Best in-ear headphones
Update: We've added a new addition to the list: the Polk Nue Voe. These headphones do their best Warby Parker eyeglasses impression and also bring to the table stellar sound quality and a comfy fit.
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.
But don't think we're done updating this guide once it's been published. As we review better headphones, the product with the lowest mark will get the ol' boot.
Polk Nue Voe
I'm not so certain that a more stylish set of earphones exists. Well, they might, but not at the Polk Nue Voe's $150 price point.
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 volume.
Read our Polk Nue Voe review
Shure SE215
There are earbuds, then there are earphones. The name may not be very different, but pretty much everything about them is.
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 a hundred bucks.
Read our Shure SE215 review
Bose FreeStyle
While Bose isn't typically known for flamboyance, the FreeStyle earbuds are a fun departure from the brand's executive tone. Of course, they do this while holding onto what makes Bose products renowned, sound quality.
Specifically targeted to gym-goers, the $129 (about £104, AU$156) FreeStyle headphones are stocked with helpful features to help you get the most out of your music during a workout (when you need it the most). It offers a comfy and stable fit and better yet, it's moisture-resistant design means the FreeStyle can kick it with you through your whole workout, inside or out. The only major downside is that the inline controls are only compatible with iOS.
Get these if you're in the market for flashy earbuds that sound fantastic, won't fall out mid-workout, and if money is of little concern.
Read our Bose FreeStyle review
Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE
In-ear headphones hone in on portability and convenience as main draws. Unfortunately, that sharp focus can result in features like sound performance and design taking a back seat in several in-ear options in the market.
The Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE buck that trend by providing a stunning balance in its sound quality, feature set and design.
The flat cables, swappable ear tips and inline remote are sweet additions that work to make the iDX 160 iE an even more attractive value for the $135 price tag.
Read our Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE review
Sony XBA-H1
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.
Despite the lack of inline controls, the sound performance and confident design ID make the XBA-H1 worth the $150 price.
Read our Sony XBA-H1 reviewBest in-ear headphones continued
RHA T10i
Part of the appeal to the ACS T1 is that they sit right in your ear. A unique style of earbud called in-ear monitors, the RHA T10i is similar, in that they rest deeper in the ear canal than your standard pack-in pair that came with the iPhone.
And what are the benefits of a deeper fit? Where do we begin? 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, so much so that some may feel that it's too strong.
At $199 (£149.95, about AU$283), the RHA T10i look slick with a metal finish around the drivers and around the cable as well. If the insane price of the ACS T1 brought you to a halt, check these out. They aren't custom-fitted, but the T10i come with several replacement tips if the defaults don't fit your ear canal.
Read our RHA T10i review
ACS T1
This next set of earbuds is extraordinary in more ways than one. Our own James Rivington described his first experience with the ACS T1 as being thrown into "a lake of narcotic syrup. It flows down your ear holes and intoxicates your brain." If that isn't a recommendation for a product, what is?
Differing a bit from standard earbuds, the ACS T1 are high-quality in-ear monitors packed into an earbud-sized silicon mold that rests in your ear. And they fit just right, only because you have to go in for a custom molding of your own inner-ear for ACS to build your set.
If that doesn't scare you off, let's get the price out of the way. They're $999 (£649) and that doesn't include the kitchen sink. This may turn you away, but if it doesn't, the ACS T1 might be just for you. They are, indeed, true enthusiast earbuds meant for audiophiles.
Get these if money is of no concern when picking out tech, and if you want unrivaled sound performance and comfort.
Read our ACS T1 review
Bose QuietComfort 20i
The Bose QuietComfort 20i earbuds rock some deluxe features to make up for the hefty $299 (£260) investment. Similar in fashion to its over-ear cousin, the QuietComfort 15, the 20i shrinks that experience down to something you can fit right into your ear without losing crucial features like noise cancellation, comfort and of course, amazing sound quality.
Get these if you want earbuds with impressive build quality, active and passive noise cancellation and a great warranty.
Read our Bose QuietComfort 20i review
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Original source: updated: Best in-ear headphones 2015.
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