Sennheiser CX 300S 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 3 of 5 measures.

Sennheiser CX 300S
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

HearWiki score

Sound

6.2

8.1

Calls

5.8

Value

5.6

8.8

Price (USD)

$61

$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

The Sennheiser CX 300S is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

CX 300S20263 yr newer
x Crinacle Zero Red2023

Specifications

CX 300Sx Crinacle Zero Red

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $61; $65
HearWiki score: 57; 82
Released: 2026; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: dynamic; 2DD
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: -; 2DD
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 17 Hz - 21 kHz; -
Impedance: 18 Ω; 17.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 118 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: 12 g; -
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -
Microphones: 1; -
Microphone type: MEMS; -
Mic sensitivity: -44 dBV; -

Specification comparison of Sennheiser CX 300S vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Spec	Sennheiser CX 300S	Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$61	$65
HearWiki score	57 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2023
Audio
Driver	dynamic	2DD
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	-	2DD
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	17 Hz - 21 kHz	-
Impedance	18 Ω	17.5 Ω
Sensitivity	118 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	12 g	-
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-
Calls
Microphones	1	-
Microphone type	MEMS	-
Mic sensitivity	-44 dBV	-

What reviewers said

Sennheiser CX 300S

The Sennheiser CX 300S is a budget-friendly wired in-ear headphone with a dynamic driver, offering a bass-heavy yet versatile sound signature with clear vocals. It's a practical, lightweight choice for everyday music and calls via a 3.5mm connection, though it lacks advanced features like noise cancellation or a detachable cable.

Pro:Strong bass presence
Pro:Clear and distinct vocal reproduction
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit

Con:Microphonics (cable noise) can be noticeable
Con:Bass control and treble presence are limited
Con:Build durability is a concern

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.

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New comparison Sennheiser CX 300S Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red