These Affordable Earbuds Let You Listen to Hi-Fi Audio on the Go

The Meze Audio Alba are gorgeous in-ear monitors that cost just $159. They’re available now.

Published June 20, 2024

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Updated June 20, 2024

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When Meze Audio — the Romanian hi-fi company well-known for its planar magnetic headphones — announced its most entry-level in-ear monitors, the Alba, at the High End Munich trade show in early May, it didn’t reveal when they would be available or exactly how much they’d would cost.

Well, we have our answers.

The Meze Alba will cost $159 — considerably less expensive than its previous entry-level IEMs, the Advar ($699) — and they’re available for order now.

Meze Audio Alba In-Ear Monitors

Specs

Drivers	10.8 mm dynamic
Frequency Range	15Hz – 25kHz
Impedance	32 Ω at 1kHz

$159 at Meze Audio

Meze Alba In-Ear Monitors

These in-ear monitors designed for anybody who wants to elevate their smartphone or desktop listening situation. They have a gold-plated 3.5mm jack, allowing you to plug it directly into your computer or desktop DAC/amp. But they also come with a custom-made 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with its own built-in DAC, so can plug it directly into your iPhone 15 or Android smartphone.

Meze Audio Alba — The Alba cost $159, making them the most affordable headphone — over-ear or in-ear — that Meze Audio makes.

Each Alba earbud features a 10.8mm dynamic driver with a frequency range of 15-25kHz; according to the company, it delivers a neutral sound profile “with an added touch of warmth.”

Additionally, the Alba earbuds have a zinc alloy and anodized aluminum construction. The braided SPC 1.2m cable has a pretty stunning transparent design; it’s also detachable, which is more convenient for travel and customization (for those who might want to upgrade their IEMs sometime in the future).

The Alba will come with four different-sized silicone ear tips to ensure you get the right fit. There’s an eco-leather pouch to store them when not in use, as well.

Price and Availability

The Meze Alba in-ear monitors are available to order now from the company’s online store. They’re available in one color (white) and cost $159.

The Alba are now the most affordable headphones — over-ear or in-ear — that Meze makes; that title previously belonged to its Neo 99 ($199) over-ear, closed-back headphones.