TOP 12 best in-ear headphones by sound quality: rating 2020-2021 and how to choose a budget model + user reviews

Rating of the TOP 12 best in-ear headphones of 2020-2021

Apple AirPods Pro

High-quality in-ear headphones for iPhone with active noise cancellation.

Silver in the rating of the best vacuum headphones in 2021 goes to Apple AirPods Pro ($285) - high-quality in-ear headphones for iPhone with active noise cancellation and good sound.

Apple's active noise canceling headphones will help you tune out the outside world while listening to music. Perfect for subway trips and air travel.

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 . Resistance (impedance) is also important for the sensation of loudness. It also affects the purity of the sound. If gadgets are used with portable equipment, a resistance of 16 - 32 Ohms is sufficient. If with a stationary one, it can be 32 - 100 Ohms. Which headphones are best 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 useful signal to noise. The higher it is, the clearer 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, since with its help the level of ambient noise is noticeably reduced, which allows you to enjoy your favorite music even in particularly noisy places (for example, on the subway or train).

Sennheiser IE 80 S BT

The best wireless earbuds with excellent sound and bass tuning.

Sennheiser IE 80 S BT ($450) are the best wireless vacuum headphones with excellent sound and bass tuning. The sound in detail, naturalness, stage construction and other parameters is very close to wired models. Sennheiser also took care of a solid kit and stylish design.

The price, of course, makes itself felt, but if you are looking for the best on-ear headphones, then the Sennheiser IE 80 S BT is it.

The best wired in-ear headphones

Sennheiser IE 40 Pro

Sennheiser IE 40 Pro headphones are designed for daily use on stage, in the studio and in rehearsals..

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

The wideband dynamic driver guarantees excellent intelligibility and absence of distortion even at particularly high volume levels, a flat frequency response with good low-frequency foundation.

The compact 10 mm diaphragm allows for a high level of design ergonomics and wearing comfort.

It is worth noting that this is one of the best models of 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal, closed;
• dynamic;
• mini jack 3.5 mm connector.

pros

• reliability;
• high-quality assembly;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• not specified by buyers.

JBL T110

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

Insertable vacuum ear pads are securely attached to 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 responsible for surround, balanced sound.

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

The set includes three pairs of replaceable ear pads for long-term use.

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal, closed;
• sensitivity - 100 dB;
• mini jack 3.5 mm connector.

pros

• soundproofing;
• high-quality assembly;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• soundproofing;
• high-quality assembly;
• comfortable to wear.

Sony MDR-XB50AP

Sony MDR-XB50AP over-ear headphones block extraneous noise, have effective sound insulation and high sound quality.

Ear pads of various sizes fit comfortably into the ear.

Having a high-quality microphone makes it possible to answer phone calls, since its high sensitivity guarantees clear speech transmission.

Sensitivity of 106 dB and power of 100 mW provide high power and volume of sound, and also makes it possible to use the headset as efficiently as possible without additional amplifiers.

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal, closed;
• sensitivity - 106 dB.

pros

• soundproofing;
• sound quality;
• reliability.

Minuses

• not detected by users.

Sony MDR-EX155AP

Sony MDR-EX155AP headphones are compact and have high sound quality.

Highly sensitive speakers in a compact design provide clear highs and powerful bass.

The corrugated cable with protection against tangling and twisting ensures ease of use of the headphones.

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

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

Main functional characteristics:

• with microphone;
• intracanal, closed;
• sensitivity - 103 dB.

pros

• ergonomics;
• high-quality assembly;
• reliability.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD headphones are equipped with hybrid emitters that combine the advantages of reinforcement and dynamic.

This solution makes it possible to reproduce clear bass and at the same time detailed mids and highs.

The headphones can also be used as a headset: on the wire there is a microphone and buttons for receiving/ending and waiting/holding a call, and sound settings.

Main functional characteristics:

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

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• microphone quality;
• reliability.

Minuses

• poor sound insulation.

Sennheiser IE 4

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

The volume is quite high thanks to the sensitivity of 106 dB. A 3.5 mm plug allows you to connect the headphones to any audio device, including a smartphone.

The headphone body 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 easily distinguish the right earphone from the left, corresponding inscriptions are applied to each of them. Thanks to the silicone tips, the headset fits comfortably in the ears and will not fall out when moving. .

To select the optimal size, the kit includes three pairs of replacement ear pads.

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

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal, closed;
• dynamic;
• sensitivity - 106 dB.

pros

• soundproofing;
• reliability;
• sound quality.

Minuses

• not identified by buyers.

Campfire Audio Andromeda S

The best vacuum headphones without a microphone

Sixth place in the TOP of the best earbuds goes to a luxury model from the American company Campfire Audio. Andromeda S ($1,200) - reinforced vacuum five-driver headphones without a microphone. Low resistance and high sensitivity. The sound is at the highest level, there’s no denying it, a solid package, comfortable fit, stylish design - all this is the Campfire Audio Andromeda S.

Main characteristics

• Type: reinforcement
• Frequency range: 10 – 28000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 112.8 dB/mW
• Impedance: 12.8 Ohm
• Number of drivers: 5
• Cable type: detachable

Equipment

• Headphones
• Branded genuine leather case
• SpinFit attachment kit
• Replaceable ear pads sizes S, M, L
• Small brush for cleaning headphones
• Foam ear pads in sizes S and L (size M was on the headphones themselves)
• Campfire Audio signature clip
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. Despite some "character" of the sound on the HF, overall it is a universal model with excellent sound.
• High quality cable.
• Comfort and fit.
• Set.

• Demand for a quality source.

The best wireless in-ear headphones

Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic)

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

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

For a secure fit, the kit includes pairs of additional ear pads..

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

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0;
• operating time - 4 hours (from the battery in the case - 12 hours);
• protection from water.

pros

• sound quality;
• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ headphones have a completely wireless design with miniature ear pads 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, the design of the device provides as many as 3 microphones with a fixed mount in the housing: 2 external and 1 internal.

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

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal;
• Bluetooth 5.0;
• dynamic;
• operating time - 11 hours (from the battery in the case - 22 hours).

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• reliability;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• not specified by users.

Samsung Galaxy Buds

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

The weight of the model is only 5.6 g, which, in combination 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 is connected to the sound-reproducing device via a Bluetooth connection. The device can work offline for up to 6 hours.

Main functional characteristics:

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

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing;
• reliability.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

Sony WF-1000XM3

Sony WF-1000XM3 - wireless headphones with digital noise reduction, adaptive sound control, NFC and Bluetooth technologies and a whole day charge.

This model's noise-canceling technology is industry-leading in the wireless headphone industry and is powered by the QN1e HD noise-canceling processor.

By picking up ambient sound, it not only cancels out much more noise across almost the entire frequency range, but also consumes less power.

The location and shape of the built-in Bluetooth antenna is optimized to maintain a clear signal and remain in constant sync with the audio source.

Main functional characteristics:

• intracanal, closed;
• active noise cancellation (ANC) system;
• Bluetooth 5.0, NFC;
• dynamic;
• operating time - 6 hours (from the battery in the case - 24 hours).

pros

• sound quality;
• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing.

Minuses

• microphone quality.

HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite

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

A microphone located in each earphone will allow you to answer calls without having to take your mobile device out of your pocket.

The TWS headset has an in-ear design that isolates the user from ambient noise and securely fixes the headphones in the ear canals.

Dynamic drivers guarantee impeccable sound throughout the entire frequency range (20-20,000 Hz).

The multifunctional button is responsible for answering/ending a call, pausing the song being played and its further playback, as well as switching between tracks.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

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

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• soundproofing;
• comfortable to wear.

Minuses

• not noted by buyers.

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex headphones, equipped with two pairs of drivers, will delight you with a high level of quality audio playback..

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

The headphones do not require a wired connection: they are synchronized with sound sources via a Bluetooth connection.

The wireless communication radius of 10 m 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 by the presence of a microphone, so the headphones can be used as a headset.

Main functional characteristics:

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

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• ergonomics;
• soundproofing.

Minuses

• not detected by users.

JBL T450

Excellent budget wired headphones.

Let's go further, another inexpensive model in our ranking of the best wired headphones, JBL T450 ($17) is a classic universal model with support for a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

The headphones are equipped with a detachable wire, so they can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth. In wireless mode, they work for 11 hours on a single charge. Charging takes only 2 hours. Thanks to the soft ear pads, the JBL T450 is very comfortable and suitable for long-term use.

Marshall Major III

Wired headphones from the cult brand Marshall from the creators of Urbanears.

Inexpensive wired on-ear headphones Marshall Major III ($57) have a cool design, solid battery life and a fairly durable folding design that's easy to put in your backpack.

Marshall Major III is one of the excellent variations on the theme of “stylish headphones, but with good sound.” Regarding the appearance, I have only one praise, a really beautiful and stylish model. The sound could be annoying, but in its price range this is a very good option, both in wired and wireless versions.