Short answer: the Hidizs MS3. Both are rated 3.6/5 for sound quality (#722 and #721 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Hidizs MS3 costs $119.99 against $127.99 for the TRN Whale Shark, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Hidizs MS3: Eight hobbyist measurements give it a preference score of 69 with a lively V-shaped tuning that suits fans of punchy bass and crisp detail. Watch for: A 10.1 dB peak near 8 kHz and air about 5 dB above target make cymbals, hi hats and sibilance hot, which can tire the ears at higher volume.
The case for the TRN Whale Shark: A warm, bassy hybrid in-ear with three dynamic drivers and a planar, bass 3.3 dB above target and upper mids almost on target. Watch for: A 6.3 dB dip near 6.1 kHz followed by a 6.5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz makes cymbals and sibilance uneven, and air above 10 kHz runs 4.6 dB hot for an extra sharp shimmer.
Buy the Hidizs MS3. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $8 less than the TRN Whale Shark.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Eight hobbyist measurements give it a preference score of 69 with a lively V-shaped tuning that suits fans of punchy bass and crisp detail.
Amazon $119.99 eBay
A warm, bassy hybrid in-ear with three dynamic drivers and a planar, bass 3.3 dB above target and upper mids almost on target.
Amazon $127.99 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
| Hidizs MS3 | TRN Whale Shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $127.99 |
| Ranked | #722 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #721 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 69 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.48 dB standard deviation | 2.41 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.31 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.39 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 2 balanced armature) | Hybrid (3 dynamic + 1 planar magnetic) |
| Drivers | 1 x 10.2mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature | 3 x dynamic + 1 x planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 18 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB | 110 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Hidizs MS3 from dchpgall, fahryst, jaytiss, mmagtech, practiphile, regancipher, silicagel and soundignity; the TRN Whale Shark from atechreviews, audioamigo, dvewlsh, eplv, jaytiss, musicafe, soundcheck39 and tonedeafmonk, all via squig.link.
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