18 Most Expensive IEMs & Earbuds in the World

Can you imagine dropping 10 grand on a pair of IEMs?

While their prices may seem crazy, the world’s most expensive in-ear monitors (IEMs) and earbuds are made with high-end materials, new technology, and a lot of care.

These are more than just listening devices. They’ve turned into luxury items that show off the best aspects of personal audio money can buy.

We’ve rounded up the most expensive IEMs in the world to see how they justify their price tag. Read on if you’re curious or if you want to know where to spend your extra bucks.

oBravo Ra-c-cu IEMs

• Retail Price: US$10,900

The oBravo Ra-c-cu are the crown jewel of the Ra Signature series, showing the company’s 12 years of audio experience.

These IEMs have a PVD-coated copper chassis for added durability. Inside are 16 mm neodymium dynamic drivers and the revolutionary Air Motion Transformer Tweeter (AMT) II driver. These make the sound response five times faster than regular earphones, offering a great listening experience.

The Ra-C-Cu’s unique design also features acacia wood and precision ceramics, which add to their unmatched sound quality.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 1 AMTII tweeter, 1 Neodymium Dynamic Driver
• Impedance: 180Ω
• Sensitivity: 93 dB
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 45 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: 1.2 m high purity copper and silver-plated copper in a Litz construction
• Plug Type: 2.5 mm / 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm / 4-pole 3.5 mm straight plug

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Oriolus Traillii Ti IEMs

• Retail Price: US$8,499

The Oriolus Traillii Ti IEMs are a masterpiece of sound engineering, limited to just 199 sets globally. They have four Sonion electrostatic drivers for clear highs and eight balanced armature drivers for precise mids and lows. This setup creates a detailed and expansive sound that truly stands out.

Sonion electrostatic tweeters use a charged diaphragm between two metal plates to produce sound. This creates precise vibrations, helping to produce clear and detailed highs.

These IEMs also feature titanium alloy on the housing, for strength and lightness. As such, they’re durable enough to stand against daily wear and tear while remaining comfortable for long listening sessions.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 4 Sonion Electrostatic Drivers, 8 Balanced Armature Drivers
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Sensitivity: 110 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: 1.2 m, 8-core pure silver, gold-silver alloy, copper
• Connector: 2-pin 0.78 / 4.4 mm balanced

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Noble Viking Ragnar IEMs

• Retail Price: US$7,900

Noble’s Viking Ragnar bring up the IEM experience with their all-aluminum shells and stainless steel Damascus faceplates, crafted by master jeweler Chris Ploof.

These flagship IEMs have two dynamic drivers for powerful bass, and four balanced armature drivers that handle mid to high frequencies. Plus, an additional four electrostatic drivers render the highest frequencies with lifelike clarity and detail.

The Viking Ragnar also come with the Magnus 4, a proprietary cable with a 4-core design for optimal signal transmission. They also have high-quality connectivity options, promising a secure link to your audio source.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 2 Dynamic Drivers, 4 Balanced Armature Drivers, 4 Electrostatic Drivers
• Impedance: 17Ω
• Sensitivity: 112 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz-40 KHz
• Cable Length and Type: 4-core Graphene/OCCC-AG
• Connector: 2-pin 0.78 / 4.4 mm balanced

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Subtonic Storm IEMs

• Retail Price: US$5,200

The Subtonic Storm are made to copy the feeling of a studio monitor in an IEM format. They feature a complex seven-way crossover, combining 2 SLAM Woofers, 5 Balanced Armature Drivers, and 2 Electrostatic Drivers for reference-class tonality.

The Storm IEMs are also exceptional because of their high-quality materials. They use 7N OCC copper wiring for bass, delivering strong and clear sounds. For middle and high sounds, they use Estron silver-plated copper wiring, which helps make these sounds detailed and clear.

These expensive IEMs have top-notch capacitors from well-known brands like Vishay, Rubycon, and Panasonic, so the sound signal remains clean and stable for pure audio quality.

The attention to detail extends to their design as well. The titanium and enamel-painted housing is carefully handmade, so each unit is as unique as it is beautiful.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 2 Subtonic SLAM drivers, 5 Balanced Armature Drivers, 2 Electrostatic Drivers
• Impedance: 6.10Ω
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Frequency Response: 3 Hz-20 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: 1.2 m, 7N OCC copper for signal, copper & silver-plated copper hybrid mix, Litz construction, dynamic strand sizing, anti-noise shielding
• Connector: 3.5mm / 4.4mm / 2.5mm

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Vision Ears ERLKÖNIG Limited Black Edition

• Retail Price: US$5,117

The limited edition ERLKöNIG – black edition are the last item in the ERLKöNIG line. These take the already legendary IEMs to the next level of premium luxury and elite sound.

The shell made of pure 925 silvers is refined with a shiny black rhodium plating and a rosé gold pattern faceplate, giving this masterpiece the opulent appearance it deserves.

The ERLKöNIG’s sound can be changed via a 4-way switch, letting you select your preferred sound signature. You can express yourself with the carefully designed faceplates while enjoying music with amazing precision and clarity, powered by an engine of 13 BA drivers.

Each driver focuses on different frequencies: four bass, four mid-range, four high-frequency drivers and a super tweeter. This is controlled by a passive 5-way crossover to produce an outstanding sound with deeply graduated precision and clarity.

The body is lacquered in black so that the fine structure of the wood is still visible.

The cable, coated in black with 28 AWG OCC silver, also matches the exclusivity of this outstanding product. And, the cable tie and the carry case are made of the finest Italian calfskin and embossed with a special Lizard pattern, which gives them a unique and luxurious touch.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 13 balanced armature drivers per earphone: 4 low + 4 mid + 4 high + 1 super tweeter
• Impedance: 16 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 105db
• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 45kHz
• Cable Length and Type:
  • Black sheathed 8-wire 28 AWG OCC silver cable with 2-pin connectors (unknown length)
• Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug
• Connector: 2-pin (unknown size)

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

oBravo EAMT-1C

• Retail Price: US$5,115

oBravo’s EAMT Reference series of earphones are similar to the Ra Signature series. They share the same coaxial design and the patented AMT tweeter, which is up to 5 times faster than a normal dynamic earphone.

But, compared to the Ra Series, the eamt models have smaller dynamic drivers and are tuned differently. So, they are far easier to drive from any source, including mobile phones. They are also more lightweight at only 35g.

There are many variations of the eamt-1, including those with smaller dynamic drivers and a wide variety of materials used for enclosures.

But, the EAMT-1C is the top of this line, employing a combination of thermo-modified acacia wood, aluminum alloy, and advanced ceramics.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 8mm AMTII tweeter + 13mm neodymium dynamic driver, coaxial design
• Impedance: 16 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 db
• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 45kHz
• Cable Length and Type: 1.2m — 3.5mm earphone cable
• Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug, 6.3mm with included adapter

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Vision Ears PHöNIX IEMs

• Retail Price: US$4,180

Another ultra expensive IEMs from Vision Ears are the Vision Ears PHöNIX. These are made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and adorned with a sapphire glass faceplate.

Just like the the ERLKÖNIG, the PHöNIX’s sound quality lies in their array of 13 balanced armature drivers.

These drivers are expertly arranged and managed by a passive 5-way crossover network, a setup that lets the audio frequencies be split exactly across different drivers.It ensures that from the deepest bass to the highest treble, every note is rendered with amazing clarity, depth, and balance.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 13 Balanced Armature Drivers
• Impedance: 13Ω
• Sensitivity: 125 dB
• Frequency Response: Not specified
• Cable Length and Type: 23AWG silver/gold alloy copper, Litz construction
• Connector: 2-pin / 2.5mm to 4.4mm Converter Plug

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor IEMs

• Retail Price: US$4,499

The Multiverse Mentor feature a bone conduction driver alongside 12 balanced armature drivers for a cleaner, stronger, and more focused sound.

In these IEMs, the piezoelectric component of the bone conduction driver uses materials that generate an electrical charge in response to sound waves. This charge then produces vibrations that are conducted through the bones to the inner ear.

The IEMs also have custom-designed cables and connectors that promise optimal signal transmission and durability. High-quality materials like aerospace-grade aluminum and hypoallergenic resins are used for their bodies, offering a comfortable, secure fit while also ensuring longevity.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 12 Balanced Armature Drivers, 1 Frequency Shift Piezoelectric Bone Conduction Driver
• Impedance: 22Ω
• Sensitivity: 114 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz-40 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: 4-core 26AWG copper and silver-plated copper Deep of Universe braided cable
• Connector: 2-Pin Socket

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Fir Audio Frontier Xenon 6 IEMs

• Retail Price: US$3,899

The Fir Audio Xenon 6 shine due to their exceptional construction. The robust stainless steel shells provide great durability and a premium feel, while the sapphire crystal glass faceplates add an element of luxury and scratch resistance.

The Xenon 6 IEMs use a mix of drivers for different sounds: balanced armature drivers for clear mids and highs, dynamic drivers for deep bass, and electrostatic drivers for very detailed highs.

They also have Kinetic Bass technology, which creates a more powerful bass experience by using vibrations from both air and bone to make the bass sound deeper.

Plus, the Xenon 6 have Fir Audio’s ATOM (Air Transferring Open Module) venting system, which helps prevent the feeling of pressure in your ears that sometimes happens with in-ear monitors. This makes wearing them more comfortable, especially for long periods.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 1 Dynamic Driver, 4 Balanced Armature Drivers, 1 Electrostatic Driver
• Impedance: 28Ω
• Sensitivity: Not specified
• Frequency Response: 20-20 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: 4.4 mm 8-core braided copper cable
• Connector: 2-Pin 0.78mm

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

ULTRASONE Saphire

• Retail Price: US$3,653

The Ultrasone Saphire In-Ear Headphones give high quality sound, durability, and comfort by combining six drivers in a 4-way configuration. Each earbud has two balanced armature (BA) low frequency drivers, a mid-frequency BA driver, a high-frequency BA driver, and two electrostatic super-high-frequency drivers.

This setup makes a remarkably detailed sonic image across a wide frequency spectrum (10 Hz to 50 kHz) with deep, concise bass. The included interchangeable cables offer flexibility – one balanced TRRS 2.5mm cable and one unbalanced TRS 3.5mm cable.

The Saphire IEMs ship with two sets of eartips from Comply (Tx-500, S/M/L) and SpinFit (CP145, S/M/L), as well as a cleaning tool, a cleaning cloth, and a travel case. Designed with a focus on environmentalism and sustainability, they are a premium product with a strong commitment to responsible product design.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 6 driver 4-way hybrid technology: 4 balanced armature drivers and dual electrostatic tweeters per earphone
• Impedance: 25 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 106db
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• Cable Length and Type:
  • High-quality balanced and unbalanced cables (unknown length)
• Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug
• Connector: gold-plated 2-pin (unknown size)

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

64 Audio Fourté Blanc

• Retail Price: US$3,599

The 64 Audio Fourté Blanc are a limited edition version of the hugely successful Fourté IEMs. Limited to just 500 units globally, the Blanc have 64 Audio’s distortion-reducing filter and Tia technology for an unparalleled pure listening experience.

The ceramic-coated pristine white shell houses the Tia system of open balanced armature drivers, a single bore design, and acoustic chambers. These work together to produce an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage and smooth frequency response unlike any other IEMs.

The pure silver cable acts as a Faraday cage, shielding against interference. Premium Cardas Audio copper wiring, Mundorf’s MSolder SilverGold solder, and perfect attention to detail in every component let the Blanc offer the best audio experience.

Technical tidbits

• Drivers: 1 Dynamic, 2 Mid BA, 2 High BA, Tia high driver
• Impedance: 10 ohms at 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 114 dB/mW at 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 5Hz to 22kHz
• Cable: Premium 4.4mm balanced silver cable.
• Connector: 2-pin connector system

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Empire Ears Wraith

• Retail Price: US$3,499

The Wraith is the world’s first Quad Electrostatic IEM. They use a number of proprietary balanced armature drivers by Knowles and Sonion, each one purpose built for a specific target response. In total, there are 11 drivers per earbud.

Each Empire driver uses a NASA-born ferromagnetic liquid technology, Ferrofluid, to dampen acoustics peaks and reduce vibrations in combination with their A.R.C. technology. The end result is extraordinary clarity and increased shock durability.

The extreme level of detail achieved by the Wraith is possible through the innovation of EIVEC – Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control – technology.

This uses two transformers to bring the Quadruple Electrostatic Drivers into order, dividing the duties of the EST drivers, and blending them seamlessly with the seven balanced armature drivers which fill out the rest of the robust sound profile.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 4 electrostatic drivers + 7 proprietary Empire balanced armature drivers (2 low, 3 mid, 2 high, 4 super-high) per IEM
• Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 117db
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 100kHz
• Cable Length and Type:
  • UPOCC (Ultra Pure Silver) 26AWG Handcrafted Cable by Effect Audio (unknown length)
• Plug Type: 3.5mm, 24k Oyaide gold-plated right angle plug (2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced terminations are available at no additional charge)
• Connector: gold-plated 2-pin (unknown size)

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website
• Buy from Amazon

Campfire Audio Trifecta Dark Prism IEMs

• Retail Price: US$3,349

The Trifecta ‘Dark Prism‘ by Campfire Audio are special set of IEMs built with three 10 mm A.D.L.C. (Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon) dynamic drivers.

This material is both rigid and light, which helps create a clear and wide soundstage and makes it feel like you’re listening to a live performance.

The IEMs are paired with a Time Stream Metal cable, designed for better signal transmission and durability. They also come with a handcrafted case made from Portuguese leather, giving a touch of luxury and protection.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 3 A.D.L.C. dynamic drivers
• Impedance: 6.3Ω
• Sensitivity: 94 dB
• Frequency Response: 5Hz–20 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: Enameled silver-plated copper conductors with PVC jacket
• Connector: 3.5 mm / 2.5 mm / 4.4 mm

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Astell&Kern Layla AION

• Retail Price: US$3,299

The Layla AION from Astell&Kern and Jerry Harvey Audio represent the latest evolution of the highly acclaimed Layla line of earbuds.

Powered by the soundrIVe system, the Layla AION packs 12 drivers per side – quad low, mid, and high balanced armatures. The Sonic Tube Chassis houses the drivers in 3D printed chambers with freqphase technology for perfect phase alignment.

And, a patented technology, freqPhase™, ensures the correct phase and time alignment of all frequencies. This results in the most accurate music reproduction of any earphone available.

Aside from sound, each Layla AION begin as a carbon fiber block formed by compressing hundreds of layers of resin-infused carbon fiber fabric. Then, they are precision tuned using state-of-the-art equipment and assembled by hand.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 12 proprietary balanced armature drivers per earphone (quad low, quad mid and quad high)
• Impedance: 20 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 117db
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 30kHz
• Cable Length and Type:
  • High purity OFC 4N silver-plated litz wire cable (length unknown)
• Plug Type: German-made, military grade, iridium connector; 2.5mm 4-pole balanced straight plug, plus a 2.5mm to 3.5mm silver-plated OFC litz wire cable adapter
• Connector: 7-pin (proprietary)

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

UE Premier IEMs

• Retail Price: US$2,999

The UE Premier have 21 drivers and a complex five-way crossover system that deliver clear and evenly balanced sound at every frequency. Special True Tone drivers and Knowles Super Tweeter allow these earphones to play sounds up to 40kHz for a rich and detailed sound experience.

These IEMs have waterproof connections, making them resistant to moisture and sweat—a great feature for music lovers on the go.

The included SuperBAX cable is another highlight. This adds low resistance and great durability, keeping the sound clear and consistent over time.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 4 Dual Mid-Low Diaphragm, 2 Dual Sub-Low, 1 Quad Mid, 1 True Tone, 1 Quad High Super Tweeter
• Impedance: 15Ω
• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Cable Length and Type: Quad twisted silver-plated copper Litz wires
• Connector: 3.5mm – 1/8” Stereo Headphone Jack

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Moondrop Solis II IEMs

• Retail Price: US$2,699

The Moondrop Solis II display careful craftsmanship and advanced audio technology.

Their housing uses 925 silver for superior acoustic properties and is carved with a feather-like texture. The faceplate, which is hand-soldered in 24K gold and silver, bears the “Golden Sun Bird,” a symbol of the ancient Shu civilization,

The Solis II focus on excellent sound by using a special setup called HODDDUS (Horizontally Opposed Dual Dynamic Drivers Unit System). In this setup, two dynamic drivers are placed opposite each other in a symmetrical way using 3D-printed parts. This helps to fine-tune the sound, making it clearer and precise.

Dual dynamic drivers deliver exceptional bass, while balanced armature drivers focus on making the mid-treble range richer. There are also four Sonion high-dynamic electrostatic drivers for crystal-clear treble details.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 2 Dynamic Drivers, 2 Balanced Armature Drivers, 4 Electrostatic Drivers
• Impedance: 10Ω
• Sensitivity: 121 dB
• Frequency Response: 7 Hz-40 kHz
• Cable Length and Type: Chip-level high-purity copper PURE6 cable
• Connector: 0.78-2pin / 3.5 mm

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website
• Buy from Amazon

64 Audio A18s

• Retail Price: US$2,999

The 64 Audio A18s claim to be the final authority on flagship in-ear monitors, with elite performance for professionals on stage and in the studio. With 18 drivers per side, they give the clarity and precision needed for sound engineering, along with the warmth, power, and headroom demanded by musicians.

The A18s have LID technology, making them 64 Audio’s most capable and adaptable IEMs to date. They beat most competitors when it comes to maximum output, or max SPL, which refers to how loud the IEM can work before audible driver distortion. This vast headroom allows the whole system to be less stressed and perform more nimbly.

The IEMs also use an industry-first low-pass filter for the low frequency balanced armature driver pack. By only sending the relevant frequencies, the drivers are unburdened and free from unneeded stress, helping the high max SPL and overall effectiveness as a monitoring tool.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: 18 precision balanced armature drivers per earphone (1 tia high, 1 high-mid, 8 mid, 8 low)
• Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 106db
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz
• Crossover: integrated 4-way passive crossover
• Isolation: -20dB with m20 module, -15dB with m15 module
• Cable Length and Type:
  • 48″ or 64″ detachable professional cable
• Plug Type: 3.5mm right-angle plug
• Connector: Choice of 2-pin or IPX connectors

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website

Audeze LCDi4

• Retail Price: US$2,495

The Audeze LCDi4 bring the planar magnetic technology from their flagship LCD-4 headphones into an in-ear design. Leveraging ultra-thin diaphragms about the width of a white blood cell, the LCDi4 delivers incredible speed and accuracy.

Audeze’s proprietary Fluxor magnets and Uniforce voice coils contribute to the LCDi4’s expansive soundstage, superb transient response, and ruler-flat bass extension down to a subterranean 5Hz. While fairly sensitive at 105dB/1mW, Audeze recommends an external amplifier to hear them at their best.

The featherweight magnesium housing weighs in at a scant 12g per side, with a premium, silver-plated OCC copper cable in a durable, Kevlar-reinforced braid.

Technical tidbits

• Driver: Single 30mm planar magnetic (Fluxor™ magnet array); neodymium N50 magnet
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 110db
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• Cable Length and Type:
  • 1.2m OCC silver-plated, premium braided cable, with .78mm 2-pin connectors
  • CIPHER Bluetooth module included
• Plug Type: 3.5mm gold-plated TRRS plug
• Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors

Where to buy

• Buy from the official website