Brief: Third generation of Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi’s hit in-ear
MSRP: 99 RMB (approx. $16) (manufacturer’s page)
Current Price: $16 from geekbuying.com; $15 from gearbest.com
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 32Ω | Sens: 98 dB | Freq: 20-20k Hz | Cable: 4.1′ I-plug w/mic & 3-button Android remote
Nozzle Size: 4.5mm | Preferred tips: Stock single-flanges
Wear Style: Straight down
Accessories (3/5) – Single-flange silicone tips (4 sizes); plastic box doubles as storage case with integrated cable wrap
Build Quality (3.5/5) – The Piston 3 uses more plastic in its construction than the Piston 2 but still feels very solid and boasts various small usability improvements such as easier-to-see L/R markings and lower driver flex. The cable is similar to that of the older model – rubbery above the y-split and sheathed in nylon below to provide some resistance to tangling. The new remote is nice-looking but the narrow buttons are actually bit harder to use without looking compared to the previous version’s
Isolation (2.5/5) – Isolation is average thanks to the shallow fit of the earphones
Microphonics (3.5/5) – Audible, but not bothersome when music is playing
Comfort (4.5/5) – The Piston 3 is a large step forward in ergonomics over the older model, moving to a compact angled-nozzle design with strain reliefs that fully clear the outer ear, leading to a very comfortable fit
Sound (8.2/10) – The Xiaomi Piston 2 quickly became one of my favorite budget in-ears thanks to its ability to deliver good clarity, soundstaging, and overall refinement despite its plentiful bass. Combined with an extensive feature set (especially for Android users) and a very low price, this made the previous-gen Piston an unbeatable value.
The jump in sound quality from the original Piston to the Piston 2 was sizable – the first-gen model was bassier and had significantly poorer fidelity. Though the gap in overall sound quality between the 2nd and 3rd-gen Pistons is not as great, the new model maintains the trend toward a more balanced, less consumer-oriented sound. You will notice that aside from the Piston 2, the sets I compare the Piston 3 with are mostly in the $50-100 range – a fact that is itself a testament to the performance of the Xiaomi in-ears.
The bass of the Piston 3, while less enhanced than that of the Piston 2, remains quite punchy. Mid-bass impact is slightly lower than with some of the other not-quite-reference-flat earphones such as the VSonic VSD3S and Ostry KC06, but enhanced compared to flatter-sounding sets like the HiFiMan RE-400 and Etymotic MC5. Bass depth is pretty good as well, though sub-bass reach and presence lag a bit behind the VSD3S and VSonic’s higher-end GR07.
Like the previous model, the 3rd-gen Piston is tuned for a v-shaped sound. However, thanks to the tighter, less bloated bass, its mids are clearer despite not being very forward. With that said, they are still somewhat recessed and a touch muffled compared to higher-end, less v-shaped sets such as the KC06, RE-400, and GR07.
The Piston 3 picks up presence in the upper midrange and lower treble, giving it a cooler tone. It is a little less bright than the KC06, but more so than the RE-400, which tends to be very smooth and laid-back. Harshness and sibilance are generally not a problem – the Piston 3 is not as forgiving as the warmer-sounding models that preceded it, but it’s not as sibilant as any of the popular VSonic earphones, either.
The spaciousness of the Piston 2 is also preserved, though the lower bass quantity and cleaner, brighter sound of the Piston 3 makes its capable and precise presentation less surprising.
Mini Comparisons
The Piston 3 offers a more balanced, less consumer-oriented sound than the model it supersedes. Its bass is significantly less enhanced and much tighter. In comparison, the bass of the Piston 2 is deeper and has more rumble and slam, but also sounds boomier. Cleaner bass with almost no bloat is actually the Piston 3’s biggest asset, though with the loss of bass quantity it also sacrifices some of the Piston 2’s appeal to the average listener.
On the whole, the sound of the Piston 3 is less colored than that of the older model. The upper midrange and treble are smoother. Clarity is better due to the tighter, less bloated bass, though it is still limited by the not-too-forward midrange positioning. The Piston 3 is also less sensitive than the older model, which fits with its less consumer-oriented sound because a non-audiophile listener is more prone to put value in both emphasized bass and the ability reach higher volumes more easily.
Technically, the Piston 3 is the better earphone – it is clearer, tighter, and more neutral. The Piston 2 is warmer and boasts bass that is deeper and more powerful which, admittedly, also helps it sound very dynamic and delivers a “wow” factor. As a result, it’s hard to call the Piston 3 a straight upgrade from the Piston 2 – it’s a more Hi-Fi earphone for sure, but I will still be recommending the Piston 2 in many situations and for certain genres. There are parallels here to the DUNU DN-1000 / DN-2000 situation, albeit with a greater magnitude of difference. There, the older DN-1000 model also provides a bassier sound and in many cases remains recommendable over the more expensive DN-2000.
The Zipbuds PRO are a surprisingly capable consumer-class earphone with a v-shaped sound profile. The main thing they do well is balance high bass quantity and good overall clarity. Indeed, the Piston 3 has significantly less bass but doesn’t gain any clarity over the Zipbuds. Its bass is tighter, however, and its highs are less bright and more smooth, making the Zipbuds appear overly harsh in comparison. On the whole, the Piston 3 is the more balanced and accurate-sounding earphone.
The Flux In-Ear is the closest match I could find for the Piston 3 when balancing sound quality and sound signature. The SteelSeries unit is warmer and has smoother treble and a slightly wider presentation. It’s more sensitive, too. The Piston 3 is a bit more v-shaped and has a cooler, brighter tonal character. It sounds thinner, but also a little clearer. It’s hard to say one outperforms the other, but that in itself is a big win for the Xiaomi – only two years ago the Flux was one of the absolute best in-ears one could get for $50. Now, the Piston 3 offers the same level of performance – albeit with a slightly brighter tonal tilt – for 1/3 of that, with better build quality and a 3-button remote to boot.
The dual-driver B3 Pro I is notable for having an even less consumer-friendly sound signature than the Piston 3, with lower bass impact and much lower sensitivity. The overall sound of the B3 is more balanced compared to the v-shaped Piston 3. The Piston is bassier, but the low end of the B3 is tighter and cleaner. The midrange of the Havi is clearer and more prominent while its upper midrange and treble are a bit more forgiving. The presentation is a bit more well-rounded on the B3 as well. Especially for those in search of balanced sound, the Havi is better than the Piston 3, but its low sensitivity and lack of bass enhancement limit its appeal in the mainstream.
Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear ($100)
The Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear is one the few earphones with 3-button Android remotes on the market besides the Piston line. It is also fairly similar to the Piston in how it fits in the ear, albeit with a slimmer profile and longer nozzles providing slightly better noise isolation. In terms of sound, the Momentum has a more colored, arguably more “fun” tuning than the Piston 3 but isn’t too far ahead in technical ability.
Both earphones have sound signatures on the v-shaped side of “flat” but the Momentum In-Ear unit offers up a warmer tone with better bass. Its bass delivers more depth and resolution while also making the Piston 3 seem a touch boomier in comparison. The mids of the Sennheiser unit are slightly clearer but it is a little more prone to sibilance and less forgiving on the whole. The Momentum’s presentation is slightly wider and more spacious.
Value (10/10) – The latest evolution of Xiaomi’s venerable Piston line once again succeeds in delivering outstanding sound quality with a solid construction and 3-button Android remote, all at a very low price. The biggest improvement this time around is in ergonomics – the new model is significantly more comfortable and unobtrusive than the previous Pistons.
Xiaomi has come a very long way since the original piston in terms of fidelity, too – while not a direct upgrade from the Piston 2 due to how different the tuning of the two earphones is, the Piston 3 provides a clearer, tighter, more balanced audio experience for those willing to trade away some of the previous model’s warmth and bass power. Going forward I can see myself recommending either of the two Piston variants, depending on the situation.
Pros: Very comfortable fit; fantastic sound quality for the price; 3-button Android remote
Cons: Remote is a bit less user-friendly than previous generation; mediocre noise isolation
186 Responses
I would be buying them from http://www.hifinage.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=21&Itemid=29. There are also other brands that I don’t know of (astrotec, hifiman, knowledge zenith etc.) Any recommendations from those?
Also, is it worth upgrading to VSD3S?
Thanks.
Yes, if you want more accurate sound (compared to default/no EQ SHE3590) and don’t mind a bit more sibilance compared to the Philips.
Hey joker, would the vsonic vsd3s be a decent upgrade?
Hey joker, would the vsonic vsd3s be a decent upgrade?
Guess I’ll grab another pair of she3590s.. Thanks joker. You’ve been a great help.
I”d rather listen to the SHE 3590 as well, just fits my preferred sound better, and of course is an unbeatable value. Just one of several reasons an SHE3590 upgrade is a very hard recommendation to make.
Not familiar with the CKS77. I’ve only tried the DTX 102 briefly and it strongly reminded me of the DTX101, which is a pretty decent earphone with a warm, bassy sound signature. Wouldn’t call it an upgrade over the Philips, though. Personally I’d rather listen to the SHE3590.
AD01 ships worldwide from lendmeurears.com. Closest alternative is probably the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear but that might sound a little too recessed in the midrange coming from the SHE3590. JVC HA-FXT90 might be another option, though that tends to be a little more mid-bassy.
Maybe I’m not getting the best seal, but I found the Piston 3 to be more than the SHE3590. The midbass can be a bit bloated and fatiguing at times. Although the sub-bass is decent, I don’t think it really stands out as many reviewers have stated. I do agree that the SHE3590 is more crisp and less thick. Personally I prefer the 3590’s sound, even though the mids sound a tad thin. The only thing about the SHE3590 is while it sounds beyond 10$ its build quality is worth 10$.
And recently I removed the filters from my Piston 3 as I thought the highs were a bit too hazy and distant to my liking. Unfortunately this mod does not improve the highs much, but now the uppermost midrange is peaked, and things can sound sibilant. Unfortunately this mod seems to be irreversible as I’m not entirely sure how the mesh filters were attached to the nozzle.
I’m wondering what the SHE3900 sounds like. Some users say it’s better than the 3590 while others say it’s a slightly worse.
Also the beyerdynamic dtx 102ie seems to get fairly good reviews for the type of music I listen to..and I am getting them for about 45-50$.
Any thoughts on the ATH CKS77….similar price to AD01. Sadly, the AD01 isn’t available in my country so if you could suggest some IEMs from a bit more known brands? If there aren’t any, I guess I’ll buy another pair of SHE3590s.
Thanks so much for your help..
Yes, the SHE3590 is sleeker and more comfortable in the ear than the Piston 2 for me as well. CKX5 is comfortable, but still larger and bulkier than the SHE3590.
If you can get a CKX5 for close to the same price as the SHE3590, by all means go for it. But if it’s significantly more expensive like it is here in the US, I’d say it’s not worth it. It doesn’t sound better than the SHE3590, not really.
For an upgrade, I’d look at something like the new Alpha & Delta AD01: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/alpha-delta-ad01-in-ear-earphone-review/
So, the situation is like this..
The wires around my SHE3590 have become naked. The outer covering is torn. I need to get another set of IEMs with better build quality. My options are Xiaomi Piston 2 and ATH CKX5
Out of these, I have tried my firend’s pistons and I’m not a fan of their comfort, even though the sound quality is good. The CKX5, having a similar sound to the SHE3590, seems to be better made than philps and may last long.
Now, should I get another set of SHE3590 (One for work, One for home) or should I go for a slightly well built, somewhat similar sounding CKX5?
Besides these, what do you think would be a decent upgrade to the SHE3590s?
They’re equally versatile. Once you get down to this level (with two earphones that are not night-and-day different) your personal sound signature preferences matter more than the genres you’re listening to anyway.
CKX5 is a little more similar to the SHE3590. It’s a little harsh and edgy, but very crisp and has plenty of bass. I can’t say it’s actually better than the SHE3590 though. Piston 2 probably is more similar also because of its extra bass (it actually has more bass than the Philips, rather than less like the Piston 3) but it also isn’t as tight/controlled as the SHE3590.
Still, nothing is more similar to a SHE3590 than an SHE3590, and nothing I’d consider a significant upgrade near this price level.
How is the Audio Technica ATH-CKX5? Is it of a similar vshape of she3590?
Is the piston more versatile than the 3590? What sort of genres would the piston be best suited for? My SoundCloud stream has mix of many genres so I need something that is a bit versatile.
Are there any other IEMs that have a similar sound signature to philips, even for a slightly more price.
Not too similar, the SHE3590 tends to be bassier (especially in terms of deep bass) but also has a less thick, more crisp (and harsh) sound. On the whole, it’s more of a conventional “v-shaped” sound signature than the Piston 3. If you’ve wanted something less crisp and bassy but more smooth than the Philips, the Piston 3 would be a viable alternative. If not, then you may end up EQing it more.
Hey joker,
How does it compare to the philips she 3590? I had bought them on your advice from your reply on the earphone buying guide and they have been really wonderful, they still are but the wire has been starting to tear around the buds. I use them everyday (my work requires to have earphones of some sort)and as a result of this, I am thinking of buying something with a similar sound signature but a bit more durable. I absolutely love the sound coming from the philips after the equalizer is tuned, so I will still keep them for my music listening at home. Thus, needing a similar IEM so that not much tuning would be required. Or are there any other IEMs you recommend?
I’ll see if I can get my hands on one. I’ve also got the Xiaomi Crystal which so far sounds like a Piston 2 but is often cheaper despite its additional Swarovski bits. Probably need to finish that review first before getting this new version of the P3.
Will there be a comparison in this same page?
When in doubt… 🙂
Construction definitely looks cheaper on those.
Yeah. There’s a youth edition and it’s half the price. Word out there is, it is of same quality except for small build changes. Can you please confirm it. Anyways, I’ve bought both 🙂 One can’t go wrong with Mi 😉
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/New-Original-Xiaomi-Piston-III-Youth-Edition-3-5mm-In-ear-Stereo-Earbud-Headphone-For-Xiaomi-Android-iPhone—Black-345070.html
There’s a youth edition?
How’s it compared to the Youth Edition?
Right, I would say bass is the biggest difference between them, and it’s really up to you if you need that emphasized bass or not. Typically listeners of that type of music do want the extra bass that comes with the S1, and if it’s down to this price range it’s a good deal.
It will reduce the noise somewhat; add music playing at a moderate-to-high and that volume should make it usable in the situations you described. If you’re looking specifically for isolation there’s other options, of course. Just that most of them are either more expensive or don’t sound as good. Or both.
Compared a few comments down: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/xiaomi-piston-3-in-ear-earphones-review/#comment-115597 . Piston 3 and MH1C are just very different earphones. If you want warm, smooth sound with enhanced bass definitely go for the MH1C. If you pretty balanced bass with a more neutral tone and a bit of a v-shaped tuning, go for the Piston 3.
Hi joker, Currently the piston 3 and Brainwavz s1 are similar prices.If I listen to hip hop instrumentals with pianos, drums, high hats etc. which is more suitable. I read your reviews and it seems the s1 has better bass, not sure if bass is what I should make my decision on.
Is isolation of these IEMs enough for public transport, underground, noisy streets?
How would this compare to MH1C? I have a dilema between these two which one to pick. Compare their sound please
No, not to my ears.
uhh hey joker,
does P3 have more sub bass than the p2? thnx
About on par, but it really depends on what you’re looking for. In some cases the VSD1S would be better than these, for example if you want more bass enhancement or a warmer tonal character. In other situations, for example if you are sensitive to sibilance or prefer bass quality over quantity, the Piston 3 would be clearly better.
How much better would you say these are than the VSD1S?
What I’m trying to say, not very effectively, is that if the Piston 2 sounds “boomy” with a low-end source, that it’s the source which is the problem, and it’s not accurate to describe the Piston as “boomy” — only that it will sound that way with poorer quality sources.
Your point that the “Piston V2’s bass is boomy with low-end source” is well taken (yet measurements at Inner Fidelity indicate that the bass is well-controlled). But the performance of speakers or headphones can’t be accurately judged without connecting them to a high-end source, since as you note, they will sound different with different sources.
I, for one, get very very satisfying sound by using a lower-priced dynamic IEM with high-end portable stuff. We shouldn’t assume that people will only pair low-priced stuff with low-priced stuff.
So to write an informative review, high-end sources must be used, since only they fully reveal the strengths and limitations of the IEM or headphone. But the review should also include a description of how the IEM sounds with equipment in the same price tier.
I have both, and I prefer the 2 in noisy environments where noise will mask the bass and the 3 in quiet ones.
For the most part I agree with you. The treble lacks sharpness. I liked the instrument separation on the Piston 3 but the actual “detail” is confusing and hazy. I thought the midrange was fairly balanced but not “rich” like that of the Audio-Technica IM70, and can be a tad thin. The soundstage is good but it feels congested at times. The Phillips SHE3590 is much sharper, but can be more sibilant and is lacking in the midrange in comparison.
It’s important to note that Piston V2’s bass is boomy with low-end source as people who consider buying earphone in this price range wouldn’t have hi-end gear like you. This is an earphone for folks that use their smartphone as a music player.
While I agree with you about its dry presentation, I think its bass is also its weakness. In not-so-well-recorded songs, the bass sounds muddy and overwhelming — even paired with my Geek Out 450. The source that can make it sound well-controlled would be my Chord Hugo, but who would buy Chord Hugo to pair with the Piston?
And you have to admit that, at about $9 more than the Piston’s price(3090 yen compared to $16 of the Piston), there is Zero Audio Tennore whose bass is better-controlled and more balance even using it with my smartphone.
For me the Piston v3 which improve its bass quality is an overall better earphone which I can recommend to anyone. It’s definitely an improvement.
“The Piston 3 picks up presence in the upper midrange and lower treble, giving it a cooler tone.”
How on earth would that be? Extra presence in the upper midrange and lower treble, in any other IEM, would produce a hotter, brighter sound, not a cooler one. If you say its sound is cooler, I accept that–but it cannot be because of extra presence in the upper midrange and lower treble.
You really have a thing against bass, don’t you? The bass of the Xiaomi Piston 2 was not “bloated,” “boomy” or overly boosted. Listening from an accurate, high-end source, it sounded very well-controlled and well-proportioned. Listening to classical music, such as the Philip Glass 2nd symphony, the balance was overall very natural, and the same was true with all other music that I listened to–EDM, etc. The problem of the Piston 2 was not its bass, but instead was the overly dry quality of its midrange and treble. Otherwise it would have been fantastic (and it was for the price).
Nevertheless, your review is useful, and tells me what I need to know to avoid buying the Piston 3.
Nozzle size is pretty standard so many generic tips will fit these earphones, probably including whichever ones you have sitting around from past earphones. Many brand-name tips will fit as well – e.g. Sony Hybrids. I don’t believe those benefit these earphones, though. I would just grab the generic tips from ebay (lostearbuds) or the MEElec M6 tips from their website in whatever single-flange size I needed.
I found the Piston v3 to have really, really weak and recessed treble. It tries to hide it via enhanced upper mids and (very) low treble, but to me the lack of air was very obvious. The upper midrange boost also made it sound shouty, uneven and confused.
Thanks for your reviews! I’ve read a lot of your reviews and articles and I’m always super appreciative of all the great work you do!
One concern I had was fit with the tips. Would you be able to recommend any potential replacement tips that would fit these headphones? Anyway, thanks again, and I’m definitely considering these as my next purchase haha.
Yeah I was worried about that the whole time. Was quite painful and annoying. I know for a fact they weren’t fakes though; I bought them off iBuyGou and the sound quality was great for the price.
The static shocks usually indicate poor grounding in the unit. I’ve had a few cheap metal IEMs that did that. Had to get them replaced each time.
Sadly, no. First thing I did was smell them, which would have been very weird with any other earphone.
It’s finally out! Been waiting for this review.
I liked the 3 better than the 2 sound and comfort wise but found the stock tips on the 3 terrible while the ones that came with the 2 seemed to fit great for me. Also couldn’t get a good insertion depth unlike the 2. Overall though, a good improvement and I liked that the interior was plastic rather than metal; the piston 2’s would constantly discharge painful static into my ear.
No chocolate smell on this one? 🙁
The MH1C is just a very different earphone with that big bass, warm tone, and very smooth treble. The Piston 2 is more comparable to it than the Piston 3 so if you want that type of sound your choice should be MH1C vs Piston 2 IMO.
The VSD3S makes for a much better Piston 3 competitor – it’s only a little warmer, has a touch more bass impact, and slightly fuller mids. Unfortunately it’s also a little more sibilant – if not for that, I would say it sounds more natural than the Piston 3. With the sibilance it’s a toss-up. If you prefer want to err on the safe side with the treble, I’d go Piston 3. Otherwise, VSD3S.
How would this compare with vsd3s,mh1c? Listening to classical mainly and choosing between the 3 durable is nice that can be used when hiking.