The Best Wired Earbuds
Earbuds can drastically change the way we work out, ride the bus, or go on a run by giving us the emotional boost of jamming out to music. These audio innovations may seem simple, but they're hardly unimportant. Whether you need to hear an important conference call on a busy subway or keep the hits coming through a high-intensity workout, finding the perfect pair of wired earbuds for your lifestyle can be difficult. That's why we scoured the market to bring you the best of the best.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best wired earbuds on the market, we considered audio quality, noise-cancellation, overall design, and price. For example, if you want a set of all-purpose earbuds that have a good sound quality and a practical design, the Panasonic RP-TCM125-K ErgoFit earbuds are a great choice. If you want something that works to keep out ambient noise, the Symphonized wired noise-canceling earbuds offer top-notch noise-canceling capabilities. Read on to see all our top picks and find the best wired earbuds that suit your needs.
Panasonic RP-TCM125-K ErgoFit Earbuds with Mic
An earful of excellence
The Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds make the perfect pair for working out, public transit, office work, and so much more. These buds are available in three sizes for every ear, so there’s no need to worry about them falling out on the job. Most of all, we were blown away by the range of sound the ErgoFit produces. Deep bass notes are vivid, and the sound is crystal clear for both music and phone calls alike. In the realm of all-around performance, the Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds offer audio quality that easily outperforms overpriced competitors.
Pros:
- Great price
- More than 15 different color options
- Built-in microphone and call controller
- Balanced audio mix
Cons:
- Cable is prone to tangling
Sony MDRXB55AP Wired Extra Bass Earbuds
Low-end power
If you listen to any kind of heavy music, whether it be hard rock, rap, metal, or electronic music, bass frequencies are an important factor in getting a good mix through headphones. Without the proper low-end power, the songs could fall flat. If you’re looking for earbuds that can keep up with even the most bass-heavy tracks, look no further. These extra-bass earbuds from Sony bring all the quality and reliability that Sony is known for with an added dose of low-end bite. They utilize 12mm neodymium driver units for maximum power, and they come fit with plenty of practical features that make them great for everyday use. If you want your in-ear mix to sound like a booming nightclub on Saturday night, these are the headphones for you.
Pros:
- 12mm neodymium driver units
- Comes in three different colors
- Tangle-free cable
- Four sizes of included earbud tips
Cons:
- Even the lowest volume setting may be too loud for some users
Symphonized Wired Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
The sound of silence
Listening to music can take you into a world of your own, but outside noises like passing cars, people talking, and even your own footsteps and body movements can instantly take you out of the zone. If you’re looking to cut down on outside interruptions, these noise-canceling headphones may do the trick. With a real Bubinga wood housing, these earbuds use natural wood to bring out the unique acoustics of the songs you’re listening to. They also have a gold-plated audio jack for a higher-quality signal. Better yet, they come with six Paris of ear tips to give you the perfect fit and help keep external noise from getting in the way of your music. Whether you want noise-canceling power or just a stylish-looking pair of earbuds, these earbuds from Symphonized are sure to please.
Pros:
- Made with real wood
- Ergonomic ear tips
- Six pairs of ear tips for noise isolation
- Gold-plated audio jack
Cons:
- Microphone is sub-par
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector
Simple and sweet
These earbuds have been a staple of the iPhone’s look ever since they did away with their 3.5mm headphone jack, but even after the advent of AirPods, these EarPods have stood the test of time and remained an affordable way to listen to music and jump on phone calls. Just like the iPhone, these earbuds are modern-looking, minimalist, and sleek. Best of all, they plug right into the lightning port on the iPhone for easy access. Instead of using Bluetooth headphones or buying a dongle adaptor, these earbuds cut right to brass tacks. If you have an iPhone and you’re looking for an affordable way to listen to tunes, it’s hard to beat this tried and true bargain.
Pros:
- Lightning port connectivity
- Works with the latest iPhones
- Oblong earbud shape
- Maximized sound output
Cons:
- No noise-canceling insulation
Apple EarPods Headphones with 3.5mm Plug
Speak up
Despite boasting the same overall specs as the standard Apple EarPods, these earbuds come with a 3.5mm plug for more accessibility with other phones, laptops, and audio devices. They sport a straightforward, classic look that matches their simplistic functionality. These earbuds also come with a built-in microphone and remote to control the audio volume, making them perfect for phone calls and video chatting. They also have an oblong earbud design, so they fit better into ears than traditional earbuds, even without having silicone tips. If you’re looking for practical functionality and microphone capabilities at a great price, these earbuds give you plenty of bang for your buck.
Pros:
- Good price
- Universal accessibility with a 3.5mm plug
- Built-in microphone
- Volume remote on the cable
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable for some ears
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my earbuds of choice work with my smartphone?
Most of the options on our list connect to devices via a 1/8-inch auxiliary jack. Some smartphones may need a converter to accept this aux connection. Double-check the product listing and your phone’s inputs to make sure that your earbuds of choice and your smartphone are compatible.
Are earbuds safe to use regularly?
In the simplest of terms, earbuds are safe to use in moderation. Since earbuds function the same as any other speaker, the issue of safety lies in their proximity to the ear canal. Most health professionals maintain that long-term, continued use of earbuds at a high volume can lead to permanent hearing loss. However, moderate use at a reasonable volume is fine for your hearing.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.