Against the background of plugs (vacuum headphones), the demand for earbuds is gradually falling. Of course, the headset that we will consider this time does not have as much noise insulation as we would like. In addition, inserts, drops, or tablets, as they are also called, are less convenient in their form factor. However, in our ranking of the best in-ear headphones of 2022, you can find a headset that still holds its own. Of course, Apple and other popular giant companies play a significant role in this, supporting the segment with simply amazing products, despite their, frankly speaking, weaknesses. As you understand, speakers, characteristics and options can eliminate many form factor nuances. In the budget segment, earbuds even have advantages compared to plugs, but we’ll talk about everything in order in our list of worthy models.
Pros and cons of in-ear headphones
In-ear headphones (also called tablets or droplets) are miniature models that are not inserted deep into the ear canal, but are simply inserted into the ear. This is where their advantages and disadvantages are formed.
Among the advantages:
- safety - due to their design, earbuds do not provide sound insulation, which means that using them on the street is not as dangerous as plugs;
- due to the fact that they are inserted shallowly, they do not tire the ears;
- on average, droplets are cheaper than in-canal analogues;
- Due to the fact that the design does not completely block the ear, there is no air cushion effect, which can cause hearing impairment.
Flaws:
- there is no sound insulation; along with the music, the user will hear everything that is happening around;
- not a very good fit - they can fall out, but this can be solved by using ear pads;
- Compared to other types of headphones, earbuds sound worse.
Buyers are often interested in which headphones are better to choose, in-ear or vacuum. For those looking for a quality fit, good sound and excellent sound insulation, earplugs are the best choice. In other situations, liners may be considered.
It is worth noting that in-ear headphones are simply not suitable for some people, as the deep fit causes discomfort. In this situation, there is no other choice, and all that remains is to buy earbuds.
Popular questions
What are the disadvantages of in-ear headphones? The disadvantages of in-ear headphones are not too serious, but quite typical. Firstly, not everyone likes smooth sound without pronounced low frequencies. Secondly, the “droplets” have almost no sound insulation: you hear everything around, and everyone around hears your music. Thirdly, they fit quite comfortably in the ears, but they are not suitable for everyone, and they can also fall out, for example, when running. In principle, that’s all - otherwise, “tablets” have only advantages: convenience, low price and relative safety for hearing.
Where can I buy? In-ear headphones are sold by any electronics store: be it on the Internet or in the real world.
Inexpensive wired earbuds
The top in-ear headphones open with a selection of budget models that will appeal to those who want to have simple headphones for periodically listening to music.
HONOR AM115
Honor's inexpensive headphones were designed to compensate for the shortcomings of this form factor. The design of the earbuds provides a more comfortable fit in the ear, and they also have rich bass and a wide sound stage. At the same time, the device is very light - it weighs only 5 grams, which means they will be practically invisible. There is a microphone with a convenient remote control. The connection is made with a 1.1 meter cable with a 3.5 connector. Frequency range – 20 – 20000 Hz.
Advantages:
- good sound;
- high-quality microphone;
- comfortable fit;
- presence of a control panel.
Flaws:
- none.
JBL T205
This popular model features a tangle-resistant flat cable, microphone remote control, and storage pouch. The headphones come in several colors and have good bass. The plug here has a 45 degree angle, which makes it more convenient to use. Resistance – 32 Ohm, sensitivity – 100 dB, frequency range – 20 – 20000 Hz.
Advantages:
- good fit due to improved liner shape;
- flat wire;
- several color options;
- good sound quality.
Flaws:
- short-lived.
Best Wired Earbuds
The rating of in-ear headphones continues with the best models with a wired connection.
VE Monk Plus Standard TRS
These wired in-ear headphones are a model that can rival the sound quality of earbuds. There is an extended frequency range - 18 - 22000 Hz, sensitivity - 115 dB and impedance 64 Ohms. The latter suggests that not every device will be able to drive these headphones, but if they can, the sound will be excellent. The model is sold with four pairs of ear pads; they differ in color and density. The case also looks interesting - the headphones are translucent, so you can see all the filling. They are connected using a straight 3.5 plug.
Advantages:
- There are ear pads included;
- good sound;
- interesting design.
Flaws:
- demanding on the sound source.
1MORE Single Driver EO320
The Chinese Robin Hood in the field of sound, 1More, preaches the principle of “affordable high-quality sound in every ear.” These earbuds feature a metal body and an improved diaphragm to improve sound quality. They have a remote control with a microphone, and it not only adjusts the volume, but also knows how to switch tracks, pause and play music.
In addition to good sound, this headset has a designer appearance and is available in black or gold. It has ear pads, one of which has a “bunny ear” for easy fit, a 1.25 meter braided cable, connected with a 3.5 angled plug. Frequency range – 20 – 20000 Hz, resistance – 32 Ohms, sensitivity – 107 dB.
Advantages:
- beautiful appearance;
- high-quality assembly;
- good sound;
- convenient remote control;
- braided cable.
Flaws:
- none.
Budget wireless headphones
Many users prefer freedom from wires and choose Bluetooth headphones. Below are the best inexpensive models with wireless connectivity.
Baseus W09 Encok
These are new TWS headphones, made in a laconic style with futuristic notes. There are several color options to choose from. They have touch controls, they work independently of each other (mono mode), and the battery will last for 5 hours of music and 6 hours of calls. Another 35 hours will be provided by the case; it charges via USB-C. Charging takes 1.5 hours. The model is very light, each earphone weighs only 4 grams. Frequency range – 20 – 20000 Hz, 32 Ohm, sensitivity – 100 dB.
Advantages:
- good fit;
- long autonomy;
- work without sound delays;
- Convenient charging case.
Flaws:
- Sound quality is average;
- inconvenient controls.
JBL Tune 205BT
The best in-ear headphones include a wireless model from JBL. It is a headset with a neck cord, stylish design and bright colors. It has a microphone with a remote control and a 6-hour battery that charges 100% in 2 hours. The device is famous for its punchy bass. Frequency range – 20 – 20000 Hz, resistance – 32 Ohms, sensitivity – 100 dB. MicroUSB is used for charging. Connection – Bluetooth 4.1.
Advantages:
- comfortable fit;
- good sound;
- autonomy;
- nice design.
Flaws:
- The microphone does not convey the voice in the best way.
1. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic
The best budget in-ear headphones with Bluetooth connection were released by Xiaomi. This model offers good parameters and a well-thought-out design for little money. The headphones work independently and automatically pair with your smartphone and with each other. Two microphones guarantee high-quality voice transmission, the battery lasts for 5 hours and the case will provide another 15 hours.
To improve the sound, the model received a larger diaphragm, which makes the headphones visually massive, but the stylish design compensates for this. The controls here are touch sensitive, and they also understand when they are taken out of their ears. The case is charged via USB-C, pairing is carried out via Bluetooth 5.0.
Advantages:
- hold a charge well;
- fit well in the ear;
- high-quality sound;
- ease of pairing.
Flaws:
- look massive.
Edifier TWS200 Plus
Edifier's wireless in-ear headphones are a great option for those looking for a budget headset with long battery life. On one charge it will last about 6 hours - at the level of top competitors. If you charge the headphones from the case, they will work for another 18 hours.
The model interfaces with a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2, supports aptX and a reproduced frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. The headset has a compact case made in gray - it looks strict and unlike other gadgets like AirPods.
You can control the headphones using the touch buttons on the case. Users note the good quality of noise reduction in the microphone - which means that Edifier TWS200 Plus are suitable for talking on the phone even on a noisy street.
The best wireless headphones
A selection of the best wireless headphones for those who are looking for maximum functionality and good sound.
JBL Tune 225TWS Ghost Edition
These are TWS headphones with an original design - their body is translucent, so users can see all the “filling”, they are available in black and red. The headset has push-button control, supports independent operation of each earphone and boasts signature sound with powerful bass. The battery lasts for 5 hours, another 20 hours are obtained from the charging case. The frequency range here is 20 - 20000 Hz, sensitivity - 105 dB, resistance - 32 Ohms. Connection – Bluetooth 5.0.
Advantages:
- sound quality;
- original design;
- autonomy;
- landing;
- Push-button control – fewer accidental clicks, like with a touch screen.
Flaws:
- there is no sensor to determine the position.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
The already legendary TWS “bean” headphones from Samsung can be compared in sound and capabilities with Sony’s top solutions, only they are several times cheaper. In addition to the original design, which guarantees a secure fit even during active sports, the headphones will delight you with active noise cancellation and the presence of a transparency mode. They have high-quality sound, provided by a bass booster and vents that create bass.
Voice transmission is carried out by two microphones and a sensor that tracks the movement of the jaw and turns bone vibrations into sound. The battery is designed for 6 hours of operation and another 21 hours will be provided by the charging case. At the same time, there is a fast charge that will provide an hour of work in 5 minutes. This model has touch controls, independent connectivity, can be paired with another pair of Galaxy Buds Live, and can be connected to two devices at the same time. Bluetooth 5.0 is used for pairing.
Advantages:
- effective active noise reduction;
- high-quality voice transmission;
- good sound;
- long autonomy;
- original design in several colors.
Flaws:
- The model, due to its design, suffers from accidental clicks.
Apple AirPods 2
The second version of the ancestors of TWS headphones turned out to be more successful and, despite the high price, it has a lot of fans and good reviews. The model easily interfaces with Apple technology and allows you to connect two pairs to one device. Thanks to optical sensors, the headphones know when the user is listening to music or speaking; two microphones on each “ear” guarantee high-quality voice transmission. The device supports voice control using Siri, and sensor control is also implemented here. Autonomy – 5 hours without a case and another day with it.
Advantages:
- build quality;
- voice transmission;
- ease of pairing;
- great fit.
Flaws:
- reduced functionality from Android.
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless X
We also included a model from gaming hardware manufacturer Razer in our 2022 ranking of wireless in-ear headphones. The Hammerhead True Wireless X headset features an interesting gaming design with a brand logo and backlighting. The company also advertises this model as a gaming model - thanks to the low latency in audio output and Bluetooth 5.2 connection, the headphones are perfect for mobile gaming.
We also note good battery life: 7 hours without recharging and up to 28 hours when charging from a branded case.
