SOFTEARS TWILIGHT vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 3 of 4 measures.

SOFTEARS TWILIGHT
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

9.4

Value

6.3

7.6

Price (USD)

$930

$1,150

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 THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV 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.

TWILIGHT2022
Monarch MKIV20253 yr newer

Specifications

TWILIGHTMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $930; $1,150
HearWiki score: 69; 84
Released: 2022; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 10 mm driver; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: -; tribrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: -; 10
Impedance: 16 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -

Specification comparison of SOFTEARS TWILIGHT vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	SOFTEARS TWILIGHT	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$930	$1,150
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2025
Audio
Driver	10 mm driver	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	-	tribrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	-	10
Impedance	16 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-

What reviewers said

SOFTEARS TWILIGHT

The Softears Twilight is a premium single-dynamic-driver IEM with a warm, natural, and coherent sound signature that prioritizes smoothness and vocal presence. Its lightweight, well-crafted shells offer comfort, while its intimate yet spacious staging and organic timbre make it a great fit for listeners who favor a relaxed, musical presentation over aggressive treble energy. Notably, it lacks active noise cancellation and relies on passive isolation, which is modest at best.

Pro:Natural, smooth tonality with excellent coherency
Pro:Lightweight, comfortable shells with premium craftsmanship
Pro:Organic dynamic-driver timbre and strong midrange imaging

Con:Limited treble sparkle may not suit brightness lovers
Con:Passive isolation is on the weaker side
Con:High price for those seeking extra features like ANC

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

The Monarch MKIV is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver tribrid configuration, blending dual 8mm dynamic drivers, six balanced armatures, and two electrostatic tweeters. It offers a studio-neutral sound signature with an additional switchable bass-boost mode for listeners who prefer a more impactful low end.

Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
Pro:Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
Pro:Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters

Con:High price point limits accessibility
Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller 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 SOFTEARS TWILIGHT THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV