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Wired earbuds and IEMs are easy to use and much more affordable than their wireless counterparts. Looking for the best budget-friendly earbuds or the ultimate sound experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for wired earbuds.
Sennheiser IE 200 – Best Overall
The Sennheiser IE 200 is our top pick for most people because it offers great sound quality at a reasonable price. The fit is a bit more comfortable and familiar than Etymotics designs, and the ear hook shape keeps the buds in place all day long.
Sennheiser provides silicone and memory foam ear tips, and you can get excellent passive isolation with the latter. High-frequency sounds like keyboard clacking and banging dishware will be nearly inaudible with the foam tips installed. You’ll still hear sounds like engine rumbles with either set of ear tips, but these noises will be about half as loud as they’d be without the buds.
We appreciate the replaceable MMCX cable, which extends the product’s life. Cables are usually the first components to break on wired earbuds and headphones, but Sennheiser’s should last longer than usual because it’s made of Kevlar. The over-the-ear fit keeps the earbuds in place and doesn’t cause irritation. Sennheiser headphones and earbuds are some of the best in the business, and for $149, wired earbuds don’t get much better than this.
Etymotic ER4SR- Best Sound
If you monitor, mix, or do any professional audio work, in-ears with a studio-focused frequency response are a worthy investment. The Etymotic ER4SR has a good frequency response and a fit that many people swear by.
Each earbud has a thin, smooth aluminum housing and triple flange ear tips, so you can be confident they won’t fall out. The minimalist design doesn’t allow any room for playback controls. Still, this is specifically for professionals who work with audio or anyone who doesn’t like to have undue emphasis on certain aspects of the frequency range.
The cable is braided for extra durability. Like the IE 200 from Sennheiser, the ER4SR uses MMCX connectors. You can replace the cable once it breaks instead of buying a new set of buds.
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro – Best Budget
The KZ ZS10 Pro earbuds stand out for their performance and affordability in the crowded IEM market. Priced at $79.99, they offer a good balance between quality and cost, featuring impressive sound quality, a replaceable cable, and a sleek design. However, some users may find the fit and ear tips less satisfactory, along with minor design flaws. Ideal for budget-conscious audiophiles preferring wired connections, the KZ ZS10 Pro includes a dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers per earbud, emphasizing a balanced sound profile. Despite some durability concerns and potential issues with non-standard adapters, their overall performance, especially in noise isolation and audio quality (with notable high scores in Timbre and Immersiveness), makes them a compelling choice. While the market has evolved, offering numerous options under $100, the KZ ZS10 Pro remains a viable entry point for those exploring the IEM segment, balancing cost with a solid auditory experience.
Shure SE215 – Best Durability
Shure makes plenty of audio equipment, but the Shure SE215 buds are a classic. Don’t let the plastic earbud housings fool you: these things are durable. I had a pair for years that endured undergrad without any signs of wear and tear.
The sound quality is identical to the Shure AONIC 215, and it is very good. You get a bit more bass than the ER2SE provides, making these a bit more versatile and appealing to a wider audience. The gently boosted bass response bodes well for popular genres of music. Attuned listeners may hear the under-emphasized treble that begins at 6kHz.
Like the other picks on this list, the Shure SE215 handily blocks out high frequencies. You’ll get the best isolation when you use Shure’s memory foam ear tips. Ambient noise will be effectively inaudible when you get a proper fit with these buds. The removable MMCX cable is a nice touch, too. We think these are some standout earbuds for around $100.
Moondrop Chu II – Best Bang for your Buck
Anybody who needs a set of wired earbuds ought to consider the Moondrop Chu II for their value-to-performance ratio. They make a few upgrades from their predecessor, the Moondrop Chu, featuring an improved fit and come with a removable cable. Their sound quality is a standout feature, offering a satisfying frequency response that closely mirrors our preferred curves for bass and midrange, with only minor deviations in upper mid frequencies.
They come with three sets of ear tips (11mm, 12mm, and 13mm), allowing for a customizable fit, which is crucial for both comfort and sound isolation. However, it’s worth noting that they offer only average noise isolation, focusing on high-pitched sounds, and may not be the best choice for environments with louder background noises.
The build quality of the Moondrop Chu II, made of zinc alloy with a brass machined nozzle, is impressive considering its price point, which is typically less than $20. The earbuds feature a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. They are easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity, making them compatible with a wide range of devices without the need for an additional headphone amp. Overall, the Moondrop Chu II earbuds are an excellent choice for those looking for a low-cost entry into high-quality in-ear monitors (IEMs).