The Best Wired Earbuds of 2024 (2024)

Updated on December 6, 2023

• Our Picks

• Or Maybe These?

• What to Look For

• FAQ

Etymotic Research is a brand that makes solid IEMs and highly effective earplugs. These strengths make the 2XR a solid choice for most people for a few reasons. First, the three-layer, traffic-cone-style ear tip fits comfortably in most ears while providing the level of isolationyou’d expect from a brand with an earplug pedigree. Etymotic claims they reduce external sound by up to 35dB.

The 2XR is the extended model, which means there’s added support for sound deep in the bass part of the spectrum. Each earbud's ultra-thin, metallic blue enclosuredetaches from the included 4-foot cable, making the headphones repairable. If a cable frays, buy a new one rather than replace the whole set of earbuds. Overall, the 2XR provides a reasonable price for stellar sound quality, comfort, and durability.

_{Detachable cable: Yes | Cable length: 4 feet | Frequency response: 20Hz to 16kHz | Accessories: Extra ear tips and filters, zippered storage pouch, detachable cable, shirt clip}

Sennheiser is a top brand in this space. The CX 300S wired earbuds are a top pick because they provide a ton of value for the average listener without emptying your bank account. The headphones look and feel familiar, with a traditional "bullet-style" design and a low profile fit in your ears. This design is excellent for a subtle look but might be a problem for people who need a little more snugness in the fit.

The sound tuning is balanced and musical, with a little extra oomph in the bass. These earbuds don't deliver nuanced high-end frequency ranges but will sound great for most styles of music. You can pick up the CX 300S in a few different colors, and because it's Sennheiser, it'll last you a while if you take care of it.

_{Detachable cable: No | Cable length: 4 feet | Frequency response: 100Hz to 10kHz | Accessories: Extra ear tips, carrying pouch}

Tin HiFi is a bit of a cult classic in the wired earbud space, and the T2 is an excellent example of the value the brand's headphones can provide. Designed in the classic red/blue color scheme with shiny, reflective metal shells, these earbuds look and feel tremendous. The dual-driver design means that the 10-millimeter woofer allows plenty of bass support, while the 6-millimeter tweeter picks up in the higher end of the spectrum—delivering well-balanced sound.

Tin HiFi provides a high-end, silver-plated, braided cable in the box that transmits sound beautifully and detaches from the earbuds so you can replace it if it fails over time. The design may only be for some, and the sound can be a tad bass-heavy for earbuds, but the price is budget-friendly and suitable for what you get. These headphones earn a solid place on our list for value alone.

_{Detachable cable: Yes | Cable length: 4 feet | Frequency response: 12Hz to 40kHz | Accessories: Extra ear tips, detachable braided cable}

FAQ

• Can you still use wired headphones on smartphones?

  One of the most important considerations when shopping for wired headphones is whether or not the device you want to use them with has a headphone jack. Most modern iPhones have done away with this wired port, forcing you to use an adapter dongle. However, even many larger devices like tablets and some laptops have stripped away the 3.5mm input. It’s best to check your specific device before investing.
  

• What is an in-ear monitor?

  You may see the terms “wired earbud” and “in-ear monitor” used interchangeably. These devices can be the same thing in many ways, but it’s important to remember that most headphones that bill themselves as “in-ear monitors” tend to deliver a balanced, natural sound—not a bass-forward sound. However, this isn’t always the case, so be sure to read the spec sheet.

• Do wired earbuds have better sound quality?

  The consumer audio industry has gone heavily in favor of Bluetooth earbuds. The convenience of wireless headphones is hard to deny, but Bluetooth technology creates some unwanted artifacts in your sound, ultimately resulting in lower-resolution, less natural sound. On the other hand, wired headphones simply transmit the audio file from your source device without altering it in any meaningful way. You can also use wired headphones with traditional headphone amps for even more sound-quality benefits.

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