These Affordable Audiophile Headphones Promise Supreme Hi-Fi Sound for Less

In addition to being one of the brand’s most affordable offerings, they also have a gorgeous transparent design.

Campfire Audio

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By Tucker Bowe

Published November 26, 2025

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Campfire Audio makes a wide variety of in-ear monitors (IEMs), most of which are quite expensive — most of its offerings cost over $1,000, with its flagship models, the Trifecta, costing $3,300 — and are aimed at serious musicians and audiophiles.

But the Portland-based hi-fi manufacturer has made a play to entry-level audiophiles as of late, releasing the Axion ($249), its most affordable pair of in-ear monitors, a few months ago.

And now it’s introducing its most affordable pair of in-ear monitors with a hybrid design: the Campfire Audio Iris.

Campfire Audio Iris

Pair of transparent in-ear monitors with black ear tips and visible internal wiring on a textured surface. — The Campfire Audio Iris is the brand’s most entry-level in-ear monitors with a hybrid design.

An entry-level hybrid

The “hybrid” design of these in-ear monitors simply means they use two different types of drivers. For Iris, Campfire Audio has decked them out with a custom 10mm ADLC dynamic driver to handle the midrange and bass, along with a balanced armature for the high-frequencies.

According to the brand, this hybrid driver system produces “a warm, easy-listening signature that balances clarity with musicality — one that feels instantly welcoming, whether streaming a podcast on a commute or unwinding with a favorite album.”

Pair of transparent in-ear monitor earphones with visible internal wiring on a black surface. — The Iris have a fully transparent 3D-printed shell along with stainless-steel accents.

The Iris is positioned just above the Axion ($249) — which just uses dynamic drivers — in the company’s lineup of entry-level in-ear monitors. After that, you’re going into the realm of significantly more expensive monitors. (Think around $1,000 and up.)

Campfire Audio claims that the Iris is for “newcomers dipping their toes into hi-fi for the first time” or “longtime fans wanting something more rugged for daily travel.”

Transparent in-ear monitor housing with visible internal wiring and gold-plated connectors on a black background. — It comes with two detachable cables for connecting to either a 3.5mm or a 4.4mm source.

Fully transparent

Aside from the accessible price tag, the Iris has other things going for it — most notably a fully transparent design that gives you a peek into the advanced engineering inside.

They come with two different detachable metal audio cables, one with either 3.5mm or 4.4mm jacks, so you can use them with various sources. Also included with the Iris are multiple foam and silicone ear tips to ensure the most secure, comfortable fit.

Set of transparent in-ear monitors with two detachable clear cables, multiple black ear tips, a small cleaning brush, a gray carrying pouch, a black mesh bag, and a black cloth with a pin. — The accessories that come with the Iris in-ear monitors.

“With Iris, we wanted to capture the spirit of Campfire in its simplest, most approachable form,” said Ken Ball, the founder of Campfire Audio. “It’s a joyful, easygoing IEM. Something that feels instantly familiar yet still delivers that signature clarity and character people expect from us.”

Like Campfire Audio’s other in-ear monitors, the Iris are all assembled in the company’s facilities in Portland, Oregon.

Transparent in-ear monitors with black ear tips and silver connectors on a textured surface. — The Iris costs $349 and is available now.

Price and availability

The Campfire Audio Iris in-ear monitors are available for purchase now from the company’s website. They cost $349.

Pair of transparent in-ear monitor earphones with visible internal components and metal connectors.

Campfire Audio Iris

$349 at Campfire Audio

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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