15 Best Earbuds of 2019

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Are you after the best earbuds that the marketplace has to offer, but with the amount of options you are not sure which ones to buy? This buyer’s guide has rounded up the best earbuds across 3 price categories. You can quickly make a choice that is within your price range. You’ll love the variety that is included here since all the top earbuds the industry has to offer are included.

We have included a buying consideration section where you can learn about the factors that are worth paying attention to. The topics we have covered includes audio quality, comfort, wireless connectivity, durability, and brand. Take the time to consider each of these categories to end up with the earbuds that are a good match for your requirements.

We had a great time putting together this buyer’s guide and hope you learn what’s needed to make the right choice. Take the time to read until the end to have a good overview of the marketplace.

Budget
best-budget-earbuds
Sony MDRXB50AP
4.9/5.0
Weight: 0.28 ounces
Connectivity: Wired
Strong bass, choice of colors, and wide frequency response.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-earbuds
1MORE Quad Driver
4.9/5.0
Weight: 0.65 ounces
Connectivity: Wired
Intelligent in-line controls and sophisticated audio driver design.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-earbuds
Bose QuietComfort 20
4.9/5.0
Weight: 1.55 ounces
Connectivity: Wired
Excellent noise cancelation, durable, and ergonomic fit.
Check Amazon

Buying considerations







Items by price:

Earbuds Comparison Table

Make and ModelWeightConnectivityPrice
Sony MDRXB50AP0.28 ouncesWiredCheck Price
Mpow Flame2.88 ouncesWirelessCheck Price
Optoma NuForce BE Sport40.46 ouncesWirelessCheck Price
Shure SE215-CL1.05 ouncesWiredCheck Price
Betron YSM10000.64 ouncesWiredCheck Price
1MORE Quad Driver0.65 ouncesWiredCheck Price
Sennheiser HD11.86 ouncesWirelessCheck Price
V-MODA Zn0.73 ouncesWiredCheck Price
Jabra Elite Active 65t0.43 ouncesWirelessCheck Price
BeatsX0.8 ouncesWirelessCheck Price
Bose QuietComfort 201.55 ouncesWiredCheck Price
Westone W400.45 ouncesWiredCheck Price
ER4XR Extended Response0.64 ouncesWiredCheck Price
Sony WI1000X/B2.5 ouncesWirelessCheck Price
MobiFren Seiren14.4 ouncesWirelessCheck Price

Best Earbuds Under $100

Are you looking for competitively priced earbuds that deliver a lot of the functionality that’s typically found in the higher price bracket? Then consider the excellent choice we have found in the marketplace. Here you’ll find a choice of wired and wireless earbuds so that you can enjoy the connectivity type that best matches your requirements.

The only drawback of some earbuds in this price category is the lack of a premium in-hand feel and long lasting durability compared to pricier options. However, the overall durability is not as bad as it used to be in the budget category years ago.

1. Best Budget: Sony MDRXB50AP $30

Sony MDRXB50AP $30View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Sony is an industry leading electronics brand that consistently releases excellent personal audio solutions at every price bracket. The Sony MDRXB50AP is a great choice for budget buyers that are interested in strong bass and a minimalist design. You’ll be surprised by the quality that is crammed in here at under $30.

You get a choice of 3 color options, which includes red, blue, and black. The earbuds have a solid design the can take a knock without breaking. It’s not often you’ll find such a durable pair of earbuds at a low price. The wire also has a durable design since you can pull on it with a bit of force without causing damage.

The 12mm audio drivers are relatively large for earbuds and you are not going to find bigger ones at the dirt cheap price. A frequency range of 4-24,000Hz is achieved, which helps produce strong bass. Therefore, you’ll love using them with bass boosted music that is popular nowadays. However, do not expect audiophile grade audio here as the audio driver implementation is not sophisticated enough for that.

The in-ear design of these earbuds is comfortable and provides a secure fit. You get a choice of hybrid silicone eartips to get the right size for your ear. The tangle-free cable is designed so that you do not have to deal with untangling the wire every time you want to use the earbuds.

The biggest drawback of these earbuds is the below average control scheme that could have been implemented better. Also the bass heavy sound is not for everyone – especially if you prefer music genres like smooth jazz and classical.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.28 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 4 – 24,000 Hz
The Pros
Strong bass
Choice of colors
Trusted brand name
Wide frequency response
The Cons
In-line control could be implemented better

2. Mpow Flame

Mpow FlameView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

These are one of the most popular budget earbuds that offer exceptional value for money. The array of features implemented into one package is mind boggling when you consider the dirt cheap price. They are suitable for those on a strict budget that want a back up pair of earbuds or do not have very high standards when it comes to audio fidelity.

The IPX7 waterproof rating of the earbuds is impressive and it means they can handle up to 1 meter of water depth for up to 30 minutes. Therefore, these are great for working out and all weather conditions. However, they should not be used for swimming at the pool because at depths of over 1 meter the audio drivers can be damaged.

Bluetooth 4.1 is implemented that does an excellent job of providing a consistent audio signal at a range of 33 feet. Audio hiccups and distortion is at a minimum, but it’s by no means a perfect wireless implementation without problems. The battery life is a competitive 7-9 hours that will get you through the majority of the day.

There is a noise canceling feature that is remarkable at this price, but don’t expect comparable effectiveness to the Bose QuietComfort 20. These earbuds might be a good investment for buyers that have never had noise canceling earbuds and simply want to try them out.

Mpow Flame earbuds are also great for sports due to the execution of the earhooks that latch around your ears. It means the fit is not only comfortable but also secure. Therefore, you can move your head frantically in all directions without the earbuds coming loose. This means there is no need to constantly adjust the fit of the earbuds while you’re taking part in physical activity.

It’s hard to name any drawbacks of the Mpow Flame given the cheap price, but it must be mentioned that the materials do not appear to be durable. Therefore, you’ll need to take care of them to avoid damage early on in their life cycle.

To summarize, the Mpow Flame earbuds are a great choice for fans of practicality, a low price, and ergonomic comfort. The combination of the decent wireless implementation, excellent water protection, and noise cancelation means you don’t have to spend a premium price anymore to enjoy a rich bunch of features.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 2.88 ounces
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 7-9 hours
Frequency response: 20 – 24,000 Hz
The Pros
Dirt cheap price
Noise cancelation
Ergonomic comfort
IPX7 rating
The Cons
Durability could be improved

3. Optoma NuForce BE Sport4

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 are a great pair of earbuds for sports enthusiasts that are on a budget. The sports friendly features and solid audio quality means you’ll be impressed with the attention to detail here. They are highly rated by buyer’s, which should give you the confidence to make the investment. However, take the time to carefully read the features to figure out if these earbuds are what you need.

They are IPX5 water resistant, which means you can use these in all weather conditions. You will be at ease knowing that no matter how hard you sweat the audio drivers are safely protected by the casing. Furthermore, the secure and comfortable fit ensures the earbuds do not come loose when you are exercising. This prevents the frustrating scenario where you constantly have to stop in order to adjust the fit.

The battery life allows for 10 hours of running time so you can fit in multiple exercise sessions per charge. Furthermore, the quick charge feature enables you to get 2 hours of running time for only 15 minutes of charging. This is handy when you have suited up to go for a jog and have forgotten to charge the earbuds.

Graphene-coated audio drivers are used to deliver the competitive audio quality. You might think that the practical features implemented here are at the cost of audio quality, but that isn’t the case. The AAC and aptX support create a strong audio signal that contributes to excellent audio recreation. The in-ear design means noise isolation is strong and creates natural noise isolation.

Before adding the Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 earbuds to the shopping cart consider taking a look at some of the drawbacks. The microphone quality could be improved as it’s not competitive compared with earbuds in this price bracket. Also the housing rubs against the outer ear, which might be a problem for some buyers.

Overall, the Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 is the perfect choice for buyers on a budget that are looking for audio during workouts. You’ll love the wireless connectivity, convenient in-line controls, secure fit, and sporty design of the earbuds. You’ll feel like using these on a regular basis and in the process your workouts will be more intense as you enjoy motivating music.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.46 ounces
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 10 hours
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
The Pros
Sporty visual looks
Good value for money
Great waterproof protection
The Cons
Microphone could be improved

4. Shure SE215-CL

Shure SE215-CLView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Shure has a number of competitive earbuds in the marketplace and the SE215-CL is a well-priced option. The see-through design look odds at first glance, but there is a lot of performance under the hood that’s worthy of your consideration. Take the time to appreciate all the features offered here for a balanced overview.

A single dynamic driver is implemented that produces clear audio and deep bass. Therefore, they are an audio profile that is somewhat comparable to audiophile grade at a much lower price. The overall audio clarity is maintained in noisy environments due to the noise isolation that works up to 37 decibels. Therefore, these are practical for the outdoors because you don’t have to worry about dealing with ambient noise.

The earbuds come with a detachable cable design so that you can replace a worn out cable with a new one. Furthermore, compatibility is not a problem with the Shure SE215-CL earbuds since you can invest in cables with different connectivity options such as 3.5mm, Lightning, and USB-C.

There are also a few drawbacks to these earbuds that are worth considering before making the choice to buy. Firstly, the see-through design is not for everyone and might be the deal breaker for some. Also there is a lack of in-line controls which can be frustrating if you’ve upgraded from earbuds that had this functionality.

To summarize, the Shure SE215-CL earbuds are a good choice for audiophile buyers that do not have a premium budget to spend. You’ll love the combination of the good audio driver implementation, detachable cables, and effective noise isolation. However, you’ll need to accept the distinctive visual design.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.05 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 22 – 17,500 Hz
The Pros
Detachable cable design improves compatibility and durability
Audiophile grade audio
Excellent noise isolation
The Cons
Lack of in-line remote controls

5. Betron YSM1000

Betron YSM1000View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

The gold theme of these earbuds gives them a premium look at the dirt cheap price, which is the big selling point here. They are a great option for buyers that want decent audio quality yet have a limited budget. You’ll be surprised by the attention to detail here given the low price.

The 24K gold plated jack is built for durability and performance since gold is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. The gold also allows you to stand out from the crowd if that’s your kind of look. The cable design is tangle-free so you won’t be constantly frustrated by having to deal with the cable whenever you want to use the earbuds.

The remote control can be used to pause/play songs, answer/hang up calls, alter the volume, and skip tracks in a convenient manner. The execution of the in-line button ergonomics is also good when you compare it with other options in the very low price category.

The audio profile of the Betron YSM1000 earbuds is tilted towards the bass end of the spectrum, which means you’ll love using these for bass boosted songs. However, the strong bass will not please those that enjoy a cleaner overall audio feel.

There are a few points to note on the negative side that should be appreciated. Firstly, the in-ear fit is not ergonomic enough for all users to be happy with. Also the lack of audio fidelity might be off-putting for buyers that are used to more expensive earbuds.

To summarize, the execution of the Betron YSM1000 is excellent given they are under $15. The combination of the gold theme design, excellent bass implementation, and in-line controls means you’re getting good value for money. However, they might be disappointing if your standards are relatively high.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.64 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 1.8 – 20,000 Hz
The Pros
Unique gold theme
Strong bass
Exceptional value for money
The Cons
The fit could be improved to fit more buyers

Best Earbuds Under $200

You’ll find some of the best value for money offerings that the marketplace has on offer in this price range. You’ll appreciate the execution of the durability, wireless connectivity, audio reproduction, and attention to detail. They hit the sweet spot of performance and price. Going higher than this price bracket means you’re going to receive a diminishing rate of return.

However, the overall audio quality of some earbuds here do not offer that audiophile grade feeling that the most expensive category does. The audiophiles among you that have strict requirements should look in the priciest category if you feel the earbuds here are lacking in audio fidelity.

6. Best Value: 1MORE Quad Driver

1MORE Quad DriverView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The 1More Quad Driver has a sophisticated audio driver implementation that takes the audio experience to the next level. The combination of the four audio drivers means the different parts of the frequency range can be delivered separately. Therefore, you’re getting audiophile grade audio that the majority of earbuds cannot compete with. The array of features implemented here means it’s a great all-rounder that can be used at home, work, or while traveling.

The intelligent microphone controls mean you can communicate with voice based assistant and take calls in a convenient manner. The microphone quality is sufficient to enjoy clear conversations without having to repeat yourself often. The controls allow you to seamlessly alter the volume, switch tracks, and answer calls. Therefore, there is no requirement to constantly take out your smartphone in order to adjust the personal audio experience.

The oxygen-free Kevlar cable is built to last and deliver a clear audio signal that suffers from minimal distortion. The durable design ensures you can pull on the wire and it will not damage easily. This is handy when the earbuds do not have a detachable design.

When the earbuds arrive you’ll be pleased to see the luxurious gift style design they are presented in. The luxurious feel makes the steep price all the more worth it, and it’s handy if you want to give them as a gift. It seems as if the brand has thought of everything to make customers of the 1MORE Quad Driver feel special.

The 45 degree oblique angle of the earbuds means they provide an ergonomic fit. The shape of the earbuds means they naturally fit within your ear canals with a decent amount of noise isolation. The aluminum design provides that durable feel and sonic spaciousness while reducing ear fatigue. It’s a sophisticated design that allows you to wear the earbuds for hours at a time on a daily basis.

There are a couple of disadvantages to the 1MORE Quad Driver earbuds that are worth considering before making the purchase. Firstly, the cheaper version of these earbuds, the 1MORE Triple Driver, is actually better value for money. Also the ergonomics could be improved to fit a variety of ear types and sometimes people report problems with the fit.

To summarize, the 1MORE Quad Driver is a great choice for audiophiles that wants earbuds with sophisticated audio implementation. The combination of the ergonomics, intelligent in-line controls, and aluminum finish means there is a lot to like here.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.65 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 20 – 40,000 Hz
The Pros
Intelligent in-line controls
Strong aluminum finish
Sophisticated audio driver design
The Cons
Cheaper version has better value for money

7. Sennheiser HD1

Sennheiser HD1View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Sennheiser is a trustworthy brand that consistently delivers awesome audio that outshines the majority of the marketplace. With the HD1 you’ll love the execution of the wireless connectivity, in-ear comfortable design, and impactful audio drivers. Take the time to fully appreciate the features here to figure out if these Sennheiser earbuds match your requirements.

The over the neck design makes use of a solid band that takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s a practical fit. The band adds some weight to the wearing experience, but you do not have to deal with wires going down to the audio emitting device. The band has buttons that can be used to alter the personal audio experience such as change tracks and adjust the volume. Additional buttons can be found to toggle the Bluetooth on/off and turn off the power.

The wireless connection allows for NFC pairing allowing you to create immediate connection with compatible devices. This is handy when you want to forge a quick connection while on the go. The total battery life is 10 hours and it only takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the batteries. The battery is reliable, which means you won’t find it going down in total battery time shortly after purchase.

The high-quality dynamic transducers are some of the best in this price bracket. The signature lifelike Sennheiser sound can be enjoyed via the audio drivers that are housed in a stainless steel casing that’s durable. The overall feel of the HD1 in-hand is premium, which is what you should expect at this price. The mixture of the strong bass response and wide soundstage means you’re getting earbuds that are great for any music genre.

You should also take into account a few potential deal breakers before adding the Sennheiser HD 1 earbuds to the shopping cart. Firstly, the over the neck band has no padding, which means the touch to the skin is not always pleasant and can be abrasive. Also the treble range could be improved so that it has more of an audiophile feel.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD1 it a solid choice for fans of the brand that are after wireless earbuds that deliver exceptional audio quality. The ergonomics of the comfortable design means you’ll love wearing them for long periods of time and the button controls are conveniently placed.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.86 ounces
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 10 hours
Frequency response: 15 – 22,000 Hz
The Pros
Decent battery life of 10 hours
Practical over neck design with excellent controls
Trusted industry leading audio brand
Durable and premium design
The Cons
Treble could be better

8. V-MODA Zn

V-MODA ZnView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

V-MODA is known for their attention to detail and highly durable design that allows you to use the earbuds for years before worrying about audio driver damage. They are more known for manufacturing audiophile grade headphones, but these earbuds are also packed with the industry leading technology that makes the asking price reasonable. Overall, this is a trusted brand due to the constant flow of highly rated products they release.

The one button remote and mic is excellent for when you want to take calls without reaching for your smartphone. It’s an intuitive design that has no lengthy learning curve. Furthermore, recorded voice memos can be used to access voice based assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.

The extreme durability of the V-MODA Zn is the big selling point that allows it to stand out of the crowd. For example, the detachable patented cable can be swapped for another in the unlikely event that it should wear out. Also the liquid zinc metal construction means the audio drivers are protected from the elements and physical knocks. Therefore, these earbuds are the ideal travel partner that’s not going to give up on you halfway through the journey.

The 8 millimeter dynamic drivers produce almost audiophile grade audio that even the enthusiasts among you will appreciate. A distortion level of under 0.5 decibels is achieved that contributes to excellent audio reproduction across the 2 – 25,000 Hz frequency response. This combination of excellent audio and military grade durability is unique in the marketplace.

As with all great earbuds it’s important to have a balanced overview by considering the negatives. The in-line button design makes it easy to accidentally skip tracks when you’re adjusting the volume. Also the high-mids seem to be a little dialed back so improvements could be made here. However, these are not huge deal breakers most of you are going to put too much weight in.

To conclude, the V-MODA Zn is a highly durable pair of earbuds that’s great for buyers that appreciate a long lasting product. You’ll also love the fine-tuned audio drivers that allows you to enjoy all music genres. However, it is a premium priced product so you need to be sure the durability aspect of these earbuds is something that you actually need.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.73 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 2 – 25,000 Hz
The Pros
Wide frequency response with strong bass
Very durable
Trusted audio brand
The Cons
Controls could be improved to avoid accidental button pushes

9. Jabra Elite Active 65t

Jabra Elite Active 65tView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds are for the fitness enthusiast that needs a personal audio solution. You’ll love the premium feel, attention to detail, and strong audio that will impress even the demanding buyers among you. Your workouts will be optimized due to the practical features that will help you stay motived while exercising.

A workout session can be ruined when the earbuds need to be constantly adjusted due to a lack of a secure fit. Fortunately, the secure fit design of the Jabra Elite Active 65t is both comfortable and stays in place. You can be moving your head while running from side to side and the earbuds will not be dislodged. The eartip design is also convenient and there is a choice of sizes to improve the noise isolation.

The 5 hour battery life means you need to constantly worry about battery management if you tend to use the earbuds for the entire day. However, this problem is somewhat alleviated because a carrying case is included that provides and additional 15 hours of charging time. The carrying case is also useful for safely storing the earbuds when you are not using them.

3rd generation true wireless connectivity means music and call dropouts will be at a minimum. For some buyers the strength of the wireless connection might be better than one with dropouts but a longer battery life.

You can download the Jabra app on your smartphone to customize the personal audio experience to your specific requirements. The music enthusiasts among you will enjoy playing around with the settings so that you can achieve a better overall music experience.

You should take the time to consider a few of the drawbacks to have a balanced overview of the earbuds. While the fit is secure the overall comfort could be improved for everyone. Some buyers have reported the fit to be poor, which leads to the need to take regular breaks. Also the carrying case can be a frustrating experience when trying to open it.

To summarize, the Jabra Elite Active 65t are a good choice for sports enthusiasts that want wireless connectivity and excellent audio reproduction. The minimalist design and secure fit means wearing them during exercise will not be problem, but the comfort could do with a bit of improving. They are expensive, but for the right type of buyer there is enough value.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.43 ounces
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 5 hours
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000Hz
The Pros
Secure fit
Great for workouts
Useful smartphone app for customization
The Cons
Comfort could be better

10. BeatsX

BeatsXView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The BeatsX is a popular wireless option that’s particularly useful for iOS user due to the W1 chip that improves the quality of the Bluetooth connection. They are fairly priced for what’s offered, but there are a few better value for money options in the cheaper category. Delve deeper into the features to figure out the quality that’s offered here.

The battery life is 8 hours allowing you to enjoy audio for the majority of the day and there is a quick charge feature. It enables you to receive 2 hours of running time for only 5 minutes of charging, which means you can continue to enjoy your music uninterrupted.

The flex form cable does a good job of providing comfort and practicality at the same time. You’ll feel as if there are no wires, but you’ll still have in-line controls. They enable you to alter the volume, answer calls, and skip tracks. The overall design means you can have a hands-free experience since there is no need to constantly take out your smartphone. Unfortunately, the over the neck cable adds a bit of weight to the overall fit that makes them feel more of a burden compared to other earbuds. They are also not suitable for sports due to the lack of waterproof protection.

The audio profile is bass heavy so you’ll love music genres like rap, hip-hop, and rock. However, the audiophiles among you may not be pleased with the lack of a true to life sound. Most buyers have reported the audio to be impactful and does an excellent job of immersion. The excellent noise isolation also aids the music quality because you’ll get to appreciate the audio in noisy environments without distractions.

A serviceable microphone is added that can be used to take calls or communicate with voice based assistants like Siri. This gives you true hands-free control over the audio experience because you’re able to walk and alter the audio without any interactions from your hands.
To summarize, the BeatsX is a great choice for bass fans that are on the iOS platform and want to take advantage of the Apple X1 chip. The over the neck design is effective and practical at the same time. Therefore, you’ll love wearing these while outdoors or traveling on vacation.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.8 ounces
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 8 hours
Frequency response: N/A
The Pros
Strong bass
Fast 5 minutes quick charge feature
Apple W1 chip
Practical over the neck design
The Cons
Overall sound profile could be cleaner

Best Earbuds Under $300

This price category contains some of the most impressive earbuds out there that come packed with industry leading technology. The combination of the finely tuned audio drivers, premium use of materials, and full array of features means you’re not going to be disappointed.

However, the high price means you need to think carefully about the value for money if you’re on a budget. You also need to understand the features offered and if they are going to be useful for you. Take the time to read the buying consideration section at the start of this buying guide to learn more about what should be considered when selecting earbuds.

11. Top Pick: Bose QuietComfort 20

Bose QuietComfort 20View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Bose QuietComfort 20 comes in two versions – one is compatible with Android devices and the other with the iOS platform. This is a disadvantage because you cannot invest in one model and use it for both platforms. They are different because the buttons on the microphone are compatible with only one phone operating system.

The array of features found with this Bose flagship offering means you’ll love the practicality and ergonomics of the design. However, at the steep price you need to give them their fair share of scrutiny to figure out of the value for money is favorable.

The StayHear+ tips of the earbuds allows for a secure fit that doesn’t come loose when you move your head. This ensures long lasting comfort that doesn’t become cumbersome and you won’t feel the need to take a break. Furthermore, the eartips are designed to fit conveniently into the ear canal and the eartips feel nice on the skin. Therefore, these earbuds can be used for sports, but there is no waterproof protection, which means sweat based damage is a possibility.

The in-line control buttons do an excellent job of giving you control over the personal audio experience. The controls feel durable and are intuitive so you instantly understand the functionality of each button. Furthermore, the microphone that’s implemented here is crystal clear allowing for straightforward conversations without having to repeat yourself often. You can also make use of the microphone to communicate with voice based assistants for a true hands-off experience.

The active EQ and TriPort technology enables you to customize the audio experience to your preferences. Therefore, when switching between genres you can change the audio settings to get the most out of that specific genre. This means all music fans are catered for since you can find the audio solution that works best for you.

Extra accessories come with these headphones that bring a lot of value. A soft storage pouch is added that can be used to store the earbuds and you get a number of earhooks for the secure fit. Also eartips of different sizes are added that can be used to achieve the right fit for your ear size.

The noise canceling feature is a big attraction of the Bose QuietComfort 20 earbuds. The implementation is of industry leading standard that allows you to block out the majority of ambient noise in your surroundings. Only the loudest of noises will get through such as when people are shouting or a car horn.

Before adding the Bose QuietComfort 20 to the shopping cart consider a few of the disadvantages that might be a deal breaker. They are expensive and you can find cheaper alternatives that provide comparable quality. Furthermore, the battery cannot be replaced, which means that you’re stuck with a faulty one when it wears out.

To conclude, the Bose QuietComfort 20 earbuds are a great choice for buyers that want portability, great audio quality, and industry leading noise cancelation. The combination of these features delivered by a trusted brand means you’re getting a lot of value. Just make sure you need all these features because the asking price is on the steep side.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.55 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: N/A
The Pros
Excellent noise cancelation
Reputable brand
Durable
Ergonomic fit
The Cons
Expensive

12. Westone W40

Westone W40View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Westone W40 earbuds are a great choice for the audiophile buyer that wants exceptional audio quality. They come at a steep price so you’ll need to make a big investment that’s fully justified given the attention to detail and excellent reviews. However, to figure out if they are the right choice for you take the time to take a closer peek at the list of features.

The four balanced armature driver are the highlight here as the resulting audio quality is exceptional. The award winning design takes the audio experience to another level as you’ll appreciate the depth of audio across the frequency range of 10Hz – 18kHz. Strong bass is offered due to the lower limit of 10Hz that adds a lot of immersion to music genres like rock, hip-hop, and rap.

The wired design comes with a 3 button remote and microphone that’s implemented with the user in mind. Westone’s professional-quality MMCX audio twisted cable is very durable and drastically reduces the chances of getting tangled. The in-line controls are compatible with iOS and Android devices, which means you can take calls in a convenient manner.

The low profile and ergonomic design of the Westone W40 earbuds ensures you’ll have a comfortable wearing experience. 60 years of manufacturing experience is utilized to create the award winning design. Therefore, you’ll enjoy the audiophile grade sounds even more.

The high price of the Westone W40 earbuds means you’ll need to take the disadvantages of the earbuds into consideration. The overall audio quality for this price range could be better at the highs. Also these are not suitable for sports due to the lack of waterproof protection.

To conclude, the Westone W40 earbuds are the right choice for those with a big budget and the need for audiophile grade audio. The ergonomic fit also makes the overall wearing experience pleasant allowing you to enjoy the music even more. Make sure to take into account the high price and gives these earbuds the right amount of scrutiny. If you need the features offered then you’ll have no problem pulling the trigger on the purchase.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.45 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 10Hz – 18kHz
The Pros
Sophisticated audio river design
Durable
Ergonomic fit
The Cons
Expensive
Highs could be improved

13. ER4XR Extended Response

ER4XR Extended ResponseView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Are you after true audiophile earbuds that will blow your mind with the execution of the audio quality? Then the ER4XR are the right choice for you, but be prepared for the premium price. However, for the high price tag you’re getting industry leading features that most other brands would be jealous of so take a closer peek at what all the fuss is about.

The high performance audio drivers are accurate to within one decibel and have exceptional accuracy in the mid to high frequency response range. Therefore, you can appreciate vocals in music and audiobooks. The detail is remarkable and the unique execution here means the bass is solid too. Therefore, these earbuds are the choice for audiophiles that want to experience a wide range of genres.

The execution of the noise isolation with these earbuds is among the best in the marketplace. 30 years ago they were one of the first brands to implement noise isolation and now they are able to reduce ambient noise by 35-42 decibels. Therefore, the majority of sounds are removed but loud noises such as police sirens are still problematic.

The sleek aluminum body of the earbuds offers something different if you prefer the minimalist design. They look unique so that you’re able to look different while out in public. The body is also durable so it can be dropped without fear of damage. The premium materials are used to protect the audio drivers from damage.

A detachable 5 foot cable is added that can be used to provide the long length for your convenience. However, the long cable is not suitable for traveling or commuting to work since you’d have to try hard to hide it under the clothing. However, the detachable cable design means you can buy additional ones of different length and take worn ones out for new ones.

These earbuds make use of filters to smooth out the frequency response across the range of 20 – 16,000Hz. The filters are placed at the end of the earphone and when it becomes clogged then you need to replace the unit. Therefore, these earbuds require regular maintenance, but in return you’re getting a sophisticated level of audio.

There are a few advantages to the ER4XR earbuds that should be considered before adding them to the shopping cart. There is no-inline remote to control the audio experience so you’ll need to take out your smartphone when changing the volume. Also the eartips are pointy and invasive so you’ll need to get used to this style of fit.

To conclude, the ER4XR are a great choice for audiophile fans that have a big budget. You’ll love the industry leading execution of the noise isolation and durable design. Furthermore, the unique looking design means you’ll stand out from the crowd.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.64 ounces
Connectivity: wired
Frequency response: 20 – 16,000 Hz
The Pros
Long detachable cable
Durable aluminum design
Audiophile grade audio
Excellent noise isolation
The Cons
Pricey
No in-line remote

14. Sony WI1000X/B

Sony WI1000X/BView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Are you in the marketplace for high-performance earbuds with excellent wireless connectivity? Then the Sony WI1000X/B is a great choice, but with such a steep price you’ll need to carefully scrutinize every aspect of the earbuds. The features here have excellent implementation, which means overall you’re getting earbuds that work exactly as described.

The extra wide frequency range is 3-40,000Hz and the drivers produce high resolution audio that takes your listening experience to another level. S-Master HX technology is used to reduce distortion so that you’re practically never notice it allowing you to enjoy all the subtle sounds of your audio experience. The audio quality with the Sony WI1000X/B is an upgrade over the majority of the marketplace that makes the steep price all the more justified.

The battery life is a reliable 10 hours so you can enjoy the personal audio experience for the majority of the day without the need to recharge. There is also a noise canceling element that consumes battery life but does an excellent job of blocking out ambient sounds. Therefore, you can use these while traveling and on public transport. NFC pairing is also available that allows you to quickly pair the earbuds to previously used devices by simply tapping them together. This is useful when you’re on the move and don’t want the hassle of using the smartphone to manually forge the Bluetooth connection.

The supported software via the iOS and Android platforms means you can customize the audio experience to your personal preferences. For example, the software is intuitive to use and even the audio beginners among you can play around with the settings to get a feel for the type of audio they enjoy most.

There are a lot of positives to the Sony WI1000X/B earbuds, but you should also take the time to pay attention to the negatives for a balanced overview. Firstly, the overall sound signature is not pure enough for some audiophile with strict requirements. Also the adaptive sound control can be a bit slow and cumbersome to make use of.

To summarize, the Sony WI1000X/B is a solid offering that offers some of the best audio quality in the earbuds marketplace. You’ll love the reliable Bluetooth connection that leads to uninterrupted audio quality and the durable design that means they can take a few drops. Sony is a well-respected brand that consistently ships well-executed electronics and the WI1000X/B is another example of that.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Connectivity: Wireless
Battery life: 10
Frequency response: 3 – 40,000 Hz
The Pros
Decent battery life of 10 hours
Wide frequency range that leads to rich audio and strong bass
Trusted brand that delivers as described
The Cons
Pricey

15. MobiFren Seiren

MobiFren SeirenView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The MobiFren Seiren are not the most popular earbuds at the premium end of the scale, but they deserve a close look due to their impressive features. The sleek metallic aesthetics and durable over the neck band means you’re getting that premium feel at the tips of your fingers. Check out the long list of advanced features and they might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The silver plated OFC twisted wire delivers a strong audio signal from the Bluetooth receiver unit to ensure no distortion. These headphones have the newest Bluetooth 5 technology, which is still rare in the marketplace. Therefore, these earbuds are at an advantage it in terms of overall audio reproduction and range. Qualcomm aptX HD technology ensures 24-bit music quality & 576kbps data transmission, which result in lifelike audio quality. The battery life is 8 hours that’s delivered via a dual battery setup and the charging time is only 1.5 hours.

Noise canceling technology is also implemented that allows the audio quality to be stable when in noisy environments that can typically be problematic. Therefore, you’ll have an easier time listening to music and hearing the person at the other end of the line during a call.

The ability to choose between music modes is an uncommon feature that the MobiFren Seiren provides. Therefore, you can quickly alter the format of the audio that’s produced based on the music genre that you’re currently enjoying. There are 7 music modes to select from so you are likely to find the one that best matches your preferences.

A number of extra features added to the MobiFren Seiren increases the value even more. For example, a large convenient soft case is added that’s doesn’t require you to force the earbuds into a tight space. Also there is a vibrating alarm function that vibrates the band letting you know that a call is incoming.

The big drawback of the MobiFren Seiren earbuds is the lack of a trusted brand name that has proven itself across a range of personal audio solutions. This combined with the high price tag makes this one of the riskier investments in this buyer’s guide.

To conclude, the MobiFren Seiren earbuds comes packed with a bunch of advanced earbuds that you won’t find in most other offerings. The combination of the ergonomic design, durable finish, amazing audio production, and Bluetooth 5 connectivity means you’re getting an industry leading option. However, the lack of a trusted brand name means it’s worth doing some background research to understand who you’re actually buying from.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 14.4 ounces
Connectivity: Wireless
Battery life: 8
Frequency response: N/A
The Pros
Advanced noise cancelation
Sleek over the neck design
Bluetooth 5
Exceptional audio reproduction
The Cons
Lack of a trusted brand name
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