Short answer: the KBEAR KB01. It ranks #78 of 450 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $29.99; the TRN Conch ranks #96, rated 4.4/5, at $29.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The case for the KBEAR KB01: Nine hobbyist measurements on squig.link put its preference score at 79.6 with a smooth 1.36 dB deviation from target. The tradeoff: A 4.9 dB dip near 6.2 kHz softens attack on snares and guitars, then a 4.2 dB peak near 11.9 kHz can make some cymbals sound slightly splashy.
The case for the TRN Conch: Fifteen hobbyist measurements on squig.link give the Conch a preference score of 79.0, a strong result for one of the cheapest in-ears around. The tradeoff: Air above 10 kHz sits about 5.8 dB above target with a 6.7 dB peak near 8.1 kHz, so it can sound sharp and sibilant on bright recordings.
Buy the KBEAR KB01. It is rated higher for sound quality than the TRN Conch at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KBEAR KB01 | TRN Conch | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #78 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #96 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 9 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 79 (median of 15 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.36 dB standard deviation | 1.60 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.15 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 30 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB | 114 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to KBEAR KB01:
- Moondrop Chu 2 DSP vs KBEAR KB01
- KBEAR KB01 vs KZ Duonic
- TRN Conch vs Moondrop Space Travel
- Ooopusx OP22 vs TRN Conch
- Tin HiFi T2 DLC vs KBEAR KB02
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
KBEAR KB01: $29.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Nine hobbyist measurements on squig.link put its preference score at 79.6 with a smooth 1.36 dB deviation from target. Sub-bass lands right on target and the 60 to 200 Hz bass is lifted about 1.3 dB, giving a warm, full sound that suits bass lovers. It costs less than the Moondrop Lan, which shares its rating.
Cons: A 4.9 dB dip near 6.2 kHz softens attack on snares and guitars, then a 4.2 dB peak near 11.9 kHz can make some cymbals sound slightly splashy. The KZ Merga has the same rating for even less money.
Full KBEAR KB01 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.36 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 9 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
TRN Conch: $29.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Fifteen hobbyist measurements on squig.link give the Conch a preference score of 79.0, a strong result for one of the cheapest in-ears around. Bass runs 2.1 dB above target with sub-bass holding on target to 20 Hz, giving music warm weight for V-shaped tastes. Its 114 dB sensitivity and 30 ohm impedance make it simple to drive from a phone.
Cons: Air above 10 kHz sits about 5.8 dB above target with a 6.7 dB peak near 8.1 kHz, so it can sound sharp and sibilant on bright recordings. The presence band 2 dB below target recesses vocals a little, and the KBEAR KB01 earns a higher rating at a similar price.
Full TRN Conch review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.60 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (median of 15 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 30 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.15 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons