Skip to content
HearWiki

CrinEar Daybreak vs Kinera Celest Relentless: 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
  • Kinera Celest Relentless
HearWiki score
84
68
Sound
8.8
7.4
Value
9.2
6.4
Price (USD)
$170
$170

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

CrinEar Daybreak (2025) against Kinera Celest Relentless (2024). These are 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.

  • Daybreak20251 yr newer
  • Celest Relentless2024

Specifications

DaybreakCelest Relentless
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$170
$170
HearWiki score
84
68
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 2BA tribrid
1DD + 6BA hybrid
Driver type
tribrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
1DD + 2BA
1DD + 6BA
Drivers per side
3
7
Impedance
20 Ω
27 Ω
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
Connector
-
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

CrinEar Daybreak

The CrinEar Daybreak is a well-rounded wired IEM that delivers a balanced, natural sound with a slight sub-bass emphasis, making it a strong contender around the $170 price point. It excels at reproducing acoustic music with lifelike mids and offers a non-fatiguing treble, though its overall presentation may feel too subdued for those seeking a more colored or dynamic experience. While not class-leading, it competes effectively as a reference-style option with minor trade-offs in build and technical performance.

  • Pro:Natural, lifelike midrange especially for acoustic tracks
  • Pro:Balanced tuning with solid bass texture and non-fatiguing treble
  • Pro:Good value for the price in its category
  • Con:Stock cable feels cheap and flimsy
  • Con:Can sound shouty on certain recordings
  • Con:Lacks excitement for listeners wanting more coloration

Kinera Celest Relentless

This hybrid in-ear monitor from Kinera's Celest range packs seven drivers—one dynamic and six balanced-armature—into a wired design. It features a detachable cable with modular terminations, catering to audiophiles who prefer a flexible, high-resolution listening setup without wireless features.

  • Pro:Rich, detailed sound from a seven-driver hybrid configuration
  • Pro:Detachable modular cable offers versatility with different sources
  • Pro:Compact hybrid design suits critical listening at a mid-range price
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, requiring a quiet environment or isolation tips
  • Con:Requires a wired source, limiting convenience for mobile use
  • Con:May need a capable amplifier to fully drive the 27-ohm load

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.