Top Wired Earbuds You Need for a Well-Balanced Sound 2024
Music Authority may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Earbuds, whether wired or wireless, are incredibly convenient to carry. You can easily stuff them into a bag or roll them up into a purse to go about your day. Earbuds, unlike on-ears, have excellent passive insulation since they seal to the ear (or most do, anyway). The silicone or memory foam ear tips form a solid seal that filters out background noise, and when correctly fitted, they can be almost as good as noise-canceling headphones.
The type of earbuds you require depends a lot on how you want to use them. Any old pair of earbuds would do if you’re either lounging around the house or at work with your phone plugged in. You will usually find no-frills earbuds with good sound for a reasonable price.
If you continue to use your earbuds when exercising, you should consider upgrading your order. Any athlete knows how annoying it is to see your earbuds pull out of your ear due to cable strain. This puts the phone in danger because it will be taken out of the safe area you hold it in and will crash to the ground. That is something that no one needs. In such cases, you might want to go for wireless earbuds.
Now if wired earbuds are what you are looking for, then we have done in-depth research into the top 5 trending models in the market. Explore the positives and negatives of each model and find out which are the best wired earbuds for you.
Best Wired Earbuds – Comparative Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 1 MORE Quad Driver in-Ear Earphones [amazon fields=”B06XSJV5B9″ value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B06XSJV5B9″ value=”button”] |
| 2. Jaybird Tarah [amazon fields=”B07H72WMLN” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07H72WMLN” value=”button”] |
| 3. SoundMAGIC E11C Sound Isolating In-Ear Headphones [amazon fields=”B07K2LHB1J” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07K2LHB1J” value=”button”] |
| 4. 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones [amazon fields=”B01A7G35S0″ value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B01A7G35S0″ value=”button”] |
| 5. Klipsch R6 II in-Ear Headphone [amazon fields=”B073WZ2BDN” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B073WZ2BDN” value=”button”] |
Best Wired Earbuds – Our Reviews and Comparisons
1. MORE Quad Driver in-Ear Earphones
Product Highlights
Budget audiophile circles are buzzing about the 1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear Earphones, and they’re here to stay. The four-driver array in each earbud has a distinctive frequency response, making these robust earbuds stand out.
Features
- The four drivers inside the earbuds are protected by a metallic finish. So what’s the point of each earbud getting four drivers? This helps the organization to tune each driver to a specific frequency spectrum, resulting in a cleaner listening environment in principle.
- The metal of the earbuds is mirrored in the control module and the cable’s Y-Split. It’s also on the 90° 3.5mm connector jack, which is covered in rough rubber to avoid fraying.
- In terms of design, the Quad Driver earbuds are a stunning pair of headphones.
- They have a more industrial look, and the earbuds are tilted 45 degrees to push the sound into your ears, which work wonders if you have a decent seal.
- These earphones have a 3.5mm TRRS connector that you can plug directly into the headphone jack on your phone (assuming it still has one).
- They do, however, have a unique feature in that they are compatible with both Android and iOS models. There are three buttons between them: two volume buttons and a single multifunction button. Except for Android, where you won’t be able to revert to a previous track, you’ll get almost the same features across smartphones.
- With four separate speakers, the Quad Driver earbuds split the frequencies. As a result, the nozzle is somewhat bigger than on most earbuds, but if you have a favorite set of ear tips, they won’t go with these.
- With a frequency range of up to 40kHz, these are also Hi-Res rated, so if you have the right files, these will do them justice.
What We Like About 1more Quad Driver In-ear Earphones
There are a few reasons why you should choose the Quad Driver earbuds instead if you have the extra cash. One is that the construction standard is critically better. Another factor is the control module itself, which is both simpler and more ergonomic to use than its predecessor. The sound output of the Quad Driver earbuds is marginally better, with slightly heavier bass and crisper peaks.
What We Don’t Like About 1more Quad Driver In-ear Earphones
These earbuds are quite expensive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid construction Good control module Impressive sound quality |
Costly Not highly comfortable |
Product Highlights
Even though they lack some of the fancier features seen in more expensive Jaybird devices, the Jaybird Tarah earphones are capable and well-made running earphones. The Jaybird Tarah earphones are available in three colors: black (with yellow tips), white (with green tips), and medium blue (with dark blue tips or frosty blue tips).
Features
- A flat cord connects the earbuds, and it’s stiff enough that you shouldn’t have to untangle them every time you take them out of your bag.
- There’s a short clip – Jaybird calls it a ‘speed cinch’ – that you can use to change the length of the cable around your waist, but you’ll have to drag it very tightly because the cable’s flat form ensures it can fall out when pulled through.
- The Tarahs are simple in form but well-constructed, with a rubber casing that avoids feeling cheap.
- One difference between the Tarahs and the higher-end ones is the absence of magnets within the earbuds, which means you can’t clip them together around your neck while they’re not in use: it’s a nice touch, but not necessary if you’re only out for a run and won’t be wearing them every day.
- To hold themselves in place during use, the earbuds protrude farther from your ear and have wider wing tips. They’re certainly comfortable, and you won’t have to think about them dropping out in the middle of a sprint, but they stand out more than most earphones.
- The Tarahs have the same IPX7 water rating, which means they can withstand immersion in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes.
- The Jaybird Tarahs are simple to operate and can last for multiple days of workouts on a single charge.
- The Tarahs’ audio production is excellent for the price, with a simple, crisp sound that works as well for podcasts as it does for pop or hip hop. While they lack the dynamism and broader frequency spectrum of the Tarah Pro earbuds, the Jaybird software allows you to increase the bass if that’s what you want from your music.
- The software is one of the best for EQ on the market, allowing you to choose from a variety of presets to emphasize the bass, mid-range, or treble on your running playlists.
What We Like About Jaybird Tarah
The Jaybird Tarah earphones are excellent in every way if you can afford them. If you’re new to Jaybird and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Jaybird Tarah earphones are a good option.
What We Don’t Like About Jaybird Tarah
These earphones can feel quite big inside your ear and some effort is required to adjust their cables.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget earphones Intensely crisp sound Useful Jaybird app |
Lack of magnetic earbuds Quite big Cable cannot be easily adjusted |
3. SoundMAGIC E11C Sound Isolating In-Ear Headphones
Product Highlights
When comparing the E11C to their predecessors, there has been a significant improvement in this model. Individually, the changes are minor, but some are major.
Features
- To begin with, the E11C in-ears are only available in one color: silver. They’re cool, but they used to be four colors. Another difference is that the jack is bent, somewhere between straight and 90 degrees and there are no little colored plastic parts to signify left and right. This wouldn’t look as good, but keep in mind that the in-line power is on the left now. The in-line power, for example, is the most significant design improvement.
- It has a microphone and three-volume and replay keys. It’s inconvenient when an in-line control only operates for those phones, however, the E11C’s controls function with iOS and Android without issue.
- With machined aluminum housings for the earbuds and a 1.2m silver-plated copper cable with an anti-tangle design, the build quality is decent. To transport them, you get a simple but sturdy shell. The only thing that disappoints is the insufficient number of suggestions. When SoundMagic also offers more, like dual-flanged choices, you just get small, medium, and big.
- With the right tips, you should be able to listen to the E11C for long periods.
- Despite being small and light, this earbud can fit large 10mm, Neodymium drivers, into the E11C headphones.
- The E11Cs have solid bass and treble without overly favoring one or the other. This is what we found with the E10 earphones and this means they will suit a lot of music listeners.
- The sound quality is better though and has a lot more dynamics and clarity. The bass is close and warm, and the top-end is bright, but the mid-range is more forward than before, allowing the vocals to take center stage in the mix.
- These headphones have a mature sound and are flexible, with a sound that exceeds the price tag.
- The E11C headphones are a bit more expensive than the older E10 headphones, but they’re well worth it. You can also purchase a less expensive version if required.
- These in-ears are not only sleeker, but they also have an in-line monitor and microphone that fits both iOS and Android.
- We also considered them to be easy due to their small size and lightweight. The cable is tangle-proof, which is a bonus.
- The E11C headphones sound incredible for such a low price, with a more complex and strong sound that is nevertheless controlled and considered, making them extremely flexible.
What We Like About Soundmagic E11c Sound Isolating In-ear Headphones
SoundMagic has stepped things up with the E11C. These earbuds are a higher version of the popular E10. However, it has a more stylish design, in-line control, microphone, and quite a decent upgrade in the sound quality to boot. There’s little more we could ask for from an affordable pair of headphones.
What We Don’t Like About Soundmagic E11c Sound Isolating In-ear Headphones
A simple collection of tips is disappointing, but given the improvement in sound quality, we don’t mind it too much.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In-line control Stylish Solid bass and treble |
Expensive |
4. MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones
Product Highlights
The 1More in-ear headphones aren’t the best in their class in terms of efficiency, but they do provide unrivaled sound and value for their (reasonably low) price. So, what does the Triple Driver have to give your ears?
Features
- Each earbud features three drivers for outstanding sound, a beautiful look, and sturdy construction. One dynamic driver provides warm and absolute bass, while a balanced armature driver provides simple and expressive sound in the midrange and treble.
- It’s an intriguing design that one might think is a gimmick, but we can assure you that when it comes to the results, it’s anything but one.
- Along with the earbuds, you get a carry case, an airplane travel adapter, a cable clip, and a huge assortment of silicone and foam ear tips to help you find the perfect fit.
- The 1More Triple Driver’s sound signature provides sparkling clarity, smooth and powerful bass, and balanced sound that outdoes everything we’ve heard at a similar price point. These headphones provide exceptional sound for anything you listen to, from electronics to acoustic folk.
- The Triple Driver has all the trappings of an upper-class headphone — inside and out — thanks to their formidable mix of dual balanced-armature drivers paired with a dynamic driver to ramp up the bottom end.
- Although the exterior has a satiny appearance that looks like new copper, the casings are made of an aluminum alloy that is engineered for both reliability and a smooth, gleaming finish. The gleaming shell has been sandblasted, and the casing as a whole has a premium quality to it.
- The Kevlar-wrapped braided cables come fitted with a snazzy-looking triple-button inline microphone that is compliant with iOS and Android devices and can withstand the rigors of daily use.
- The headphones work admirably, with a clean and simple presentation of the upper frequencies (a claimed frequency range of 40 kHz), quickly revealing finer features, and drawing out instrumental nuance. The dynamic driver on the bottom reproduces well-balanced, weighty bass without going overboard.
What We Like About 1more Triple Driver In-ear Earphones
At this price point, those searching for a high-value alternative would have a hard time finding this level of construction quality and design elsewhere. Everyone searching for a brilliantly precise headphone with balanced bass — and a stunning finish — can give 1More’s latest Triple Driver serious consideration.
What We Don’t Like About 1more Triple Driver In-ear Earphones
The only major criticism we have is that the armature drivers can sound a little thin on certain songs, giving instruments like cymbals and brass a little too much zing. As a result, the difference between the lighter top side and the more dominant lower register widens, making it more difficult to blend smoothly from top to bottom.
The headphones are also a little large at the top, which may make them difficult to fit for certain ears — a small price to pay for such great sound in a headphone at this price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well priced Aesthetic Good performance |
Quite big Drivers not very impressive |
5. Klipsch R6 II in-Ear Headphone
Product Highlights
This new version of the R6is has the dual magnet, rotating coil driver configuration concealed behind those proprietary oval ear tips, much like the original. The seal provided by these tips is exceptional, fitting snugly in the ear without being awkward.
Features
- The overall look and feel of these headphones is noteworthy. The housings are gently angled at the back so your finger or thumb fits neatly in the gap while slipping them through your ears. They’re made of aluminum and elastomer.
- When you press the three-button replay control, you get positive feedback and it also looks nice.
- The tone of these headphones is almost as amazing as the way they look. Whatever game you’re playing, the level of openness you’ll encounter is truly remarkable.
- We get off to a fantastic start thanks to the R6i IIs’ dynamism and passion, as well as their ability to go loud. The R6i IIs, unlike other headphones, do not ‘round off’ the music to make it more comfortable in return for pure fidelity.
- They’re more likely than most headphones to show faults in your tracks or devices, but with a decent set-up, you’ll get a lot more out of your songs.
- Along with the midrange, these headphones do a good job of keeping track of the acoustic guitar and the rapid, synthesized sound effects – each aspect in perfect balance to deliver the song’s essence.
- And it’s all achieved with a sophisticated tonal balance – the treble isn’t too bright, and the bass isn’t too low or lax. It’s almost the opposite: since in-ear headphones have a recent pattern of exaggerating bass weight, these headphones sound almost slim in contrast, while having a more precise and enjoyable balance.
What We Like About Klipsch R6 Ii In-ear Headphone
The Klipsch R6i in-ear headphones would appeal to some people, especially those who like a ton of bass, while others will not.
The R6i would definitely suit the bill if you listen to a lot of hip-hop or techno (and combinations of those genres) and want lightweight in-ear headphones with plenty of bass. The R6i headphones, on the other hand, aren’t a good fit for those looking for a more balanced, accurate tone.
What We Don’t Like About Klipsch R6 Ii In-ear Headphone
The R6i headphones lack treble clarity, but they do reduce the grating harshness of many contemporary records, making them more listenable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive build quality Dynamic sound Powerful bass Fits well |
Could be better presented |
Final Verdict
1more Quad Driver In-ear Earphones are the best wired earbud according to us. It has everything from the quality build, powerful sound, and four drivers for crystal clear music.
Explore our other options if you are looking for something more. Pick the earbuds you like and enjoy your favorite music on the go.
More to read:
Top 22 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds of 2021
