Short answer: the CCA Polaris. It ranks #231 of 450 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $13; the Sony MDR-EX15LP ranks #351, rated 3.5/5, at $11.99. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
The CCA Polaris is the better-sounding choice.
The case for the Sony MDR-EX15LP: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 68, a strong result for such an inexpensive in-ear, with the midrange from 1 to 10 kHz within half a decibel of the Harman target. The tradeoff: A 7.2 dB dip near 11.9 kHz and air about 3 dB below target take some sparkle off cymbals.
Buy the CCA Polaris. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1.01 you would save on the Sony MDR-EX15LP does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| CCA Polaris | Sony MDR-EX15LP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $13.00 | $11.99 |
| Ranked | #231 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #351 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 68 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.98 dB standard deviation | 2.24 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.07 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.88 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 9mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | - | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 100 dB/mW |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (3 g) per earbud |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to CCA Polaris:
- TRN MT5 vs CCA Polaris
- CCA Polaris vs TRN MT1 Pro
- CCA Polaris vs KZ ZSN Pro 2
- TRN MT1 vs Sony MDR-EX15LP
- Sony MDR-EX15LP vs Panasonic RP-HJE120
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Headphones In Full
CCA Polaris: $13.00 Linsoul eBay
Full CCA Polaris review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.98 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.07 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony MDR-EX15LP: $11.99 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 68, a strong result for such an inexpensive in-ear, with the midrange from 1 to 10 kHz within half a decibel of the Harman target. Bass runs about 4.7 dB above target, giving pop and hip hop a full, punchy low end. At 16 ohms, 100 dB/mW and 3 g per earbud it is light and easy to drive from a phone, and it rates above the KZ ATE and the HIFIMAN RE400.
Cons: A 7.2 dB dip near 11.9 kHz and air about 3 dB below target take some sparkle off cymbals. The TRN MT1 and the TANGZU Wan’er S.G both rate higher at a similar low price.
Full Sony MDR-EX15LP review and specifications →
| Released | 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.24 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 9mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.88 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (3 g) per earbud |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -1.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 214 Hz | -3.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,261 Hz | +4.4 dB | 1.08 |
| Peak | 696 Hz | +3.0 dB | 0.85 |
| Peak | 119 Hz | -1.4 dB | 1.73 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 3,346 Hz | -1.1 dB | 2.02 |
| Peak | 2,190 Hz | +1.1 dB | 2.86 |
| Peak | 6,044 Hz | +1.3 dB | 5.44 |
| Peak | 1,228 Hz | -0.4 dB | 3.91 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons