Which headphones are better: in-ear or earbuds?

Which brand of headphones is better to choose?

Each model has certain characteristics, but when choosing, it is recommended to take into account not only their values. The manufacturer’s reputation is often reflected in the quality of the product, its reliability, durability, and ease of use. When compiling the review, an analysis of user reviews was carried out, which made it possible to identify the best companies producing such accessories:

• 1More , a subsidiary of the Chinese corporation Xiaomi, develops and produces audio electronics. It is used in combination with computers, phones, players. The brand's motto is: "Premium sound at an affordable price." All headsets undergo quality tests before being sent to the market.
• Xiaomi is a Chinese company that produces consumer and mobile electronics. The company operates on the principle of creating high-quality technologies available to everyone. The range includes wireless and wired headphones of various types. Employees are constantly trying new ideas, which allows them to create innovative products of a new class. They are valued for their reliability, quality, functionality, and ease of use.
• Soul Electronics is an American company working in the field of audio electronics. It produces models of wireless headphones with a good level of noise reduction for any audience of high-quality sound connoisseurs. When developing models, special attention is paid to functionality and design. The brand's products will allow the user to hear the singer's vocals or instruments as they really are.
• Audio -Technica is a Japanese manufacturer of audio equipment. The brand's products are used by most musicians in their shows, and the annual Grammy Awards are no exception. The range includes microphones, headphones, audio systems for home and professional use.
• Sony Group is a Japanese company that supplies products to the markets of consumer electronics, multimedia, and video games. The created products are always distinguished by their reliability, innovation, and versatility.
• Sennheiser is a German manufacturer of devices for playback, broadcasting and recording of sound. The company's first headphones became the prototype of headsets. Now they are being developed in Denmark. The company creates innovative products of tomorrow with high sound quality and ease of use. These parameters are the basis for the production of each model.
• JBL is an American corporation producing speaker systems and audio equipment for any purpose. All production facilities are located in China, but this does not prevent the brand from competing with Apple in the market of wireless devices for smartphones.
• Huawei is the largest Chinese company operating in the field of information and telecommunications equipment. The range also includes consumer electronics. The success of the brand's products is due to the use of innovative technologies in their creation that are focused on customer needs.
• Nokia is a Finnish company operating in the same market areas as the previous company. The innovation laboratory's research allows the creation of a full range of products for communication service providers. The popularity of the products is due to their high strength, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Samsung - models of the company from South Korea occupy a large part of the market for high-tech devices . It produces video, audio equipment, and household appliances. The brand's headset is valued for its quality and best sound parameters. At the same time, there are often fakes and defects, so it is recommended to read user reviews before purchasing.
• Philips is a company founded in the Netherlands. During its existence, the company changed its direction from the production of light bulbs to the production of consumer electronics and medical equipment. The brand's products are present in the markets of all continents. The range includes models for customers with different income levels.
• Marshall Amplification is a British company producing loudspeaker systems and audio amplifiers. It has been producing headsets and headphones since 2010, and their development follows the basic principle of products - high-quality sound .
• Shure is an American corporation working in the field of development and production of audio equipment for professional and household use. The success of the brand is due to the owners’ commitment to high quality products. The headphones have been awarded more than once, so their characteristics determine the sound level for the most demanding listeners.
• Panasonic is a Japanese engineering corporation that produces electronics and household appliances. The main principle of activity is the creation of goods that will improve people's lives, make it more comfortable, interesting and safe. The advantages of products include reliability, manufacturability, and design.

The best hearing aids

3Beyerdynamic Byron BTA

This is a premium modification of the “old” Byron with an estimated price tag of just over $150. In the package you will find a special dock for charging (it looks beautiful, but does not bring much convenience).

Minimum dimensions, a successful ergonomic remote control, high-speed Bluetooth 4.2, balanced and natural sound without an excess of bass contrasts with the unreliable material of the ear pads, poor fixation in the ears (everything is individual here) and the vulnerability of the junction of the mounting cylinder and the ear pad.

AAC support will allow you to enjoy truly high sound quality, and the DSP processor will provide that very “naturalness”.

Average cost: 11,990 rubles.

pros

• High Fidelity (Hi-Fi)
• High-quality connection to external devices
• aptx codec support
• Battery capacity

Minuses

• Premium Cost
• Fast discharge in cold weather
• Not suitable for sports

Rating of earbuds

An important selection criterion for most users is the price of the device. It depends not only on the characteristics, but also on the type of device. Wired models are valued for their stable connection, which provides better sound quality. But the tangle of cables connecting the accessory to the sound source and high charge consumption reduces their price. Wired models are chosen by people who value the comfort of using the product. Comparative tests of the following parameters made it possible to select the 15 best in-ear headphones from the top 30 nominees:

• Degree of sound insulation;
• Material of the case, linings;
• Bass level;
• Dimensions;
• Weight;
• Design;
• Duration of work without recharging;
• Equipment;
• Comfortable to wear;
• Frequency range;
• Build quality;
• Impedance;
• Membrane diameter;
• Sensitivity;
• Availability of fast charging function;
• Protection from external factors;
• Management capabilities;
• Price.

If the models have a microphone, then its characteristics were also evaluated. Wireless headphones take into account the way you connect to the device. A higher version of Bluetooth increases the price of the accessory. User reviews made it possible to clarify the frequency of breakdowns, which determines quality. The nominees are divided into 3 categories. Each contains a description, pros and cons of the product.

The best headphones for your phone

2Sony WF-SP700N

Headphones suitable for true lovers of rich bass. In addition to impeccable bass, Sony has equipped its wireless headset with the most ergonomic design possible, giving the user a new understanding of comfort. An excellent alternative to expensive AirPods.

High-quality assembly and ease of use are significant advantages, the full weight of which is overshadowed by short work on a single charge (about 40% less than competitors) and not the best noise reduction performance.

However, according to the main criterion - sound quality (here it is close to natural) - the WF-SP700N beats almost any analogue on the market.

Average cost: 8,833 rubles.

pros

• Comfortable wearing
• Powerful low frequencies
• Good microphone
• IPX4 dust and moisture protection

Minuses

• Battery
• Lack of touch interface
• Soundproofing

The best wireless earbuds

Vacuum accessories of this type are chosen by users who are tired of getting tangled in wires. When listening to music, you don't need to be constantly glued to the sound source. They are convenient to use when playing sports, since their sizes and fastenings do not interfere with active movements. According to user reviews, 3 best models were selected for the top wireless earbuds out of 10 nominees.

Huawei CM70 Freelace

The model with a membrane diameter of 9.2 mm is available in amber, emerald and graphite colors. An ultra-thin diaphragm of thin polyurethane drivers provides rich bass, and a titanium plate improves sound quality at high frequencies. The battery capacity is enough for 18 hours of continuous operation. After 5 minutes of quick charging, the listening time increases by another 4 hours. The ease of use and reliability of the device is ensured by a flexible cable made of nickel, titanium, and liquid silicone. It fits snugly to the neck and does not bend when folded.

Advantages

• Water protection IPX5;
• Volume adjustment;
• Hands-free mode support;
• Two-channel wind noise suppression system;
• Durability of the remote control;
• Ease of management;
• Average price.

Flaws

• Not all smartphones support instant pairing technology;
• Uncomfortable ear pads.

The build quality, sound, reliability and ease of use of the model are confirmed by 86% of respondents. The downside is the heavy weight, long wires, and microphone characteristics.

The best headphones for sports

Nokia Pro Wireless Earphones

Qualcomm aptX technology delivers HD audio. To end a call or pause music, simply remove the headphones and connect them together. Bluetooth version 4.1 connection guarantees compatibility with most devices. However, commands for playing audio tracks do not work on iOS smartphones. The battery life is 10 hours. A volume control function is provided. The model description on some sites indicates the ability to simultaneously connect to two Bluetooth devices, but such information is not available on the company’s official website.

Advantages

• 3 pairs of interchangeable ear pads of different sizes;
• Hands-free mode support;
• LED charge indicator;
• Low price;
• Ease of management.

Flaws

• Heavy;
• Clunk.

Users have divided opinions about headphones. The downside is the magnetic connection. If the model dangles on the chest, then there is a high probability of a false alarm of the system. After a certain time, you notice that the tracks have automatically started playing.

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

The model with a flexible neckband is available in white, blue, and black. The functionality allows you to answer or end calls without direct contact with the smartphone, turn off the microphone, and simultaneously connect to 2 Bluetooth devices. The accessory is equipped with speakers with a membrane size of 11 and 8 mm for high-quality reproduction of low and high frequencies, respectively. Scalable Codec technology ensures a stable connection even with varying levels of radio interference.

Advantages

• Powerful bass;
• Clear highs;
• Voice assistant;
• Magnetic mount;
• Volume adjustment;
• Clock, timer applications;
• Average price.

Flaws

• Comfortable to wear;
• Multipoint doesn't always work.

Users note good sound, autonomy, high level of noise insulation, and build quality. The downside is the frequency of defects in headphones and the inconvenience of use in the cold season, since clothes constantly press the buttons.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (Plus)

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ review - the best in-ear headphones for a Samsung phone in 2021.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (Plus)

Eighth place in the ranking of the best vacuum headphones goes to Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($120). The headphones turned out to be comfortable, autonomous and sound pleasant. Undoubtedly, a big plus is the Galaxy Wearable application. The downside of the headphones is that they do not have active noise cancellation. However, this does not spoil the overall impression of the product. So if you're looking for long-lasting wireless earbuds with versatile sound, the Galaxy Buds+ are worth considering.

A huge advantage is the variety of color options: black, light blue, white and red.

Main characteristics

• Range: 10 m
• Working time: 11 h
• Battery life in case: 22 hours
• Fast charge: 3 minutes for 1 hour of use
• Noise cancellation: no (excellent isolation)
• Support: SBC, AAC and Samsung Scalable, Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
• Protection degree: IPX2
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Charging port: USB-C

Equipment

• Charging and storage case
• Three pairs of ear pads
• Ear clips
• Instructions
• USB Type C cable

Video review

• Design. Very interesting and stylish appearance. Classic from SAMSUNG.
• Battery life. 11 hours of battery life for completely wireless headphones is an excellent indicator of the Galaxy Buds+.
• iOS compatible.

• Limited audio codec support.
• Weak water permeability. There is only IPX2, which significantly limits resistance to water (splashes of rain, drops of sweat, etc.)
• No noise cancellation.

Which earbuds are best to buy?

The higher the sensitivity and lower the impedance of the model, the louder the sound of the speakers will be. Higher sound quality is provided by reinforcement radiators. An additional advantage is the smaller size of the device. Fans of wireless accessories need to consider battery life, which depends on battery capacity. For frequent use, experts recommend choosing devices with a value of the first characteristic of at least 3 hours. Ease of use guarantees a larger wireless communication range. The following recommendations will help facilitate the purchase of vacuum headphones:

• If you have a small budget, it is recommended to buy an inexpensive but high-quality model - Panasonic RP-HJE125;
• Good quality earbuds – Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic);
• Best sound quality – Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless;
• A high level of moisture protection is provided in the Soul Electronics ST-XS 2;
• Large range of reproduced frequencies – Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW;
• Maximum battery life – Huawei CM70 Freelace;
• Users' choice is Shure SE.

The choice of accessory is often related to the specifics of its use. Athletes buy wireless devices that are convenient to use during training. At the same time, devices with wires guarantee better signal transmission quality. The popularity of earphones is associated with the deep penetration of sound into the user’s ear. The rating shows the pros and cons of the best models, which will make it easier to purchase based on your needs.

1Huawei AM61

The model works via the high-speed Bluetooth 4.1 interface, the communication range is up to ten meters. The device will charge from 0 to 100% in 2 hours, while in continuous music playback mode it will work on a single charge for up to 11 hours.

The movable 11mm low-frequency coil will offer truly cool bass quality, and the special design will reduce the “stethoscope effect”.

The harmonious design attracts attention and emphasizes the individual style of the owner. In addition, when the headphones are not in use, they can be conveniently attached to the neck - the manufacturer has taken care of this.

Average cost: 2,200 rubles.

pros

• Convenient control
• High sound quality
• High quality microphone
• Frost resistance

Minuses

• High location of the battery and control unit
• Requirements for the signal source

Semi-open type

Semi-open headphones are a reasonable compromise between open and closed versions. They don't make your ears so tired when used for a long time, but sound insulation will be present to some extent. Below we will consider insert, overhead and full-size options.

Plug-in

The best in-ear, semi-open headphone models are usually made from metal: it is more reliable than plastic and does not create audio interference. As a result, sound quality improves. We present the semi-professional device Dunu Titan 5 and a simpler option, Onkyo E700M.

Dunu Titan 5

pros

• ergonomics
• choice of ear pads
• 6.3 mm jack adapter
• removable cable 1.2 m with remote control

Minuses

• no microphone

From 6105 ₽

The ear-friendly headset features a titanium membrane and delivers clear sound. The bass is clearly audible, no adjustments with equalizers or other enhancers are needed: put it on and listen. The remote control does not have a microphone, this is a mistake, but not critical.

Onkyo E700M

pros

• fit tightly in the ears
• double wire
• instruments can be heard clearly

Minuses

• no volume control

From 3799 ₽

This model does not strain your ears if you listen to music for a long time. Good sound of different genres, from rock to jazz and classical, even when using a smartphone. Yes, the volume is adjustable from the player, but this is the only negative.

Invoices

Due to the shape and size of the ear pads, over-ear headphones fit the definition of a semi-open headset. They do not completely cover the pinna, allowing external sounds to reach the user's hearing. Wired and Bluetooth models have been selected for testing.

Nobby Comfort B-215

pros

• touch control
• Bluetooth and wire
• 15 hours of autonomy

Minuses

• microphone is weak

From 989 ₽

If you need to buy a wireless headset for watching movies, then this is an excellent choice. The ears provide a stable connection even through 2 walls and sudden movements. The microphone works at 3, the music is also not pleasing with its depth.

SmartBuy Trio

pros

• bright
• headband adjustment
• sound without distortion

Minuses

• no volume control, microphone
• put pressure on the ears

From 424 ₽

The headphones are suitable for teenagers or girls with small heads: the headband compresses very much. And acidic colors speak about the purpose of the accessory. You can't talk on the phone in them. The sound is not bad, but it can only be adjusted by the player.

Full size

Large semi-open headphones are good because, thanks to the presence of holes in the body, the ears and head have the opportunity to rest when wearing the accessory for a long time. Plus, you can hear what’s going on around you without being too overloaded with sounds from the device.

Fostex T60RP

pros

• headband adjustment
• cord 1.5 m
• adapter 6.3 mm
• gold plated connectors

Minuses

• weight 380 g

From 22490 ₽

Professional model with a resistance of 50 Ohms and a maximum power of 3000 mW. Very picky about the quality of audio media. Gives a super wide scene with crisp detail. The ears do not get tired at all, despite the weight.

Axelvox HD242

pros

• detachable cable
• adapter 6.3 mm
• sound transmission

Minuses

• ears are sweating

From 2534 ₽

Inexpensive headphones with good sound and gold-plated contacts. They are suitable for home audio mixing. Lightweight, only 222 g, does not weigh on your head. Sound with a wide stage, rich bass. The downside is the leatherette ear pads.

The most expensive

Here we will look at a Hi-End headset from Shure, capable of working autonomously and with a wire, as well as professional full-size headphones from Beyerdynamic. And for a snack, let’s introduce the universal Westone W60 plugs with ideal sound insulation.

Shure SE846

pros

• impedance 9 ohms
• 4-way
• detachable cables
• sound insulation 37 dB
• Bluetooth up to 8 hours

Minuses

• short cable

From 31350 ₽

Hi-End class headphones have 4 armature drivers, which ensures clear reproduction of low, mid and high frequencies, but especially bass (2 drivers). They work both with a wire and autonomously. Compatible with all devices.

Beyerdynamic T 5p

pros

• range 5-50,000 Hz
• distortion 0.05%
• 3 m extension cable, aircraft adapter
• professional sound

Minuses

• weight 350 g
• permanent thin wire

From 55550 ₽

This full-size headset delivers highly detailed audio with a wide frequency range. A separate musical instrument and voice intonations are clearly audible, and the nuances of sound are captured. The rim doesn't press. A non-removable wire is bad.

Westone W60

pros

• reinforcement, 6 drivers
• 100% soundproofing
• loud
• detachable wire
• replaceable body pads, ear pads

Minuses

• pads break
• the price bites

From 58851 ₽

Despite their size, these earbuds are the most expensive headphones in the review. It cannot be otherwise: there are as many as 6 drivers here, bringing the sound to crystal clarity. In-ear position and 25 dB isolation allow you to fully enjoy your music.

1Sony MDR-XB50AP

In-channel “plugs” from a reputable manufacturer will make it possible to abstract from the outside world while listening to content in high quality. The model is equipped with a microphone and a control panel for “headset” use in conjunction with, for example, a smartphone.

12mm dome-shaped drivers deliver signature sound with a frequency response of 4Hz–24kHz. The patented EXTRA BASS technology makes the low frequencies stronger and clearer.

The model is highly popular among buyers, as well as a large number of reviews on the Internet, which will make it possible to evaluate the feasibility of a purchase before making it.

Average cost: 1,599 rubles.

pros

• High quality microphone
• Adequate price tag
• Flat, tangle-free wire
• High quality sound

Minuses

• Strong emphasis on low frequencies
• Dimensions
• G-plug