The content originally appeared on Mashable for American audiences and has been suitable for British audiences.
In the world of headphones, there is a sweet spot between those bulky earphones and small earphones: in-ear headphones. With a classic in-ear style, you can really enjoy the best of both worlds. Sounds great, right?
That’s why: The benefit of “ear to headphones” is that the speakers are big enough to produce high-fidelity sound (the way the earphones are) while staying compact enough to let it go for easy transportation (e.g. earbuds). Manufacturers of premium in-ear options can pack technology-filled earmuffs such as active noise cancellation and RF technology while ensuring the headphones are still lightweight and produce treble audio full of rich bass and clear middle.
In-ear headphones usually have adjustable headbands to fit all head sizes, as well as padded pads that reduce pressure on the ears, whether they are expensive or cheap. Everything you need to do is choose a pair that suits you. Here is a quick guide, and a review of the best in-ear headphones available right now.
What are in-ear headphones?
As the name suggests, the earphones sitting on the ears sit on the ears instead of covering or inserting them like earplugs. Reading headphones used to be standard style, but now it’s more of a niche, usually reserved for budget options or professional enthusiast models. The benefit of in-ear headphones is a more comfortable fit and a better awareness of the outside world because they won’t isolate you in the same way. Hey, some people just love the classic in-ear style.
Are headphones or earbuds the best?
There are no right or wrong answers. It boils down to personal choice. Some listeners prefer the omnipotence feel of in-ear or in-ear headphones, but others prefer to put the buds directly into their ears. Of course, both are good. In-ear headphones tend to have higher quality sound, so enthusiasts should focus mainly on this style of headphones. The earbuds are more compact, portable and inconspicuous, making them more suitable for commuting, air travel or gyms.
Can you still buy wired headphones?
Wireless technology has certainly taken over the market, but that’s not to say that wired headphones are not an option. They are often an option for enthusiasts, as Bluetooth can cause problems decoding high-resolution file formats (although Bluetooth codecs help to solve this problem). High-quality wired headphones are becoming increasingly difficult, but below is a list of one with excellent wired audio quality.
Is there any noise cancellation for in-ear headphones?
Noise cancellation blocks external noise, allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the music without distraction. There are two basic types Noise reduction: Passive noise cancellation, which physically blocks noise through the design of the cup and cancels active noise (ANC). This uses a small microphone system to pick up incoming sounds and create antinoise waves to cancel them. Both types of headphones and earbuds are more common because they create a seal around or in your ears. However, if you are shopping around, you can find to remove noise from your headphones. Actually, you’ll find a nice ANC option below.
What is the best brand of headphones?
We all know the big guys – Sony, beats, JBL, etc. – but you can also find a lot of good (usually cheaper) options from lesser-known brands like Skullcandy. Keep reading to discover some of the best.
What are the best in-ear headphones?
Since in fact every company claims that their headphones have the best sound, the best materials, and the best features, we decided to turn to reviewers to see which headphones are the most worthy of your money.
These are the best in-ear headphones of 2025.
