Wired IEMs
Sennheiser CX 80
71Good
$40
Full review dataSennheiser CX 80 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
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
82Outstanding
$65
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sennheiser CX 80 leads on 3 of 5 measures.
- Sennheiser CX 80
- Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
HearWiki score
71
82
Sound
7.2
8.1
Calls
5.5
-
Value
9.2
8.8
Price (USD)
$40
$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 80 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 8020263 yr newer
- x Crinacle Zero Red2023
Specifications
CX 80x Crinacle Zero Red
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $40
- $65
- HearWiki score
- 71
- 82
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 9.7 mm dynamic
- 2DD
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD
- Driver size
- 9.7 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Frequency response
- 17 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 17.5 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 14.3 g
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Microphones
- 1
- -
What reviewers said
Sennheiser CX 80
The Sennheiser CX 80 is a budget-friendly wired in-ear headphone that prioritizes clear, balanced audio over extra features. Its 9.7mm dynamic drivers deliver surprisingly robust bass, mids, and treble for the price, while the lightweight build and secure fit make it a practical choice for everyday listening. This is a straightforward, no-frills option for those who want solid wired sound without breaking the bank.
- Pro:Clean and balanced sound for the price
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Wired USB-C connection for broad compatibility
- Con:No volume controls on the inline remote
- Con:Average microphone performance
- Con:Lacks extra features like Bluetooth or ANC
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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