Short answer: the Sony IER-EX15C. It ranks #981 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $28; the KBEAR KS2 ranks #1001, rated 3.0/5, at $24.99. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
The case for the Sony IER-EX15C: At 0 lbs (3 g) per earpiece it is very light, and the built-in microphone makes it handy for calls. The catch: Sub-bass rolls off about 2.8 dB below target under 60 Hz, so deep synth bass and rumble are subdued.
Why pick the KBEAR KS2: Bass is lifted about 5.9 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. Watch for: A 10.1 dB peak near 7.9 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Buy the Sony IER-EX15C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3.01 saving on the KBEAR KS2 is not enough to make up the difference.
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At 3 g per earpiece it is very light, and the built-in microphone makes it handy for calls.
Amazon $28.00 eBay
Bass is lifted about 5.9 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Amazon $24.99 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
| Sony IER-EX15C | KBEAR KS2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28.00 | $24.99 |
| Ranked | #981 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1001 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 62 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 61 (median of 11 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.85 dB standard deviation | 2.66 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.43 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.67 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+4.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Drivers | 1 x 5mm | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature |
| Weight | 0 lbs (3 g) per earpiece | - |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Driver Type | - | Hybrid |
| Impedance | - | 16 ohms |
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