The in-ear headphones provide you with good portability. You can just place them inside your pocket, handbag, or even your backpack, and you won’t notice it. Otherwise, also you can place it on your neck and move around without worrying about it.
Besides, the audio performance is sublime. You can choose from the different types of headphone models from the market. That means, getting a top-notch pair of in-ear headphones is not the easiest thing that you can be done.
Today, we will be discussing about in-ear headphones. Once you have finished reading the post, you can understand more about the models. It can help you take a proper decision on the model of your choice.
Let us read the post to know more about the in-ear models.
What is an in-ear headphone?
When you want to close the world around you and enjoy the sound quality, then you might want to consider using in-ear headphones. The in-ear models are sublime units that can provide you with stunning music performance.
They fit like earplugs and provide you with amazing music quality. These models are as good as the over-ear headphones that provide stunning audio performance. The in-ear headphones can offer you with exceptional audio quality and ambient noise isolation.
The in-ear headphones are also known as earphones, IEMs, or ear canal headphones. They are designed such that they can fit sublimely inside the ear canal offering you with a seal. These units are suitable for use when going on a journey.
We found them ideal for use in the bus, subway train, and inside the cars. It is safe to say that it is as good as the best over-ear headphones.
Why are they called in-ear headphones?
They are known as in-ear headphones because they can be inserted inside your ear. They are shaped likewise and come with small earbud tips. The tips are inserted into the ear canal. The earbuds are compact, slim, and sleek.
They are shaped smaller than the earbuds that are designed somewhat larger. They are more friendly than headphones. The in-ear headphones can provide you with sublime audio quality. Some of the models also come with noise-cancellation features and can be used quite effectively.
The units come with a better battery working life as long as you are ready to pay more for using the top-end models.
What is the benefit of having it?
The main benefit of this model is that it offers you with stunning audio performance. You just have to insert it inside your ears and listen to the music or make calls. The sound performance of the in-ear model is splendid.
Users can wear it for a lengthy period of time without having any discomfort. The first benefit of using in-ear headphone is that it comes with decent sound quality. The sound quality of the model is better than the over-ear headphones for the same price.
There is also headset/mic compatibility offered with your Apple or android devices. Secondly, you have noise isolation in the model. The brands manufacture different kinds of models that come with various fit styles.
So, it depends on the fitting of the in-ear headphone. When you want to hear the ideal sound quality, then you may want to make use of top-end models. They are produced with silicon or foam tip designs that offer close to -30dB to -35dB of ambient noise-blocking (isolation).
Please know that the fitting of the in-ear headphone is vital to ensure that you can hear the sound quality. They have various sizes and kinds of ear tips. When you want to get the best bass from the model, it must come with a proper ear tip seal that is formed inside your ear canal.
If you do not have the right kind of seal inside your ears, then the bass response will sound quite thin. The model also comes infused with studio monitoring. These units are commonly used by musicians for studio recording work.
That is because the in-ear headphones can decrease the feedback from loud stage floor monitors. Besides, they can also efficiently isolate the sound quality of the artist from the audience’s sound.
Are earbuds and in-ear headphones the same? No, they are not the same. You can find a major difference between earbuds and in-ear headphones. The earbuds rest on the outside of the ear canal.
The in-ear headphones are inserted inside your ears. They provide you with more comfort, durability, and opulent audio performance than earbuds. This is something that you would want to consider when choosing between earbuds and in-ear headphones.
Who should buy them?
When you are somebody who wants to listen to a headphone that comes with an ultra-portable design, then in-ear headphone is suitable. Moreover, it is comfortable to wear for a long time. If you travel frequently, then this unit would be suitable for you.
We may let you know that noise-induced hearing loss due to earbuds is preventable when you don’t use them too long. We suggest that you can use the volume at 60% or lesser. This can prevent hearing loss.
You may also want to use the in-ear headphones for 60 minutes. Besides, you may want to avoid using headphones on a busy street, and certainly not when crossing roads or on the train tracks.
The in-ear headphones have the ability to block out noise, so you do not require to increase the volume. This discourages you to increase the volume because you hear things quite clearly. For those of you who want to listen to music clearly, then this kind of model can suffice.
What are the factors to consider before buying them?
Wired or wireless — or true wireless
The first thing to consider is whether you want to go with the wired or wireless model. They come with a wired form factor, that can provide you with a good sound performance.
The wireless headphones though they wrap around the head, they come with no wires around them or any other listening device. You will need to keep the device on the charge to use them. Typically, the wired models sound much better than the wireless model.
You can select truly wireless headphones which are small earbuds that can connect to each other wirelessly. These are a type of AirPods and similar types of units that are sold in the market.
However, their battery life is much lesser coming at 3-6 hours only. So, you will have to plan likewise. They come with a charging case where you can keep them charged at all times. When you want a good listening experience, then choose for a truly wireless model.
Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation is not a common feature that is found on in-ear headphones. As you know, the noise cancellation feature helps in cutting out the outside noise incredibly well.
Of course, you would want to make sure that there is a good seal in there. When you are somebody who travels often, then you would benefit from this kind of feature. However, when you are somebody who just wants a pair of headphones, then you may not require this kind of model.
Driver type
The in-ear headphones provide dynamic drivers. You can also change them for the dynamic drivers for balanced armature drivers. There are also planar magnetic drivers. When the dynamic drivers are alright for most of you, some of you may want better sound.
That is possible with dual-balanced armature drivers. The planar magnetic in-ear models are usually not sold and are quite rarely found in the market. We suggest that you make use of traditional models when sound performance is important.
Water-resistance
The water-resistance feature is crucial for in-ear headphones. This is when you want to use the model for sports. It means that the model is not only protected against water and storm.
There are various ratings for the water-resistance like IPX4 and PIX5 water resistance. The IPX4 ratings mean that the model can be protected from some splashes of water. Likewise, the IPX5 ratings mean that the unit is protected against water projected at it.
The IPX6 and the IPX7 ratings mean that the headphones can be protected against powerful streams of water. The IPX7 rating also provides you the ability to use the unit under water for 1 meter in depth for 30 minutes.
We may not suggest that you try that with an IPX7 in-ear headphone. However, when you accidentally drop them inside the swimming pool, they should do just fine. You may not require water-resistant models for sports, but if you do, then you can search for them.
Frequency range
The frequency range of the in-ear headphones is the next thing that we will look at. It is the range that the headphones can reproduce. Most of the headphone manufacturers offer you models having a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz.
You can select the model that comes with the frequency range of your liking. This way, you can use it accordingly. However, we may not suggest you get a headphone depending on the frequency range but listen to how they produce the audio quality.
Price
The price of the in-ear headphone is the last of our criteria. You would want to ensure that the model is priced under your budget. There are models that come priced at $50 having decent features.
However, when you want a top-end in-ear model, then you may want to pay around $200. These models can offer you with good sound quality, nice comfort, and stunning build quality. They are quite similar to the gaming models.
Pros and Cons
We have discussed some of the pros & cons below briefly.
PROS
- Comfort: The in-ear headphones are designed for comfort. You can insert them inside your ears and listen to the music for 60 minutes or more. However, we suggest that you do not use them continuously for more than 60 minutes.
- Ultra-portable design: The in-ear headphones come with a portable design. You can wear them for a nice fitting. The model does can block a lot of noise from the outside, and does not leak sound. It is ideal for use in the library or your office.
- Sublime build quality: It is produced from a sublime build quality. They can last for several years without hassle. It does not matter whether you get a $50 headphone or a $200 headphone.
- Nice sound performance: The in-ear headphones come with a nice sound performance. These units offer you with good sound clarity, where you can literally hear everything that you want.
- Wireless connectivity is fantastic: These models have fantastic wireless connectivity. They do not become weak when you want to use them in a rural area. We have tested and reviewed these models, and they work fabulously.
CONS
- Noise-induced hearing loss: A prolonged use of the model can cause hearing loss. So, we may advise you to use it for under 60 minutes. You may want to use it under a volume of 60%. When you face signs of hearing loss, then you might want to consult a doctor.
- The models are pricey: Some of the top-end models can be pricey. They are priced under $500. Of course, they come with high-end features and capabilities. When you are fine using the low-end units, then you might as well go with it.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of the post on the in-ear headphones. We hope that you were able to understand more about the in-ear headphones. They are comfortable, can be worn for a long period of time, and provide ultimate sound quality.
These models are ideal for mild exercising, and traveling, and are extremely portable. Besides, they are cheap & affordable. Though you have top-end models that are priced under $500, you can find the models priced under $100 offering you sublime features.
Additionally, you can place them inside your handbag without worrying about space. They offer you with good ventilation and comfort. If you have any queries about the in-ear headphones, then please do write to us in the comment section.
We will try and get back to you as soon as possible.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.