Current testing methodology is v1.2
I recently got SIMGOT EW100, which is my first IEM from this brand and I made this purchase because I wanted to try something different and underrated. There were few reviews for the EW100 online but as an audiophile, I wanted to try it for myself and, of course, add it to my budget IEM collection.
I got it for around $20 and I think its price varies depending on where you shop..
SIMGOT released three versions of this IEM: the EW100, EW100 DSP, and EW100P. I’ll try to review them all and compare them with each other. For now, let’s head to my detailed review of the SIMGOT EW100’s performance and see if it’s worth adding to my collection.
SIMGOT EW100
Excellent sound quality for around $20
TL:DR;
The SIMGOT EW100 surprised me in many ways, but primarily with its tuning. It has a balanced tuning close to the Harman Curve and for its price, I’d say that it stands out with its sound signature and well-done technicalities.
Another great thing to point out about the EW100 is its simplicity. I’m not a fan of its cable, but when I got to check its sound quality, I was astounded and didn’t expect that it would sound this good. The EW100 may have some shortcomings, but its sound quality makes up for it.
The Specs
- Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
- Cable: Non-detachable with 3.5mm plug
- Cable Length: 1.25m
- Frequency: 20 – 20,000Hz
- Impedance: 32Ω ± 10
- Sensitivity: 122dB
What’s in the Box?
- SIMGOT EW100 earphones
- 3 pairs of silicone ear tips
- User manual with warranty information
Stuff I like
- Balanced note weight
- Natural sounding
- Closeness to the Harman Target
Stuff I like less
- Non-detachable cable
- Sub-bass kinda rolls-off
- Should have a better build quality for its price
Where to get it
Comparable products to consider
Also with a tuning close to the Harman Target, the SGOR Venus is priced around $15 and has a powerful bass region, neutral midrange, and clear treble.
Review Metrics
First Impressions
The SIMGOT EW100 was attractive enough to catch my attention when I first saw it online. It has a see-through shell that shows the drivers and wirings inside and, honestly, I’m a big fan of transparent tech.
When the package for the EW100 came, I questioned myself whether I got scammed. The box feels too light but it’s bulky. To my surprise, all of the contents were inside but I was disappointed with the way it was packed.
Everything was smushed in a Ziploc bag. Even the left and right earbuds have their own Ziploc bag! Thank heavens, there were no hints of damage. The rest of the contents were stock ear tips and some paperwork.
I was expecting more, and perhaps a better presentation, but I guess SIMGOT had to do some cost-cutting.
Build Quality
For a price of around $20, this IEM should have a better build quality. Holding the SIMGOT EW100 feels like I’m holding one of those knock-off earphones you’d find anywhere that costs around $3. The shell is err… okay.
It indeed feels like it’s made from plastic and not resin but I still find its transparent build impressive. It also has a thin sheet of metal embedded on the faceplate featuring the SIMGOT Logo and the phrases, “Salute to Art and Science” and “SIMGOT High Resolution.”
Yes, the cable is decent but it’s non-detachable so you can’t swap it out. It’s soft yet durable, but its overall appearance doesn’t give a $20 vibe. It also has no ear hooks but it’s soft enough to rest on my ears even when I’m walking or running outdoors.
I hope they stick to their catchphrase with the EW100’s overall performance.
Fit and Comfort
Despite not having ear hooks, using the SIMGOT EW100 was pure delight. It rests nicely on my ears and doesn’t fall or unravel with my movements. The earbuds also fit nicely even with their bulky build and appearance.
The included ear tips are tolerable. They’re not the best stock ear tips out there but it gives an acceptable seal. Changing them to my preferred ear tips made my listening experience a lot better.
The soft cable functions quite well regardless of its appearance which I don’t dig much. It’s also not prone to tangling every time I put it inside my pocket.
Sound Quality
Despite my qualms about the build quality and non-detachable cable, my impressions of the SIMGOT EW100 changed the moment I started testing it with my favorite tracks.
It has a balanced tuning that’s very suitable for most genres. Each region’s performance is decent which makes them stand out in the overall mix.
Also, the EW100’s tuning is quite close to the Harman Target, which is uncommon with IEMs at this price point. It’s not as energetic as those V-shaped IEMs with their boomy bass and bright treble but I find this type of tuning very pleasant due to its non-fatiguing and inoffensive sound.
Bass
I first noticed the boosted mid-bass in the lower region of the SIMGOT EW100.
The mid-bass has an authoritative personality in the lower region. It has a nice punch combined with good decay and naturality. It’s also fast in terms of response, which is the main reason why it bleeds. Fortunately, it doesn’t interfere with the mids that much.
The sub-bass also left a good impression on me. It has a nice rumble, but it’s not extended, and it tends to roll off at times. There’s good warmth with every bass drum kick as well, and there’s a noticeable amount of texture with the note weight.
Midrange
With the SIMGOT EW100’s midrange, the presentation could’ve been better but I can’t deny that it presents the instruments and vocals neatly. It’s a little recessed but it still sounds full
The presence within the midrange isn’t too forward but there’s a discernible quantity of clarity. For the vocals, both male and female vocals are presented almost equally.
Male vocals sound natural and have enough portion of note weight while not being too authoritative. On the other hand, female vocals are energetic but need more sparkle. It’s a good thing they aren’t overpowered by the lower region, which would make them sound muffled.
Meanwhile, the instruments within the midrange are presented with a natural-sounding profile. The guitar and pianos were good as they sounded realistic with decent tonality. Trumpets are bright but not overbearing.
Treble
The treble of the SIMGOT EW100 is smooth and well-balanced. It has a safe tuning and this helps avoid common issues, such as sibilance and harshness, that you’d encounter with other budget IEMs. The treble also has a nice presence within the overall mix.
Another remarkable quirk of this IEM is its consistency with being natural sounding. From the lower region and midrange, the EW100 kept its naturality. With every note, the treble remains smooth without being grainy.
Cymbals and hi-hats are rendered nicely with decent sustain at every hit. Fast-paced tracks like “Through the Fire and Flames” by Dragonforce aren’t a problem for the EW100 as it keeps up nicely without struggling.
Technicalities
Technicality-wise, the SIMGOT EW100 also does well and falls just under the above-average level of performance. It doesn’t have the widest sound stage but it has good width and has an okay height and depth.
It’s great for gaming as it gives me a better sense of where my enemies are. The sound imaging also has notable performance. Pinpointing where the instruments were coming from was an easy task. The sound separation and layering are okay but could be better. I won’t complain too much, considering its price point.
Overall, the technicalities of the EW100 are a great asset and are justifiable for its price.
Conclusion
All of that being discussed, I must say that the SIMGOT EW100 is an excellent budget IEM. The only thing that holds it back from being a top recommendation is that it doesn’t have a detachable cable.
Its balanced tuning defeats other budget IEMs within this price range. Sure, many sets out there have balanced tuning as well but they don’t have the consistency that the EW100 has. Another thing to add is how compatible this IEM is with different genres. It can present almost every song with accuracy.
I also believe there’s more to see with this IEM with proper equipment or power sources.
All in all, the SIMGOT EW100 is a great IEM and could also be good with mixing tracks due to its balanced personality.
Shaik, a college student, part-time musician, and proud fur parent. Currently pursuing his degree in architecture.
As a part-time musician, Shaik enjoys expressing his self creatively through music. Whether it's writing original songs or performing covers, music is a significant part of Shaik's life
This post was last updated on 2023-12-03 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.