HiFiGo Juzear Defiant IEM Review: The best value in wired earphones?

If you’re not plugged into the wired earphone space (pun sort of intended), then read on for my HiFiGo Juzear Defiant IEM Earphones Review to learn why they might be great for your everyday listening needs. Sure, you’ve probably got a pair of true wireless earbuds that stay in your bag, but if you want detailed listening that is scalable across devices then a pair of wired IEMs will do nicely. I’ve reviewed a ton of brands, from $20 all the way to $2,000 and these $100 IEMs are truly some of the best I’ve heard. 

First some quick terminology time. IEM stands for “in-ear monitors”, and it’s a term that comes from the professional music space. Essentially, headphones in this class are designed for musicians to closely listen to (or “monitor”) their music while on stage. 

What this means for the consumer is that you can get detailed, refined sound for your listening. If you’ve only ever heard of premium Bluetooth earbuds, then you owe yourself the opportunity to listen to a pair of high-quality IEMs. They breathe new life into your music in a way that’s hard to describe.

My listening review of the HiFiGo Defiant IEM is simple: They sound excellent. Their dynamic driver covers the low end of the spectrum perfectly, while three dedicated BA drivers bring sparkle and detail that’s truly hard to do. These headphones are also a collaboration between Juzear and Z Reviews (a popular audiophile YouTube channel) to ensure a tuning that’s detailed and unique. I really like how these sound for both my casual listening and while I’m playing music on stage as a guitarist. 

Most IEMs use a custom-molded build that’s designed to sit nicely in your ear. What that means is you get a nice, soft resin material that can even feature some fun visual swirls to really stand out. The Defiant IEM is no exception here. I like the iridescent vibe provided here, and even the two-tone copper-and-silver wiring has a bit of a blue tinge to carry that design forward.

One other note is that you can pick up the Defian IEM in an interesting green color. While I do think the swirly, iridescent color is more interesting and ultimately looks more premium, if you prefer a more emerald aesthetic, consider going for the different color way that still offers a premium look. Although, one important thing to note is that wired earphones use an entirely different design language than premium wireless headphones such as the Sonos Ace.

On build quality, I’m also impressed. These feel distinctly premium for sub $100 price points, and you’d be hard-pressed to find improvements in headphones even triple the price. I’m particularly impressed with the braided cable that comes with them. It’s thick and soft, so it resists fraying and serves to feel comfortable wrapped over your ears.

The accessories pack that comes standard here is also a pleasant surprise. I’ve already mentioned the beautiful braided cable that’s detachable, but there’s also a nice mix of eartips (including foam and rubber options) to get a good seal in your ears. It also comes with a high-quality leather-style case that just makes the whole thing feel more refined. Definitely a satisfying unboxing.

I think the price is the best thing about these earphones. The regular price sits at $99 on Amazon all day, but you can usually get an even better deal (I paid $89, for instance). And when you factor in the sound quality, accessories package, and the attention to detail on the build itself, you feel like you’re really coming away with a steal.