Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.0/5 for sound quality (#1290 and #1282 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW costs $53.99 against $99 for the HIFIMAN RE800, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the Intuaura Reference 2019, ranked #7 at $34.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
What the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW does well: It uses 1 x 10mm dynamic with an easy 16 ohm load. The catch: A tonal tilt of -3.01 makes it sound dark, with bass well ahead of the treble.
Why pick the HIFIMAN RE800: A wired in-ear with a single 9.2mm dynamic driver, 60 ohm impedance and a rated 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response. The tradeoff: A tonal tilt of +2.30 makes it sound bright and thin.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $45.01 less than the HIFIMAN RE800.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
It uses 1 x 10mm dynamic with an easy 16 ohm load.
Amazon $53.99 eBay
A wired in-ear with a single 9.2mm dynamic driver, 60 ohm impedance and a rated 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response.
HIFIMAN $99.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW | HIFIMAN RE800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $53.99 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #1290 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1282 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Connection | True wireless | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 9.2mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz | 5Hz - 20kHz |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (14.5 g) |
| Harman Preference Score | 9 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 24 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 6.22 dB standard deviation | 5.44 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -3.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +2.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
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