Wired IEMs
CrinEar Daybreak
84Outstanding
$170
Full review dataCrinEar Daybreak vs TRI I3 Mk3: 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
TRI I3 Mk3
72Great
$220
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Daybreak leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Daybreak
- TRI I3 Mk3
HearWiki score
84
72
Sound
8.8
8.0
Value
9.2
6.8
Price (USD)
$170
$220
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 TRI I3 Mk3 (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
- I3 Mk32024
Specifications
DaybreakI3 Mk3
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $220
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 72
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA tribrid
- 1DD + 1BA + 1PL tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 1BA + 1PL
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 3
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 21 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
TRI I3 Mk3
The TRI i3 Mk3 is a wired tribrid in-ear monitor that combines a 10mm dynamic driver, a balanced armature, and a planar driver for a detailed, versatile sound. Priced around $219, it offers a well-tuned, all-around performance that suits music, video, and gaming, with a detachable 2-pin cable for easy upgrades. Its 21-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from most sources, though it lacks any active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Engaging tribrid tuning with good balance across frequencies
- Pro:Versatile performance for music, movies, and gaming
- Pro:Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable for replacement or upgrades
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:May require a good source or amp for optimal bass control
- Con:Shell size might be large for smaller ears
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.