Skip to content
HearWiki

SOFTEARS STUDIO 4 vs Ziigaat Horizon: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Ziigaat Horizon comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Ziigaat Horizon - Great overall at around $329.

Score breakdown

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

Ziigaat Horizon leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • SOFTEARS STUDIO 4
  • Ziigaat Horizon
HearWiki score
55
83
Sound
7.0
8.6
Value
6.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$450
$330

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 Ziigaat Horizon is 2 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.

  • STUDIO 42023
  • Horizon20252 yr newer

Specifications

STUDIO 4Horizon
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$450
$330
HearWiki score
55
83
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
4BA
1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
4BA
1DD + 2BA + 2PL
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
4
5
Impedance
12 Ω
24 Ω
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Weight
5.6 g
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

SOFTEARS STUDIO 4

This wired in-ear monitor is built for studio work, featuring four balanced-armature drivers arranged in a three-way crossover to deliver precise, analytical sound. It's aimed at recording, mixing, and stage use, offering a lightweight and professional tool for musicians and engineers. With a low 12-ohm impedance, it's easy to drive from most devices.

  • Pro:Accurate, reference-style tuning ideal for critical listening
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Four balanced-armature drivers provide clear detail and separation
  • Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation depends entirely on ear tips
  • Con:Balanced-armature-only design may lack deep bass punch for some listeners
  • Con:Pricey for those not needing professional-grade monitoring

Ziigaat Horizon

The Ziigaat Horizon is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers impressive technical performance for its price, featuring a spacious, holographic soundstage and strong detail retrieval. Its W-shaped tuning balances clarity and engagement, though its energetic treble and lighter bass impact may not suit everyone. While the sound quality is a standout, the build and accessories feel less premium than the audio performance.

  • Pro:Excellent technical ability and detail retrieval
  • Pro:Large, holographic soundstage with strong imaging
  • Pro:Well-executed W-shaped tuning that balances fun and precision
  • Con:Treble can become fatiguing or slightly sibilant for sensitive listeners
  • Con:Mid-bass punch is limited, with bass more technical than physical
  • Con:Build quality feels somewhat cheap for the price

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.