Skip to content
HearWiki

CrinEar Reference vs Letshuoer Astralis: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Reference comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: CrinEar Reference - Great overall at around $350.

Score breakdown

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

CrinEar Reference leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • CrinEar Reference
  • Letshuoer Astralis
HearWiki score
83
73
Sound
9.1
7.7
Value
8.9
8.0
Price (USD)
$350
$190

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 2026. 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.

  • Reference2026
  • Astralis2026

Specifications

ReferenceAstralis
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$190
HearWiki score
83
73
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
15.5 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
hybrid
planar
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
15.5 mm
Drivers per side
5
-
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

CrinEar Reference

The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor that combines two dynamic drivers with three balanced armatures in a hybrid setup, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. Its secure fit provides good passive noise isolation, making it a reliable choice for critical listening at its price point. The detachable 4.4mm balanced cable adds versatility for audiophiles with compatible sources.

  • Pro:Effective passive noise isolation from a snug seal
  • Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers a rich, layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable balanced cable for enhanced audio quality and durability
  • Con:Requires a source with a 4.4mm balanced output for full benefit
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may be present in louder environments

Letshuoer Astralis

The Letshuoer Astralis is a wired in-ear monitor featuring a 15.5 mm fifth-generation planar magnetic driver, designed for high-fidelity listening with portable or balanced audio gear. It uses a standard 2-pin connector and lacks active noise cancellation, focusing purely on sound quality for audiophiles.

  • Pro:Large planar driver for detailed, low-distortion sound
  • Pro:Wired design ensures stable, lossless audio transmission
  • Pro:Compatible with balanced sources for enhanced performance
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise may intrude
  • Con:Requires a quality source to fully utilize its capabilities
  • Con:Limited to wired use, not convenient for wireless setups

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.

New comparisonCrinEar ReferenceLetshuoer Astralis