Short answer: the Sony IER-EX15C. It ranks #981 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $28; the KZ DQ6S ranks #1017, rated 2.9/5, and costs $28.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick 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 KZ DQ6S: It is very inexpensive and its 116 dB sensitivity with 25 ohm impedance means any phone drives it loudly. The tradeoff: Those measurements show a 7.4 dB peak near 8.2 kHz that can make sibilant vocals and cymbals sound sharp, alongside a 6.8 dB dip near 3.2 kHz that pushes voices back.
Buy the Sony IER-EX15C. It is rated higher for sound quality than the KZ DQ6S and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
At 3 g per earpiece it is very light, and the built-in microphone makes it handy for calls.
Amazon $28.00 eBay
It is very inexpensive and its 116 dB sensitivity with 25 ohm impedance means any phone drives it loudly.
Amazon $28.99 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony IER-EX15C | KZ DQ6S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28.00 | $28.99 |
| Ranked | #981 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1017 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) | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.85 dB standard deviation | 2.83 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.43 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.12 (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 (+2.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Drivers | 1 x 5mm | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (3 g) per earpiece | - |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic |
| Impedance | - | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 116 dB |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Sony IER-EX15C: