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CrinEar Reference vs Sennheiser IE 80S BT: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Reference comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

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

Score breakdown

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

Sennheiser IE 80S BT leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • CrinEar Reference
  • Sennheiser IE 80S BT
HearWiki score
86
40
Sound
9.1
7.3
Noise cancelling
-
0.0
Battery
-
3.5
Calls
-
7.7
Value
8.9
-
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

The CrinEar Reference is 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Reference20268 yr newer
  • IE 80S BT2018

Specifications

ReferenceIE 80S BT
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$350
$190
HearWiki score
86
40
Released
2026
2018
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 3BA hybrid
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
2DD + 3BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
5
1
Frequency response
-
10 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
5.0
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, LHDC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
6 h
Battery incl. case
-
340 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
-
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
-
30 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-
Microphones
-
2

What reviewers said

CrinEar Reference

The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor with a hybrid 2DD + 3BA driver setup, offering a balanced and detailed sound signature. It features a detachable 4.4mm balanced cable and relies on a tight seal for passive isolation, making it a strong choice for critical listening at its price point.

  • Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers rich, layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexible connectivity
  • Pro:Good passive isolation from proper eartip seal
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise isn't fully blocked
  • Con:Requires a balanced source to fully utilize the 4.4mm connector
  • Con:Fit may be finicky for some users to achieve optimal seal

Sennheiser IE 80S BT

The Sennheiser IE 80S BT is a wireless neckband-style in-ear that builds on the wired IE 80S heritage, offering a full-bodied, clear sound with adjustable bass. It supports a wide range of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including aptX HD and aptX Low Latency, and weighs just 30 grams for comfortable all-day wear. While its six-hour battery life is modest and it lacks features like ANC or an app, it's aimed at audiophiles who value sound quality over extra conveniences.

  • Pro:Excellent codec support including aptX HD and LHDC
  • Pro:Full-bodied, clear sound with adjustable bass
  • Pro:Lightweight 30g neckband design
  • Con:Short 6-hour battery life on a single charge
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ

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

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