Not all earphones are made alike and this is true for the expensive ones too. You may end up paying for the style or brand but not the audio quality. Inexpensive earphones of great quality are available but let us discuss why and how the most expensive earphones stand apart. Are they worth it and what do they offer over their inexpensive alternatives?
Budget earphones are not bad but expensive earphones are a huge step-up in every way! On an average sound quality and price are directly proportional parameters. The higher the price tag the better the quality and features on the earphones. If you can afford them, choose expensive earphones for a mind-blowing experience.
Read our latest guide about the most expensive headphones worth buying.
Does expensive mean better sound?
High-end earphones can produce clear and high-quality sound. Better quality means that you will hear bass that does not sound muddy. The highs will not sound sharp and harsh and mids will be clear. They will feature soundstage where you feel the sound as though you are listening to a live performance. This means you can hear every individual instrument sound separately.
Your audio experience will be delightful as they evoke an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response in the brain. There may be a whistle or a bell ringing in a song and you look up wondering if it came from your phone. You can even hear the direction the sound is emerging from! This is soundstage. Once you have experienced the sound quality, the style, design and materials you will not go back to the inexpensive earphones.
The build quality is better and they come with added features. They are relatively heavy and feel sturdy due to the solid quality of the materials used to construct them. Besides this, you get features such as noise cancellation, wireless audio, detachable cables, better drivers, etc.
They may be expensive due to the artistry that went in moulding wood trims, precious metals and marble used in their construction. But the most desirable quality is that they can withstand heavy use over a long time. This would be possible only when they are solidly built from inside out.
Read our complete guide about the most durable earbuds.
Who are they ideal for?
Earphones may be canal phones or earbuds. The canal phones are also referred to as in-ear monitors. They have tips that are inserted into the ear canal. This offers better noise isolation than earbuds. They may have a deep or shallow insertion. These in-ear monitors (IEMs) are used by audio engineers, artists and audiophiles for professional purposes.
The earbuds are similar in design to the IEMs but the tips or nozzles are not inserted into the canal. Thus, the noise isolation is not as complete as in canal phones. These earphones have replaceable tips, cloth or braided cables, gold plated connectors, etc; to extend their durability.
Earphones may be wired or wireless. The wired earphones have a jack that needs to be inserted in the player or phone. While Bluetooth earphones connect wirelessly. There are two types of Bluetooth earphones – completely wireless and Bluetooth earphones with a short cable. The cable may be used for charging or for use as wired earphones. Some earphones may have built-in features for fitness. They track the distance covered, the heart rate, oxygen consumption, etc.
Do they outperform normal earphones?
Sound quality is a measure of enjoyability and accurate reproduction. It has no absolute reference and is a matter of personal taste. Yet there are various categories or sound signatures of audio quality people enjoy which may be delivered by your earphones. The three most common ones are;
Bass-heavy – where there is a strong emphasis on the low range to get a deep and strong bass.
V-shaped – where the emphasis on the treble and bass give a lively dynamic sound.
Balanced, flat and neutral sounding where all frequencies are equal.
The other sound signatures are bright, dark, warm and mid-focused.
Besides the type of music, the source of music is important. A low bitrate stream will not bring you a high-quality listening experience. Even if you cannot tell the difference between a low or high bitrate choose an expensive earphone as you will get better sound quality.
What materials are they made out of?
The most expensive earphones may be designed by jewellers or artists. They may be made of marble, or have diamond coated buds. The idea may seem ostentatious but a portion of the sales goes towards a cause such as treatment for a sick child, cancer research or degenerative disease.
Some earphones may come with their own valve amplification and Hybrid Dynamic Air Motion Transformer (AMT) driver. They may have a coaxial design with two types of drivers capable of producing 15 – 45000 Hertz. Others may be made of platinum, ceramic, gold and sterling silver.
For the techies, the seductive features may be a thin nano-grade diaphragm and double Fluxor magnetic arrays. These would mean efficient power due to less weight. Some may carry newly developed electrodes, electrostatic drivers, and high-quality silver-coated copper wires for better conduction. Others may have unique packing like fur-lined wooden boxes for your “purrfect” earphones.
Features on your Expensive Earphones
You should get the value for your money and the first feature to discuss would be;
Frequency Response – This is the range of sound earphones can produce, which is 20 – 20000 Hertz. Most earphones meet these specifications while some may offer a range of 15 – 45000 Hertz. This gives the product a wider range of frequency response and the sounds at the two ends of the spectrum some room to breathe. This helps you hear better. The range covers;
Bass which is approximately 20 – 400 Hertz. It is produced by musical instruments like kick drum, bass guitar, etc.
Mid-range frequencies are approximately 400 – 5.2 Kilo Hertz. Human voices come in this range.
Treble or high is the range above 5.2 Kilo Hertz. The sound of crickets at night is in this range.
Soundstage breathes a new life into the audio experience. If someone whispers in your right ear you look over your right shoulder. This is soundstage. The earphones even produce spatial cues. The earphones produce the soundtracks in such a manner that your brain believes the sounds are being produced in a certain direction.
Structure and fitting – Canal phones and earbuds have been discussed above.
Noise isolation versus Noise cancellation – Noise isolation is when the earphone blocks the sound by forming a physical barrier between the outside and your ear. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is when tiny built-in microphones pick up the ambient sounds and produce sound waves at 180° which cancel out the sound. If you are aware of wave properties you will know that this isn’t accomplished easily thus complete ANC is difficult to achieve.
Built-in microphones cum control module facilitates quick and easy access to the volume controls. Besides you can take calls on your smartphone easily.
Flat or neutral sound means that the earphones are reproducing the audio signal as they are receiving it from the source. These earphones are used while mixing or producing audio.
Battery life – Some earphones may have built-in batteries to power active noise cancellation or Bluetooth. Most earphones should last 6- 8 hours on a single charge.
Water-resistance is an important feature for people who use the earphones during a workout or a swim. Sweat and water will not damage them.
Top 15 Most Expensive Earphones in 2022
Picture |
Name |
Feature |
Price |
Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name |
Feature |
Price |
Rating |
1. Shure KSE1500 |
Integrated USB-rechargeable battery | $$$$ | 4.7 | |
2. Shure SE846-CL |
Three-way system configuration | $$$ | 4.6 |
|
3. Sennheiser IE800S |
cool and attractive look | $$$ | 4.6 |
|
4. Shure SE535-V+BT1 |
Easily transition between Apple/iOS and Android devices | $$$ | 4.5 |
|
5. Sennheiser Momentum |
Fingertip control | $$$ | 4.4 |
|
6. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic |
Charging time: 2 hours | $$$ | 4.3 |
|
7. Jabra Elite 65t |
NO AUDIO DROPOUTS | $$$ | 4.3 |
|
8. Bose Quietcontrol 30 |
Bluetooth and NFC pairing | $$$ | 4.3 | |
9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4 |
Frequency response – 20-16,000 Hz | $$$ | 4.2 | |
10. Sennheiser HD1 |
Up to 10 hour battery life | $$$ | 4.2 | |
11. Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Sport Headphones |
sweat and weather resistant | $$$ | 4.1 | |
12. Shure SE215-K |
Lightweight, low-profile shape | $$ | 4.1 | |
13. Sennheiser IE60 Earphones |
2 year warranty | $$$ | 4.0 | |
14. Samsung Galaxy Buds |
Android and iOS compatible | $$$ | 4.0 | |
15.Sennheiser IE 40 PRO |
Good fit and wearing comfort | $$ | 3.9 |
1. Shure KSE1500
Shure Incorporated is a 94-year old American company that makes audio products. They excel in manufacturing listening devices such as high-end earphones, headphones and personal monitor systems.
Design and Build
Shure KSE1500 is an electrostatic earphone system the provides an accurate and fast transient response. It consists of sound-isolating electrostatic earphone fitted with a single MicroDriver that is matched to a digital to analogue converter. It has D4-band Equalizer control with 5 pre-sets. The system features electrostatic technology and four customizable audio playback settings. There are user-friendly and streamlined controls for quick and easy navigation supported by amplifier settings. As these earphones have an extremely high correlation to the source audio it provides unmatched audio detail and clarity. There is an integrated battery that can be charged by USB cable even while streaming from the computer. The earphones are ergonomically designed and lightweight minimizing ear fatigue. There are comfortable sound-isolating sleeves that block up to 37dBA of noise. The earphone cables are designed to isolate each conductor. The system is compatible with PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices using Micro-B OTG and Micro-B to Lightning cables. The Enhanced Audio Control offers user-friendly options to maximize the playback fidelity. The system allows for a selectable analogue or digital input signal processing for digital audio input via USB. The analogue signal path is via the standard 3.5mm “Line-In” input/switch. The bit depth for the digital audio input signal processing is 16-bit or 24-bit. 24-bit or 96 kHz conform to the High-Resolution Audio standards which are verified by the Japan Audio Society. The system has an elegant black aluminium housing with a premium finish that meets the exacting Shure standards.
Functionality
The Shure KSE1500 is an electrostatic earphone system that will offer a premium listening experience anywhere. You could be at a crowded airport or a quiet mountain top. Your ears will be enveloped in luxurious audio experience through this sleek device meant for the discerning ears of an audiophile.
Capacity
The Shure KSE1500 system offers a frequency response of from 10Hz – 50kHz at a maximum sound pressure (MSP) level of 115dB.
Additional Features
KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System comes with a USB Charger, 10 accessories, a leather carrying case and a two-year warranty.
Why Is It the Best of The Lot?
The Shure KSE1500 brings you electrostatic technology that provides the most accurate and fastest transient response. Until now, the electrostatic technology had never been applied to Sound-Isolating earphones. Each earphone carries a virtually massless and weightless diaphragm enclosed in an electrostatic field. It is generated by backplates to manage charge oscillation. This results in unmatched sound detail and clarity with an extremely high correlation with the source audio. The system has a monitoring system indicating EQ settings, output volume, battery level, input level meter and source. The EQ has five pre-sets – Low boost, flat, vocal boost, de-ess and loudness. There is a detailed personal control with 4 customizable EQ settings to tune the tone preferences. The system is compatible with all platforms and devices.
2. Shure SE846-CL
Shure SE846-CL are sound isolating earphones. They bring you state-of-the-art audio delivery through four custom-engineered drivers tailored to blend precisely with other technology.
Design and Build
Shure SE846-CL has four high definition drivers for clear highs, mids and lows. The three-way system is configured to deliver lows, mids and high-frequency distribution. The system has been enhanced with an avant-garde low-pass filter that brings you the previously unattainable deep low-end sounds as delivered by a subwoofer. All this has been achieved without sacrificing detail or clarity of the sound. The system brings you an adjustable frequency response that helps customize sound signatures. There are a removable metal nozzle and nozzle inserts for bright, warm and balanced options that help customize sound and adjust the frequency response. The fit kit has a sound-isolating design. It comes with a variety of sleeves that block up to 37 dB of ambient noise. This brings on the immersive listening experience. The over the ear design ensures that the earphones remain in place comfortably for long listening sessions. The cables are detachable with a flexible connection. The earphones can be used with or without cables.
Functionality
Shure SE846-CL in-earphones are meant to be used with cell phones. These earphones have evolved from personal monitor technology and tested by audio professionals and musicians alike. The model has been fine-tuned by Shure engineers and enhanced by a patent-pending design which includes a groundbreaking low-pass filter. This enables a true subwoofer and a deep low-end performance without sacrificing the detail or the clarity of highs or mids.
Capacity
Shure SE846-CL supports Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity with 30 feet wireless range. It provides up to 8 hours of battery life. The frequency range is 15 – 20 kHz with a sensitivity of 114 dB SPL/mW. These are Quad High-Definition speakers with an impedance of 9 Ω.
Additional Features
Shure SE846-CL comes with a basic fit kit that can be expanded. There are two standard 3.5 mm audio cables of 46 inches and 64 inches. There is a 1/8 inch and 1/4-inch adaptor with a removable nozzle tool and kit. There is a shirt clip, a cleaning cloth and carrying pouch.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Customizable sound signatures
- Audio bliss through patented technology
Cons
- Small sound staging
- Muddy sound
3. Sennheiser IE800S
Sennheiser is working today to shape tomorrows world of audio. Sennheiser is an electronics company from Germany. This brand specializes in Hi-Fi products such as headphones, microphones, telephone accessories, etc.
Design and Build
Sennheiser IE800S is sleek and compact but it is a giant where it matters. It brings you the proprietary Extra-Wide Band (XWB) drivers for accurate music reproduction. The headphones redefine the benchmark for clear and crisp sound performance. The earphones bring you extraordinary musical capabilities complemented by ergonomically designed Comply viscoelastic memory foam ear tips. The shape is such that it conforms to the individual ear canal. The attractive tops have been handcrafted for aural excellence. The in-the-ear masterpiece is incorporated with a ground-breaking technology that generates great sound in confined spaces. It is fitted with 7mm transducers for sound-staging. The dual-chambered absorber or the D2CA system brings you a wider range of frequency response for a lifelike sound image that unfolds richly and strikingly in your mind. The image is painted due to improved bass, brilliant trebles and clear mids. This technology also overcomes the masking or overlapping effect where low volume components are obscured by louder sounds in the lower frequency range. By removing energy from the masking resonances, the system prevents unwanted peaks to make the finest nuances audible.
Functionality
Sennheiser IE800S brings you strikingly rich music. The soundscape unfolds in your mind and you explore its glorious depths and lofty heights. The D2CA system opens you a wider range of frequencies. There is no leaking or loss of sound due to the Comply ear tips. The headphones are housed in an attractively tooled leather case with matt finish. The earphones have a scratch-resistant ceramic housing. The earphones have the best connectors in the world. There is a 3.5 mm jack with two choices of connectors – a 4.4 mm Pentaconn cable with 2.5 mm balanced connectors.
Capacity
Sennheiser IE800S have a frequency range of 5 – 46500 Hertz at the impedance of 16Ω.
Additional Features
Sennheiser IE800S are supported by a 2-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- XWB drivers
- Comply foam ear tips
- Handcrafted ceramic earpiece
- D2CA system
- Best connectors
Cons
- The tips fall off easily
4. Shure SE535-V+BT1
These wireless earphones come with sound isolation and Bluetooth enabled cable.
Design and Build
Shure SE535-V+BT1 has three high definition drivers that produce spacious sound with rich bass. The kit features a variety of sound isolation sleeves that block up to 37 dB of ambient sound for immersive listening. The earphones work on Bluetooth 4.1 that pair with tablets, phones, laptops, etc. The battery life is up to 8 hours and the range is 10 metres or 30 feet. The earphones make an easy transition between iOS and Android platforms using a 3.5 mm connector with a switch. The inline remote and microphone offer a seamless switch between voice commands, phone calls and operations such as playback and volume. The earphones have an over the ear design that keeps them securely in place.
Functionality
Shure SE535-V+BT1 have three drivers, sound isolation, Bluetooth and an 8- hour battery life. It is compatible with Apple and Android platforms. It comes with universal connectors and has an ergonomically designed earphone design. All these features ensure you enjoy the best sound quality for many years due to excellent durable materials used in the construction.
Capacity
Shure SE535-V+BT1 is 18 – 19.5 kHz with a sensitivity of 119 dB SPL/mW.
Additional Features
Shure SE535-V+BT1 pack includes a 3.5 universal cable, a micro-USB cable, volume control, cloth clip, a 1/4-inch adapter and a fit kit with sleeves. All these are stored in a smart carrying case and a tw0 year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wireless
- Sound isolation
- Bluetooth
- Responds to Android and iOS platforms
Cons
- The right earphone stopped working
5. Sennheiser Momentum
Momentum by Sennheiser is a pair of true-wireless earbuds with fingertip touch control.
Design and Build
Sennheiser Momentum brings you exceptional clarity in the sound. The exceptional sound clarity and quality are like being there for the performance. This is thanks to Sennheiser category-leading truly wireless Bluetooth technology. The calls, music and voice assistant can be accessed by fingertip control. This fingertip control is an intuitive touchpad built into these True Wireless earphones. These buds have the Stay-aware, transparent hearing that keeps you aware of your surroundings. You can listen to music or chat wirelessly without removing the earbuds. The buds can play up to 4 hours but you get 12 hours due to the charging case that brings you 2 extra charges. The tough, IPX4 rated splash-resistant casing is durable and can handle any True Wireless listening environment.
Functionality
Sennheiser Momentum has the AAC, Qualcomm AptX and Qualcomm AptX low latency drivers. The unit is Bluetooth 5.0 compliant with a fingertip control that can access voice assist, Google Assistant and Siri at one-tap. You can pause the audio while you are busy elsewhere. This smart pause saves battery. You get audio on and on due to the charging case. It gives you 4 hours of play plus 2 extra charges.
Capacity
Sennheiser Momentum offers a Frequency response of 16 – 22000 Hz at an impedance of 18 ohms with the sensitivity of 110dB.
Additional Features
Sennheiser Momentum comes with a charging case with the right and left earbuds. There are silicone ear adaptors and a USB charging cable with a USB-A cum USB-C connector. The buds are supported by an industry-leading 10-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- True wireless
- Fingertip control
- Crystal clear sound
- Extra silicone tips
Cons
- Only 40% charge after 72 hours of charging
6. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic
Bose Corporation predominantly manufactures audio equipment. The company was founded by Amar Bose in 1964 in Massachusetts.
Design and Build
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic are in-earphones with a control module. The system comes with TriPort technology and Active EQ for lifelike, digital-quality audio. These earphones are meant to work with the iOS platform. There is an inline microphone with a one-touch answer and end call button for a seamless experience. The earbuds have the proprietary Stay Hear+ tips that provide a soft and secure fit. Due to their weight and size, these earphones are ideal for people on the move. They come with a comfortable case with the earphones and cables. You could enjoy music or take calls while on the move without elaborate adjustments. When you are done simply roll the cable and place them on the box with the zipper and your investment is secure.
Functionality
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic will be your chosen earphones whenever you are on the move. These the first in the ear noise-cancelling earphones by Bose. They give you better control over how you listen in all types of environments. Enjoy full noise reduction by blocking out the ambient noise or you could choose the “Aware” mode. The Aware mode will help you remain aware of the traffic and milling crowds to prevent accidents. In both the mode you will enjoy life-like music through Bose QC 20 earphones. This set is meant for Apple devices.
Capacity
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic comes in two variations – for apple and android devices. The charging time is 2 hours the playtime is 16 hours. The frequency response is unknown.
Additional Features
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic is supported by a one-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 16-hour battery life
- Lithium-ion battery
- TriPort technology
- 3 pairs of Stay Hear+ tips
Cons
- Not the best according to audiophiles
7. Jabra Elite 65t
Jabra is a global brand that specializes in audio equipment the brand is owned by GN Audio, a subsidiary of the GN Group. They engineer, manufacture and market true wireless, wireless and corded earphones. Their products are used by enterprises and consumers.
Design and Build
Jabra Elite 65t is a compact earphone but it is packed with features. They sit in a charging case that not only charges them but also keeps them safe from water and dust. The earbuds connect to the Jabra Sound+ app that brings added features such as customized music profiles, voice assistant, total noise cancellation or aware modes, battery charge, etc. You can access these features through the button on the earphone – next/previous track, Volume, play/pause, answer/end, reject call, pair mode, HearThrough, voice assistant and training assistant. The other profiles supported by these earphones are Headset Profile (HSP), Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Phonebook Access Profile (PBAP), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), etc.
Functionality
Jabra Elite 65t is ideal for active people. This true wireless device lets you make calls or listen to music on the move. These earbuds will remain securely in place while in the gym or outdoors. They work on Bluetooth and are compatible with Android and iPhones with a maximum operating distance of 10 meters. The earbuds come with IP55 protection making them dust, water and sweat resistant. These in-ear earphones can connect to 8 devices simultaneously. There are four microphones built into the device with a frequency response between 100 – 10000 Hz and sensitivity of -38 dBV/Pascal.
Capacity
Jabra Elite 65t has a frequency response of 20 – 20000 Hz at a sensitivity of 103 dB and 16 Ohms.
Additional Features
Jabra Elite 65t is supported by a 2-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Jabra Sound+ app
- True wireless
- Smart charging case
- IP55 protection
- Full of features
Cons
- Lost sound in the right bud on the first day
8. Bose Quietcontrol 30
Bose Quietcontrol 30 is another small and compact earphone with Bluetooth connectivity, NFC, noise cancellation via wireless technology.
Design and Build
Bose Quietcontrol 30 has a breakthrough noise cancellation technology that controls how much of your environment you hear. It is an in-ear earphone with a collar that sits comfortably around the neck. There is a remote control that connects the collar to the earphones. There is a dual microphone system that helps in ANC and enhances sound quality. The earphones are powered by Lithium-ion batteries that last for 10 hours and take 2 hours to charge. Take control of the sound in your ears with the Bose Connect app. You can switch between devices using the intuitive interface.
Functionality
Bose Quietcontrol 30 helps you control the noise you hear. Indeed, you cannot control the noise around you but you can control how much of the noise you hear. These earphones bring you a balanced volume and audio performance. These earphones have a light neckband design that conforms to the neck like a collar. It is feather-light and can be worn all day without fatigue. It has controls for answer/end, volume control, skip track and play/pause. As the design connects wirelessly the only wires are the ones connecting the earbuds to the collar. The designs make them ideal for use with a cell phone to playing sports. The Near Field Connectivity (NFC) feature allows it to connect with all devices.
Capacity
Bose Quietcontrol 30 has a transmission range of 10 meters. The earphones take 2 hours charge and play for 10 hours. Headphones dimensions are 6 inches in height, 6.5 inches in width and 0.75 inches long. The case is 6.5 inches high, 6.75 inches wide and 1.4 inches long.
Additional Features
Bose Quietcontrol 30 comes with a charging case and USB charging cables. The product is supported by a 1-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wireless
- Noise-cancelling
- Microphone system
- Bose Connect app
- NFC pairing
Cons
- No music sharing with Bose
9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4
Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is a high-end luxury brand for Denmark. This consumer electronics company designs and manufactures TV sets, audio products and telephones. This company was founded in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen.
Design and Build
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4 brings you the power silence. A silence in which you can only hear the music and nothing else. The earphones feature advanced and precise ANC technology with unparalleled comfort, hassle-free control and precise sound. Besides the Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound, there is a transparency mode that helps tune in or tune out the surroundings. The earphone buds are designed for a comfortable fit. This fit is possible due to exchangeable tips. The earphone is made of ultralight materials. You will get 20 hours of ANC playtime on battery and the earphones also play without battery.
Functionality
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4 helps shut out the busy noisy life and immerse yourself in soundscape after soundscape. You get this immersive sound anywhere – in the office, buys subway or your flight. The active noise cancellation technology reduces the other frequencies that allow the ones on the track to emerge. the ANC lasts for 20 hours thereafter you can continue to listen without it. This leads to a better listening experience. With a single gesture, you can turn to the transparency mode. This will connect you to the ambient noise. This aesthetically minimalist design is the brainchild of the Danish industrial designer; Jakob Wagner. The earphones are light and durable due to the stainless steel and polymer. This has a soft memory foam ear tips for a comfortable fit. The inline remote is light with a rubber and aluminium finish. You can adjust volume, take calls or change tracks using the remote.
Capacity
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4 has a frequency response of 20-16,000 Hz and an impedance of 16 Ohms.
Additional Features
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4 is supported by a 2-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Immersive Sound
- Essential In-ear Headphones
- Luxurious Design
- Flexible Control
- Lightweight Comfort
- Inline remote
Cons
- The cable frayed in 3 months
10. Sennheiser HD1
These Sennheiser in-ear Bluetooth 4.1 headphones are enhanced with Qualcomm AptX and NFC, AAC and one-touch pairing They have a 10-hour battery life that charges up within 1.5 hours. The USB chargers with multi-connection powers up to two devices at a time.
Design and Build
Sennheiser HD1 has an ergonomic around the neck collar-like design. The wires of the earphones rise away from this collar so that you can put the buds in your ear. The headphones feature Napa sheepskin leather that allows you to wear the collar with ease and for long hours. The earphones connect wirelessly and carry AAC and AptX codec. These features ensure you hear excellent sound transmission without a drop. The charging port supports up to 2 devices and has a three-way calling capability with an omnidirectional pick-up pattern.
Functionality
Sennheiser HD1 combines immaculate sound quality with lightweight mobility. The earphones are made of high-quality durable materials and have a luxurious finish. Combined with the Qualcomm apt-X technologies, Bluetooth 4.1 with ACC and NFC a single touch can connect you to audio heaven. The Sennheiser HD1 are used by famous artists and professionals as in-ear monitors. Through this research, Sennheiser has collected thousands of hours of stage data and shaped the design to enhance the performance. The earphones have dynamic transducers with precision-milled stainless-steel tunnels to deliver signature Sennheiser sound. They have a powerful bass response and a detailed vocal projection with an excellent sound stage. It has intuitive controls with a 3-button remote with a built-in microphone in the neckband. It allows you to control phone calls and music and a multiconnection that connects 2 devices.
Capacity
Sennheiser HD1 offers a frequency response of 15 – 22000Hz. These are dynamic ear canal phones with Bluetooth connectivity and Near Field Connectivity The earphones take 1.5 hours to charge and play up to 10 hours. The sound pressure level s 112 dB and they weigh 1.86 ounces.
Additional Features
Sennheiser HD1 is supported by a 2-year warranty for the ear canal and coupling.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality
- Instant Pairing via NFC
- Wireless Excellence
- Personalized Fit
- Intuitive Controls
- Maximum Portability
Cons
- Bad sound quality
- No subwoofers
11. Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Sport Headphones
Enhance and augment your workout with SoundSport. These buds are completely wireless so that you can enjoy free movement. Besides they are weather and sweat resistant. The earbuds are packed full of technology to make sound and music clear and powerful.
Design and Build
Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Sport earphones are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating. They play up to 5 hours on a single charge. The charging case offers an additional 10 hours of playtime. They are designed to maximise the reliability and strength of the wireless signal. The lightweight StayHear+ Sport tips are interchangeable and comfortable. There is a Volume-optimizing EQ with a Bose digital signal processor that enhances the music to a full sound. These earbuds connect by Bluetooth and can be modified by a Bose Connect App. You can take calls through the right earbud due to the integrated dual-mic array. This allows ensures you hear the voice even in noisy places. There are play/pause buttons to control the tracks. You can access Google Assistant, Siri, etc via the same earbud.
Functionality
Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Sport earphones are ideal to be work during sports and exercise. We all know about the healing and performance-enhancing properties of music. These earbuds bring you the music while setting you free. You can immerse yourself in music while travelling to work while working or during a workout. The tune dissolves in your blood and touches your nerves to set the heart pumping. The surge delivers extra energy to enhance your workout performance. Dissolving the fatigue causing lactic acid in your muscles and adding the glucose like sweetness in the blood to power you on.
Capacity
Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Sport earphones have a maximum range of 30 feet. They take 1.5 hours to charge and offer 5 hours of playtime.
Additional Features
Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Sport earphones come with three sizes of StayHear+ sports tips, a portable charging case and USB cable. These earphones are backed by a 1-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Built-in microphone
- Carrying case
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- Too heavy
12. Shure SE215-K
Shure are sound isolating earphones with a dynamic micro driver. The over the ear design helps secure the phones in place. These earphones are available in wired and wireless versions in multiple colours.
Design and Build
Shure SE215-K evolved from personal monitor technology tested by musicians and sound professionals. The sound-isolating sleeve blocks out 37 dB of ambient sound. The sound isolation technology cuts out the outside sounds that pollute your audio experience. The lightweight low-profile design has an optimizing nozzle angle designed to sit in the ear comfortably. There is a reinforced cable that can be customized and replaced. There are formable wires for secure placement in a manner that keep the cables out of the way. There are gold-plated MMCX connectors with a snap-lock mechanism and 360 rotation. The fit kit has three sizes of tips – S, M and L – with flex and black foam sleeves. A good seal prevents leakage, optimizes sound isolation and bass response. There is a compact case to carry the earphones and tips for a tangle-free solution.
Functionality
Shure SE215-K has an over the ear configuration for comfortable and long listening sessions. The wireless earphones connect to most laptops, phones or tablets via Bluetooth 4.1. The buds play for 8 hours in the range of 30 feet wirelessly. The universal communication models are equipped with a mic and remote control for Android and iOS platforms via a 3.5 mm jack. There are an inline mic and remote control for seamless control over your music, voice commands and phone calls.
Capacity
Shure SE215-K offers a frequency range of 22 Hz – 17.5 kHz or 21 Hz – 17 kHz (SPE). The sound sensitivity is 107 dB SPL/mW with an impedance of 17 Ohms.
Additional Features
Shure SE215-K comes with cable, ear tips and a case. The model is supported by a 2-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable sound isolating sleeves
- Lightweight, low-profile shape
- MMCX Connector with 360-degree rotation
- Three size tips – S, M, L
Cons
- Metal in the connectors corroded
13. Sennheiser IE60 Earphones
Sennheiser IE60 Earphones bring you a balanced and warm sound with superb bass and great definition. The earphones reduce the ambient noise by 95% so that you can hear to greater detail within safe levels of sound. The earphones have a durable housing and rugged cables for robustness. The sleek design and optimal hooks also function as cable guides reducing the strain on the ears.
Design and Build
Sennheiser IE60 Earphones have dynamic drivers and excellent neodymium magnets. The IE 60 deliver high-fidelity sound, noise-isolation, and outstanding bass response. These drivers and magnets are enclosed in a tough and durable housing with cable quality to match. The quality casing is accompanied by a cleaning tool and adaptors of various sizes so that you can choose the best fit. The earphones are compatible with CD players, MP3 players, iPhones, iPads, iPods and other mobile phones. Sennheiser applies its audio research to develop premium quality earphones and microphones. All Sennheiser product is subjected to rigorous quality control tests. This ensures you receive high quality, durable gear to withstand daily wear and tear due to use. The earphone comes with a 1.2 m symmetrical cable and 3.5 mm angled jack.
Functionality
Sennheiser IE60 Earphones is suitable for home and other audio devices. This high-fidelity noise-isolating ear canal phone will serve you well on a busy subway or a hiking trail and it as excellent sound attenuation to cut out ambient sound. The dynamic speaker system has neodymium magnets built-in to deliver excellent sound with enhanced bass. You will hear honest mid-range, a resolute treble and deep punchy bass. The codec helps decode the complete and precise range so that you rediscover music.
Capacity
Sennheiser IE60 Earphones offers a frequency range of 1- – 18000 Hertz at 16 Ohms.
Additional Features
Sennheiser IE60 Earphones are accompanied by a protective case, ear-adaptors, detachable ear hooks, cleaning tool and clips. They are supported by a Two-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Precision-grade acoustics
- Cutting-edge design
- Excellent ergonomics
- Noise isolation
Cons
- Movement near the jack cuts the sound
14. Samsung Galaxy Buds
Samsung is a South Korean Conglomerate with its headquarters in Seoul. The conglomerate comprises of many affiliate businesses to make the largest Chaebol. This trading company was founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-Chul.
Design and Build
Samsung Galaxy Buds are true wireless earbuds with a wireless charging case. It is magical! All you have to do is open your case near the phone and it begins to pair. There are adaptive dual-microphones that recognise your surroundings and switch between the inner and outer mic to keep the unnecessary noise out of the conversation. The buds have a long-lasting battery that plays for 13 hours. The case doubles as a wireless charger. The buds bring you premium sound by AKG renowned for natural sound with superb dynamics.
Functionality
Samsung Galaxy Buds set you free. You are powered up for at least 6 hours with an additional 7 hours provided by the case. You will enjoy a substantial bass while the volume driver brings a wider range of sound. The Ambient Aware feature gives you control over the surrounding noise. This means in the Ambient mode you can hear flight announcements, traffic, etc. This safety feature will protect you from accidents and mishaps. Besides, in the office environment, you can hear you, colleagues, when they call out to you. Galaxy buds come in three sizes and are water-resistant. They will survive spills, sweat and splashes. The buds are compatible with iOS and Android devices and access to voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa and google assistant. To get the most out of your buds use a tablet or smartphone that runs on Android 5.0 or higher. They should have a RAM of 1.5 GB and above. There is an Ambient awareness and Automatic sync mode built into the system compatible with Apple and Android products.
Capacity
Samsung Galaxy Buds connects by Bluetooth 5.0. It has Accelerometer, Hall, Proximity, Touch and Ear on/off detection sensors. The Battery in the earbud is 58mAh and Charging case is 252mAh. It requires a Type-C USB charger and the speakers have a 5.8pi Dynamic Driver. It carries AAC, SBC and Scalable codec.
Additional Features
Samsung Galaxy Buds come with a quick start guide and a one-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adaptive microphones
- Long-lasting batteries
- Easy pairing
Cons
- Poor sound quality
15. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO
These are moulded in-ear dynamic monitors in clear plastic by Sennheiser. The brand has been shaping the future of audio systems for the last 70 years. They continue to weave excellence in the culture and DNA of the company to date.
Design and Build
Sennheiser IE 40 PRO offer a secure fit and superior wearing comfort. These monitors are used by sound engineers, DJs, musicians due to their advanced driver system. You hear a wider spectrum of sound in the ears. The superior shielding is due to flexible foam and silicone tips. The monitors improve the way you perform as it enhances the way you hear. The robust construction is suitable and designed for the rigours of stage. The earphones resonate easily at maximum sound levels. There are dynamic 10 mm broadband transducers for precise and powerful monitoring. The dynamic driver reduces acoustic stress bringing about a distortion-free, homogenous reproduction. The buds are held in place by reinforced ear hook.
Functionality
Sennheiser IE 40 PRO use the next generation dynamic single drivers to make these in-ear monitors. This technology brings you frequency range that does not split into sections and remains harmonious and whole. The earphones produce up to 115 dB SPL even in loud noisy places. They offer up to 26 decibels of passive noise attenuation. The single driver with TrueResponse technology brings you the entire frequency range minus the phase difference and crossover effects. This leads to dissonance-free, precise reproduction at all sound levels. The flat profile and ergonomic design ensure a secure fit. The cable is detachable and replaceable with ear hooks. The MMCX connectors offer a reliable connection each time. This also allows for easy swapping of cables.
Capacity
Sennheiser IE 40 PRO HAS A 10mm SYS-10 dynamic broadband driver in each earpiece. The yield is a wide frequency response of 20 – 18 kHz and strong bass. It produces 115 dB of maximum SPL.
Additional Features
Sennheiser IE 40 PRO is supported by a 2-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dynamic single driver
- TrueResponse technology
- Reduced acoustic stress
- Replaceable cable
- MMCX connectors
Cons
- Terrible treble