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Ever since the release of Bluetooth Earphones, wired earphones were being replaced. Present day, some brands are still launching wired earphones, such as Fiio with the FH1. Most have stopped being manufactured because detachable cables meant that most users could switch between wired and wireless.
So why does this list still exist?
Well you can get great audio quality for a fraction of the original price. Also for the health conscious, some have their own reasons to believe Bluetooth is not safe.. the transmitter is not wanted in that instance. Sport versions are usually waterproof, others more audio focused and thus do not have protective measures against excessive sweat or rain.
Wired earphones still have that device compatibility problem, so controls have the chance of not working. As a result, its best to check before hand by searching online for full compatibility device lists. All the wired earphones listed use a 3.5mm jack, that means you’ll have to make sure you have that input. Kind of obvious but the simplest of things can catch you out.
There’s links where you can buy them at the bottom of every review. Over time, prices change and we can’t update all of them but there’s a good chance of a bargain.
It is really hard to find any good headphones that offer such high noise cancellation and yet provide rich sound in such a small form factor and for these facts, the price of £259 appears to be justified. Read full review
93
Negatives
Expensive
Mid tones can become muddy
Not entirely flat response
Positives
Ultimate Noise cancellation
Punchy bass
Crisp highs
Very sensitive speakers
Spare earphone tips
The FIIO FH1's deliver a superb and comfortable listening experience, at a reasonable price range. Read full review
91
Negatives
Fiddly when changing over cables.
In some songs, the bass can be too heavy.
Positives
Good range of hardware
Comfortable for long periods of time
Lightweight
Great price for the sound quality.
The Focal Spark sounds great, looks great and is a solid contender in its price range.Read full review
90
Negatives
Earphone chassis is too large
Hardcase is a tight fit
Positives
Focused, powerful audio response
Looks good
Tangle-free cable
Affordable but high quality
Hardcase included
For a relatively low price, Bose SoundTrue is giving us that flat response and great level of comfort, both of which are quite hard to find in the market at such a price point.Read full review
90
Negatives
Cables are not non-tangling type
The ear buds could have a different shape
Positives
Very comfortable
Amazing price
Natural sound reproduction
Hard and sturdy carry case
Crisp highs and deep lows with balanced mids
Minimal distortion
With great sound isolation comes great responsibility, look after these and they will last long. Read full review
89
Negatives
Expensive, fragile - can break easily so be careful.
Positives
Great comfortable fit, noise isolating and has good bass. Comes with a bonus pouch to put them in.
Amazing pair of hybrid earphones that deliver excellent audio performance and feel very comfortable once you wear them properly. Read full review
87
Negatives
Sony's custom connectors on cables
Ear pieces are big
All plastic design
Some instrument details are lost
Positives
Good quality build
Dynamic driver
Wide bandwidth
Amazing bass
Flat and warm mids
Strong cables
Nice carry case with two internal pouches
Detachable cables
Very comfortable once you adjust the ear guides
Soft ear tips for more comfort and better sound
If you are all up for the improved ruggedness and stability over SoundTrue, then definitely opt for the SoundSport version but expect no improvement in sound quality.Read full review
86
Negatives
Little bit expensive
Positives
Crisp, clear sounds
Very rugged
Comfortable
weather sealed
Extra ear tips
Overall the majority love these earphones, with a few suggesting other earphones that they thought were better. As always some found that their beloved earphones broke, the average life span appears to be around two years which is pretty good.Read full review
85
Negatives
Not for heavy bass themed music lovers.
Positives
Robust, sounds great and has lots of features.
The Sennheiser CX 3.00 earphones have a simple design well-suited to portable listening. They are targeted at the general listening public and have a tailored response suitable for modern popular music. They are significantly improved from the previous model.Read full review
84
Negatives
Heavy bass response will turn some users off
Hard case is frustrating to use
Positives
Bass response makes them well-suited to modern popular music
Light, portable build
Upgraded physical design and durability
Tangle-free cable
Angled earpieces fit well
The Beats Tour 2 will suit listeners of certain styles of modern music and general consumers. They look great and have excellent sports features. Not everyone will like the bass-heavy sound though.Read full review
81
Negatives
Response is unbalanced
Not good value for money
Build quality is questionable
Positives
Seven eartip options
Stays put during exercise
Hardcase is a nice inclusion
Looks great
Bass response works well for some styles
An enjoyable set of earphones that offer comfort and above average listening experience while also providing that fashionable appearance that gives you some swag.Read full review
81
Negatives
Vented design does not allow for complete isolation
Positives
Very comfortable
Flat frequency response drivers
Punchy bass
Nearly flat cables that do not tangle
Very light weight
In line controller is well built
Good design material
Physical appearance is much better
Overall customers are impressed with the quality of these earphones, people of all ages use them and they are the best in the £30 price range. Read full review
78
Negatives
Ear Adaptors can become displaced causing frequency leakage.
Positives
Attractive
Low value
Sound isolating
The Sennheiser CX 2.00i is a fairly standard entry from the company, with the most notable feature being the inline mic and remote. They offer good sound for the price, although the model does have some issues with durability.Read full review
78
Negatives
Can be prone to breakage or malfunction
No protective case included
Positives
Reasonably balanced sound
Angled earpiece for better fit
Good sound for the price
Mic and remote are useful
The Bose FreeStyle only offers sweat resistant earbuds while everything else is similar to SoundTrue earphones which makes the £25 price jump over the latter, unjustified. Read full review
78
Negatives
Not entirely waterproof
Does not have that premium Bose look
Cables are thin and feel weak
Positives
Flat audio response
Light weight
Not very tight on ears
Sweat resistant buds
Thumping bass and excellently designed "bright" side with clean vocals make this ear-phone worth buyingRead full review
77
Negatives
A little bit pricey
Would expect an additional pair of ear tips
Some music tracks can sound too bright
Positives
Vibrant mids
Bright highs
Strong cables that are tangle-free
Metallic ear pieces
Very low distortion even at high volume
Good looking (Swaggy) design
Wonderful, compact carry case with enough space to store 2 more earphones
The Beats urBeats are bold-looking, bass-heavy earphones with a remote and mic. Audiophiles will not find much to love but people who listen mainly to mainstream contemporary music may enjoy them.Read full review
77
Negatives
Bass will be too prominent for some
Average durability
Brand premium added to price
Positives
Stylish looks
Good for certain styles
Remote and mic included
Tangle-free cable
17
CX 215
The CX 215 is recommended because although it is similar to previous models consumers definitely had a better experience with these over the CX 200II.Read full review
76
Negatives
Low quality mids, low impedance.
Positives
Great character, more durable than previous models.
The Sennheiser CX 1.00 earphones are an entry-level model with no bells or whistles to speak off. The response is clear but is somewhat lacking in the bass department.Read full review
76
Negatives
Limited bass response
Can be prone to ambient noise
Positives
Light and comfortable
No-nonsense design
Affordable
Clear mids and highs
Not saying you shouldn't buy them as customers do love these but if you want something slightly better overall then go for the previous Sennheiser CX 175 earphones.Read full review
72
Negatives
Not suitable for walking or running, not long lasting either.
Positives
Good earphones for your average user.
The Sennheiser CX 275S offers good audio performance, although it has a fragile build and does not include volume controls.Read full review
70
Negatives
No volume controls
Fragile and tangle-prone cable
Compatibility is not as universal as Sennheiser claim
Cheaper Sennheiser models have better feature sets
Positives
Audio quality is respectable
Microphone performs well
Compatible with both iOS and Android
Pouch design is better than some other Sennheiser models
The Sennheiser CX 686G provides an average audio experience and a quite good workout experience just as one can expect from sport earphonesRead full review
67
Negatives
Lower bass is virtually non-existent
Cable quality is not that great
Positives
Fit snugly in the ears
Water and sweat resistant
Very comfortable
Anti-microbial coating to prevent stink
Balanced sound
The Monster iSport Strive delivers a great audio performance for the price and allows you to focus on your workout rather than the buds. Read full review
67
Negatives
All plastic construction
Debatable comfortability factor
Weaker bass
Distortion at high volume
Positives
Secure fit
Good Performance for price ratio
Solid looks that stand out
Wide sound stage
The Sennheiser MX 686G is somewhat of an unconventional design that works well for sports purposes. The audio response is not particularly impressive though.Read full review
65
Negatives
Average audio performance
No extra ear adaptor options
Ear hooks can be uncomfortable
Positives
Tangle-free cable
Limited isolation good for running
Adjustable ear hooks
Sweat and water-proof
Included case and accessories
