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Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
P281
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz~20kHz
- Impedance: 24Ω
- Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
- Cable Length: 1.3m (4.2 feet)
- Connector: 3.5mm straight
- Weight: 0.1 ounces
- Water Resistance: IP57 rated (waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Description
The P281 are sweatproof sports earphones designed as behind-the-ear in-canal earphones. The behind-the-ear design ensures that the P281 provide a comfortable fit that is stable and won't fall out of your ears.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Edifier headphones frequently include access to the Edifier Connect app, offering users options to personalize EQ settings, customize controls, and conserve hearing.
- The brand is consistently lauded for delivering a great sonic experience, with impressive bass, clarity, and overall balance, considering their affordable price points.
- Edifier headphones are celebrated for a foldable and lightweight design focused on user comfort for extended wear, making them ideal for travel and daily use.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Edifier S3
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a simple yet effective audio experience with a lightweight design that makes it ideal for small rooms and everyday use. Compared to the other models, it lacks advanced noise cancellation and specialty drivers, making it most suitable for buyers on a tight budget with basic functionality needs.
ES850NB Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Positioning: Mid-range option focused on noise cancellation and comfort.
- Description: Features active noise cancellation that helps reduce background sounds and offers good sound tuning for moderate listening environments. Relative to the entry-level S3, it adds enhanced noise reduction technology without the higher price tag of premium models.
V80 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Positioning: Mid-to-high range model that uses hybrid noise cancellation.
- Description: Combines two cancellation approaches to improve background noise reduction and delivers a more balanced audio profile for larger rooms. When compared with the ES850NB and S3, it targets users needing better noise control and sound staging.
Edifier W820NB
- Positioning: Premium series that emphasizes advanced noise cancellation and enhanced audio performance.
- Description: Integrates improved noise cancellation algorithms along with refined driver tuning to offer richer sound and longer battery life, making it a strong choice for varied settings. In comparison to the V80 Hybrid, it is designed for buyers who value a more robust build quality and extra functionality.
Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones
- Positioning: High-end flagship featuring advanced planar magnetic technology.
- Description: Uses planar magnetic drivers to deliver crystal-clear audio with a wide soundstage and superior detail. Compared with the rest of the lineup, its premium build and state-of-the-art technology represent the pinnacle of the range.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
781
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
22
Founding Year
1996
Our take on the brand
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Edifier
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What if you spend more?
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Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
999
/
13
Reviews
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Product Page
Product Page
Sennheiser
IE 600
899
899
/
13
Reviews
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Agreeable, natural sonic signature
- Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
- Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
- A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
- Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent
Product Considerations
- Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
- The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
- The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
- Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
- Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
- Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
- Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
- Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins
Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Product Page
Product Page
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Westone Audio
MACH 60
846
846
/
12
Reviews
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions and wearing in bed, due to its small size, lightweight design, and ergonomic shape
- Delivers a neutral and natural sound presentation, making it appropriate for stage and studio monitoring
- Excellent sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
- Good detail retrieval and resolution, presenting information accurately
Product Considerations
- May sound a bit boring or dull if one is looking for a more dynamic and engaging sound with more bass and treble emphasis
- The plastic build quality may not feel as premium as some other IEMs
- Requires a bit more power to drive it to sound best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mach 60 has a more neutral presentation, while ADV M512D is more elevated in the mids and treble and has more bass impact
- Mach 60 is more neutral and natural, while Unique Melody MEST delivers excellent detail and resolution
Takeaway: The Westone Mach 60 is a comfortable and well-built in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and natural sound, great for musicians and audiophiles looking for an accurate representation of their music. It is a great tool as a stage monitor and comfortable for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Product Page
Product Page
FIIO
FH9
558
558
/
12
Reviews
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Convincingly balanced sound performance with a slight bass emphasis
- A wide and deep soundstage
- High-quality build, using a titanium housing, making it feel robust
- Good clarity and sparkle in the highs, with a natural and airy treble that feels relaxed
- Comes with a decorative, braided balanced cable made of silver wire, with interchangeable ends
Product Considerations
- A larger earbud which may affect the fit for some users
- A slight emphasis in the bass area and a sober sound, which may be a matter of taste
- Semi-open design is less isolating
- High frequencies might be too elevated for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FiiO FH5s: Better bass texture, transparency, resolution, and treble definition, and sounds more cohesive and balanced
- Vs FiiO FH7: Better design, a better carrying case, more accessories, better build quality, better refinement, more resolution, transparency, treble definition, dynamism, and a wider and deeper soundstage
- Vs Kinera Norn: Better mid-range definition, tonality, and transparency, the Norn has a more V-shaped sound signature with splashy and aggressive treble
Takeaway: The FiiO FH9 is a well-crafted IEM with a balanced sound signature and customizable options, making it enjoyable for a wide range of listeners. It has excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage that immerses the listener in the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Edifier
X5
19
/
Released
2020
X5 Lite True Wireless In-Ear Headphones feature a low-latency gaming mode that reduces latency to 65ms during mobile gaming sessions, ensuring enhanced experience with better lip-sync performance. The device is professionally designed with IP55 dust and splash resistance to protect against dust, splashes, sweat and unexpected rain, while Bluetooth V5.3 chipset guarantees stable and uninterrupted wireless listening.
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fantastic sound quality, exceeding expectations for mid-range wireless earbuds
- IP55 rating for water and dust resistance
- Comfortable and snug fit in the ears
- Bass is punchy and projects well even at low volumes
- Good value for money
Product Considerations
- The lid of the charging case may feel a little thin
- No built-in volume controls
- No customisation of sound through an app
- Call quality can be soft for the other party
- The included ear tips might be too small for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Edifier X3, the X5 is bassier and fuller
- The X5 was chosen for better sound quality, versus the realme Buds Air 2
Takeaway: The Edifier X5 earbuds are comfortable, sound great, and are protected from sweat and splashes. They are a good option for anyone looking for wireless earbuds that sound good and are at a nice price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Product Page
Product Page
Edifier
X2
29
/
Released
2021
X2 True Wireless Earbuds feature voice assistant functionality, ultra-low latency game mode for synchronized audio and visuals, and IP54 rated dust and water resistance for indoor and outdoor use.
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid material overall, giving a pretty solid material overall.
- Impressive battery life, giving about 7 hours of playback time at about 50% volume and 21 additional hours with the case.
- Better background noise handling ability, allowing for clearer and more natural sound when speaking outside on a call.
- Compact charging case is thin and lightweight.
- Solid connectivity with Bluetooth signal strength up to 9 meters away, and they pair quickly.
Product Considerations
- The angle of the earbuds makes it hard to pull them out for people with fatter fingers.
- The ear tips get oily and start sliding around.
- There is no way to return a song directly through these earbuds, and there are no volume controls on the earbuds either.
- Some vocal outbursts and brighter instruments like cymbals can sound metallic or harsh, and some female vocals are nasal at the highest volumes.
- If the best fit isn't achieved, music sounds thin and tinny.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SoundPEATS Air3, the Edifier X2 has more clarity in video calls and a 2.5-hour longer battery life, while the Air3 has an easier fit, volume controls, and automatically pauses when an earbud is removed.
- Vs Redmi Buds 3 Lite, the X2 has a longer battery life and the same outdoor call quality.
- Vs Haylou GT6, the X2 has a longer battery life and better call quality, while the GT6 has heftier mid-bass and deeper sub-bass, elevated lower frequencies, and an airier sound.
- Vs Edifier TWS200 Plus, the X2 has shorter stems, an hour longer battery life, and makes you sound clearer in video calls.
Takeaway: The Edifier X2 is a great earphone for its price, offering good sound quality and excellent battery life. With its compact design and solid connectivity, it is a practical choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Product Page
Product Page
Edifier
X2S
14
/
Released
2023
A definitive audio solution for people on the go, the Edifier X2s earbuds offer a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6g, for a truly pressure-free wearing experience. With exceptional in-ear angle accuracy, reaching an impressive 0.1 degrees, these earbuds provide a comfortable and secure fit that ensures a pleasant and immersive audio experience.
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Affordable price
- Good sound quality, especially the bass
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Good call quality with environmental noise cancellation
- Companion app enables customization of controls and EQ presets
- IP54 rated dust and splash proof
Product Considerations
- Case scratches easily
- Lacks wireless charging
- Ambient noise can be an issue at lower volumes due to the lack of silicone ear tips
- Limited EQ customization options in the app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The X2S is compared against the Bazeus Bowie EZ10 as an affordable option with good features
Takeaway: The Edifier X2S earbuds offer good value with a comfortable fit and decent sound quality, especially for bass lovers. If one is looking for an affordable and feature-rich pair of earbuds, these could be a good option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Product Page
Product Page
Truthear
Nova
169
/
Released
2023
NOVA is a 1DD+4BA in-ear headphone with 3-way crossover composite structure. Compared with HEXA, the original design intention is to further improve the high-frequency performance while maintaining a reasonable and efficient configuration, and also strive to bring users a mature earphone with a hybrid 3-way crossover structure at a reasonable price.
Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound signature is likely to be palatable for a wide range of people at its price point.
- Good emphasis in the upper midrange, decent timbre, good resolution, the upper midrange is upfront with the vocals, nice details, and it works well with a smooth treble.
- Very smooth treble and the absence of sibilance.
- Good dynamic bass that's nicely textured and has a decent rumble.
- Imaging is accurate.
Product Considerations
- The Truth Ear Nova does not sound better or more balanced than the Hexa, since the reviewer prefers a more balanced sound signature.
- Nova is not a thick-sounding IEM, it's quite thin.
- The midrange is chiefly defined by a cavernous suckout in the low-midrange.
- Soundstage is a little narrower than preferred.
- Shell size may be slightly large for smaller ears.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Moondrop Variations: Nova is significantly cheaper and close enough in performance that one should save money and go for Nova.
- Vs. Truthear Hexa: Nova easily has a smoother treble presentation, has more dynamic bass, and is more ergonomic, but Hexa has one of the best midranges in this price tier.
- Vs. Truthear Zero: RED: Zero: RED beats Nova almost across the board in tuning and simply sounds more normal.
Takeaway: The Truth Ear Nova is commendable for achieving its tuning at its price point, especially for those looking for a V-shaped presentation or Harman-esque kind of sound signature. If the Harman IE target is to one's liking, Nova is probably as safe a choice as any of the other Harman options out there.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
Product Page
Product Page
Thieaudio
Legacy 4
195
/
Released
2020
The Legacy 4 was designed concurrently with the Legacy 5 to provide a unique twist to the lineup. With the beloved budget model, the Legacy 3, and the natural and smooth sound signature of the Legacy 5 in mind, we wanted the Legacy 4 to be a middle ground - both in terms of the tuning and price.
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great build quality and a generous accessory set
- Decently wide soundstage for closed-back IEMs, presenting a three-dimensional space for instrument placement
- Strong technical performance for the price, with standout resolution
Product Considerations
- The lack of a lip on the nozzle makes it impossible to use even slightly-larger-than-perfect eartips, as they just fall off
- Treble is a tad brighter than preferred, which some may find fatiguing over time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Thieaudio Legacy 3, the Legacy 4 has faster and more detailed bass, more detailed and extended treble, and better imaging and instrument separation
- Compared to the Moondrop KXXS, the Legacy 4 has a solid technical edge in resolution and imaging
Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 4 is a competent earphone that offers a clean, clear rendition of music with excellent resolution and detail retrieval. It is enjoyable across various genres and provides a high-quality listening experience for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Product Page
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