Wired IEMs
Sony XBA-N3
59Average
$300
Full review dataSony XBA-N3 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.
Wired IEMs
Ziigaat Horizon
83Great
$330
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Ziigaat Horizon leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Sony XBA-N3
- Ziigaat Horizon
HearWiki score
59
83
Sound
7.0
8.6
Value
6.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$300
$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 9 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 9 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- XBA-N32016
- Horizon20259 yr newer
Specifications
XBA-N3Horizon
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $330
- HearWiki score
- 59
- 83
- Released
- 2016
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- -
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
- Driver type
- -
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 5
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 24 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 107 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Sony XBA-N3
This wired in-ear monitor pairs a 9mm dynamic driver with a balanced-armature tweeter to deliver a broad, detailed frequency range suited for high-resolution audio on the go. Its low 16-ohm impedance and high 107dB sensitivity make it easy to drive from smartphones or portable players. The compact build prioritizes comfort and portability without active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Clear, extended treble from the balanced-armature driver
- Pro:Strong bass impact from the dynamic driver
- Pro:Efficient and easy to drive with most devices
- Con:No noise isolation or cancellation features
- Con:Wired only, no wireless option
- Con:May require careful tip selection for a secure fit
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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