Which listening device should you be aiming for?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPH02J5GV3c

For many people who use listen to music, the choice of TWS earbuds vs In Ear Monitors (IEMs) may have popped up at some point.

Before moving on to which one's better, let us define what they are first.

TWS earbuds

TWS stands True Wireless Stereo. A True Wireless Stereo earbud is simply an earbud or listening device that is wireless. TWS earbuds uses a Bluetooth antenna to receive digital audio signals from a source (e.g. a smartphone) before converting it into analog audio.

Analog audio refers to the sound vibrations that we can hear. TWS earbuds are named True Wireless because they are different from other Bluetooth audio devices that use adapters. TWS earbuds have the Bluetooth antennas built in and thus do not need any adapters. They're simply plug and play.

TWS earbuds are designed for use by the general public. They do well in professional settings and are usually nice looking and eye catching.

Read: What are In Ear Monitors?

In Ear Monitors

In Ear Monitors also known as IEMs are listening devices that used to listen to very rich audio. They are characterized by rich sound and heavy bass.

IEMs were originally a niche product designed for audiophiles, musicians, DJs, sound/beat mixers, gamers etc. These are people who are very picky about their sound listening habits and require a good level of sound fidelity.

Due to this background, IEMs did not come cheap. One would usually need to procure one for several hundred dollars in the not so distant past but recently, IEMs have suddenly become very affordable. This is due to Chinese companies like KZ and QKZ and thanks to them, anyone can pick up an IEM on the cheap.

TWS earbuds vs In Ear Monitors

The TWS earbuds vs In Ear Monitors debate is a rather very interesting one as both devices have come to dominate the general market place. The TWS earbuds tend to be the more popular option whilst the IEMs tend to be more niche in nature.

Pros of TWS
Wireless
Convenient
Freedom of movement
Functionality

Cons of TWS
Battery issues
Latency
Poor sound isolation
Poor bass
Poor longevity

Pros of IEMs
Zero latency
Zero battery issues
Better sound quality
More bass
Sound isolation/passive noise cancellation

Cons of IEMs
Wires
Less convenience
Less freedom of movement
Versus

Now let's proceed with the TWS earbuds vs In Ear Monitors debate.

The similarities between both audio listening devices are that they're both small and portable and can be very affordable.

As for the differences, there's plenty to run through.

The first thing that stands out immediately is the fact that TWS earbuds are wireless. This ensures that using TWS earbuds provide convenience, freedom of movement as well as extra functionality.

IEMs on the other hand use wires. This would limit convenience and freedom of movement.

On the flip side however, IEMs have zero latency, more bass, better sound, better sound isolation and no battery issues. Since IEMs are a niche device, a lot more attention is paid to the audio output. They also tend to have better longevity as well. IEMs with detachable cables also offer the option to switch to a wireless state by offering using Bluetooth adapters.

TWS earbuds do suffer from latency issues, have less sound quality, less bass, less sound isolation and need to be recharged frequently.

Summary

At the end of the day, what you choose should be dependent on your needs. If mobility, convenience and functionality is your need, then TWS earbuds should be spot on for you. However, if you're looking for better sound and are willing to put up with cables then it's a no-brainer. IEMs are best for you.

I have both devices and I use them as the occasion demands.

Source: https://inquisitiveuniverse.com/2023/01/24/tws-earbuds-vs-in-ear-monitors/

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Would have put up at least a picture showing samples of each.

Prinzton:
Would have put up at least a picture showing samples of each.

Hmm...

I use 7hz salnotes zero. One of the best IEM under $20.

atheistandproud:


Hmm...

You would have uploaded an image showing samples of each.

Prinzton:

You would have uploaded an image showing samples of each.

Which sample should I have posted bruh, Apple abi na Infinix? Redmi abi na Baseus? TWS na TWS, there's already a video there for visuals.

I made a video then I went the extra mile to transcribe it into text. Now you're using the fact that I did not add pictures to flog me. Na wa oh.

OneKinGuy:
I use 7hz salnotes zero. One of the best IEM under $20.

It's $25 USD sha

atheistandproud:


Which sample should I have posted bruh, Apple abi na Infinix? Redmi abi na Baseus? TWS na TWS, there's already a video there for visuals.

I made a video then I went the extra mile to transcribe it into text. Now you're using the fact that I did not add pictures to flog me. Na wa oh.

No vex.
We noh dey quarrel. Waffi didn't train us that way.
Shalom

Prinzton:

No vex.
We noh dey quarrel. Waffi didn't train us that way.
Shalom

I no say we dey quarrel. I dey cry say you dey beat me 😭😭😭😭

atheistandproud:


It's $25 USD sha

Got mine around $17 from aliexpress as of October last year. It's $20 now

atheistandproud:


Hmm...

is
Where can I buy KZ or KZN product on nairaland?

Jossyroyal1:
is
Where can I buy KZ or KZN product on nairaland?

Meet my inlaw Jboixxx. My future wife dey with am so I trust am die. He's tried, tested and trusted

atheistandproud:


Meet my inlaw Jboixxx. My future wife dey with am so I trust am die. He's tried, tested and trusted

Boss mi, I still wan come for one bae from your end o. Make I spread my tentacles like Atiku

jboixxx:
Boss mi, I still wan come for one bae from your end o. Make I spread my tentacles like Atiku

Ehn? You want make madam cut off our 3rd leg?

atheistandproud:


Meet my inlaw Jboixxx. My future wife dey with am so I trust am die. He's tried, tested and trusted

Ok
I have his number

OneKinGuy:
I use 7hz salnotes zero. One of the best IEM under $20.

Where you buy am?

KinSlayer:


Where you buy am?

aliexpress

atheistandproud:


Meet my inlaw Jboixxx. My future wife dey with am so I trust am die. He's tried, tested and trusted

@Jboixxx ma inlaw, I hope say no be ma wife you dey give anoda person sha🙄

ozemestats:

@Jboixxx ma inlaw, I hope say no be ma wife you dey give anoda person sha🙄

Plenty wives de o. No worries

Abeg, how i go take order something from aliexpress, cos i cant create a virtual card with zenith bank at all

Polarhangar:
Abeg, how i go take order something from aliexpress, cos i cant create a virtual card with zenith bank at all

No 9ja cards work on AliExpress. Get a virtual dollar card via any of the fintechs or get a dollar card from your bank.

If you've got no trust issues, I can check out for you. My contact information is in my signature/profile.

OneKinGuy:
I use 7hz salnotes zero. One of the best IEM under $20.

Please how can i order for it?

PCSI:



Please how can i order for it?

Get dollar card from Geegpay, find and use it on aliexpress