9 best in-ear headphones 2025

Perhaps choosing good in-ear headphones is much more difficult than choosing great earplugs or high-quality on-ear headphones. This is due to a much larger number of parameters that you need to pay attention to when buying. Sound insulation plays a huge role in the liners. Without a sufficiently snug fit in the ear, external sounds can drown out the music, making the headphones nearly useless in public. Maximum volume is another characteristic that affects the perception of music. Equally important is the convenience of the design, which we also took into account in our ranking of the best in-ear headphones. The models selected for the rating have both a number of advantages and some disadvantages without which no device can do.

Best inexpensive in-ear headphones

The budget segment is exactly what users with a limited budget need. Inexpensive earbuds can be purchased as a temporary solution until you have the money for a better model, or for permanent use if you're not too strict about sound quality. The budget options are ideal for people who regularly lose or damage their headphones through careless use. In this case, you can buy several cheap earbuds at once to change them if necessary.

1. JVC HA-EN10

The best headphone model before 7 $ - HA-EN10 from JVC brand. These earbuds feature a comfortable fit with the included silicone ear cushions and boast sweat protection. The latter may be needed for sports activities. In this case, JVC HA-EN10 show themselves with dignity, without falling out of the ears in any kind of activity, be it squats, running or pull-ups. The headphones are equipped with 11 mm diaphragms with a frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. If you are looking for affordable in-ear headphones with good sound quality, then this model is also for you. Of course, you should not expect perfect sound from a headset, since not the highest quality materials and an average level of noise isolation somewhat reduces the perception of music. But for its price, there are no significant complaints about JVC liners.

Advantages:

• convenience of design;
• high quality wire;
• very light;
• great sound for the price;
• sweat protection.

Disadvantages:

• sound quality.

2. Panasonic RP-HV094

The budget Panasonic RP-HV094 headphones are just the model that you do not mind accidentally losing or tearing. Depending on the seller you choose, you will have to pay for these inserts from 3–4 $... This amount will not hit even the most modest budget, which makes Panasonic's solution so popular among buyers. Of course, for such a sum, you don't have to expect something unique: standard sound with a minimum of low frequencies and moderately pronounced midrange and high frequencies; a thin cord, the durability of which depends on the accuracy of the user, as well as the absence of a microphone and rather cheap materials. However, these disadvantages definitely cannot be seriously attributed to inserts for two hundred rubles, because they fully justify their price.

Pros:

• incredibly low price;
• good appearance;
• good sound quality for the stated price tag.

Minuses:

• quality of materials;
• low sound level.

3. Pioneer SE-E511

Another cheap in-ear headphones are offered by the Pioneer brand.A key advantage of the SE-E511 over the competition is its comfortable fit behind the ear, which gives this model a very secure fit. The shape of the earbuds themselves is also more comfortable than that of the main competitors, and the sound pleases with the uniform elaboration of all frequencies, although it does not impress with the depth of the stage. The volume margin in the Pioneer SE-E511 headphones is moderate (sensitivity 96 dB). However, fans of rich bass should take a closer look at alternative solutions, because in the reviewed model, pronounced lows are not observed.

Advantages:

• good sound for its class;
• excellent fit behind the ear;
• good maximum volume;
• reasoned cost.

Disadvantages:

• little low frequencies.

Best in-ear headphones price-quality

Usually, the devices with the best value for money mean the models of the middle price category. In most cases, this statement is true, but there are some exceptions when inexpensive solutions may have the best price. In this category, you will find both such earbuds and more expensive headphones for users who are ready to spend money on great sound. However, whichever option you choose, it absolutely justifies every ruble invested.

1. JBL T205

Think you have to spend a lot of money to get great sound? JBL can argue with you, and they have a strong argument to win - the best in-ear headphones with mic on the market called the T205. Remarkable design, well-reasoned price and a complete case - these advantages already make it possible to seriously consider the device from JBL as an option for purchase. If we add to this the affordable price in 13 $as well as great sound, the T205 has practically no competitors left. The only rather controversial nuance in these earbuds is the shape of the plug, which is neither straight nor L-shaped.

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• the presence of a cover;
• excellent drivers with a diameter of 12.5 mm;
• a good microphone for its price;
• convenient control;
• low cost;

Disadvantages:

• you cannot adjust the volume from the remote control.

2. Sony STH32

The TOP 9 continues, inexpensive and good in-ear headphones from the Japanese giant Sony. The STH32 can be called an excellent choice for smartphones, since there is a good microphone and a remote control through which you can activate Google Now or Siri. By the way, the manufacturer positions this model as good in-ear headphones for sports, which is confirmed by the presence of water resistance. The Sony STH32 headphones cost about 1.5 thousand rubles. With such a price tag, there are no complaints about the sound, but low frequencies are still not enough here. A significant drawback of STH32 is their insufficiently reliable retention in the ear, due to which the earbuds periodically fall out.

Advantages:

• high-quality assembly;
• iPhone support;
• protection from water;
• the presence of a clothespin included;
• great sound.

Disadvantages:

• critical not found.

3. Philips SHE4205

On the third line in the category of headphones for price and quality are stylish headphones from Philips. The design of the SHE4205 model is indeed one of its key advantages and significantly exceeds the price in 15 $ (market average). In terms of ergonomics, the product of the Dutch brand is almost similar to the Apple EarPods, which is also a significant advantage. The sound of Philips SHE4205 is slightly worse than in the "apple" model, but the price tag for this device is lower by about 13 $... For an open design, the Philips earbuds have surprisingly good bass feel. But the scene in SHE4205 is rather narrow. Do not expect good sound insulation from these headphones.

Advantages:

• ergonomic shape;
• reasoned price;
• rich low frequencies;
• light weight;
• wonderful appearance.

Disadvantages:

• average insulation;
• not suitable for heavy music.

The best in-ear headphones in the top price segment

The advanced earbuds in the in-ear category are created by companies with great attention to detail.The manufacturer makes sure that the shape of the earbuds is comfortable enough for all users and does not cause ear pain even after prolonged use. At the same time, sufficiently good sound insulation should be present, thanks to which external sounds will not drown out the music. The sound of premium earbuds is another point that justifies their high cost. There is no dip in frequencies or an overabundance of bass that does not allow enjoying rock and similar genres, and the volume margin will satisfy the needs of all users.

1. Plantronics BackBeat FIT

Looking for the perfect headphones for sports lovers? We recommend purchasing BackBeat FIT from Plantronics. Firstly, these are wireless earbuds, so the cables will not interfere with your exercise. Secondly, the BackBeat FIT features a clever design that provides a secure fit in your ears. Thirdly, the headset comes complete with a good smartphone case, which is convenient for jogging and exercising in the gym. In terms of sound quality, Plantronics Bluetooth in-ear headphones are among the best in their category. The lows and mids are ideal here, and the dip in the high in BackBeat FIT is too insignificant to write this nuance into disadvantages. However, for these advantages, you will have to pay the corresponding price, which for the reviewed model is approximately 84 $.

Advantages:

• complete phone case;
• the sound is great for Bluetooth headphones;
• attractive design and high-quality assembly;
• good autonomy (336 hours in standby mode);
• reliable fixation;
• water resistance and ease of attachment.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

2. Apple AirPods

AirPods wireless bluetooth earbuds are the top rated in their category. However, only Apple device owners can enjoy all the features of these earbuds. However, when connected to Android smartphones, you will not have access to all AirPods functions. The headset is equipped with the W1 processor, which creates the famous "apple" magic. Already when you open the lid of the case, which, by the way, is the most compact among wireless models, a message automatically appears on the iPhone about the possibility of pairing with headphones and other devices that use the same iCloud profile.

Thanks to an infrared sensor, the earbuds can automatically pause music playback when one of the earbuds is removed from your ear. Also, AirPods have two accelerometers at once, one of which is responsible for recognizing gestures: double-tapping activates the Siri voice assistant, ends a call, switches tracks and performs other tasks depending on user settings for the left and right earbuds. In conclusion, it can be noted that any of the Apple AirPods can be used as a headset, and the sound transmission through the built-in microphones is flawless even in noisy environments.

Advantages:

• excellent functionality;
• excellent sound quality;
• impressive autonomy;
• compact case;
• headset mode;
• wonderful design;
• small size and weight.

Disadvantages:

• average insulation;
• all functions are only available in the Apple ecosystem.

3. Sennheiser PMX 684i

The review is completed by the ideal in-ear headphones for your player and smartphone with a built-in microphone. Sennheiser is positioning the PMX 648i as a sports solution, which is hinted at in both the design and the appearance of the device. The earbuds support iPhone and come with a handy remote control to answer calls, switch tracks, and adjust volume. The latter here, by the way, is very impressive, which is provided by the sensitivity of 115 dB. The PMX 648i sounds very good, but the bass is sometimes lacking. Another advantage of the Sennheiser headset is the high-quality complete case, which can be called a pleasant bonus at a cost of 42–56 $.

Advantages:

• excellent sound quality;
• well-designed and comfortable design;
• excellent volume reserve;
• attractive design;
• convenient control panel.

Disadvantages:

• bass saturation and stage depth.

Which in-ear headphones to buy

We have included 9 of the most interesting models in three different price categories in the ranking of the best in-ear headphones for 2020. Budget options are suitable for those who cannot or do not want to spend a lot of money and owners of simple smartphones who cannot "rock" more expensive devices. More expensive solutions, in turn, are suitable for buyers looking for the perfect sound and impeccable convenience. Please note that there are classic and sports models in the ranking, so you can give preference to a specific type based on your needs.