Here are our top picks for the best in-ear monitors that provide pristine and accurate sound quality for musicians and professionals. These in-ear monitors are engineered with high-quality armature drivers that provide crystal clear sound with faster response and higher dynamic range. They are developed to reproduce high-fidelity sound exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. Furthermore, these monitors can allow you to listen to details in the music which you might not have heard before – making them ideal for demanding audiophiles. We also selected these in-ear monitors based on their sleek design and sound isolating earbuds that provide a comfortable listening experience. If you are looking for some of the best in-ear monitors that will deliver great sound, be sure to check out our top picks below!
#1 Best Overall: Shure SE215-CL Best In Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: Very detailed sound with frequency response from 22 Hz to 17.5 kHz
The Pros: High-definition drivers with crystal clear sound quality
The Cons: Over-the-ear configuration might need time to get used to
The Shure SE215-CL is one of the best in ear monitors that provides crystal clear sound with deep bass performance. It has a unique clear and transparent design which allows you to see the built-in armature driver and the electrical components which is really cool. The monitors feature a sound isolating design featuring fit kit with a variety of sleeves for custom fit and blocks up to 37 dB of outside noises for an immersive listening experience. The monitors allow you to easily transition between iOS and android devices with 3.5mm connection in one switch. It also has an inline remote and microphone which offers controls for phone calls, voice commands and operational control of volume and music playback. The Shure SE215-CL uses an over-the-ear design which ensures that the in-ear monitors stay securely in place and provide long lasting comfort without any fatigue. These ear monitors also come with a zippered carrying case and fit kit with a selection of sleeves for a personalized fit. The armature driver on the SE215-CL has a frequency response between 22 Hz to 17.5 kHz and is tuned to provide deeper extended bass notes. Overall, it’s one of the best in-ear monitors we have tested and we highly recommend them.
The sound quality from the Shure SE215-CL is clear, distinct and sharp. We found that these in-ear monitors are capable of producing frequencies and sound ranges that are traditionally omitted with most IEMs – it has a phenomenal frequency range between 22 Hz to 17.5 kHz. The SE215-CL produces high-fidelity sound performance that distils every single detail in the music with great accuracy. The soundstage coming from these in ear monitors is neutral and has decent bass response. The highs and midranges are crisp and clear, and these in ear monitors can produce great sound at both ends of the spectrum without any muddiness. The midranges and lower-frequency ranges are meticulously distinguished, and there is a good “openness” to the sound quality that lets you appreciate subtle details such as the keystroke of a piano or after-tone of the guitar. In short, the SE215-CLs are capable of reproducing music quality exactly as the artist intended it to be heard, provided that you use high-quality audio sources for these in ear monitors. We also tested the microphone quality on these monitors and it works like a charm for answering phone calls. In terms of sound quality, the SE215-CL are well-balanced and almost tonally perfect in ear monitors that brings out the details in the music without sounding artificial.
The Verdict? The Shure SE215-CLs are some of the best in ear monitors built for audiophiles. They can provide really crisp and neutral sounding music with a deep emphasis on the highs and vocal performances. It has a phenomenal frequency range of 22 Hz to 17.5 kHz and can even pick up details in the music which you might not have noticed before. While the sound may not measure up to higher-end Shure in-ear monitors, they deliver really good value for money at this price point and can distil down the details in the music with pristine accuracy. We also liked the fact that the Shure SE215-CLs come with comfortable sound isolating sleeves which block up to 37 dB of ambient background noises. It also comes with a detachable cable for multiple connectivity options and leaves open the possibility for component upgrades. There are also Bluetooth versions of the Shure SE215-CL that are available. If you are an audiophile or professional musician looking for one of the best in ear monitors to get for listening to music, we highly recommend the Shure SE215-CLs.
#2 Best Sound Clarity: Etymotic ER4SR Studio Best In-Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: 122dB max output, 20 Hz to 16 kHz frequency range
The Pros: High performance armature drivers precision matched to within 1 dB
The Cons: Slightly pricey in-ear monitors, but worth the investment
The Etymotic ER4SR delivers excellent sound clarity and are some of the best in ear monitors for serious audiophiles and professionals. These in-ear monitors feature high performance balanced armature drivers that are precision tuned to within 1 dB, which means that you are getting high-fidelity sound performance from these monitors. They are very well designed with a sleek, anodized laser-etched aluminium body and feel very premium and comfortable to wear. These earbuds allow for 35 to 42 dB of noise isolation with a max output of 122 dB. It also comes with braided, reinforced 5ft detachable MMCX cables for portability. The armature drivers in the ER4SR produces some of the cleanest and most well-defined sound we have heard so far, and has an impedance of 45 ohms with a sensitivity of 98 dB. If you are looking for some of the best in ear monitors with high-fidelity sound and a well-balanced sound signature, we highly recommend the Etymotic ER4SR in ear monitors.
We were thoroughly impressed by the sound performance of the Etymotic ER4SR in ear monitors. They have exceptionally good sonic balance between the highs and midranges, and come with a really good soundstage that allows you to appreciate the finer details in the music. They can pump out pure detailed music at any volume level without any distortion – the bass, midranges and treble ranges are perfectly well-balanced and make you feel as though you are listening to a high-quality soundtrack. Music performances and instrumental tracks sounded exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. The ER4SR pumps out very crisp bass that sounds balanced and stays where it should be as bass without overpowering the midrange frequencies. The bass is tight and has plenty of presence, but does not sound boomy or bloated. In terms of sound accuracy, the Etymotic in ear monitors certainly gets a lot of things right and they can make vocal performances truly shine with detailed soundstage. They are certainly high-fidelity in ear monitors that provide sound quality that is true and accurate to the original audio recording. If you want to listen to music exactly as the artist originally intended it to be heard, the Etymotic ER4SRs are the ones to get.
The Verdict? The Etymotic ER4SR are among the best in ear monitors that provide a truly analytic sound listening experience. The armature driver is capable of producing pristine sound quality with great attention to detail and high-fidelity sound – it can easily pick up details in the music which you might never thought existed before. These in ear monitors have a frequency range between 20 Hz to 16 kHz and are channel matched within 1 dB from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The eartips are very comfortable to wear and can block out between 35 to 42 dB of outside noises. It also has a maximum sound output of 122 dB without any distortion. These in ear monitors have a sleek anodized finish with braided cables for high quality music transmission. They are precision matched to ensure quality music performance and also have a detachable 5 foot cable for easy portability. It’s one of the best in ear monitors for professional musicians or audiophiles who want high-fidelity sound performance with an analytical sound signature.
#3 Best Bass: 1More Quad Driver Best In-ear Monitors
Sound Quality: 99 dB sensitivity, 20 Hz to 40 kHz frequency range
The Pros: Expertly tuned in-ear monitors that provide crisp sound with plenty of depth
The Cons: The price point on the 1More Quad drivers is a little on the steep side
The 1More Quad Driver earbuds are some of the best in-ear monitors with deep extended lows and crisp sound. The 1More monitors are equipped with four drivers – it comes with a diamond-like carbon dynamic driver with 3 balanced armatures that delivers crisp highs and extended bass response. The quad driver monitors have a meticulous design that looks really stunning – it has a streamlined aluminium sound chamber with a very nice ergonomic design that provides good comfort and noise isolation. The earbuds also come with intelligent controls that are conveniently located in-line which allow you to change the volume and skip soundtracks on the go, or take hands free calls at the push of a button. These in-ear monitors are fine tuned to provide a superb listening experience, and have a sensitivity of 99 dB and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz which is really wide. The entire package comes with a nice gift box, leather travelling case, 9 ear tip sizes to choose from, airline adaptors and a matching shirt clip for easy portability. Overall, the 1More Quad Driver earbuds are some of the best in ear monitors that we have tested in terms of sound performance with extended bass response and we highly recommend them.
The sound quality of the 1More quad driver in ear monitors is pretty amazing – they can produce silky highs, detailed midranges and extended bass response. The sound performance on these monitors is exquisite and gets every detail in the music right – you can hear these details reproduced in the music with great accuracy and sonic fidelity. The armature drivers on these earphones have a wide frequency range between 20 Hz to 40 kHz and can produce full-range sound performance with crystal clear audio performance. The highs and midranges are crisp and well-defined, and the bass impact that you get from these in ear monitors is solid and well-measured, and never bloated. We liked the fact that these in ear monitors have four drivers which handle the audio spectrum nicely without any distortion at high volume levels or harshness in the audio quality. The audio quality remains consistent at any volume level. The 1More monitors have streamlined aluminium sound chambers with tungsten textured accents to enhance the lower end kick, but maintain the level of neutrality expected of monitor earbuds. These in ear monitors can also produce a tonne of volume without any distortion and bring out the details in the music with good soundstage reproduction. We were very pleased with how good these in ear monitors sounded with almost any music genre and they can pick apart the soundtrack right before your ears for audio clarity.
The Verdict? The 1More Quad Driver earbuds are some of the best in ear monitors we have tested that delivers sublime sound quality. They come with four armature drivers that are dedicated to delivering crisp highs, detailed midranges and deep extended lows. We found the sound signature on these in ear monitors neutral but very detailed – they can pick apart the most subtle notes in your music and allow you to hear your music exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. We did not hear any harshness or muddiness from the music sound performance. It also packs plenty of volume and you can practically increase the volume level up to maximum without having to worry about any distortion. The 1More monitors come with a 1.25m wire cable and 3.5mm plug. The in-line controls box and microphone are also included with the in ear monitors – we liked the fact that the manufacturers provided a travel case and 9 ear tips to choose from to provide a much better fit in your ears. They are very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time without causing any ear fatigue. Overall, the 1More Quad Drivers are some of the best in ear monitors in terms of sound quality and we highly recommend them.
#4 Best Design: KZ ZST Best In-Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: 106 dB sensitivity, 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
The Pros: Very sleek and visually stunning in ear monitors
The Cons: Decent sound quality but not the best we have heard
The KZ ZST are a unique set of in-ear monitors with a visually stunning design and decent sound quality. The in ear monitors have a very colorful and unique driver design which makes them a conversational piece. They are some of the best in ear monitors equipped with 10mm dynamic armature drivers with a frequency range between 20 Hz to 20 kHz. These monitors provide a solid ergonomic wearing experience with durable memory wire technology for a comfortable locked-in fit. They also come with silicone earbuds which provide good noise isolation and help to keep out background noises for a comfortable listening experience. The KZ ZST in ear monitors use a 3.5mm audio plug that is compatible with all android, tablet and mp3 devices. The KZ ZST monitors have an impedance of 18 ohms with a sensitivity of 106dB/mw and come with high quality monitor wires. We also liked the fact that the manufacturers provided 3 pairs of earbuds of different sizes to choose from for a more comfortable fit. If you are looking for some of the best in ear monitors with dynamic and balanced armature drivers and a sleek colorful design, the KZ ZST earbuds come highly recommended.
The sound quality from the KZ ZST in ear monitors was surprisingly good considering their price point. They produce tight bass, smooth and crisp midranges with clear treble ranges. We also liked the level of soundstage on these in ear monitors which was much better than expected. They have a wonderful balance with a present but controlled low-end that delivers optimal sound performance. The dual drivers are capable of reproducing clean vocal performances with distinct accuracy and clarity. You can actually appreciate the finer details in the music with these earphones and hear music tones that might not have come across as obvious as before. The KZ ZST have a much brighter and clearer sound signature than other in ear monitors that we tested and are very comfortable to wear. In terms of frequency ranges, the KZ ZST has a nice range between 20 Hz to 20 khz and has a sensitivity of 106 dB/mw. We liked the fact that you can actually crank up the volume to maximum levels on the KZ ZST and not hear any distortion which is great. The cable length of the KZ ZST is around 120cm long and has a standard 3.5mm auxiliary input. It also comes with 3 pairs of silicone eartips of different sizes to choose from. The design on these monitors is visually stunning and each piece looks like a work of art.
The Verdict? The KZ ZST earbuds are one of the best in ear monitors we have tested that provide surprisingly good sound quality and full-range dynamic sound. The design on each earpiece looks like a work of art with multiple colors and makes for a great conversational piece. The in ear monitors come with all the accessories you need to get started including the 3.5mm audio cable and silicone eartips – they have an impedance of 18 ohms with 106dB sensitivity. The sound quality on the earphones sounds very crisp, with balanced highs, detailed midranges and nice bass response. The bass hits tight but stays where it should without mudding into the midrange frequencies. We also liked the soundstage on these earphones which gave a level of depth and texture of the overall music listening experience. Vocal performances were particularly crisp and well-defined, and you can hear almost every single detail in the music at any volume level without any harshness. It’s one of the best in ear monitors that looks visually stunning and sounds just as good, and represents very good value for money at this price point.
#5 Hybrid IEM: MEE M7 Best In-Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: Crisp details, good clarity and extended lows
The Pros: Comfortable memory wire and ear tips; decent sound quality
The Cons: Somewhat pricey in ear monitors but a worthwhile investment
The MEE M7 is one of the best in ear monitors that delivers a great combination of sound performance and comfortable design. These are universal-fit in ear monitors that utilize hybrid dual-driver technology with two different driver types to deliver a good blend of deep bass, superb sound clarity and crisp details. The 10mm moving coil dynamic driver acts as a subwoofer and provides air movement for deeper extended bass performance. It has a modular design that features detachable and user-replaceable cables with MMCX connectors. The M7 in ear monitors have a flexible over the ear memory wire and comes with 7 pairs of ear tips to provide a comfortable and personalized fit for a more comfortable listening experience. The in ear monitors come with comply memory foam tips to block out external background noises and provides a quiet and enjoyable listening experience. The entire package comes with two cables, a protective carrying case, 2 pairs of comply memory foam ear tips, 5 sets of silicone ear tips and a ¼” adapter. On the whole, the MEE M7 is one of the best in ear monitors that provides clean and crystal clear sound quality and we highly recommend them.
The sound performance of the MEE M7 is comparable to higher end ear monitors that we tested. When combined with the right earbuds, these monitors can deliver tight bass, detailed midranges and stunning timbre ranges. The bass sounds tight and full while balancing with the midrange – it does not sound overwhelming or exaggerated. The midranges are smooth and crystal clear, and the highs are nice and warm without a hint of distortion. We wound say that the sound signature on the MEE M7 earphones is more on the mid-highs, which means that you get much clearly sound for instrumental and vocal performances and less bass for EDM or bass-heavy music genres. That being said, the sound quality is easily correctable with EQ settings. The armature drivers on the MEE M7 have very fast frequency response and can really pick up the details in the music which you might not have noticed before. We would say that the sound performance of the M7 is comparable to higher-end ear monitors with triple drivers. We also liked the fact that the ear monitors come with nice detachable cables, one with a mic and volume slider and the other for audio only. It also comes with comply foam tips of different sizes to choose from for you to get the best fit in your ears.
The Verdict? We were impressed by the sound quality of the MEE M7 monitors. These are some of the best in ear monitors that can deliver well-balanced sound quality that extends all the way from the lowest bass up to the highest of treble ranges. These in ear monitors come with hybrid dual drivers that combine a coil subwoofer with a balanced armature tweeter that provides distilled highs, crisp midranges and nice extended lows. The 10mm moving coil dynamic driver acts as a subwoofer to provide plenty of impact and depth for the bass performance. The armature drivers also provide quick frequency response for detailed and clear sound reproduction. The M7 has flexible memory wire and seven pairs of eartips to choose from which provide plenty of options. They also come with replaceable cables with MMCX connectors and has a spare cable with headset functionality and remote. If you are looking for one of the best in ear monitors that can deliver high-fidelity sound performance and lasting comfort, it’s difficult to go wrong with the MEE M7 in ear monitors.
#6 Best Frequency Range: KZ ZS6 Best In Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: Well-balanced frequency ranges, 7 Hz to 40 kHz range
The Pros: In-ear monitors come with four drivers for immersive sound quality
The Cons: The monitors are somewhat bulky to wear
The KZ ZS6 are some of the best in ear monitors that provide really crisp sound quality and extended bass response. The KZ ZS6 in ear monitors are an upgrade from its predecessor, the KZ ZS5, and have a metallic shell for greater durability and sound performance. These in ear monitors come with four drivers – two balanced armatures and two dynamic drivers that provide immersive sound quality and extended lows. The monitors have a sensitivity of 106dB and a very wide frequency range of 7 Hz to 40 kHz which provides a superb sonic listening experience. The KZ ZS6 monitors have a detachable cable with anti-tangling design and a 3.9 foot cord length. The detachable cable can be threated through a jacket or bag without any issues. We also liked the fact that the KZ ZS6 in ear monitors have an ergonomic design that conforms to your ear shape for a comfortable listening experience. The entire package comes with the KZ ZS6 in ear monitors, 2 sets of earbuds and a user manual for easy reference. If you are looking for one of the best in ear monitors with superb sound quality and a wide frequency response, the KZ ZS6 comes highly recommended.
The KZ ZS6 delivers full-range sound quality and has an exceptionally wide frequency response between 7 Hz to 40 kHz. They can produce very nice highs, smooth midranges and extended bass response. Compared with the MEE M7 Pros, the KZs have better bass response and extended lows. We found that the sound quality from the ZS6 monitors was clear, crisp and detailed. It also delivers a degree of soundstage which helps to add flavour and texture to the overall music performance. We also liked the fact that you can crank up the volume on these in ear monitors without hearing any distortion – everything is clearly defined and well-presented. Vocal performances sounded as though we were sitting in front of a life concert hall, while instrumental music was meticulously presented with all the finer details in the music laid bare to hear. The in ear monitors have a sensitivity of 106dB and an impedance of 15 ohms, with a maximum power rating of 10mw. Our only quibble with the KZ ZS6s is that the treble ranges can sound really high and sharp, which may start to sound harsh especially at higher volume levels. That being said, this is compensated in part by deeper extended lows and tight bass performance. The sound quality on the KZ ZS6 remains consistent throughout at any volume level and has a mid-high sound signature emphasis.
The Verdict? The KZ ZS6 are some of the best in ear monitors that have a wide frequency range and detailed sound performance. These ear monitors are capable of reproducing practically the entire audio spectrum down from 7 Hz all the way up to 40 kHz, and deliver crisp highs, detailed midranges and extended bass. The bass performance on the KZ ZS6 earbuds hit hard and has plenty of depth to them without muddying into the midrange frequencies. We liked the fact that these monitors provide crystal clear sound performance at any volume level with consistent sound quality; the sound signature on these ear monitors leans more towards the upper midrange frequencies. We did experience some degree of harshness from the highs at higher volume levels which may be slightly unpleasant for some. That being said, instrumental and vocal performances sound crystal clear on these in ear monitors with nice soundstage and good detailed separation. The entire package comes with the KZ ZS6 earphones, 2 sets of earbud tips to choose from and a user manual for easy reference. Overall, it’s one of the best in ear monitors that has a very wide audio spectrum and is definitely worth checking out.
#7 Best Budget: BASN BC100 Best In Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: Crisp, well-balanced sound performance with good details
The Pros: Dual high-definition drivers with a dedicated tweeter and woofer
The Cons: These monitors have a ‘plastic’ feel to them
The BASN BC100s are some of the best in ear monitors you can find on a budget. These in ear monitors have dual high-definition drivers with powerful neodymium magnets for accurate and balanced sound performance with a wide frequency spectrum. These in ear monitors are designed for sound-staging and producing accurate sound quality at any volume levels. They feature a dedicated tweeter and woofer for balanced sound quality and allow you to listen to the highs, midranges and bass on every music soundtrack with impeccable clarity. It also comes with an MMCX connector that provides efficient cable and earbud replacement – you can match different kinds of earbuds and cables to create your own style. We also like the fact that the BC100 in ear monitors have ergonomic memory ear-hooks and medical grade silicone ear-tips that provide a comfortable and secure fit; the adjustable memory ear-hooks keep the in ear monitors securely in place and help to provide an enjoyable listening experience. If you are a musician or a professional looking for one of the best in ear monitors on a budget, the BASN BC100s come highly recommended.
The BASN BC100s deliver sound quality on par with professional reference IEMs. They deliver full-range sound performance with crisp highs, detailed midranges and extended lows. We also experienced quite a bit of highs and midranges from the BC100s, and they maintain fidelity to the original sound recording really well. The BC100s are great for professional in ear monitoring – they are detailed and can practically pick up all the details in the music which you might not have noticed before. When we tested these in ear monitors with a variety of soundtracks, we were quite surprised at how you can hear every single detail in the music reproduced with distinct clarity. From musicians, vocals, drums and instruments, you can pick up every single detail and get a sense of where each note is originating from. The level of soundstage that you get with the BC100s is excellent and you can also crank up the volume on the BC100s without hearing any distortion. The bass performance on the BC100s hit hard and sounds tight and punchy without overwhelming into the midrange frequencies. Overall, we would say that the sound signature of the BC100s is more analytical in nature and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to every note from these in ear monitors.
The Verdict? The BASN BC100s are some of the best in ear monitors for professional musicians and music lovers. It comes with a dual dynamic HD driver that provides a dedicated tweeter and woofer for crisp highs and extended lows. The level of audio fidelity that the BC100 brings to the table is very good – you can listen to music exactly as how the artist originally intended it to be heard without any distortion or harshness. The BC100 comes with a detachable cable with MMCX connector which allows for easy part replacement and upgrades. You can also match different kinds of earbuds and cables to create a personalized listening experience. We also liked the fact that the BC100s provide rather good noise isolation and comes with 5 pairs of top-grade silicon eartips to choose from for a comfortable listening experience. It has an ergonomic adjustable memory ear-hook that automatically conforms to your ear size for added comfort. Overall, the BC100s are one of the best in ear monitors that provide really clear and neutral sound quality and are great for professional monitoring.
#8 Professional Reference: Brainwavz B100 Best In Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: Reference sound quality with great attention to detail
The Pros: Balanced armature driver technology with high-fidelity sound
The Cons: There are very few cons on the B100 monitors worth mentioning
The Brainwavz B100 is one of the most impressive and best in ear monitors that we have tested that delivers reference full-range sound quality with a sleek design. These monitors come with balanced armature technology that is capable of producing high-fidelity sound performance with the same technology used in high-grade hearing aids. The B100 monitors are tuned to produce well-rounded sound performance with crisp vocals and extended bass production, which makes your music come across as lively and fun. The Brainwavz B100 in ear monitors have an over the ear design with memory formed cable that feels comfortable to wear for extended periods of time without getting any fatigue – the monitors are small enough to fit inside your ears without you feeling them. The B100 are made from quality materials and features braided high purity oxygen free copper cabling that is constructed with audiophile grade solder for high quality sound transmission. The entire package comes with the B100 in ear monitors, comply T-100 foam tips, 6 sets of silicone eartips and a earbud casing for easy storage. Overall, the Brainwavz B100 is one of the best in ear monitors available that delivers great value for money and we highly recommend them.
The sound performance of the Brainwavz B100 is well-balanced and crystal clear, with distinctly clear vocals and nice timbre ranges. The B100 has a wide frequency range between 15 Hz to 22 kHz and can reproduce the lower-end midranges frequencies really well. The 4 balanced armatures in the monitors can produce punch and rich sound quality with great dynamics. The sound is fairly neutral and balanced across the spectrum with smooth vocals and decent soundstage for music instruments. The B100 monitors also respond pretty well to EQ settings and have good separation. The ear tips provide a good degree of sound isolation and provide an enjoyable listening experience without any distortion at high volume levels. For a set of IEMs, the B100 gets a lot of things right and reproduces the highs, midranges and lows accurately exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. These in ear monitors are especially sensitive to the source audio and can really expose the flaws in any audio recording. We liked the fact that the sound quality of the B100 remains consistent at any volume level and the highs do not sound harsh at high volume levels but maintains that level of consistency and clarity. Overall, the B100 produces really great, smooth and well-balanced sound with great fidelity to the original sound recording.
The Verdict? The Brainwavz B100 are some of the best in ear monitors for professional musicians and audiophiles who want to hear music exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. They are really good sounding in ear monitors that provide detailed sound quality with crisp highs, detailed midranges and good bass response. The monitors provide really good soundstage and instrumental performances come across as crystal clear, with the bass, guitars, piano keys and drum beats sounding very lifelike. The sound signature is closer to neutral and well-balanced, which means that you get a good range of lower frequencies and highs without one frequency crossing over into another. The IEMs themselves have a very sleek and modern looking design that feels premium to touch. We liked the fact that the manufacturers provided Comply T-100 foam tips, 6 sets of silicone eartips and a earphone case for easy storage. It also comes with braided high purity oxygen free copper cabling for high quality music transmission. Overall, the Brainwavz B100 are some of the best in ear monitors available that deliver high-fidelity sound quality with a sleek and modern looking design.
#9 Most Versatile: Audio-Technica ATH-LS50 Best In Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: Balanced sound performance with reduced distortion at high volumes
The Pros: Dual 8.8mm symphonic drivers provide crystal clear sound
The Cons: Volume control buttons may feel a little flimsy
The Audio-Technica ATH-LS50 is one of the best in ear monitors that are highly versatile and portable. It comes with an exclusive 8.8mm tuned dual symphonic drivers that are comprised of two drivers serially situated within each driver housing that generate balanced sound and reduced distortion at high volume levels. The bass on the ATH-LS50 monitors is strong and well-articulated without any muddiness. The drivers are constructed of solid stainless steel and high-durability resin which provides improved high-frequency sound reproduction. It also features flexible memory cable loop that goes over the ear for custom fit and long-wearing comfort – it has a maximum input power of 200 mW and an impedance of 11.5 ohms. We liked the fact that the ATH-LS60 comes with a detachable 1.2m cable with newly developed A2DC (audio designed detachable coaxial) connectors at the headphones which offer greater durability and optimized audio performance. It also comes with in-line controls with microphone for hands free calls and audio playback. If you are looking for one of the best in ear monitors that can deliver the versatility and sound quality intended for reference monitors, the ATH-LS50 comes highly recommended.
The ATH-LS50 generates balanced sound quality with reduced distortion and strong articulated bass. These IEMs have very accurate frequency response and can reproduce the entire audio spectrum without any issues or harshness. We were pleasantly surprised by the deep rich bass which the ATH-LS50 could produce without being artificially colored. Music and instrumental performances sounded lifelike with a good deal of soundstage and separation – you can hear the individual beats and details in the music without any artificial enhancements or coloration in the tone. The tonal balance on this IEM is pretty accurate and it gets the frequency ranges right without any muddiness. Vocal performances sounded sharp and detailed without any harshness at loud volume levels; the timbre ranges are crisp and very focused. The ATH-LS50 are sensitivity to the original sound recording and can really pick apart the details in the music with great efficiency. It has a good depth of sound that moves away from the tinny sound of many other earbuds and supplies great depth to them. We also liked the fact that the ATH-LS50 earbuds are sensitive to EQ changes and you can adjust the sound quality according to your preference preferences. The 8.8mm lived tuned dual symphonic drivers are well-balanced and can produce plenty of volume output without any distortion which is great.
The Verdict? The ATH-LS50 are some of the best in ear monitors that provide really clear and accurate sound performance. It comes with live tuned dual symphonic drivers that can produce crystal clear sound with reduced distortion and strong articulated bass response. These IEMs have great form and function and you can tell that the manufacturers put in a lot of effort to get the ergonomic shape of the earbuds right – they are very comfortable to wear and rest perfectly in the ear without causing any fatigue. Furthermore, these IEMs come with detachable 1.2m cable with audio designed detachable coaxial connectors at the headphones which provides exceptional durability and optimization. The cable also comes with in-line controls which allow you to adjust the volume and music soundtracks on the go. If you are looking for one of the best in-ear monitors that can provide high-fidelity sound performance with great versatility and comfort, the ATH-LS50 is a great choice.
#10 Most Comfortable: RHA T20 Best In Ear Monitors
Sound Quality: High resolution audio performance, 16 Hz to 40 kHz
The Pros: Very comfortable and premium steel ear monitor design
The Cons: The sound isolation is good but not great
The RHA T20s are some of the best in ear monitors available that provide audiophile sound quality and are very comfortable to wear. They come equipped with RHA’s high resolution dual-coil dynamic drivers that produce audiophile quality sound performance. The dual-coil driver combines the power of two drivers with the efficiency of one and has much faster frequency response than traditional IEMs. The in ear monitors also come with interchangeable audio tuning filters which allow you to tailor the sound signature to your preferences. They are made from injection moulded 300F premium stainless steel ergonomic housings that provide a very comfortable wearing experience. The monitors also contain noise isolating comply foam earphone tips that provide external sound isolation. The T20 monitors come with a reinforced 3.5mm audio cable for a high-end listening experience made of oxygen-free copper for better sound transmission. We also liked the fact that the manufacturers provided extra sets of silicone ear tips and comply foam tips to choose from to get a much better fit. Overall, the RHA T20s are some of the best in ear monitors that we tested and have a really well-polished metallic appearance.
The sound performance RHA T20s is very crisp and clear, and come with interchangeable reference filters which are ideal for those who enjoy listening to a wide range of music genres. They produce very well balanced sound quality and are able to differentiate between the highs, midranges and lows very well. The bass has depth and goes pretty deep without muddying into the midrange frequencies; the bass does not sound overwhelming or artificial and comes across as natural. The RHA T20s are capable of producing pretty good soundstage and you really get a sense of where each note is coming from. Instrumental notes are reproduced with distinct clarity and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to vocal performances through these earbuds. They also have plenty of volume and we were able to crank up the volume level to maximum without experience any distortion from the acoustic drivers. The T20 uses a customisable tuning filter system with injected molded stainless steel housings that provide customizable sound signatures – this allows you to switch to hear more bass from hip hop or EDM soundtracks and enjoy the sharpened treble notes of classical music. The T20 earbuds also look very sleek with the metallic polished finish and comes with ear tips of different sizes to choose from for a much better fit.
The Verdict? The RHA T20s are among the best in ear monitors that deliver crystal clear and fully customizable sound. The armature drivers are capable of producing high-resolution detail and are very efficient with the frequency response – we thoroughly enjoyed listening to the crisp highs, detailed midranges and nice bass response from the T20 earbuds. The frequency range on the T20 is a wide 16 Hz to 40 kHz and delivers crystal clear sound clarity for vocal and instrumental music performances. You can also switch the filters for a more bass-heavy leaning sound signature for electronic dance music and rock music genres on the T20s. The T20 earbuds come with 6 silicone dual density ear tips with 2 silicone double flange ear tips and 2 comply foam ear tips. It comes with 3 tuning filters (bass, treble and reference) for you to choose from and a stainless steel tuning filter holder as well. Overall, if you are looking for some of the best in ear monitors with customizable sound performance, the RHA T20s come highly recommended.