10 best in-ear headphones available today

As much as we love the sound and bass performance of big, hulking over-ear headphones, there are some situations where they simply tend to cause more problems than they're worth.

Whether you're at the gym, traveling, or just hanging out, sometimes you just want something a little more compact, something that won't weigh you down, or maybe even a pair of headphones that's sweat-proof. For these specialties, you're speaking precisely of what in-ear headphones have to offer.
We're on a mission to provide you with the best in-ear headphones around. As such, we've corralled our top-rated reviews so that you can do all your research and make a purchase in one place.

1. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear

Affordable

Stellar sound

Different model for each mobile OS

With the appealing candy apple detailing, Sennheiser gets you in the door. But once you're in, you'll stay for the killer sound quality that comes from the Momentum In-Ear earphones.

These are the among the best deals in the headphones market as it stands today. The company has a version available for each flavor of mobile OS, so everyone can get in on the goodness.

Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear

2. Beyerdynamic iDX 200 iE

Balanced sound

Titanium build

No Android support

There's no shortage of sub-$200 headphones on the market, but the Beyerdynamic iDX 200 iE are at the top of the pack. Their excellent build quality, sound and design make them one of the most well rounded in-ear headphones I've ever heard. No, they're not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Read the full review: Beyerdynamic iDX 200 iE

3. Jaybird X2

Minimalistic design

Above average battery life

A bit expensive

If you're looking for a hassle-free set of wireless in-ear headphones, the Jaybird X2 are an easy pick. The price might seem high, but the performance, ease of use and included goodies more than make up for the cost.

Read the full review: Jaybird X2

4. Klipsch Reference X6i

Extremely comfortable

Balanced, spacious sound

Lots of cable noise

Awkward carrying case

The Klipsch Reference X6i are a wonderful-sounding package. Their comfort, build quality, sound quality and features make it great value for the money, too.

If you're looking for balanced sounding in-ear headphones for $179 / £165 / AU$399, though, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Klipsch Reference X6i. Stated simply, they're supremely comfortable audiophile-level in-ear headphones for an affordable price.

Read the full review: Klipsch Reference X6i

5. Polk Nue Voe

Novel tortoise pattern

Awesome sound

iOS-only inline controls

Not only do these look the part, similar in style to a fancy set of tortoise-patterned eyeglasses, they sound awesome and are comfortable enough to wear all day. These earphones are packed with balanced armature drivers, which ups the mids to increase crispness.

It should be noted that the inline controls built into headphones only properly work with Apple products. You'll still get the same performance in, say, an Android phone or a Windows phone, but you won't be able to increase or decrease the volume.

Read the full review: Polk Nue Voe

6. Shure SE215

Understated design

Vibrant sound

Lacks in-line controls

If excellent noise isolation, comfort and stellar sound performance are of interest to you, consider the Shure SE215.

The headphones come in a cool translucent, space grey color and among its many good traits, the best of all is that you can snag the Shure SE215 for under one hundred bucks.

Read the full review: Shure SE215

7. Optoma NuForce BE6i

Solid build

Good sound

Finicky fitment

The Optoma Nuforce BE6i remain one of our favorite in-ear wireless headphones for the price. It offers good sound, build quality and battery life in its segment, and is an improvement over the already excellent BE6.

If you're looking for a pair of wireless in-ear headphones that can survive a strenuous work out, the NuForce BE6i should be on the top of your list of headphones to try.

Read the full review: Optoma NuForce BE6i

8. Sony XBA-H1

Edgy design

Powerful sound performance

No inline controls

If you're in the market for a set of in-ear headphones with pizzazz, the Sony XBA-H1 will be right up your alley. Whether your preference leans toward a more sporty look, or one that is simple, both audiences are served well here.

The hybrid driver unit packs in balanced armature and dynamic designs into one unit, bringing the very best that both have to offer to your ears. This results in booming bass, highs that shine and response that makes your music sound more punchy than ever.

Read the full review: Sony XBA-H1

9. RHA T10i

Comfortable

Amazing sound quality

Bass-heavy

Pricey

The sound quality is incredible, thanks to the snug seal created when the headphones are stuck in your ear. The bass is also robust for such small earphones.

The RHA T10i look slick with a metal finish around the drivers and around the cable as well. They also come with several replacement tips if the defaults don't fit your ear canal.

Read the full review: RHA T10i

Best In-Ear Headphones

10. NuForce HEM6

Great frequency response

Detachable cable

Too warm-sounding for some

The Optoma NuForce HEM6s are a great sounding pair of headphones, and if you're looking to spend this amount of money - $399/£349.99 - on a pair of in-ears then they're a very strong contender.

Across its entire frequency range the sound produced by the HEM6s is incredibly warm and listenable. They're comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they should last a while thanks to not one, but two detachable cables. In short they're (almost) everything a pair of headphones
should be.

Read the full review: NuForce HEM6

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