Short answer: the Intuaura Reference 2019. Both are rated 4.9/5 for sound quality (#5 and #12 of 450 in-ear headphones), and the Intuaura Reference 2019 costs $34.99 against $39.99 for the EPZ Q1 Pro, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the EPZ Q1 Pro: For a budget single dynamic in-ear, the median of 29 hobbyist measurements is impressive: a preference score of 85 and an average deviation of about 1 dB from the Harman target. Watch for: Sub-bass sits about 1.6 dB under target, so deep electronic bass has slightly less rumble than bass fans may want.
Why pick the Intuaura Reference 2019: In the median of five hobbyist measurements on squig.link, the Reference 2019 posts a preference score of 87 with under 1 dB of unevenness, among the most accurate in-ears measured. Watch for: Treble runs a bit lively, with a 5.8 dB peak near 8 kHz and the air band about 2.3 dB high, so bright recordings can sound sharp.
Buy the Intuaura Reference 2019. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $5 less than the EPZ Q1 Pro.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| EPZ Q1 Pro | Intuaura Reference 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | $34.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #5 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (median of 29 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 87 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation | 0.95 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/Vrms | 105 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Intuaura Reference 2019:
- Intuaura Reference 2019 vs CCA Phoenix
- Intuaura Reference 2019 vs KZ Duonic
- EPZ Q1 Pro vs Tin HiFi C2 Mech Warrior
- EPZ G20 vs EPZ Q1 Pro
- EPZ G10 vs EPZ G20
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
EPZ Q1 Pro: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: For a budget single dynamic in-ear, the median of 29 hobbyist measurements is impressive: a preference score of 85 and an average deviation of about 1 dB from the Harman target. Midrange and treble bands track the target within about 1 dB, so voices and instruments sound natural rather than hyped. It shares its rating with the EPZ G20 and Intuaura Reference 2019 at a similar price.
Cons: Sub-bass sits about 1.6 dB under target, so deep electronic bass has slightly less rumble than bass fans may want. Sensitivity of 100 dB/Vrms at 32 ohms is low for an in-ear, so expect to turn a phone up more than usual. A 3.4 dB dip near 6.3 kHz and a 4.6 dB peak near 11.9 kHz add a little unevenness in the treble.
Full EPZ Q1 Pro review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (median of 29 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Intuaura Reference 2019: $34.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: In the median of five hobbyist measurements on squig.link, the Reference 2019 posts a preference score of 87 with under 1 dB of unevenness, among the most accurate in-ears measured. Sub-bass sits about 1 dB above target, giving kick drums a satisfying thump, while mids stay neutral. Its single 10 mm dynamic driver is an inexpensive way to get top tier tuning.
Cons: Treble runs a bit lively, with a 5.8 dB peak near 8 kHz and the air band about 2.3 dB high, so bright recordings can sound sharp. The EPZ G10 earns the same rating for less, and there is no microphone for calls.
Full Intuaura Reference 2019 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 0.95 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 87 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons