
Softears Volume 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- Softears Volume
- Ziigaat Horizon
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?
The Ziigaat Horizon 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.
- Volume2022
- Horizon20253 yr newer
Specifications
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $290
- $330
- HearWiki score
- 74
- 83
- Released
- 2022
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 5
- Impedance
- 5 Ω
- 24 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Softears Volume
The Softears Volume is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a dynamic driver with two balanced armatures to deliver a lively, musical sound. It offers impressive clarity and resolution for its price, leaning toward a fun, engaging tuning rather than a strictly neutral monitor profile, while maintaining solid tonal balance and natural timbre. It's a strong value pick for listeners seeking an energetic yet coherent listening experience.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and detail retrieval for the price
- Pro:Fun, engaging tuning with good tonal balance
- Pro:Natural timbre and cohesive driver integration
- Con:Lacks some upper-treble presence and airiness
- Con:Not suited for those wanting a pure reference-neutral sound
- Con:Low impedance may require a capable source for optimal pairing
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.
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