HiFiMAN ES100 vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red - Outstanding overall at around $65.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red leads on 4 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN ES100
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

HearWiki score

Sound

5.9

8.1

Value

4.8

8.8

Price (USD)

$69

$65

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

HiFiMAN ES100 (2024) against Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red (2023). 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.

ES10020241 yr newer
x Crinacle Zero Red2023

Specifications

ES100x Crinacle Zero Red

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $69; $65
HearWiki score: 50; 82
Released: 2024; 2023
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 15 mm dynamic; 2DD
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: -; 2DD
Driver size: 15 mm; -
Drivers per side: -; 2
Frequency response: 15 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 150 Ω; 17.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 113 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 13 g; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN ES100 vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Spec	HiFiMAN ES100	Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$69	$65
HearWiki score	50 / 100 Weak	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2023
Audio
Driver	15 mm dynamic	2DD
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	-	2DD
Driver size	15 mm	-
Drivers per side	-	2
Frequency response	15 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	150 Ω	17.5 Ω
Sensitivity	113 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	13 g	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN ES100

The HiFiMAN ES100 is a wired in-ear monitor featuring a 15mm dynamic driver in a lightweight 13g housing, aiming for detailed, spacious sound with high sensitivity for easy pairing with phones and portable players. Its 150-ohm impedance and balanced tuning deliver clear highs and mids, though bass response is more restrained than emphasized. The package includes a carry pouch and spare silicone tips for convenience.

Pro:Lightweight and comfortable at 13g
Pro:High sensitivity (113 dB) for easy driving
Pro:Clear, well-balanced mids and highs

Con:Bass lacks deep low-end emphasis
Con:150-ohm impedance may require more power from weak sources
Con:Wired only with 3.5mm connector, no ANC or USB-C

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

This wired in-ear monitor pairs a 10 mm and a 7.8 mm dynamic driver in a dual-driver setup, tuned for a warm, natural sound signature. It’s designed to be comfortable for extended listening, making it a solid pick for those who prefer a relaxed, non-fatiguing presentation. With no ANC, it relies on passive isolation from its fit.

Pro:Warm, natural tuning for long sessions
Pro:Dual dynamic drivers for rich bass and detail
Pro:Comfortable fit for extended wear

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a source with enough power (17.5 ohm impedance)
Con:Bulky shell may not suit small 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.

New comparison HiFiMAN ES100 Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red