TOP 12 best in-ear headphones by sound quality: rating 2020-2021 and how to choose a budget model + user reviews

Rating of the TOP 12 best in-ear headphones of 2020-2021

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

In order to choose good headphones, you need to pay attention to some characteristics of various models.:

• Impedance . Resistance (impedance) is also important for the sensation of loudness. It also affects the purity of the sound. If gadgets are used with portable equipment, a resistance of 16 - 32 Ohms is sufficient. If with a stationary one, it can be 32 - 100 Ohms. Which headphones are best to choose in this range depends on the power of the sound source. The higher the resistance, the better the sound, but at low power it will be too quiet.
• Sensitivity . This parameter indicates the ratio of useful signal to noise. The higher it is, the clearer the headphones sound and the wider the dynamic range. It is advisable to choose a value not lower than 100 dB.
• Noise suppression . The noise reduction system is also an important criterion when choosing headphones, since with its help the level of ambient noise is noticeably reduced, which allows you to enjoy your favorite music even in particularly noisy places (for example, on the subway or train).

The best wired in-ear headphones

Sennheiser IE 40 Pro

Sennheiser IE 40 Pro headphones are designed for daily use on stage, in the studio and in rehearsals..

They have an ergonomic body, excellent sound characteristics and the most reliable connection principle to a monitor receiver.

The wideband dynamic driver guarantees excellent intelligibility and absence of distortion even at particularly high volume levels, a flat frequency response with good low-frequency foundation.

The compact 10 mm diaphragm allows for a high level of design ergonomics and wearing comfort.

It is worth noting that this is one of the best models of 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal, closed;
• dynamic;
• mini jack 3.5 mm connector.

pros

• reliability;
• high-quality assembly;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• not specified by buyers.

JBL T110

JBL T110 headphones are lightweight and compact in size, perfect for those who prefer to listen to music while on the move..

Insertable vacuum ear pads are securely attached to the ear, do not fall out and do not cause any discomfort.

Frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz, impedance of 16 Ohms - acoustic characteristics responsible for surround, balanced sound.

The design of the headphones includes function keys and a microphone, which greatly facilitate the operation of the device..

The set includes three pairs of replaceable ear pads for long-term use.

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal, closed;
• sensitivity - 100 dB;
• mini jack 3.5 mm connector.

pros

• soundproofing;
• high-quality assembly;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• soundproofing;
• high-quality assembly;
• comfortable to wear.

Sony MDR-XB50AP

Sony MDR-XB50AP over-ear headphones block extraneous noise, have effective sound insulation and high sound quality.

Ear pads of various sizes fit comfortably into the ear.

Having a high-quality microphone makes it possible to answer phone calls, since its high sensitivity guarantees clear speech transmission.

Sensitivity of 106 dB and power of 100 mW provide high power and volume of sound, and also makes it possible to use the headset as efficiently as possible without additional amplifiers.

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal, closed;
• sensitivity - 106 dB.

pros

• soundproofing;
• sound quality;
• reliability.

Minuses

• not detected by users.

Sony MDR-EX155AP

Sony MDR-EX155AP headphones are compact and have high sound quality.

Highly sensitive speakers in a compact design provide clear highs and powerful bass.

The corrugated cable with protection against tangling and twisting ensures ease of use of the headphones.

Four sizes of earbuds allow you to adapt the headphones to the user's anatomical features for maximum comfortable listening on the go.

These headphones are intended primarily for use with portable multimedia devices and are connected using a 3.5mm mini-jack connector.

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal, closed;
• sensitivity - 103 dB.

pros

• ergonomics;
• high-quality assembly;
• reliability.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD headphones are equipped with hybrid emitters that combine the advantages of reinforcement and dynamic.

This solution makes it possible to reproduce clear bass and at the same time detailed mids and highs.

The headphones can also be used as a headset: on the wire there is a microphone and buttons for receiving/ending and waiting/holding a call, and sound settings.

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal;
• reinforcement + dynamic, number of drivers - 3;
• sensitivity - 98 dB.

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• microphone quality;
• reliability.

Minuses

• poor sound insulation.

Sennheiser IE 4

Sennheiser IE 4 in-ear headphones are designed for both professional and personal audio listening..

The volume is quite high thanks to the sensitivity of 106 dB. A 3.5 mm plug allows you to connect the headphones to any audio device, including a smartphone.

The headphone body is completely made of durable plastic, and the ring located in front of the sound guide is made of metal. The headphone cable is rubberized, which gives it additional flexibility and lightness.

In order to easily distinguish the right earphone from the left, corresponding inscriptions are applied to each of them. Thanks to the silicone tips, the headset fits comfortably in the ears and will not fall out when moving. .

To select the optimal size, the kit includes three pairs of replacement ear pads.

The emitter membranes have a standard diameter and are covered with a metal mesh. Good noise insulation is ensured thanks to closed acoustics.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal, closed;
• dynamic;
• sensitivity - 106 dB.

pros

• soundproofing;
• reliability;
• sound quality.

Minuses

• not identified by buyers.

Top 5 – earbuds

We compare the most interesting models under 7,000 rubles

Disgusting sound, dissatisfied or sympathetic glances from others... Low-grade "plugs", although small, can ruin the mood thoroughly. In this article, we have collected completely different in-ear headphones - those that can give you the pleasure of listening to your favorite music.

There are many ways to listen to music on the go, but most people do it with headphones. Fans of not only listening, but also feeling the sound, feeling the energy and texture of timbres on their skin, choose full-size models

.
However, to realize all the potential inherent in them, you often need a decent source - a good player
or a “music” smartphone with a separate
portable amplifier
, otherwise the relatively high-impedance and low-sensitivity emitters of large headphones cannot be stirred up! With in-channel models, better known as “plugs,” it is much easier for the gadget to find a common language, because the resistance of most of them is 16 Ohms, and the sensitivity sometimes exceeds 115 dB. Such headphones, as a rule, do not require external amplification, especially if a specialized audio player is used as a source. However, there is a problem of a different nature: finding good “plugs” is much more difficult than finding a sensible full-size model. In an effort to maintain light weight and compactness of the body, manufacturers are forced to go out of their way to achieve detailed, full-bodied and loud sound from tiny drivers. This is not an easy task for engineers! And not all companies solve it successfully.

Since we are talking about the top list, we immediately discard the products of little-known brands: practice shows that among purebred “China” it is not easy to find audiophile headphones, and even those are not offered at a dumping price. Products from global brands provide more guarantees in this regard, although there is no direct relationship between design, price and sound quality. The only sure way to find suitable in-ear headphones is to listen to all the candidates yourself. We will try to help with guidelines. In this article we will talk about relatively inexpensive models (up to $100 at the current exchange rate), but they can be considered optimal for a “music” smartphone or an entry-level audiophile audio player.

The prices given in the article are indicative and current as of February 2021.

Price – 1900 rub.

“Three Hundred Zenns” is a classic of the genre. These are one of the most popular entry-level in-ear headphones, by Sennheiser standards. For many music lovers, this model has become an entry ticket into the world of relatively high-quality mobile audio, while many decided not to go further, considering the sound of the CX 300-II more than satisfactory. But the current price no longer allows one to turn a blind eye to negative aspects in the same condescending manner. These include very meager, and also muddy, high frequencies, as well as specific bass with low detail. Surprisingly, with all this, the sound as a whole seems very comfortable and solid, and there are no genre boundaries as a class. This type of reproduction is perfect for noisy transport, where many of the model’s disadvantages are leveled out or turned into advantages. In addition, the CX 300-II is extremely light and compact. Thanks to these factors, as well as the use of seals made of silicone, which is very soft to the touch, the headphones fit like a glove - they do not fall out and do not remind of themselves when worn for a long time. Finally, their wire has almost no microphone effect (although it gets tangled easily), and the right earphone can be thrown over the neck. High sensitivity allows you to use the Sennheiser CX 300-II with almost any gadget, without limiting your volume.

Pros:

Excellent headphones for loud playback in transport, solid and non-fatiguing sound, very comfortable to wear, high sensitivity.

Minuses:

If you analyze the sound in isolation from transport and high volume, then the price seems overpriced.

The best wireless in-ear headphones

Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic)

Xiaomi Redmi AirDots headphones (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic) are presented in a compact ergonomic case, and the “True Wireless” design means that you can use the ear pads independently of each other.

In-ear headphones provide comfortable wearing because they have a design that follows the shape of the ears.

For a secure fit, the kit includes pairs of additional ear pads..

The device uses speakers with a diameter of 7.2 mm, which allow you to enjoy high-quality, balanced sound.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0;
• operating time - 4 hours (from the battery in the case - 12 hours);
• protection from water.

pros

• sound quality;
• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ headphones have a completely wireless design with miniature ear pads and two-way speakers.

The latter create a closed acoustic design of excellent quality, due to which this model is especially appreciated by music lovers.

Also, the design of the device provides as many as 3 microphones with a fixed mount in the housing: 2 external and 1 internal.

The features of the headphones also include touch control and the presence of one multifunction button.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0;
• dynamic;
• operating time - 11 hours (from the battery in the case - 22 hours).

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• reliability;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• not specified by users.

Samsung Galaxy Buds

The Samsung Galaxy Buds TWS headset consists of 2 miniature headphones with a built-in dual microphone.

The weight of the model is only 5.6 g, which, in combination with a miniature charging case, makes it indispensable and allows you to always keep it handy in your bag, pocket or backpack.

The model has touch control and wireless design.

The TWS headset is connected to the sound-reproducing device via a Bluetooth connection. The device can work offline for up to 6 hours.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0;
• dynamic;
• duration of work - 6 hours.

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing;
• reliability.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

Sony WF-1000XM3

Sony WF-1000XM3 - wireless headphones with digital noise reduction, adaptive sound control, NFC and Bluetooth technologies and a whole day charge.

This model's noise-canceling technology is industry-leading in the wireless headphone industry and is powered by the QN1e HD noise-canceling processor.

By picking up ambient sound, it not only cancels out much more noise across almost the entire frequency range, but also consumes less power.

The location and shape of the built-in Bluetooth antenna is optimized to maintain a clear signal and remain in constant sync with the audio source.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal, closed;
• active noise cancellation (ANC) system;
• Bluetooth 5.0, NFC;
• dynamic;
• operating time - 6 hours (from the battery in the case - 24 hours).

pros

• sound quality;
• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite stereo headset connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth technology with a range of up to 10 meters.

A microphone located in each earphone will allow you to answer calls without having to take your mobile device out of your pocket.

The TWS headset has an in-ear design that isolates the user from ambient noise and securely fixes the headphones in the ear canals.

Dynamic drivers guarantee impeccable sound throughout the entire frequency range (20-20,000 Hz).

The multifunctional button is responsible for answering/ending a call, pausing the song being played and its further playback, as well as switching between tracks.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth;
• dynamic;
• protection from water.

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• not noted by buyers.

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex headphones, equipped with two pairs of drivers, will delight you with a high level of quality audio playback..

Ease of use is ensured by a flexible neckband with which the headphones are attached.

The headphones do not require a wired connection: they are synchronized with sound sources via a Bluetooth connection.

The wireless communication radius of 10 m will please most users . You can also highlight the high level of autonomy of the model: the headphones can work wirelessly for 10 hours.

The functionality of the device is expanded by the presence of a microphone, so the headphones can be used as a headset.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth;
• dynamic;
• duration of work - 10 hours;
• foldable design.

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• ergonomics;
• soundproofing.

Minuses

• not detected by users.

Vacuum headphones up to 10,000 UAH

Now we move on to a more serious weight category. Buyers of headphones with a price tag of up to 10,000 UAH have already figured out what they want from the sound, are mentally ready to shell out a tidy sum and, with a high degree of probability, have already acquired a separate Hi-Fi player.

AKG N40

AKG N40

Hybrid in-ear headphones with a replaceable cable and the ability to adjust the sound using replaceable filters on the sound guides.
Buy on Amazon

Let's start, as always, with more well-known brands. AKG is a popular Austrian manufacturer, which is now part of the Harman International Industries concern. The manufacturer has a lot of headphones, both frankly cheap and weak in quality, and serious ones. AKG N40 is a hybrid model, with an armature driver responsible for high and mid frequencies, and a dynamic driver for bass. The range of reproduced frequencies is from 10 to 40,000 Hz. Some nice extras include a replaceable cable with a microphone and a set of replaceable filters on the sound guides for tuning the sound to your own taste. Wearing method: behind the ear, impedance: 20 Ohm, sensitivity: 115 dB/mW. Price - 10,000 UAH.

Audio-Technica CK90PRO MKII

Audio-Technica CK90PRO MKII

Dual-driver reinforcement in-ear headphones come from Japan.
Buy from Era in Ear

An interesting and unusual sounding armature model Audio-Technica CK90PRO MKII. Dual radiators with a balanced armature are responsible for the sound. The headphones sound very detailed, which is typical for reinforcement headphones, but there are noticeably more low frequencies than usual in such cases. As a result, the sound does not turn out to be too dry; there is still room for drive in addition to analytics. Frequency range: 20 - 15,000 Hz, impedance: 37 Ohm, sensitivity: 111 dB/mW. The price is more humane than the previous model: 6440 UAH.

DUNU DN-2000J

DUNU DN-2000J

In-ear Chinese headphones with a hybrid circuit: 10 mm dynamic and dual reinforcement drivers.
Buy from M.Video Buy on AliExpress

Well, now to the Chinese manufacturers, and they have something to offer. At one time, the top hybrid model DUNU DN-2000J is still on sale and has not lost its relevance. The headphones have a 10 mm dynamic driver and a dual Knowles TWFK reinforcement driver, the reproduced frequency range is from 4 to 40,000 Hz. The headphones sound very detailed, precise, yet dense and massive. The kit includes a bunch of attachments for sound tuning and more secure fixation of the headphones. Impedance: 8 Ohm, sensitivity: 102 dB/mW. Price - a little less than 10,000 UAH. Review.

MEE Audio Pinnacle P1

MEE Audio Pinnacle P1

Dynamic in-ear headphones with replaceable cable and metal housings.
Buy on AliExpress Buy on DNS Buy on Amazon

The older in-ear model MEE Audio Pinnacle P1 is rightfully worthy of attention: like the P2, the fit in the ears is excellent in both the classic and behind-the-ear versions. Even despite the weighty zinc alloy housings, they do not interfere with the ears. This is also a dynamic model, but with a very unusual sound for dynamics: very detailed mids and highs, and less lows than you might expect. So it’s not recommended for bassheads; others should at least listen to it. The Pinnacle P1 has a replaceable cable, and there are two of them in the set: one of higher quality for the player, the second - a simpler one for the smartphone. Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz, impedance: 50 Ohm, sensitivity: 96 dB/mW. Price - about 5600 UAH. Review.

Fiio F9 Pro

Fiio F9 Pro

In-ear headphones with behind-the-ear wearing and a hybrid circuit: dynamic and dual reinforcement emitters.
Replaceable cable, MMCX. Buy on AliExpress Buy on M.Video Buy on Svyaznoy

A little cheaper, there is an interesting hybrid model FiiO F9 Pro, which combines a 9.2 mm dynamic driver and dual armature Knowles 30017. The result is an energetic and driving sound with a slightly V-shaped amplitude-frequency response. The cable is removable MMCX, there are two of them in the set: a regular one with a 3.5 mm jack and microphone and a braided balanced 2.5 mm one for use with players with a corresponding output. Frequency range: 15 - 40,000 Hz, impedance: 28 Ohms, sensitivity: 106 dB/mW. Price - about 4600 UAH.