TOP-12 of the best in-ear earphones-earplugs by sound quality: rating 2019-2020 and how to choose a budget model + user reviews

In-ear headphones, as the name implies, are inserted directly into the ear canal, where they are firmly fixed with soft, but elastic ear pads.

Therefore, the headphones do not fall out even with sudden movements, inclinations or mechanical actions with the wire.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

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

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

Rating TOP-12 of the best models

Best wired in-ear earphones

Sennheiser IE 40 Pro

Headphones Sennheiser IE 40 Pro designed for daily work on stage, in the studio and on rehearsals.

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

A broadband dynamic radiator guarantees excellent intelligibility and the absence of distortion even at particularly high volume levels, an even frequency response with a good low-frequency base.

The compact 10 mm diaphragm allows for a high level of ergonomic design and comfortable wearing.

Key Features:

• intra-channel, closed;
• dynamic;
• mini jack 3.5 mm.

JBL T110

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

Plug-in vacuum ear cushions securely fasten in the ear, do not fall out and do not cause any discomfort.

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

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

Three pairs of interchangeable ear pads are included for continued use.

Key Features:

• with a microphone;
• intra-channel, closed;
• sensitivity - 100 dB;
• mini jack 3.5 mm.

Sony MDR-XB50AP

Sony MDR-XB50AP earplugs block extraneous noise, have effective soundproof and high quality sound.

Ear pads of various sizes are conveniently located in the auricle.

The presence of a high-quality microphone provides the ability to answer phone calls, because its high sensitivity ensures clear voice transmission.

The sensitivity of 106 dB and a power of 100 mW provide high power and sound volume, and also provides the ability to use the headset without additional amplifiers as efficiently as possible.

Key Features:

• with a microphone;
• intra-channel, closed;
• sensitivity - 106 dB.

Sony MDR-EX155AP

Headphones Sony MDR-EX155AP are compact and high sound quality. High-sensitivity speakers in a compact package guarantee crisp high-pitched sound and powerful bass.

The corrugated cable with protection against tangling and twisting provides the convenience of using headphones.

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

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

Key Features:

• with a microphone;
• intra-channel, closed;
• sensitivity - 103 dB.

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD Headphones are equipped with hybrid drivers in which combine the advantages of reinforcing and dynamic.

This solution provides the ability to reproduce clear bass and at the same time detailed mid and high frequencies.

Headphones can also be used as a headset: the microphone and buttons for receiving / ending and waiting / holding a call and sound settings are located on the wire.

Key Features:

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

Sennheiser IE 4

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

The volume is quite high due to a sensitivity of 106 dB. A plug with a diameter of 3.5 mm provides the ability to connect headphones to any audio device, including a smartphone.

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

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

To select the optimal size, the set contains three pairs of replacement ear pads.

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

Key Features:

• intra-channel, closed;
• dynamic;
• sensitivity - 106 dB.

Best Wireless In-Ear Earphones

Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic)

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

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

For reliable fixation, the kit includes a pair of additional ear pads.

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

Key Features:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0
• duration of work - 4 hours (from the battery in the case - 12 hours);
• protection against water.

Samsung Galaxy Buds +

Samsung Galaxy Buds + Headphones are fully wireless with miniature ear cushions and two-way speakers.

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

Also in the design of the device there are as many as 3 microphones with a mount fixed in the body: 2 external and 1 internal.

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

Key Features:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0
• dynamic;
• Duration of work - 11 hours (from the battery in the case - 22 hours).

Samsung Galaxy Buds

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

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

The model has touch control and wireless design.

The TWS headset connects to the audio device via Bluetooth connection. The device can work offline for up to 6 hours.

Key Features:

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

Sony WF-1000XM3

Sony WF-1000XM3 - adaptive digital noise canceling wireless headphones full-day audio, NFC and Bluetooth technology.

The noise canceling technology of this model is the industry leading wireless headphones and is provided thanks to the QN1e noise-canceling HD processor.

Having caught the surrounding sound, it not only suppresses much more noise in almost the entire frequency range, but also consumes less energy.

The location and shape of the built-in Bluetooth antenna are optimized to maintain a sufficiently clear signal and continuous synchronization with the sound source.

Key Features:

• intra-channel, closed;
• Active Noise Reduction (ANC)
• Bluetooth 5.0, NFC;
• dynamic;
• Duration of work - 6 hours (from the battery in the case - 24 hours).

HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite

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

The microphone located in each earphone allows you to answer calls without having to remove your mobile device from your pocket.

The TWS headset has an in-ear design that isolates the user from ambient noise and provides a secure fit to the ear canals.

Dynamic emitters guarantee perfect sound in the entire range of reproduced frequencies (20-20000 Hz).

The multi-function button is responsible for answering / ending a call, pausing the currently playing song and its further playback, as well as switching between tracks.

Key Features:

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

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

Headphones Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex, equipped with two pairs of emitters, will please you high quality audio playback.

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

Headphones do not need a wired connection: they are synchronized with sound sources through a Bluetooth connection.

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

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

Key Features:

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

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Useful video

From the video you will learn how to choose the in-ear headphones: