Wired IEMs
KZ ESX
66Good
$18
Full review dataKZ ESX vs Sivga SM100: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sivga SM100 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sivga SM100 - Great overall at around $35.
Wired IEMs
Sivga SM100
78Great
$35
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ ESX
Sound6.0
Value7.5
Sivga SM100
Sound8.0
Value8.5
Specifications
| Spec | KZ ESX | Sivga SM100 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $18 | $35 |
| HearWiki score | 66 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm dynamic | single dynamic driver, dual-chamber PU + sapphire-like ceramic composite diaphragm |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 27 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111.59 dB/mW | 107 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 7 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 1 |
What reviewers said
KZ ESX
The KZ ESX is a budget-friendly wired IEM built around a single 12mm dynamic driver, offering a durable design and detachable cable for its low price. Its sound signature leans toward value and impact rather than technical refinement, so it handles casual listening well but can feel congested with complex tracks. Overall, it's a reasonable entry-level pick for those prioritizing affordability and build over audiophile-grade clarity.
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Solid build quality with detachable cable
- Pro:Punchy, engaging bass response
- Con:Limited resolution and detail retrieval
- Con:Can sound congested with busy music
- Con:Not competitive with pricier IEMs on clarity
Sivga SM100
The Sivga SM100 is a budget-friendly single-dynamic-driver IEM that punches above its price class with an open, cohesive sound signature. It delivers impressive detail retrieval and well-controlled bass for the cost, though it does compromise on sub-bass depth and top-end airiness. Overall, it's a solid pick for listeners who value clarity and balance over extreme extension.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and detail for the price
- Pro:Balanced, cohesive tuning with controlled bass
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable with detachable cable
- Con:Sub-bass extension is limited
- Con:Treble rolls off noticeably in the upper frequencies
- Con:No wireless or multipoint connectivity options
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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