Best High-End Audiophile Earbuds
Are you in the market for the best high-end audiophile earbuds, but aren’t having any luck finding what you need? Read this guide until the end to find out about some of the top options available today. You’ll learn a lot from this guide if you’ve never bought a pair of audiophile earbuds before so take some mental notes while reading.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| 5.6 ounces |
| Built-in Microphone |
| Uses wide bandwidth 18 ohm dynamic transducers to produce amazing beats. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| 1MORE Quad Driver Earbuds |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| 0.8 ounces |
| Built-in Microphone |
| High quality microphone, 40k Hz frequency range, hands-free controls. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| RHA T20i (Black) |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| 11 ounces |
| Built-in Microphone |
| Easy to tune the audio by yourself. Looks and feels expensive. Worth the price. |
| Check Amazon |
We have created a buyer’s guide section below, which you can use to gain important information when purchasing high-end audiophile earbuds. Every pair of earbuds has its own unique pluses and minuses, but it’s up to you to decide if the strengths outdo the weaknesses of the product.
Also, we have created three different price categories for every customer starting from a budget range to a premium range. One thing that all the earbuds on this list have in common is the amazing sounding quality. So without further ado here are some buying factors to consider.
Top buying considerations
Quality of audio
Brand
Button pad
Durability
Wireless connection
Top 10 High-End Audiophile Earbuds Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Weight | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds | 5.6 ounces | No | Check Price |
| Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 | 0.65 ounces | No | Check Price |
| RHA T20i | 11 ounces | No | Check Price |
| 1MORE Quad Driver Earbuds | 0.8 ounces | No | Check Price |
| Brainwavz B400 | 8.8 ounces | No | Check Price |
| Master & Dynamic ME05BR | 16 ounces | No | Check Price |
| Shure SE215-K-BT1 | 5 ounces | No | Check Price |
| Shure SE846-CL | 32 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
| Westone W30 | 0.48 ounces | No | Check Price |
| Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro | 10.6 ounces | No | Check Price |
Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds By Budget:
Click below to get detailed information on each earbud by price.
- Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds Under $100
- Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds Under $200
- Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds Under $1000
Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds Under $100
Do you want a pair of high-end audiophile earbuds that don’t break the bank, but outputs amazingly sounding music? Then this budget price category provides some of the best options out there today. You’ll be surprised by the value of these earbuds as they can offer almost the same amount of quality as premium audiophile earbuds.
1. Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds come in two versions: iOS and Android. Make sure to buy the correct version otherwise the button pad won’t function properly. Having control of the pad is a huge bonus as this means you won’t have to grab your phone every time you want to switch beats, pause/play music, or adjust the volume.
These earbuds use a dynamic transducer with a wide bandwidth of 18 ohm that helps deliver powerful bass, smooth mids, and perfectly sounding highs. Also, by using high quality dynamic transducers it reduces the amount of distortion that can be heard at the higher levels of volume.
Moreover, the 1.3 meter elliptical cable provides great length, which means you can run the wire down your shirt for more convenience. Also, the angled 3.5 mm jack prevents the cable from over extending, thus prolonging the life of the Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds.
Although the Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds are a great overall audio device it does come with some faults. The main minus is that the earbuds are not waterproof, which means you can’t use them in bad weather, in the gym, and for jogging. Also, the 1.3 meter cable can get annoying when traveling as the wire can get caught on objects making the earbuds fall out.
To summarize, the Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds is an excellent product costing just under $100. The wide bandwidth 18 ohm dynamic transducers produce amazing powerful bass, clear mids, and accurate highs. Also, the long cable makes the earbuds convenient to use as you can tuck the wire under a shirt when traveling.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 5.6 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: 2 Years |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Long cable cord |
| Uses wide bandwidth 18 ohm dynamic transducers to produce amazing beats |
| Easy to use button pad |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Must buy the right version otherwise button pad won’t work |
| Can’t be used in bad weather or for sports |
2. Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Earbuds takes audio to new heights thanks to the ingenious design that features some subtle but much need improvements. Featuring a redesigned 9.2 mm dynamic driver these earbuds deliver bass that is powerful yet soothing.
An ingenious cushioned loop expands to fit around the inner ride of your ear, therefore providing a tight and secure fit. Also, the silicone eartips come in three different sizes, which ensures that every customer will find their perfect match. The silicone eartips provide a snug fit that leads to a noise isolating experience, this makes the bass sound more enhanced and doesn’t let any music leak out or in.
Moreover, the Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Earbuds are made to be compatible with iPhones. The built-in button pad can be used to control your smartphone to adjust the volume, skip beats, and pause or play music. In addition, you can answer calls using the buttons, which is faster than reaching for your phone.
Although these earbuds are great for iPhone users the same can’t be said for Android, since you can’t use the in-line remote nor the built-in microphone. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t listen to beats –it’s just that the convenience factor is gone for Android users. Also, the earbuds are not waterproof, which means any splashes can instantly damage the drivers inside.
In conclusion, the Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Earbuds are one of the better budget options as the audio for the price sounds exceptionally amazing. In addition, the secure loop goes around your ear not letting the earbuds fall out. Plus, the eartips provide a snug fit that leads to a complete noise isolating experience.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 0.65 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: 2 Years |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Come with ear loops |
| Excellent noise isolation |
| Convenient button pad |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Android users can’t use the in-line button pad |
| Wearing the wrong sized eartips can be very uncomfortable |
Best High-End / Audiophile Earbuds Under $200
Do you have a decent budget and are looking for something not too expensive, but provides a good level of performance? We’ve researched some of the best mid-ranged audiophile earbuds out there and we believe the RHA T20i is the most well rounded.
In addition, this price category contains earbuds with more features such as better quality microphones. Also, the drivers used can produce better sounding tunes since the sound engineers had a better budget to work with when creating these earbuds.
3. RHA T20i (Black): HiFi Noise Isolating Stainless Steel Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The RHA T20i uses three drivers (two balanced armature drivers and a separate dynamic driver) – together they deliver superb sound at an amazingly accurate level. Unlike other earbuds, you can customize sound signatures by switching the speaker piece that outputs audio, which can lead to enhanced bass, treble, and highs.
Also, you can take control of the experience using the built-in buttons that lets you regulate the audio levels, skip beats, pause, and play music. In addition, you can take calls hands free, because the RHA T20i has a built-in microphone. However, make sure to check the version you are buying, because one is made for iOS and the other for Android.
Moreover, the RHA T20i is built to last -made from an oxygen-free copper cable and gold plated 3.5 mm plug. Also, the overall feel to it is premium as the materials used are high quality and all the small details such as the comfortable silicone eartips give the earbuds a defined finish.
One major minus with these earbuds is that the microphone is not great, but if hands-free calling is not a necessity for you then this shouldn’t be a problem. Also, the RHA T20i is not completely waterproof, which means too much moisture can damage the drivers inside.
In conclusion, the RHA T20i is one of the better audiophile earbuds on this list and comes with many perks. The button pad can be used to take calls hands-free and regulate the volume without having to touch your smartphone. Also, the silicone eartips are extremely comfortable to wear and even helps with the noise isolation.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 11 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Looks and feels expensive |
| Worth the price |
| Easy to tune the audio |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Any water damage can harm the drivers |
| Can’t be used for sports |
4. 1MORE Quad Driver Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The 1MORE Quad Driver Earbuds uses 1 diamond like dynamic driver and three balanced armature drivers that deliver amazingly sounding acoustic audio. Together they output amazing bass beats, smoothing mids, and accurate highs. Also, with a higher frequency range that extends to 40k Hz the earbuds can deliver more notes compared to other earbuds.
Moreover, the tangle resistant and durable Kevlar cable cord is extremely durable, while the oxygen-free copper ensures a stable clean connection throughout the listening experience. The streamlined aluminum sound chamber protects the drivers from soaking up any damage – therefore providing you with a long lasting audio device.
In addition, the in-line controls allow you to effortlessly switch between beats and adjust the volume without the need for grabbing your phone, which saves time and is more practical. Also, you can take calls using the built-in microphone that can record audio at a remarkable level, thus you can enjoy clear cut conversations on the go.
Although the sound quality is amazing wearing the wrong type of eartips can be a huge pain, which is why you should make sure to wear the correct size. Also, when playing music at maximum volume some distortion can be heard, which is common with most earbuds using dynamic drivers.
To summarize, the 1MORE Quad Driver Earbuds are great for traveling with as the tangle free cable cord allows you to listen to beats from the get go. Also, the controls are practical to use and saves time as you don’t need to grab your phone to use the earbuds. Finally, the wide frequency range produces amazing notes that sound amazing, plus the eartips isolate any background noise further enhancing the audio.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 0.8 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 40k Hz frequency range |
| Hands-free controls |
| High quality microphone |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not waterproof |
| Cost more than double than its previous version |
5. Brainwavz B400 Quad Balanced Armature Pro Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
The Brainwavz B400 Quad Balanced Armature Pro Earbuds uses a 4 speaker system in each ear piece – combined they produce amazing audio that sounds vibrant and life-like. Each armature driver specializes in one specific range of the sound spectrum resulting in a true audiophile grade sound. Also, when playing audio at the max level the earbuds can deliver and still output clear cut beats, but doing this can wear out the earbuds overtime.
Moreover, the comfort with these earbuds is truly amazing, because it uses the latest ergonomic housing that has been hand crafted. The eartips are easy to put in and don’t pose any strain after long periods of time, plus they come in different sizes for a more personalized fit. Also, all components have been made in either Europe or the USA, which is why the earbuds are a little more expensive than usual.
In addition, the Brainwavz B400 Quad Balanced Armature Pro Earbuds uses MMCX cables that are one of the most durable cords in the market. However, if you don’t like the MMCX cable then you can remove it and replace with your own, which increases the product life span as you won’t need to throw out the earbuds if you damage the cable cord.
Even though the Brainwavz B400 Quad Balanced Armature Pro is a great pair of earbuds it does come with some faults. If one of the armature drivers blows out the sound will become unrecognizable. Also, the removable cable can make it easy to lose the actual earbuds if they happen to detach while making fast movements.
To conclude, the Brainwavz B400 Quad Balanced Armature Pro Earbuds is great for someone looking for a high-end audio device to take traveling. The 4 armature drivers combine to create amazing beats and the noise isolating eartips further enhance the experience. Also, the removable cable extends the earbuds life span as you can keep on changing the cables if they get damaged.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 8.8 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Comes with 2 cables, one with microphone and one without |
| Uses 4 armature drivers to output amazing beats |
| Eartips provide excellent noise isolation |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not stylish |
| If one driver gets damaged the music will sound terrible and unbalanced |
6. Master & Dynamic ME05BR High Performance Precision Brass Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
Master & Dynamic pride themselves for making products that last for decades as they utilize heavy-duty materials such as premium leathers and stainless steel. Also, they design their products with easily replicable parts, which makes them easy to fix.
The Master & Dynamic ME05BR High Performance Precision Brass Earbuds uses 8mm custom titanium drivers that are tuned to provide rich warm sounds that work well with any genre of music. In addition, the quality brass body gives the earbuds some style and feels expensive when holding in hand.
Moreover, the button pad system located on the cable can be used to control the earbuds without the need to touch your phone, which is more practical and faster to do. Also, you can use the microphone to take phone calls in full HD audio, but in loud places, the receiver will have a harder time hearing you.
Even though these earbuds are excellent to use they do have their minuses – one of them is that the audio gets distorted when listening to extra bass beats at full volume. Also, the eartips can get uncomfortable to wear after using them for hours. Lastly, you can’t use them in bad weather as the drivers inside will take damage. The same goes for sports as the sweat will get inside the earbuds.
To conclude, the Master & Dynamic ME05BR High Performance Precision Brass Earbuds are stylish to wear and feel excellent when holding. The 8mm customer drivers deliver amazing audio directly to the ears and thanks to the eartips background noises are reduced increasing the overall quality. In addition, you can take phone calls with these earbuds, because it comes with a HD microphone located on the cable cord.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 16 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Looks stylish |
| Long lasting thanks to durable materials used |
| Easy to replace parts |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Water damage can easily break the earbuds |
| Eartips can get uncomfortable to wear |
7. Shure SE215-K-BT1 Wireless Sound Isolating Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5
A single dynamic driver produces clear cut sound with deep bass and amazing treble. These special edition earbuds have a distinctly tuned frequency response that helps deliver bass at an amazingly high level. Unlike most earbuds that have a 20-20k Hz range, the Shure SE215-K-BT1 Wireless Sound Isolating Earbuds has 22 Hz to 17.5k Hz, which is not the widest range but best optimized for bass.
In addition, these earbuds are noise isolating reducing ambient sounds up to 37 dB, which will enhance the listening experience as you won’t be able to hear any unnecessary noises. Make sure to wear the correct size eartips as otherwise, the noise reduction won’t be great. The eartips need to cover the whole ear canal for effective noise isolation.
Moreover, the detachable cable system gives you the option to customize the earbuds to your preferences. This means you can switch between cables to adjust to the right occasion. For example, when watching TV you’ll need a longer cable and when traveling you’ll be better suited with a short wire.
Although the Shure SE215-K-BT1 is a great set of earbuds it does come with some minuses such as the noise isolation. In some cases reducing ambient noises is a huge plus, however, it can be dangerous in areas such as train stations as you won’t be able to hear your surroundings. Also, the shorter frequency range means you won’t be able to hear as many notes as other earbuds, but if you love bass optimized earbuds then look no further as this audio device is one of the best out there.
In conclusion, these earbuds are a great pick up, because of the excellently tuned drivers that are optimized for bass boosted beats. The noise reduction can decrease ambient noises up to 37 dB and the eartips are extremely comfortable to wear. Also, the detachable cable system makes it easy to customize the earbuds.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 5 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: No |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Customizable cable cord |
| Can handle bass boosted beats with ease |
| Great noise reduction |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Noise reduction can be dangerous in certain situations |
| Shorter frequency range compared to the industry average |
Best High-End / Audiophile Earbuds Under $1,000
This category is for those people who don’t mind spending a lot of money to experience excellent music quality. Compared to the other categories these earbuds are the best of the best and you can’t go wrong buying one of these.
However, breaking any pair of earbuds is not that hard if you don’t take care of them and repairing these earbuds can be expensive if the warranty doesn’t cover it.
8. Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earbuds with Quad High Definition MicroDrivers and True Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earbuds features adjustable frequency response for customizable sound signatures creating better audio for specific genres of music. In addition, you can remove the metal nozzle and replace them with other options such as balanced, warm and bright.
Moreover, you can connect these earbuds via Bluetooth, but make sure to use the latest version of Bluetooth otherwise connections will be slow and unstable. Also, on the cable cord is a built-in microphone and a set of buttons that can be used to adjust the volume and skip between songs.
All models come with a set of accessories including a universal 3.5mm communication cable, standard 3.5 audio cable, USB charge, clothing clip, airline adapter, two pairs of nozzle inserts, nozzle removal key, and a premium carrying case. Also, you will receive a bunch of different eartips sizes that you can try out to find the perfect fit, which will help provide a noise isolating experience.
The Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earbuds is probably the best audio device on this list, but it does come with some major minuses. One big factor is the price, compared to other high-end audio devices the Shure SE846-CL is one of the most expensive earbuds out there. Also, breaking them is not that hard and the price to repair them is very expensive as each piece is made from premium materials.
To conclude, the Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earbuds are excellent for the price as it produces amazing vibrant beats that is like no other. You can customize and tune the earbuds to your liking as the frequency response and metal nozzle is customizable. In addition, you can take hand-free calls using the built-in microphone, which is practical and faster to use.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 32 ounces |
| Wireless: Yes |
| Built-in Microphone: No |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Audio sounds out of this world |
| Metal nozzle is fully customizable |
| Stable connections thought the whole audio session |
| The Cons |
|---|
| If earbuds get damaged they are expensive to repair |
| Not resistant to water or sweat |
9. Westone W30 Triple-Driver True-Fit Earbuds
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Using a three balanced armature drivers system the Westone W30 Triple-Driver True-Fit Earbuds delivers excellent beats that sound almost life-like. Also, using extra comfy eartips the overall session is further enhanced as they reduce ambient noises to a minimum. This means you can focus more on the beat and not what’s going on around you. However, this can be dangerous in certain areas as you won’t be able to hear clearly.
Westone’s professional cable is made from durable material to ensure the longevity of the earbuds, plus they are twisted to reduce cable noises and keep the weight low. Also, on the cable is a three button MFi control system that you can use to skip between songs and adjust the volume.
Moreover, the Westone W30 Triple-Driver True-Fit Earbuds has a built-in microphone, which you can use to make calls hands-free. This option is faster and more convenient, since you won’t have to go through the hassle of reaching for your phone and swiping to answer. Although the microphone is high quality it doesn’t reduce ambient noises, which means in public areas the receiver won’t be able to hear you clearly.
Furthermore, there have been cases where the earbuds break easily when dropped or when having contact with water. Also, for such a high price you’d think that the style would be a lot better, but for the features it lacks it definitely makes up in audio quality.
To conclude, the Westone W30 Triple-Driver True-Fit Earbuds is an expensive product, but the audio quality is absolutely amazing as it uses three balanced armature drivers. The comfy eartips produce a noise isolating experience and the button pad makes the earbuds easy to use. Also, the overall weight of the product is extremely low, which makes them ideal to take on long trips.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 0.48 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: Yes |
| Warranty: 2 Years |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Ultra-lightweight |
| Great noise reduction |
| Easy to use button pad |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Easy to break if not looked after |
| Not stylish to wear |
10. EtymoticResearch ER4P-T microPro
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro uses high performance balanced armature drivers that a precision matched to within 1 dB. Using these specific drivers the earbuds can output excellent sound quality – even at higher volumes. Also, using a wide frequency range these earbuds can output more authentic tunes compared to other similar products.
Moreover, the in-ear design provides a noise isolating experience and the triple eartip design delivers great grip, which doesn’t let the earbuds fall out when walking. The eartips come in three different sizes and are fully replaceable – furthermore, if they get too dirty with earwax you can wash them. Don’t be afraid of the earbuds breaking due to them not being cleaned often as the user replaceable filters protect the drivers inside from any earwax or other particles.
Unlike most earbuds with the Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro you get an abundance of accessories that can be used to take care of the item. In the box, you will receive the ER4 microPro earbuds, multiple different eartips, a filter removal tool and replacement filters, a shirt clip, and carrying case.
No set of earbuds are perfect and the Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro has got some faults. First, the eartip design can be weird for some users and uncomfortable compared to the basic eartip designs. Second, cleaning out the earwax and dirt from the earbud can get annoying and time consuming. Lastly, the cable is extremely thin and therefore easy to overextend the wires inside.
In summary, the Etymotic Research ER4P-T microPro is a great pair of earbuds for someone looking for a different experience. The eartips take on a different design that secures a snug tight fit, which won’t let the earbuds fall out during fast movements. In addition, the sound quality is tremendous as it uses high performance balanced armature drivers.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 10.6 ounces |
| Wireless: No |
| Built-in Microphone: No |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent for studio use |
| Sound quality is amazing |
| Eartip design is unique |
| The Cons |
|---|
| No button pad |
| No built-in microphone |
Contents
- Top buying considerations
- Quality of audio
- Brand
- Button pad
- Durability
- Wireless connection
- Top 10 High-End Audiophile Earbuds Comparison Table
- Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds By Budget:
- Best High-End/Audiophile Earbuds Under $100
- 1. Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds
- 2. Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Earbuds
- Best High-End / Audiophile Earbuds Under $200
- 3. RHA T20i (Black): HiFi Noise Isolating Stainless Steel Earbuds
- 4. 1MORE Quad Driver Earbuds
- 5. Brainwavz B400 Quad Balanced Armature Pro Earbuds
- 6. Master & Dynamic ME05BR High Performance Precision Brass Earbuds
- 7. Shure SE215-K-BT1 Wireless Sound Isolating Earbuds
- Best High-End / Audiophile Earbuds Under $1,000
- 8. Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earbuds with Quad High Definition MicroDrivers and True Subwoofer
- 9. Westone W30 Triple-Driver True-Fit Earbuds
- 10. EtymoticResearch ER4P-T microPro
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