Review Of The Best IN-Ear Headphones

Unsurprisingly the most popular category of headphones is without doubt in-ear sound isolating (also called In-Ear Monitors or IEMs), due mainly to the massive growth in popularity of portable MP3 players like the iPod, iPhone and smartphones, but also due to the accuracy of audio reproduction they offer.

This article is a brief introduction to in-ear headphones with our reviews of the top ten best earphones on the market.

Why In-Ear?

In-ear sound isolating earphones are convenient and can offer very high levels of audio clarity and detail.  Listening with IEMs is a different experience to listening to speakers or full size over the ear headphones, but the fact that the sound is being funnelled directly into your ear can bring out small details in your music that you didn’t know existed. Many in-ear monitors are based on technology developed for hearing aids, so it's little wonder that levels of accuracy are high.

At first IEMs can take some getting used to.  It often takes some practice to get a good fit in the ear and it can tickle the ear at first.  Take your time and make sure to try all the different ear tips out.

Getting A Good In-Ear Fit

Nearly every model of in-ear earphones have a slightly different method required to get a good fit.  Take the time to get the fit and seal in the ear right.

Earphones with cabling that goes over the ear can initially be a little frustrating to fit, but it's worth taking the time to get the hang of it as this fit system stays the most secure and also reduces cable microphonic noise (a dull thud sound or squeaking noise that travels up the cable with some earphone cabling).

Fitting in-ear earphones with cable over ear

Getting Better Bass Response

If your IEMs are lacking bass or sound thin and tinny then it’s most likely that the earphones are not sealing in your ear correctly.  Some earphone are biased towards clarity and detail, rather than powerful bass response (e.g. Etymotics, lower end Shures and Ultimate Ears), but generally if your earphones are lacking bass response then spend some time trying out the different size ear tips supplied.  It can make a huge difference to the sound.

The way to guarantee good fit in the ear is by fitting Comply Foam tips to your earphones.  Comply tips are also very comfortable and help keep the earphones in your ear, making them ideal for using while at the gym or for running.

In-Ear Headphone ReviewS - Top 10

Below is our review of the ten best in-ear earphones available - reviews are in price order from LOWEST to HIGHEST:

SoundMAGIC PL11 Earphones

SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC PL11.  The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.

While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the PL11 comes fitted with good quality cabling and strain relief that is built to last.  The quality of the product is truly commendable.

Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC PL11 is a very well thought out package.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the PL11 has just stolen that spot.  Sound quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.

SoundMAGIC E30 Earphones

Another SoundMAGIC!  A truly value for money earphone is the SoundMAGIC E30 , which offers well balanced, accurate sound at a price that is hard to beat (RRP £39.99). The E30 has an in-ear monitor (IEM) design, which is normally reserved for much more expensive earphones (i.e. see earphones from Phonak, Westone, etc).

The cabling is designed to run up and over the ears to the back of the neck, which means the earbuds stay very securely in your ear.  This fit system works very well for sports, on stage in-ear monitoring or any situation where you are active.  Although it does take a bit of practice to get the hang of - it really is worth the effort.

Sound quality with the E30 is exceptional considering the price and compares well with earphones costing two or three times as much. The sound is well balanced for an earphone at this price point, with well defined bass and a high level of accuracy through the mids and highs.

The SoundMAGIC E30 is robustly built, with well made cables and good strain relief to protect the cabling from damage. The E30 comes supplied plenty of different size ear tips to ensure you get a good in-ear fit.  Comply T-400 Foam Tips work well with this earphone, which gives the best possible comfort and noise isolation.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

A well thought out product with high standards of build quality, secure in-ear fit and clear, balanced sound. Rivals many much more expensive earphones from the big brands.  The SoundMAGIC E30 is highly recommended and hard to beat at the price.

Phonak Audéo PFE Perfect Bass 012

With 60 years experience developing hearing devices, Phonak have the know-how when it comes to getting a comfortable and secure in-ear fit, which makes the Phonak Audeo Perfect Fit Earphones (PFE) aptly named.

The new Perfect Bass PFE models (the PFE 012 and PFE 022 fitted with iPhone mic) are supplied with an acoustic filter to give clear, well defined bass response.  The sound signature of the entire PFE range is accurate, but these new models add low end punch for music that demands more powerful bass response.

We think Phonak have got the sound balance just right with the new PFE Perfect Bass models.  The detail and instrument separation is incredible for an earphone at this price point and the comfortable fit is as good as it gets without moving up to custom fit earphones. Even people with the smallest ears will find the PFE fits comfortably.

These innovative Swiss designed, precision made earphones are very comfortable for all ear sizes and have clear, detailed sound that will satisfy audiophiles, with enough power to satisfy bass lovers.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Contemporary music fans who want a seriously detailed earphone with an over-ear fit and change from £100, look no further. The top end sparkle and rich mids are complemented by excellent control over the bottom end. Expensive Balanced Armature technology raises them well above competitors in this price range.

Sennheiser IE6 Earphones

The Sennheiser IE series is their high end earphone range, the result of many years research and development.

Like most high end and medium priced earphones the Sennheiser IE6 has a relatively large earphone body, but the design is excellent and does fit comfortably in the ear. The fit is very secure with over the ear cabling (also comes with over-ear cable guides).  The cables are made from a soft, supple material.  Supplied with lots of different ear tips (including their own foam tips), it's likely you'll find a good seal.  If not Comply Foam tips work well with the IE range. For the best possible fit think about upgrading to Custom Earphone sleeves , as this also gives better definition.

Sound is big and powerful, with a real sense of scale when listening to music with energy, e.g. a large orchestral piece or a lively dance track. The is no shortage of kick to the bass, when required.  The clarity and detail is very good, although the midrange is not as forward as it could be. Overall the sound is warm and very well defined. 

HiFi Headphones Verdict

A very well thought out product with excellent sound quality and ergonomic in-ear fit.  One of the best earphones available at this price, perfect for HiFi exercise at the gym.

Beyerdynamic DTX101ie Earphones

Founded in 1924 Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest names in applied high technology in the professional audio electronics sector. Up to this very day, Eugen Beyer’s heirs feel bound by the company’s tradition and by its visionary, pioneering founder’s values. Technological advance, constant innovation and maximum quality standards ensure the company leads the field in sound technology worldwide. More than eighty-five years after its foundation, Beyerdynamic still develops premium headphones and microphones in Germany.

Each Beyer product contains true passion and know-how for an excellent sound experience. The DTX101ie headphones combines superb sound quality and elegant design with impressive ambient noise attenuation. Neodymium acoustic drivers deliver an impressively punchy audio performance. The DTX 101ie comes supplied with a high quality soft case for easy storage. Refined lightweight metal housing Soft case and cable clip are included.

Warm, contemporary and direct sounding these work best for Rock, Pop Dance music, if you like a big warm sound, relaxed but quite punchy these are bound to suit you. 

HiFi Headphones Verdict

The DTX101ie is a spectacular listening experience, surprising considering the compact dimensions, Beyer have done it again. A lightweight, well designed earphone with excellent build quality, as always great value at their price too.

Westone UM2 Earphones

Although the UM range is favoured by Musicians as wonderfully accurate Pro in-ear monitors, they also work perfectly as high end earphones, many enthusiasts think the UM2 is the sweet spot in Westone the range.

Thin sound tubes, and the Comply foam tips included, give an excellent fit. The dual mini drivers in each ear have a passive crossover to split the bass from the mids and highs. UM2’s can reduce background noise by up to 25dB, which is useful for those on-stage or just listening whilst traveling. They are finished in clear plastic, with similarly clear outer sheath for the wires, and a 90º angled 3.5mm gold plated stereo jack and the cable up design goes over the ear to reduce the chance of pulling them out and cable movement noise.

The sound feels lush but accurate, powerful but natural, the sonically gifted the UM2 is superb value for money.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

The middle of Westones range of in ear monitors have a natural feel and express emotion well, they are insightful and musical with plenty of weight to their bottom end. The Westone UM2 is big sonic step up from medium priced earphones!

Ultimate Ears Triple fi 10 Pro Earphones

The top of the range Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 Pro is a truly incredible set of in ear sound isolating headphones, but they don't come cheap! The three drivers of the UE Triple.fi 10 Pro provide amazing clarity and definition, from the deepest bass notes right through the upper registers.

The UE 10 Pro earphones are fitted upside down with the cable running over the ear. The cables are malleable and hold the earphones securely over your ear. This fitting system works really well for most people and means they can even be used for sports such as running and jogging. The cables can also be detached and replaced in case they get damaged - a very useful feature when you are spending so much money on your earphones.

The fit system does take some getting used to and we would highly recommend reading the manual for tips.  We had one member of staff who spent two months wearing these earphones in the wrong ear!

The sound is very balanced, and sits somewhere between the powerful bass response of the Sennheiser IE8 and the clarity and accuracy of the Shure SE535.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

If you are serious about your music then the UE Triple.fi 10 Pro should satisfy your craving for the best possible quality earphones you can get your hands on. In our opinion the Triple.fi 10 Pro is almost as good as the top end Shure SE535 , and also offers better value for money.

Klipsch X10i Earphones

One of the world’s smallest and lightest in-ear headphone designs, using a single wideband balanced armature driver, for comfortable wear and audiophile-quality listening.

If you are prepared to spend more on your earphones then the Klipsch X10i is a superb introduction to the world of higher end in-ear canal sound isolating headphones. The design of this earphone is the first thing that catches your attention, but this earphone is not just about good looks as the sound quality is truly excellent.

The Klipsch X10i has plenty of punch at the bottom end and lots of lovely mid-range and treble detail. The X10i has an absolutely miniature earphone body and is comfortable for most people's ears due to its low weight and excellent tips.

While the X10i serves as a pair of premium headphones for any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, its mic and remote system handles the music and/or voice control of the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and other Apple products.

The only negative thing we can say about the Klipsch X10i is that noise does transmit up the cable quite easily when brushing against clothes, which makes it less suitable for wearing while running or at the gym (although clipping the cable to clothing helps).

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Well balanced sound, easy in-ear fit, excellent mic and Apple buttons and beautiful design make this the X10i a winner in its class.

Shure SE535 Earphones

Top of the excellent Shure range and replacement for the classic Shure SE530, these are often considered the best standard in ear headphone.

With new Kevlar-reinforced replaceable cables being the most notable improvement, you still get all the classic Shure accessories including the famous foam tips that give such excellent isolation.

The sound they produce is nothing short of magical! Triple driver balanced armature technology gives you three micro drivers for each ear, two handling the bottom end and one driving the top. Thin Nozzles mean these will fit any ears, and the cable up design keeps them perfectly still whatever activity you perform and prevents noise caused by cable movement. Shure SE535 are technically in ear monitors for musicians which is why they are so clean and accurate.

Available in clear, so you can see where the magic happens, or a subtle bronze finish which is firmly on the right side of bling.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Despite the wallet busting price tag it is easy to hear why the Shure SE535 is so highly regarded. Shure have been refining the design of their flagship in ears for the last few years – It is difficult to see what is left to be improved.

Grado GR10 Earphones

The Grado GR10 earphones are an evolutionary leap from their previous top model, the excellent Grado GR8’s. They rank amongst the very best of all in-ear headphones but at this price they really have to. Grado are one of the oldest family owned companies in the Audio Industry, has for almost half a century been leaders in design and engineering for the high-end audio and recording industries.

The design of these earphones is very similar the GR8’s, elegant and simple. Although they are on the large size, the earpieces sit well in the ear, and the included tips give a comfortable good seal, the rubberised cabling has a pleasant but is not replaceable.

The GR10’s have a number of differences to the GR8’s,  improvements in the materials used offer improved frequency response in both the high and low end of the 20Hz to 20Khz frequency range, delivering more detail than the GR8s, which were already impressively detailed earphones. The GR10s have an impedance of 32-ohms and are easy to drive, especially with typically low-output devices such as mobile phones and portable media players.

It's not just accuracy that the Grado GR10s offer up, they also have a huge soundstage for an IEM. What really appeals about the GR10 is that they capture the feel of Grado's high-end full size headphones. Grado GR10 deliver a joyful sense of energy and feel alive in a way other earphones can only dare to dream of.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

The GR10 s sound even better than the GR8s, with subtle detail from the lows and high end, this is most obviously heard in percussion and stringed instruments feeling clear and natural. The Grado sound is miniaturized here, perfect for the travelling audiophile who cannot survive a trip without exceptional sonics.

More Information

Browse our full selection of In Ear Sound Isolating Headphones