part is that they are detachable. If you manage to wear them out, it’s quite easy to replace them with a different set without compromising the audio quality. Not to mention, this feature saves you a lot of trouble from having to replace the entire set.
Decent bass and overall audio quality
The SE215’s bass is good and consistent. Paired with a well-balanced mid-range and average treble, the SE215 makes for a decent audio companion choice for listening to all sorts of genres. Bass-heavy ones, in particular, will sound even better on the SE215.
Isolation is top-notch
Shure claims that the SE215 is capable of blocking out around 90 percent of ambient noise, and for the most part, these in-ear monitors actually deliver.
For the most part, noisy conditions won’t mess with your listening experience.
Excellent value
The SE215 are decent in-ear monitors that perform just as well if not better than higher-end models that cost twice if not thrice as much. It also comes with a serviceable soft case, which only adds to its value.
PROS & CONS
 Detachable cords |  Single driver |
| Handy travel soft case | No in-line controls |
| Balanced sound with excellent isolation properties | |
| Affordable |
Summary
The Shure SE215 in-ear monitors punch well above its weight. It’s not perfect. It lacks in-line controls and doesn’t come with many accessories. The lack of detail and presence in the treble range is also notable, especially for those with specific audio needs. But for its price, it’s hard to want for more than what the SE215 can offer.
2. Mackie MP-220
Dual drivers
Single driver in-ear headphones are great for everyday use. However, the lack of additional drivers force the single driver to reproduce every bass, mid, and treble frequency, which can leave you wanting for more.
Employing additional drivers can do wonders for the audio quality.
The MP-220, in particular, uses a separate driver for highs and lows, which loves to Mackie’s claim as having been tuned for “powerful bass response and enhanced clarity.
Snug, comfortable in-ear fit
The MP-220 comes with different types of ear tips and sizes for you to try. In addition to the standard sizing, you’ll get to choose from standard tips, memory foam tips, and dual flange tips.
Each type of ear tip is designed for a particular use. We recommend that you try to experiment until you find the one that suits your needs the best.
Either way, the multitude of options ensure a snug, and comfortable in-ear fit.
Excellent build quality
Although the MP-220 are built largely from plastic, it’s the type of solid plastic that should hold up quite well even with regular use.
The shielded and braided detachable cables also mean that you’re free to replace them down the line.
Tons of accessories
Mackie did not cheap out on the accessories for the MP-220. It comes with a latched heavy-duty case, as well as the aforementioned ear tips and sizes. Also included are 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapters.
PROS & CONS
| Excellent value for the money | Not best for marathon listening sessions |
| Shielded and braided detachable cables | |
| Hybrid dual-drivers (!!) | |
| Comes with a lot of accessories |
Summary
The MP-220 is easily one of the best IEM under 200 dollars out there. It’s well-designed with excellent build quality and reasonably priced. Although comfort can be an issue after long listening sessions, the MP-220 most likely won’t be your daily driver anyway. But then again, even if it is, you’ll find that the much-improved audio quality because of the hybrid dual-drivers is worth a bit of discomfort.
If you’re looking for your first true pair of in-ear monitors, the MP-220 is an excellent choice.
3. MEE M6 Pro
Dirt cheap
The MEE M6 Pro might not be the best IEM under 200 dollars, but it sure is the cheapest. Or, at the very least, it’s the cheapest among the in-ear monitors that we’ve rounded up.
Mind you, sound quality is actually decent, and surprisingly enough, you won’t be making too many compromises.
Wireless
These in-ear monitors come with detachable wires and can be connected through Bluetooth.
Customizable fit
Fit and comfort are incredibly important when it comes to in-ear monitors.
To that end, the M6 Pro comes with seven different pairs of foam and silicone ear sleeves that you can experiment with until you can find the right fit.
PROS & CONS
| Over-the-ear configuration for added comfort | Build quality leaves a lot to be desired |
| Excellent sound isolation properties | Distortion may occur at higher levels |
| Customizable fit | |
| Very affordable |
Summary
Designed using feedback from professional musicians who are always on tour, the M6 Pro is quite the steal. Although some compromises have understandably been made to make an in-ear monitor that’s this affordable, none were made that would negatively impact the overall audio quality.
If you’re looking to explore the world of in-ear monitors but quite hesitant about spending more than $50, the M6 Pro might just be right up your alley.
4. KZ AS10
Five balanced armature drivers
Five balanced armature drivers is a lot more than what other in-ear monitors can offer. Because of this, the AS10 is capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of frequencies with zero compromises.
You can expect minimal distortion with the AS10 if any at all, making it perfect for the soundstage and in the studio.
Well-built detachable cables
The AS10 comes with braided detachable cables that appear to be wrapped with a rubber sheath and copper for added durability.
105dB sensitivity
Anything over 92 dB is considered very good for in-ear monitors. The fact that the KZ AS10 comes with a 105 dB sensitivity makes it all the better.
PROS & CONS
| Five balanced armature drivers | Sound isolation could use some work |
| Detailed and clear audio | Only comes with silicone ear tips |
| Lightweight | |
| Very affordable for a five-driver IEM |
Summary
In general, the KZ AS10 is a great sounding, reasonable balanced, and lively pair of in-ear monitors. The bass isn’t notably powerful nor is the audio clean enough for critical listening purposes. But the audio quality is fun, and there’s more than enough detail to please all but the most finicky of listeners.
All in all, the AS10 is easily one of the best IEM under 200 dollars today, and serves as an excellent introduction into the previously unaffordable world of balanced armature in-ear monitors.
5. Sennheiser IE60
Good low-volume performance
Most in-ear monitors pride themselves in excellent high-volume performance but seldom do you see a pair that prides itself on its sensitivity.
The IE60 is just that.
For a pair of dynamic in-ear monitors, the IE60 is actually very sensitive. You won’t find yourself turning the volume way up to reach world volume levels. Paired with its inherent smoothness, and the IE60 is just as capable of providing you with excellent sound in low volumes and high levels with little to no compromise.
Excellent build quality and finish
The IE60 doesn’t look remarkable by any means, but it doesn’t look cheap either. Also, areas most prone to wear and tear are reinforced with an additional plastic component, making sure that these in-ear monitors will last for years of daily use.
Durable carrying case
Because the IE60 uses dynamic drivers, it’s able to use a smaller more portable housing. Add what Sennheiser refers to as the “IE Carry Case”, and you’ve got arguably the most portable IEM on our list.
The case is well built and uses a sliding drawer to keep debris and damage from the IE60. It also comes with various slots for the earbuds and earhooks. There’s also enough room to keep the cord of the IE60 wrapped around to prevent tangles.
All in all, the case is designed as you would expect from a company known for making high-quality in-ear monitors.
PROS & CONS
| Portable | Non-detachable cables |
| Comes with a durable carrying case | Uses dynamic drivers instead of drivers |
| Neutral but lively sound | |
| Superb low-volume sensitivity |
Summary
Sennheiser knows how to make good in-ear monitors that won’t break the bank. The IE60 is proof of that.
It’s not amazing, nor remarkable by any means. However, what the IE60 is a pair of great all-around in-ear monitors that gets all of the basics right, from the build quality to the carry case, the choice of accessories, cable mounts, as well as clean and neutral but enjoyable audio quality.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the five best IEM under 200 dollars that you can find today.
As you can see, we have tried our best to include a variety of products to meet different types of needs and usage.
So, regardless of your livelihood, whether you’re a live performer or a musician or you’re just in the market for a good pair of in-ear monitors, you’ll find our list extremely handy.