Buying guide IEMs
Best IEMs under ₱1,000 in the Philippines: how to choose
A short, honest list of in-stock IEMs under ₱1,000, ranked by how many customers rated them, with the specs we have verified against each maker's page.
The short version
- For most first-time buyers under ₱1,000, start with the TRN MT1 (3.5 mm plug, mic included) or the KZ EDX (detachable cable). Both are our most-reviewed budget picks.
- Pick by the plug your phone needs, whether you want a mic, and whether you want a cable you can replace later. Price differences inside this range matter less than fit.
- All seven models below were in stock when we checked on 11 November 2026.
In this guide
Which IEM under ₱1,000 should you buy?
If you want one pick, buy the TRN MT1 in ₱349. It has the most customer reviews of any verified model in this price range (4.9 from 419 reviews), a single 10 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver and a 3.5 mm plug that works with any phone or laptop that has a headphone jack. If you want a cable you can swap later, the KZ EDX at ₱249 uses a detachable 2-pin cable.
Under ₱1,000 you are choosing between a few reasonable options, not between good and bad. The things that change your day-to-day use are the plug, the mic, and the fit.
How did we choose these seven?
We looked at every active IEM in our store and kept the ones that met all of these rules on 11 November 2026:
- In stock now, with a lowest in-stock price under ₱1,000.
- Listed with a mic, or a mic-version option.
- Specs we have verified against the maker's own page, where we show them.
- Ranked by number of customer reviews first, then rating.
We did not rank by sound. We have not listened to every model side by side, so we only repeat what the maker says and what customers report.
Comparison: IEMs under ₱1,000
| Model | Driver setup | Connector / plug | Mic | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRN MT1 Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver Earphones with Mic | 10 mm dual-magnet dynamic | 3.5 mm | Yes | ₱349 | 4.9 (419 reviews) |
| KZ EDX Dynamic Driver Earphones with Mic | 1DD, 10 mm composite magnetic dynamic | Not listed | Yes | ₱249 | 4.83 (297 reviews) |
| Plextone G20 Magnetic Stereo Bass Gaming Earphones with Mic | Not listed | 3.5 mm | Yes | ₱449 | 4.58 (255 reviews) |
| KZ ZSN Pro Hybrid Driver Earphones with Mic | 1BA + 1DD | Not listed | Yes | ₱649 | 4.78 (98 reviews) |
| KZ ZST X Hybrid Dual Driver Earphones with Mic | 1BA + 1DD | 3.5 mm | Yes | ₱599 | 4.74 (38 reviews) |
| TRN MT1 Pro Professional Dynamic Dual Magnetic Driver Earphones with Mic | Not listed | 3.5 mm | Yes | ₱249 | 4.76 (17 reviews) |
| KZ EDS Dual Dynamic Driver HiFi Earphones with Mic | 10 mm dual-magnetic dynamic | Not listed | Yes | ₱299 | 4.6 (10 reviews) |
Prices and stock checked 11 November 2026. Selection: active products in stock, lowest in-stock price under ₱1,000, ranked by number of customer reviews, then rating. "Not listed" means we have not verified that spec against the maker's page, so check the product page.
Rating is the average from verified customer reviews on our store. A model with few reviews can have a high average and still be less proven than one with several hundred.
What do the specs actually mean for you?
Driver setup. "Dynamic" means one moving-coil driver. "1BA + 1DD" (ZSN Pro, ZST X) means one balanced armature plus one dynamic driver in each earpiece. More drivers does not automatically mean better sound, and at this price a single well-made dynamic driver is a safe choice.
Impedance and sensitivity. These tell you how easily an IEM gets loud from a phone. Shure explains that sensitivity shows how loud an earphone gets from a given input, and Sonarworks notes that impedance interacts with the source. The TRN MT1 lists 22 Ω and 106 dB, and the KZ EDS lists 23 Ω and 114 dB. Both are low impedance, so a phone or a basic USB-C adapter should drive them. Neither needs an expensive amp.
Plug and cable. The TRN MT1 and ZST X use a 3.5 mm plug. If your phone only has USB-C, you need a small adapter; see our guide on whether you need a DAC and the USB-C DAC dongle guide.
Which one is best for calls, gaming or commuting?
For calls and online classes, any model with a mic works, but mic quality on budget IEMs is basic. For mobile gaming, our gaming IEM guide covers the mic and plug question in more detail. For commuting, a good seal matters more than the model, because it affects both bass and outside noise. TRN lists S, M and L tips for the MT1; if the bass sounds thin, read how to choose eartips before you blame the IEM.
What does each model offer, in the maker's words?
- TRN MT1 Pro: TRN describes a newly developed third-generation magnetic driver that delivers more impactful bass than the MT1.
- KZ EDS: KZ's product copy describes a "signature energetic sound signature" and a metal and resin shell.
- KZ EDX: KZ calls it its most affordable IEM with a detachable 2-pin design.
- Plextone G20: Plextone markets it as a gaming earphone with a bass-focused driver and HD mic; see the gaming guide.
We repeat these as the makers' claims, not our own test results.
Will it arrive fast and is it covered?
We ship from Valenzuela, Metro Manila, through J&T nationwide. Delivery takes 1–3 days in Metro Manila, 1–5 days in Luzon, and 3–7 days in the Visayas and Mindanao. Orders placed before 2 PM, Monday to Saturday, ship the same day. Express Metro Manila delivery costs ₱250 by Lalamove, and standard shipping is free on orders over ₱500. Items carry a 3-month warranty with replacement for manufacturing defects, and we pay the J&T return postage for covered claims, which you file through facebook.com/tictechtoeph.
FAQ
Is a ₱249 IEM really worth buying?
For a first pair, a spare pair for the gym, or a backup, yes. You get a wired IEM that does not need charging. Expect basic build and a basic mic.
Do I need a DAC for these?
Not for a phone with a headphone jack. With a USB-C only phone, you need a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter for the 3.5 mm models.
What if the bass sounds weak?
Check the seal first. A larger tip often changes bass more than a different IEM would.
Are these good for gaming?
Models with a mic can be used for voice chat. See the gaming guide for connector details.
Where can I see more IEMs?
Browse the full IEMs under ₱1,000 collection.