TOP 10 best vacuum headphones: rating 2021-2022 and which budget model to choose for music + user reviews

Vacuum headphones are an ideal option for sports, walking and relaxation. It is difficult to disturb others with them, because all the sounds played by a smartphone, player, PC or laptop remain in the user’s “head”. The selection of devices of this type, like other headphones, is always individual. It is important to focus on your own feelings and preferences.

The most popular and inexpensive wireless headphones today are models from Xiaomi. This is understandable - the brand produces affordable devices that work reliably with almost any smartphone.

But among manufacturers of wired devices, users often choose Panasonic, Sony, Sennheiser and JBL. The headphones from these brands most often justify their cost, and they last for more than one year.

If we talk about plugs, we must not forget about Apple. This giant makes not only its phones reliable, but also its headphones. True, popularity also has its drawbacks: artisans from the Middle Kingdom love this brand too much.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive qualities of earbuds are their own sound transmission power, this is achieved by the fact that sound passes directly into the ear canal. According to their structure, experts divide them into two main types:

1. Dynamic - they offer a fairly large range, but ringing highs and booming lows. This option is chosen for listening to music.
2. The reinforced version gives a more detailed and clear sound, but the frequency range is much smaller than that of the first option. They are used by professionals and audio specialists.

The advantages include the following properties:

• compactness, allowing you to carry them in your pocket;
• ease of use - good earbuds are not immediately noticeable, they do not have a headband that spoils the hairstyle, and a headdress does not interfere with their use;
• The sound quality is not inferior to other headphones;
• low prices.

Minuses:

• poor sound insulation - quite loud sounds can still be heard;
• same size for everyone.

To prevent them from falling out of the ear due to anatomical features, manufacturers include several spare ear pads with different diameters; even budget models can boast of this.

Main characteristics

Before choosing headphones, users should pay special attention to the following parameters:

1. Connector - wired ones mainly use a 3.5 mm mini jack.
2. Frequency characteristics - for mid-priced models this indicator is within the range of 18 Hz - 20 thousand Hz, excellent, professional devices have a range from 5 Hz to 60 thousand Hz.
3. Sensitivity - this indicator is responsible for the sound volume.
4. The maximum permissible power has a significant impact on playback volume and quality.
5. Distortion level or harmonic distortion - expressed as a percentage.
6. Impedance or resistance, its average value is 30 ohms.

To buy normal products, for example, for listening to music, you need to determine in advance where and how you are going to do it, what cost you expect, what quality suits you best.

Don’t forget to carefully inspect the wires and fasteners - remember that cheap models often break due to the low strength of the materials.

Warm-up (eng. burn-it) IEMs

There is no definitive answer, yes or no.
In general, the topic of warming up is a bit religious in nature, and here, the answer is mostly no, although there are people (if you search on thematic forums) and even tests where IEMs actually showed signs of improvement after warming up. In general, this is very easy to check, because The warm-up time for IEMs is an order of magnitude shorter than that of any other headphones and amounts to a maximum of a couple of days (more precisely, no more than 50 hours) of random music playback at normal volume.

Static electricity

Using plugs you can get a discharge of electrostatic electricity.
In cold conditions with low humidity, static charge can accumulate on the body, although the ears only touch the plastic parts of the headphones, there are also metal parts that are located nearby; static charge, which usually has a high voltage, is capable of jumping from one place to another. If the charge reaches you, it will not harm you, although it will cause unpleasant sensations.

It's important to note that these types of discharges are quite rare and do not mean that your headphones are faulty; If you are regularly exposed to electrical shocks, then most likely your cable (sheath) is damaged, and this is already a warranty case.

TOP 6 completely wireless earbuds (True Wireless)

Elari NanoPods

A completely wireless version of in-ear headphones with a built-in microphone of medium sensitivity. Reproduce range 20–20000 Hz. The sound is stable and has bass. You can only use one earphone. Noise insulation is passive, at a good level. Range: 10 m. Powered by a 50 mAh battery. Autonomous operating time - 3.5 hours. Charging takes 2 hours. The control button is located on the earphone itself. The LED indicator indicates readiness for work. The weight of one earphone is 6 g. The set includes replaceable ear pads (3 pairs), a magnetic charging case (250 mAh), which also serves as a storage case, and a micro-USB charging cable.

Advantages:

• Neat, no-frills appearance.
• Build quality.
• Secure fit in the ear.
• Long working time.
• Normal sound insulation.
• Good sound.
• Excellent connection with the phone.
• Low price.

Flaws:

• Unstable outdoor operation.
• Charging in the case only in a strictly horizontal position.
• In the cold the connection is interrupted.

Elari NanoPods cost 4,990 rubles. They fit well in the ears (almost unnoticeable), light, durable. They reproduce detailed sound with sufficient volume and clarity, and hold a charge for a long time. Only 62% of buyers speak positively about the headphones. Others experience one of the headphones turning off or their audibility being reduced (possibly a factory defect). Some people don’t like the fact that you can’t recharge while driving. They are not waterproof like Xiaomi AirDots Pro.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Xiaomi AirDots Pro

Unlike Elari, NanoPods are equipped with speakers with neodymium magnets with a diameter of 7 mm. The case is protected from moisture. Sensitivity is normal - 105 dB. Resistance is low - 16 Ohms. Features active noise cancellation. The case has a larger capacity - 410 mAh, the battery life in it is 10 hours. Charges in just 1 hour. There is voice dialing. Each earphone weighs 5.8 g.

Advantages:

• Stylish.
• High quality materials and workmanship.
• Comfortable in the ears.
• Great sound.
• Convenient and fast recharging in the case.
• Good battery life.
• Playback stops when removed from the ear.
• Reliable connection with your phone.

Flaws:

• The case is a bit thick.
• After automatic shutdown, playback does not always start from where it stopped.
• Not very informative indication of residual charge.
• Heavy weight.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro headphones cost 5,900 rubles. They do their job wonderfully. With their large size and weight, they are easy to wear. Unlike Elari, NanoPods have touch controls. The sound is of good quality, you can only use one earphone, the microphone is not bad, and comments on their work are not critical, if you think about the price. 74% of people who bought this product give a positive rating to its performance.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite

The characteristics are largely similar to Xiaomi AirDots Pro. The difference is observed in the battery with a capacity of 55 mAh. Because of this, the headphones work less for half an hour, but in the case the performance is up to 12 hours. After 15 minutes of charging, a working cycle of up to 90 minutes is provided.

Advantages:

• Nice design of headphones and case.
• Ease of use.
• Good microphone.
• Great sound.
• Normal sound insulation.
• Long battery life.

Flaws:

• The connector is not Type-C.
• Can't switch tracks.
• When talking on the phone, the sound pulses.

The price of HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite is 6900 rubles. They are easy to use and produce balanced, high-quality sound. Protected from moisture and work for a long time. But only 69% of buyers recommend them for purchase due to these shortcomings.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Samsung Galaxy Buds

They differ from HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite in having a slightly larger battery capacity – 58 mAh. They work autonomously for a longer time – 6 hours. Wireless charging of the case with a capacity of 252 mAh is possible. Ambient Sound function allows you to listen to surrounding sounds. Conveniently synchronizes with Samsung Galaxy phones.

Advantages:

• Lightweight, small-sized.
• They fit tightly in the ears.
• Normal sound quality.
• Intuitive controls.
• Good opening hours.
• There are no connection problems.
• Acceptable sound insulation.
• Convenient case.

Flaws:

• Insufficient call quality.
• Not quite a high-quality microphone (single reviews).

Samsung Galaxy Buds headphones cost 9,900 rubles. They reproduce clear sound without a complete vacuum (you can hear others). Lasts longer than HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite. Judging by the reviews, 83% of users are satisfied with everything about them - from the configuration to the sound quality and ease of use.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Unlike Samsung Galaxy Buds, Beats Powerbeats Pro have an ear mount. Provide longer operating time - 9 hours (24 hours in the case). After a five-minute charge they work for 1.5 hours. They also differ in the type of charging cable – Lightning-USB-A.

Advantages:

• Sturdy body.
• They sit comfortably.
• Very nice sound. All frequencies are reproduced well.
• Sound insulation is optimal.
• Possibility of using headphones one at a time.
• Ease of use with Apple devices.
• Moisture protection.

Flaws:

• The temples put pressure when worn for a long time.
• Huge charging case without wireless charging capabilities.
• High price.

The price of Beats Powerbeats Pro is 19 thousand rubles, this is the main drawback. Buyers highly appreciate the purity and volume of sound, emphasizing the quality of sound insulation, which is many times better than that of the Samsung Galaxy Buds. 79% of buyers recommend purchasing.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

TOP 4 Bluetooth earbuds

Honor AM61

In-ear Bluetooth headphones have a hook-shaped device for better placement in the auricle and are equipped with a microphone. The case is protected from moisture. The speakers are standard, the membrane diameter is 11 mm. They reproduce the normal range - 20–20000 Hz, have a sensitivity of 96 dB and a low impedance (32 Ohms). The range is 10 m. Power is supplied from a Li-Pol battery with a capacity of 135 mAh. On a full charge they work for 11 hours, recharging will take 2 hours. The function of answering a phone call, disconnecting from it, playing the last number and automatic pairing is provided. They have an LED indicator. Weight is small - 5 g. The package includes a neck cord, 3 pairs of replaceable ear pads, a storage case, and a micro-USB charging cable.

Advantages:

• Beautiful design.
• High-quality assembly, comfortable design.
• Rich equipment.
• They fit well in the ears.
• Wireless, very convenient.
• Long operating time, sufficient range.
• The microphone works great.
• Normal sound.

Flaws:

• Sound insulation is weak.
• The controls are located a bit high.
• The flashing LED does not turn off.

Honor AM61 headphones for 2390 rubles provide good, fairly balanced, surround sound with a normal volume reserve. They are ideal for sports, but for everyday use the sound is a little weak, according to experienced users. 83% of buyers recommend Honor AM61 for purchase.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Sennheiser CX 6.00BT

Unlike Honor AM61, they reproduce a wider frequency range - 17–21000 Hz, and have greater sensitivity - 112 dB. The harmonic distortion frequency does not exceed 0.5%. AptX audio codec is used to improve sound quality. All of the above characteristics provide clear and detailed sound across the entire spectrum. The Sennheiser CX 6.00BT is powered by a less capacious battery (100 mAh), and therefore has a shorter operating time (6 hours). Charging takes 1.5 hours. Controlled by a two-way remote control. They weigh more - 14 g. The set includes 4 pairs of ear pads, but no cover.

Advantages:

• Nice design.
• Quite compact and lightweight.
• Normal assembly.
• Good smooth and clear sound.
• Sufficient volume.
• Convenient controls.

Flaws:

• The battery is weak.
• There is no charging indicator.
• Short operating time.
• There is no storage or carrying case.
• There are no magnets, they slide off the neck.

Price Sennheiser CX 6.00BT - 2990 rubles. The headphones fit well, fit well in the ear, and the location of the remote control is easy to get used to. The LED lights up at the right time and connects to your phone and tablet instantly. The sound is excellent with codec support, sound insulation is sufficient, 76% of users agree with this. But they have less battery life than Honor AM61.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

It is characterized by a lack of moisture protection and a somewhat bulky folding design. Instead of a cord, there is a flexible neckband. Each speaker contains 2 emitters - a dynamic one, reproducing low frequencies, and an armature one, for the rest of the sound spectrum. This solution provides higher quality and more detailed sound, balanced in frequency. Works longer than Sennheiser CX 6.00BT – 10 hours. They support proprietary Scalable Audio technology with the Samsung Level application, which is provided for the phone of the same name. The remote has a button to launch the voice assistant. The most significant weight is 50 g.

Advantages:

• Beautiful design.
• Workmanship.
• Microphone sensitivity.
• Comfortable to wear and control.
• Good battery.
• Sufficient operating time.
• The sound is clear and balanced.
• No interference and stable connection with the phone.

Flaws:

• Mediocre sound insulation.
• The connection with the wires and the bezel itself are not very convenient.
• No storage case.

The price of Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex is 3880 rubles. The quality of these headphones and their functionality are decent. 83% of buyers note their reliability, good microphone sensitivity, excellent sound, and ease of use. A good plus is the presence of a voice assistant, which the Sennheiser CX 6.00BT does not have. But users recognize the sound insulation as not being of very high quality.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

HUAWEI FreeLace

Compared to the Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex, these are earbuds with a cord. They have speakers with a diameter of 9.2 mm, a microphone with a wind noise reduction function, and a waterproof housing. They are powered by a 120 mAh battery, which provides the longest operating time among the models in this section – 18 hours. 5 minutes of charging guarantees 4 hours of operation. Magnetic mounts available. The weight of the device is less - 27 g. USB Type-C is provided for charging with the ability to use a smartphone for this purpose.

Advantages:

• Interesting design.
• Good materials.
• Soft, comfortable cord.
• Not a bad microphone.
• High quality sound.
• Normal connection speed.
• Working hours.
• Convenient fixation with magnets.

Flaws:

• Overcharge.
• Not very comfortable ear pads.
• Average sound insulation.

HUAWEI FreeLace headphones for 5150 rubles have excellent protection against moisture, the most powerful battery with a longer operating time and provide excellent sound quality. 81% of users do not find any disadvantages in the operation of the device. The main disadvantage is the high price, although the sound insulation is not ideal, which is typical for vacuum models.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

List of manufacturers

And finally, in order. Universal IEMs:

• AIAIAI
• AKG
• Apple
• Atomic Floyd
• Audio-Technica
• BeyerDynamics
• Bose
• Brainwavz by MP4Nation
• Creative
• Cresyn (Korea)
• CrossRoads (Singapore)
• Denon
• DUNU (China)
• EarSonics (France)
• ECCI (China)
• Etymotic
• Final Audio Design (Japan)
• Fischer Audio (Russia)
• Future Sonics
• Grado
• Head-Direct / HiFiMAN
• Hippo (Singapore)
• JBL (USA)
• j-phonic (Japan)
• JAYS
• JVC
• Kenwood
• Klipsch
• Maximo
• MEElectronics
• Microsonic Music
• Monster
• NuForce
• Ortofon (Japan)
• OVC (China)
• Phiaton
• Phonak (Swiss)
• Radius (Japan)
• Sennheiser
• Shure
• Sleek Audio
• SonoCore (Korea)
• Sony
• SoundMAGIC (China)
• Spider
• SunRise-Audio (Vietnam)
• Thinksound
• Ultimate Ears
• V-moda
• ViSang (China)
• Vsonic (China)
• Westone
• Woodees
• Xears (Germany)

Custom IEMs:

• 1964 Ears (with reshell service, US)
• Advanced Communication Solutions (UK)
• Alien Ears (with reshell service, US)
• Ambient Acoustics (Ukraine)
• Canal Works (Japan)
• Clear Tune Monitors
• Compact Monitors (Germany)
• DRM Earz
• EAR inc.
• EarPower (Italy)
• EarSonics (France)
• EarSound Customs
• Fabulous Earphones (Germany)
• Fidelity Custom Earphones
• Fisher Hearing (with reshell service, US)
• FitEar (Japan)
• Future Sonics
• Insono (France)
• JH Audio
• Kozee Solution (with reshell service, US)
• LiveWires
• Microsonic Music
• Minerva Hearing Protection (UK)
• Puretone Music
• Rooth (with resehll service, China, via Japan distributor)
• Sensaphonics
• Sleek Audio (with custom artwork service)
• Spiral Ear (Poland)
• StarKey
• Thousand Sound (China)
• Ultimate Ears
• Unique Melody (with reshell service, China)
• WanXuan (Hong Kong)
• Westone
• Xtreme Ears (Brazil)

Reinforcement

Armature headphones are headphones that feature an exclusively in-ear design. They are based on a U-shaped magnetic circuit, in the field of which there is an armature with a voice coil. The diffuser is attached directly to the armature. At the moment when current is applied to the voice coil, the armature leaves its resting state and sets the diffuser in motion.

Armature headphones have a high level of efficiency with compact dimensions. Due to the specific design of the emitter, armature headphones sound clearer and cleaner.

Conclusion: In-ear headphones can be dynamic. In-ear headphones can be dynamic or reinforced. Over-ear headphones are mainly represented by dynamic models. Over-ear headphones can be dynamic, electrostatic, iso- or orthodynamic.

We have more detailed material about armature headphones.

Depending on the design of the housing in which the headphone speakers are enclosed, they are divided into two categories: closed and open .

Cable noise and bone conduction

Often, you can hear two types of complaints from demanding owners of IEMs - when the user hears unpleasant sounds caused by vibrations of the IEMs that touch clothing or other objects;
the second - if translated literally, it will sound like “bone conduction” - a phenomenon when noise in headphones (occurring inside the body) appears when walking, running, eating food, etc. You can solve the first problem by buying a clip (or better yet, not one) and attach the cable properly. There are also special cables that do not care whether they touch it or not. Often, even on top-end headphones you can find a low-quality cable, so in this matter, before purchasing, it is better to first look at thematic forums or listen, “check” the cable to ensure that it meets your needs. The second problem has not been solved to date, but, as is correct, the listener eventually gets used to the noise in the background, or walks more slowly (changes shoes).

Which is better - in-ear or regular?

There is no clear answer to this question, because consumers perceive the sound of the same products differently: some hear highs and lows, while others only have ringing in their ears and no bass. One thing can be said: they differ in that the former have much higher sealing and sound concentration. Soft, high-quality ear pads isolate external noise, which greatly improves the perception of transmitted sounds.

In-ear products are also distinguished by a larger range of attachments compared to earbuds: if the device has a characteristic elongated tip, then this is a more advanced version of miniature headphones. In technical terms, they transmit high frequencies more, but their low frequencies are rather weak.

In terms of their characteristics, over-ear headphones can be much better and of higher quality, or have individual parameters almost identical to in-ear products - it all depends on the manufacturer and the cost of the model; it is quite difficult to compare them.

Portable amplifier for IEMs

Do I need a portable amplifier for IEMs?
— Yes, in order to sound better, but for a small part of the headphones. These are often high-impedance IEMs, for example the Etymotic ER4S can be paired with an amplifier, but the increase in SQ will be barely noticeable unless you have incredible hearing or are in the final stages of audiophilia. Resistance and sensitivity are the easiest way to determine whether headphones need an amplifier - if the characteristics are less than 50 Ohms and 98 dB, respectively, then IEMs certainly do not require amplification.

Are IEMs worth the money?

It often turns out that regular (on-ear) headphones sound better than IEMs at the same price. However, IEMs have their own advantages over other types of headphones, such as noise isolation and portability, which are also worth considering. You have to decide what your priorities are, what is best for you: SQ, portability or something else? What, when and where are you going to use your headphones? Once the decision is made, you need to decide on a budget and go to some audio forum (doctorhead.ru, pleer.ru, hi-fi.ru), look for what you want or ask people (for the thousandth time ).

In-ear devices

The name comes from the English In-Ear-Canalphone, abbreviated as IEMs - they are quite similar to earbuds visually, but this is how they differ from them: structurally they have a longer nose, which goes deep into the ear canal and promotes improved sound transmission. Ear pads serve to isolate external noise and create a sound area or chamber that enhances sound.

Some models can be specially created based on impressions of the owner’s ear canal - such products are distinguished by maximum sound quality and have special listening comfort. In-ear options are often used as wireless ones, using a special housing with a microphone, which is located on the neck; it has a built-in high-capacity battery that guarantees battery life for up to 20 hours.

Such products are quite expensive, but strong and durable, because they are made from high quality materials.

How to choose

Today, the range of products offered is so wide that users have a question: how to make the right choice, because it is quite difficult to understand the numerous models from different manufacturers. To choose the best option, you need to have a general understanding of the various criteria for selecting headphones.

Ear pad type

The material of these additional devices has different densities and affects the comfort of use of the main products; they are supplied complete with different diameters and shapes. Made from foam, silicone or soft plastic:

• the first option is considered the most convenient, because it quickly adapts to the individual dimensions of the user’s ear canal, but they quickly fail, it is impossible to clean them from earwax, only replacement is required;
• silicone is comfortable, elastic, easy to clean and can be used for quite a long time;
• soft plastic attachments are less comfortable by design because they are stiffer, but they are durable.

For some users, the structure of the ear canal is such that the third type of ear pads do not adhere well to it.

Cable

The connecting wire of the headphones must be of sufficient length for comfortable use, durable and at the same time elastic. Manufacturers usually use round wire or a flat version, which is considered more convenient because it is less tangled, curls easily and slides less on clothing.

Build quality

When purchasing, do not hesitate to conduct a thorough inspection, especially pay attention to the quality of the case materials; if it is plastic, then without burrs. More expensive models use composite materials or metal; the assembly must be durable, and the plastic must be glued without cracks.

Distortions

We have already talked about technical characteristics, so we are skipping them; we will only draw consumers’ attention to the level of possible distortion, which grows in proportion to the mass of the speaker itself. Small products are less sensitive to distortion of any type - in-ear devices have a fairly small dead weight, so the sound quality will be good.

Before choosing a model, you need to read a review of it on the Internet or familiarize yourself with testing for all the main parameters; as a rule, such a test is easy to find for almost any model on special websites.