Two wired IEMs launched in 2025, both aiming at the upper mid-range, but they take different paths. The Ziigaat Horizon is a tribrid with a W-shaped, energetic tuning, while the Yanyin Canon Pro is a hybrid with a smoother, bass-forward character. Here is how they stack up on price, sound, and everyday usability, using published reviews and recorded specifications from the HearWiki database.
Price and positioning
The Ziigaat Horizon asks $329, the Yanyin Canon Pro $400. That $71 gap is meaningful in this segment, especially when the Horizon's headline score is higher. The Horizon positions itself as a technical showcase: lots of drivers, a large soundstage, and detail retrieval that punches above its price. The Canon Pro asks for a premium partly because of its tuning switch and its reputation for being source-friendly, meaning it tends to sound good regardless of what you plug it into.
Neither is a budget buy. Both sit in the enthusiast tier where buyers are likely comparing against wired IEMs from several brands. If price is your primary constraint, the Horizon is the cheaper entry point, but the Canon Pro's extra cost buys a different flavour of refinement, not necessarily more technical ability.
The scores, side by side
The HearWiki buyability score for the Ziigaat Horizon is 83/100. The Yanyin Canon Pro scores 80/100. That is a three-point gap, which is close enough that you should not treat it as a decisive factor on its own. The sub-scores tell a similar story: the Horizon gets 8.6/10 for sound and 8.2/10 for value, while the Canon Pro gets 8.5/10 for sound and 7.5/10 for value. The sound scores are nearly identical. The value gap is larger, which makes sense given the price difference and the Horizon's higher headline score.
These scores are not a weighted average of the sub-scores; they are a buyability rating derived from review consensus, price, and availability. So do not try to reverse-engineer a formula. Just note that the two are close in perceived sound quality, but the Horizon is seen as better value for money.
Sound
Both IEMs are strong performers, but they tune differently. The Ziigaat Horizon uses a 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid configuration and delivers a W-shaped response: clarity, engagement, and a large, holographic soundstage. Published reviews highlight its strong imaging and detail retrieval. The catch is that the treble can be energetic to the point of fatigue for sensitive listeners, and the mid-bass lacks physical punch, so bass is more about texture than impact.
The Yanyin Canon Pro uses a 1DD + 6BA hybrid and is described as bass-forward yet controlled, with a relaxed, non-fatiguing character. It also excels in detail retrieval and staging, and its tuning switch lets you adjust bass emphasis. The trade-off is a softer treble that may leave you wanting more sparkle if you prefer aggressive high frequencies.
In practice, if you listen to rock, metal, or anything with cymbal-heavy mixes, the Horizon's treble energy might be too much. If you prefer long sessions with smooth, deep bass, the Canon Pro is the safer bet. Both are technically capable; the difference is preference, not quality.
Noise cancelling and battery
Neither the Ziigaat Horizon nor the Yanyin Canon Pro has active noise cancelling. Both are wired IEMs, so ANC is not recorded for either. Battery life is also not recorded for either product, because they do not have batteries; they are passive devices that draw power from your source. If you need wireless features, look at true wireless options or ANC earbuds instead.
Calls and everyday use
Call quality is not recorded for either IEM. Neither has a microphone or inline controls listed in the HearWiki database, so you would need to rely on your source device's mic or add a separate cable. For everyday use, the Horizon's build quality is a known weak point: reviews note it feels somewhat cheap for the price, which matters if you plan to carry it around daily. The Canon Pro's build is described as polished, though its bass switch adds a little complexity without radically changing the sound.
Neither is a commuting workhorse. These are desktop or dedicated listening IEMs, best used with a good DAC or dongle. If you want something for calls or on-the-go use, look elsewhere.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Ziigaat Horizon if you want maximum technical performance per dollar and you are comfortable with a brighter, more energetic treble. It is the better value on paper, with a higher headline score and a lower price. It suits listeners who prioritise detail retrieval, soundstage width, and imaging over bass weight.
Buy the Yanyin Canon Pro if you prefer a smooth, bass-forward sound that is easy to listen to for hours, and if you value a refined, source-friendly character over raw value. It costs more, but it is the more forgiving listen, especially if you find the Horizon's treble fatiguing.
If you are still undecided, look at the full comparison table for a side-by-side breakdown, or browse other over-ear and budget earbuds under $50 if your budget shifts.
FAQ
Are the Ziigaat Horizon and Yanyin Canon Pro good for gaming?
Both IEMs have strong imaging and soundstage, which helps in games where you need to locate footsteps or directional cues. The Horizon's brighter treble may make effects more pronounced, while the Canon Pro's smoother tuning is less fatiguing over long sessions. Neither has a microphone, so you will need a separate mic for voice chat.
Which IEM has better bass, the Horizon or the Canon Pro?
The Yanyin Canon Pro has more physical bass impact, described as bass-forward and powerful, with a tuning switch to adjust emphasis. The Ziigaat Horizon has lighter mid-bass, focusing more on texture and technicality than punch. If bass weight matters most, the Canon Pro is the safer choice.
Can I use these IEMs with a phone without an amplifier?
Yes, both are designed to work with standard phone outputs, though the Canon Pro is specifically noted as source-friendly. The Horizon may benefit from a dedicated DAC or dongle to tame its treble and improve dynamics, but neither requires a separate amplifier to reach reasonable volume.
