Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs Kiwi Ears Étude: 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.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Étude
68Good
$120
Full review dataScore 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
- Kiwi Ears Étude
HearWiki score
84
68
Sound
8.8
7.1
Value
9.2
7.0
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
Both shipped in 2025. 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.
- Daybreak2025
- Étude2025
Specifications
DaybreakÉtude
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $120
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 68
- Released
- 2025
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 4
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 104 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 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
Kiwi Ears Étude
The Kiwi Ears Étude is an affordable hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for a lively, bass-forward sound. It delivers energetic, warm tones with smooth highs and clear vocals, though its unique low-end character can be polarizing and demanding on source gear. A fun, distinctive listen for those seeking a colorful tuning rather than strict neutrality.
- Pro:Lively, energetic tuning with full-bodied bass
- Pro:Clear vocal reproduction and airy soundstage
- Pro:Smooth highs with clean note decay
- Con:Bass-forward character may not suit all listeners
- Con:Can introduce resonance or control issues at times
- Con:Requires a capable source to perform optimally
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.