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.
Product Strengths
- Very nice top-of-the-line wide tonality, and sounds very open.
- The beryllium-coated dynamic driver is phenomenal, providing extension as low as it goes.
- The design is very harmonic and smooth.
- The fit is very good, with a comfortable semi-custom fit that blocks lots of outside noise.
- Amazing soundstage with solid low end, and sounds airy and big.
Product Considerations
- It only comes in a 3.5mm SKU, so a 4.4 version is unavailable.
- The upper treble is less than expected, subduing the air frequencies, so it is not recommended for treble-focused listeners.
- It is a V-shaped set, so those who dislike emphasized bass or emphasized treble/upper mids should not consider it.
- Too much mid-range, according to a reviewer.
- There is a 3k peak that will affect music with 3k information.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Letshuoer S12: The S12 is cleaner in execution and has a very neutral mid-range, while the Volume is more soft and musical with more energy in the upper mid-range and treble area.
Takeaway: The Softears Volume has top-of-the-line tonality and a phenomenal bass driver with a comfortable fit. It's a great choice if you want a neutral-style IEM with a little bit more fun.
All
Volume entry-level
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Driver Configuration: 1 × 10 mm Dynamic Driver (PU Flexible Suspending with Beryllium-Plated Diaphragm) + 2 × Balanced Armature Drivers
- Impedance: 5 Ω @ 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 123.7 dB / Vrms @ 1 kHz
- Effective Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (IEC60318-4)
- Frequency Range: 8 Hz – 40 kHz (¼-Inch Free Field Microphone, –5 dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 1% @ 1 kHz
- Shell Material: Imported Medical Resin + Aluminium Alloy
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:
- The brand's product development is characterized by thorough research, resulting in beautifully crafted and well-researched IEMs rather than a market-saturating release schedule.
- They develop drivers for their IEMs in house and custom tune them to excel in timber and tonality, focusing on a natural and accurate projection of vocals and instruments.
Select products
Studio2
- Positioning: Entry-level option designed for live stage use and monitoring with a customizable earphone design.
- Description: Delivers clear, balanced sound with a design optimized for on-stage and rehearsal environments. Compared to other products in the lineup, it focuses on essential performance at a very accessible price, making it ideal for users with basic budgets and moderate functionality needs.
Volume
- Positioning: An entry-level hybrid earphone that mixes dynamic and balanced armature drivers for everyday sound monitoring.
- Description: Offers a solid hybrid design that provides focused sound and ease of use with its combination of a 10mm dynamic driver and two balanced armature units. Compared to the Studio2, it adds a layer of hybrid performance while remaining more affordable than higher-end models like Twilight.
Twilight
- Positioning: A mid-range model aimed at delivering enhanced acoustic performance for audiophile music listening.
- Description: Features a new 10mm dynamic driver and a refined aluminum alloy build that yields precise sound imaging and improved low-frequency response. In contrast to the more basic Volume and Studio2 models, its advanced driver technology offers better clarity and dynamic range.
Cerberus
- Positioning: A flagship in-ear monitor that employs a sophisticated hybrid setup for balanced and detailed audio reproduction.
- Description: Integrates 2 electrostatic, 4 balanced armature, and 1 dynamic driver to achieve superior clarity across highs, mids, and bass, thanks to its hybrid triple crossover design. When compared to Twilight and Volume, its multi-driver architecture and meticulous craftsmanship target users with a higher budget who demand enhanced technical performance and nuanced sound for critical listening.
Enigma
- Positioning: A top-tier flagship model engineered for advanced sound reproduction through a complex multi-driver system.
- Description: Features 12 drivers arranged in a 5-way layout that ensures detailed resolution and wide dynamic range supported by innovative crossover technology. Compared to Cerberus, while both deliver high-end performance, Enigma pushes technological boundaries further with its extra drivers and refined system.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Softears
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Excellent fit and comfortable for many users, even for extended listening periods
- Very well-balanced and tuned sound signature, often described as a warm, mature, or safe Harman-ish tuning
- Smooth treble presentation, avoiding sibilance, sharpness, or fatigue, while still retaining detail
- Good bass performance for an all-balanced armature set, with nice punch and attack, though primarily focused on sub-bass
- Very good natural tonality and timbre, avoiding a metallic or unnatural sound often associated with balanced armatures
Product Considerations
- Soundstage and imaging could be better for the price, described as average and not particularly wide or holographic
- May lack a 'hook' or standout factor in its sound quality, some find it to be a more laid-back and less engaging sound
- The shells are quite big, which may be problematic for users with small ears
- The recessed 2-pin sockets could be designed better with a deeper fit
- May sound 'boring' at mid-to-low volumes, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Moondrop S8: RSV offers a warmer and fuller sound with a more even midrange, while the S8 is leaner and more forward, with the S8 being more engaging overall
- Vs Dunu SA6: RSV has better bass quality, while the SA6 has a slightly more pronounced treble
Takeaway: The Soft Ears RSV is a comfortable and well-tuned IEM that delivers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a smooth, natural sound with excellent vocal reproduction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Balanced to warm sound signature with ample bass that is present without overpowering the sound
- Sublime vocals, clear with even minor voice modulations distinctly audible
- Exceptional build quality with premium materials like aircraft aluminum alloy, resulting in a durable yet lightweight design
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions due to narrow vertical placement in the ear
Product Considerations
- Treble is slightly rolled off, which can sacrifice some airiness and detail in the highs
- Below average passive isolation, not suitable for noisy environments
- Soundstage is average to narrow
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Final A8000: The A8000 has a more natural tonality overall, more air, a wider soundstage, and better separation/layering, while Twilight has more bass with forward vocals and rolled off treble
- Vs 64 Audio Duo: Twilight offers warmth and engagement in its sound signature, especially noticeable in the midrange, while the Duo provides a sound that is rich in detail and expansive in soundstage
- Vs Meze Audio Advar: The Advar is better in critical listening and brass instruments, while the Twilight has better 3D imaging
Takeaway: The Softears Twilight is an excellent IEM that offers a very easy, likeable, and musical sound which can be enjoyed for hours. It offers a balanced to warm sound, sublime vocals, and comfortable fit, making it a solid choice for audiophiles looking for a single dynamic driver IEM.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Warm, bassy, and well-extended sound signature with a tasteful, but still aggressive, mid-bass rise
- Good treble extension that avoids sharpness and adds a nice sense of micro-contrast throughout
- Offers a 'cohesive' or 'coherent' sound presentation, creating an enveloping experience
- Significant improvement in size and fit compared to previous Symphonium IEMs like the Helios
Product Considerations
- Bass may be too prominent for those who prefer more tonal clarity and forward vocals
- Imaging is described as 'so-so' and not particularly strong in technical performance
- Some reviewers found the aesthetic or finish of the shell to be a bit 'rough around the edges'
- Security of fit can be so-so out of the box, potentially requiring aftermarket ear tips for a more secure fit
- Harder to drive than normal, requiring a decent source
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Dunu SA6: The Meteor has more bass impact and a warmer sound, while the SA6 has a cleaner midrange
- Vs. Letshuoer EJ07M: The EJ07M is more technical, with tighter bass, while the Meteor offers a unique 'cohesive' sound
- Vs. Thieaudio Oracle MKI: The Oracle MKI is more neutral
Takeaway: The Symphonium Meteor is a good IEM for those who enjoy a warm, bassy sound signature with excellent treble. Its improved fit and unique sound presentation make it stand out.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Non-fatiguing sound signature allows for hours of listening
- Included cable is of high quality and provides versatility, allowing for the use of 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm terminations, depending on the source
- Vocals are a standout, offering a natural and engaging presentation
- Resin shell is both visually appealing and comfortable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- High price may feel steep considering the uneven frequency response and average technical abilities
- Treble is a bit dark and uneven, which can detract from overall clarity
- Bass is not particularly distinct, with a flatter sound signature
- Soundstage depth, imaging, and detail retrieval are only average, limiting its presentation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Kinera Imperial Nanna: The Skuld falls perfectly between more budget-friendly models and higher-end selection
Takeaway: The Kinera Imperial Skuld is easy to listen to and enjoy. It has good instrument separation and layering, so all elements can be clearly heard.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral tuning makes it suitable for studio monitoring, mixing, and mastering.
- Clean and transparent midrange with lively vocals, great for vocal lovers.
- Comfortable fit due to its small size, lightweight design, and semi-custom shape.
- Good sound isolation due to the unvented design.
Product Considerations:
- Bass is tight and fast, but may lack the power and warmth desired by bassheads.
- Only comes with a 3.5mm single-ended cable option.
- The unvented design may cause pressure buildup for some users.
- Build quality might seem minimalistic, not fancy for the price.
- The treble can be too safe, missing some of the mid-treble sparkle and edge.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Studio 4 has better detail retrieval, resolution, tone, and timbre, plus a better overall presentation than the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, though the Orchestra Lite has a wider soundstage.
- Studio 4 has better detail retrieval, resolution, tone, and timbre, plus a better overall presentation than the JQ 4U Pro, though the 4U Pro is warmer with a thicker bottom end.
- Studio 4 excels in having a wider stereo image, while the Dunu SA6 has a more warm neutral sound signature and better texture.
- Studio 4's mids are more forward than the Softears Volume, which makes vocals shine with a natural and accurate projection.
- The bass sounds better in Studio 4, the midrange is a bit more weighty, but the AFUL Performer 8 has extended and elevated treble, where Studio 4 is very controlled and subdued.
Takeaway: The Studio 4 is a comfortable IEM that's built for a neutral and natural sound, so it's a good choice for someone who wants something to monitor music or just listen neutrally. It's lightweight and easy to wear, so one can listen for a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice bass quantity and quality, with a good balance between sub-bass and mid-bass
- Detailed and natural midrange
- Excellent set of accessories, including UC ear tips and a modular cable
- Comfortable fit due to lightweight and ergonomic design
Product Considerations
- Odd, inconsistent timbre that can make it difficult to find a genre that really fits the sound
- Cheap build quality, with a resin shell that feels rubbery and a tuning switch that is confusing
- Microphonic cable that transmits noise when brushing against objects
- High-Impedance mode seems unnecessary
- Large shells might not be suitable for people with small ears
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mega5EST is cleaner, more consistent, and more versatile, compared to the Hisenior Mega5EST
- The Simgot EA1000 performs better in almost every aspect, including timbre and technicalities, compared to the Simgot EA1000
- The AFUL Performer 5+2 is more consistent, compared to the AFUL Performer 5+2
- The Softears Volume S is a tough competitor in the $300 category, compared to the LETSHUEOR Cadenza4, Thieaudio Hype 4, and Simgot EM10
Takeaway: The Softears Volume S has good bass and a natural midrange, making it enjoyable for many listeners. It's comfortable to wear and comes with nice accessories, offering good value for the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very good passive isolation and secure, comfortable fit.
- Lightweight build and small size for comfortable extended wear.
- Designed and built specifically for professional musicians, vocalists, and studio use.
- Comes with a robust hard plastic case.
Product Considerations
- Lacks bass and treble extension, resulting in a dull sound.
- Some aspects of the midrange are overly warm and congested sounding.
- The soundstage is narrow, offering little in the way of width, height, or depth, and separation is another weak point, as different instruments and vocals frequently overlap or merge.
- Requires adjustments that were not anticipated or enjoyed.
- Not necessarily premium, but utilitarian.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Softears Studio 4: The Studio 2 is very different from the Studio 4, which is a more engaging set with a bass boost and brighter treble.
- Vs Shure SE215: The reviewer preferred the SE215 despite its flaws, finding it had better definition and bass bounce compared to the Studio 2.
Takeaway: The Studio2 is made for professional vocalists needing to hear their voice clearly, so it has good isolation and comfort. It could be a good choice if one is looking for something with limited bass and treble and doesn't want an engaging sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable fit, especially for longer listening sessions.
- Visually appealing and unique design.
- Good accessory set for the price, including a useful carrying case.
- Fairly balanced and smooth sound signature, non-fatiguing to listen to.
- Good noise isolation
Product Considerations
- Mids can sound veiled or muddy, lacking clarity and detail.
- Bass impact can be soft and lacking definition, sometimes sounding "one-noted".
- Treble lacks airiness and sparkle, with limited extension.
- Technical performance is average compared to competitors in the same price range.
- Some reviewers note BA timbre, affecting the naturalness of instruments and vocals.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Moondrop Aria is considered more complete sounding and vivid.
- The SeeAudio Yume perfects the Thieaudio Legacy 2’s tuning with a cleaner midbass, more upper mids clarity, and a more realistic treble experience.
- The Thieaudio Legacy 3 outperforms the Legacy 2, doing everything better.
- The TRI Starsea has better soundstage, clarity, and microdetails
Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 2 offers a smooth listening experience and a comfortable design at an affordable price. It could be a good choice for those who want something nice looking and easy to listen to, especially for acoustic music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium design and build quality, using materials like aluminum and glass for a luxurious feel
- Sound quality is generally praised as excellent, detailed, and balanced, especially after equalization
- Comfortable and secure fit, particularly for those with smaller ear canals
- App provides an intuitive EQ interface with customizable presets
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation (ANC), while solid, is not considered the best on the market compared to brands like Sony or Bose
- Some reviewers experienced connectivity issues, including problems with multipoint pairing and occasional signal dropouts
- Battery life is respectable but not outstanding, with some reviewers noting shorter-than-advertised playback times
- Responsiveness of the touch controls is sometimes too sensitive, leading to accidental pausing or track skipping
- Some users have found the default sound profile (Optimal) to be somewhat flat or boring, requiring EQ adjustments
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, the EX has more clarity, better soundstage and separation, but tonal balance may be preferable on the Airpods Pro
- Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, the Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
- Compared to the Devialet Gemini II, the Gemini II offers a more neutral sound signature with advanced ANC capabilities, but Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
Takeaway: The Beoplay EX offers a luxurious experience with refined sound and a stylish design. It's a good choice for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetics, and value a premium feel.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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