Best Budget IEMs for Gaming (Under $30)

Best IEM Under $30
Best IEM for Gaming

Finding the right budget IEM for gaming can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for performance comparable to gaming headsets like the Logitech G335 or Razer Hammerhead V2. After diving into your preferences and budget, I’ve shortlisted some of the best options for competitive gaming. Let’s break them down, including a comparison table and a detailed discussion of why they might work for you.

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Top IEM Choices for Gaming

1. 7Hz Salnotes Zero

  • Price: ~$20
  • Why It’s Great: This IEM is loved for its neutral and balanced sound. It offers excellent mids and treble, making footsteps, gunfire, and directional cues incredibly clear—perfect for Valorant and other FPS games.
  • Pros:
    • Excellent imaging and soundstage for its price.
    • Neutral tuning ensures no overwhelming bass.
    • Comfortable fit.
  • Cons:
    • Bass is slightly lean, less exciting for casual music listening.
    • Plastic build might not feel premium.


2. Tangzu Wan’er

  • Price: ~$20
  • Why It’s Great: The Tangzu Wan’er is a stylish IEM with a slightly warmer tuning. It offers clarity in the mids and highs, making in-game sounds easy to pick up. Its aesthetics also set it apart.
  • Pros:
    • Great clarity with a hint of warmth.
    • Wide soundstage and decent imaging.
    • Comfortable fit, with beautiful design options like the Jade.
  • Cons:
    • Slightly recessed treble, not as sharp as the Salnotes Zero.
    • Limited accessories in the box.

3. Moondrop Chu II

  • Price: ~$25
  • Why It’s Great: Known for its crisp and analytical sound, the Chu II excels in competitive gaming. The details it extracts are remarkable, and it’s widely recommended in audiophile communities.
  • Pros:
    • Sharp, clean sound signature.
    • Lightweight and easy to wear for long sessions.
    • Affordable price for its performance.
  • Cons:
    • Non-detachable cable reduces longevity.
    • Bass is less impactful than others on this list.

4. Truthear HOLA

  • Price: ~$20
  • Why It’s Great: A newer contender in the budget space, the HOLA offers smooth tuning, a comfortable fit, and solid imaging. It’s a great all-rounder for gaming and music.
  • Pros:
    • Excellent imaging and soundstage.
    • Balanced sound with pleasant bass.
    • Detachable cables for durability.
  • Cons:
    • May require EQ tweaks for a more exciting sound.

Currently unavailable.

5. KZ EDX Pro

  • Price: ~$15
  • Why It’s Great: The most affordable option, the EDX Pro delivers some bass and decent sound quality for gaming. It’s good if you’re on a very tight budget.
  • Pros:
    • Very affordable.
    • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Cons:
    • Imaging and treble clarity aren’t as good as pricier options.
    • Build quality feels cheap.

Why These IEMs Are Ideal for Gaming:

  • Sound Clarity: Clear mids and highs are crucial for FPS games, as they let you pinpoint footsteps and gunfire. Options like the 7Hz Salnotes Zero and Moondrop Chu II excel in this area.
  • Comfort: Long gaming sessions require IEMs that don’t cause ear fatigue. The Tangzu Wan’er and Truthear HOLA are particularly comfortable.
  • Budget-Friendly: All of these IEMs fit within your $20-$30 budget, offering excellent value without dragging you into the audiophile rabbit hole.

Other Suggestions

If none of these fit your style, consider:

  • CCA CRA+ ($20): Fun sound signature with enhanced bass and clear treble.
  • Blon BL-03 ($25): Warm and musical tuning, though it might need aftermarket tips for better fit.

Tips to Enhance Your IEM Gaming Experience

  1. Upgrade Tips: Use foam ear tips for better isolation and comfort.
  2. EQ Settings: Adjust your EQ to emphasize footsteps (boost mids and treble slightly).
  3. External DAC: A cheap DAC like the Apple Dongle or a basic USB sound card can improve clarity.
  4. Burn-In Period: Let your IEMs "burn-in" for 50-100 hours to smoothen the sound (optional but worth trying).

Final Verdict

  • Best All-Rounder: 7Hz Salnotes Zero – Perfect balance of price, comfort, and performance.
  • Best for Looks + Gaming: Tangzu Wan’er – Stylish and reliable.
  • Best for Durability: Truthear HOLA – Detachable cables and smooth sound.

If you’re still unsure, grab the Tangzu Wan’er—it’s hard to go wrong with its mix of aesthetics and performance! 

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