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CrinEar Daybreak vs FiiO FH3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Daybreak comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: CrinEar Daybreak - Outstanding overall at around $170.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

CrinEar Daybreak leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • CrinEar Daybreak
  • FiiO FH3
HearWiki score
84
60
Sound
8.8
6.6
Value
9.2
5.4
Price (USD)
$170
$120

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The CrinEar Daybreak is 5 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Daybreak20255 yr newer
  • FH32020

Specifications

DaybreakFH3
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$170
$120
HearWiki score
84
60
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
1DD + 2BA tribrid
1DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type
tribrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
1DD + 2BA
1DD + 2BA
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
3
3
Frequency response
-
10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
20 Ω
24 Ω
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
114 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
-
7.3 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm

What reviewers said

CrinEar Daybreak

The CrinEar Daybreak is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers a well-balanced, reference-style sound with a focus on accurate reproduction and natural mids. It performs admirably across various genres, though its stock cable and occasionally shouty upper mids may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Balanced, neutral-leaning tuning
  • Pro:Natural and lifelike midrange
  • Pro:Strong bass texture with sub-bass emphasis
  • Con:Stock cable feels cheap
  • Con:Can sound shouty on certain tracks
  • Con:Not the most exciting or dynamic presentation

FiiO FH3

The FiiO FH3 is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with two balanced armatures for a three-driver setup, offering a bass-forward yet composed sound with clear mids and airy treble. Its lightweight, detachable-cable design and high sensitivity make it easy to drive from a phone, while its tuning leans toward an engaging, relaxed character suited for long listens. Overall, it presents strong value in its price range, though its soundstage is intimate and sub-bass emphasis can color bass timbre.

  • Pro:Solid hybrid driver configuration with good bass punch and clarity
  • Pro:Comfortable, lightweight build with detachable cable
  • Pro:Easy to drive from smartphones or basic sources
  • Con:Soundstage feels somewhat narrow
  • Con:Sub-bass emphasis can affect bass timbre accuracy
  • Con:No accessories or features beyond the basic wired setup

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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