Wired headphones are less popular but still relevant. They have the advantage of offering high-quality sound and are appreciated by specialists in the field. Browse our selection of wired in-ear headphones below.
Long a favorite of on-the-go audiophiles, wired in-ear headphones have lost their shine. The blame lies with Bluetooth, increasingly present in our day to day, but above all with the accelerated elimination of the jack port on smartphones. So it’s easier for consumers to buy a new pair of true wireless earphones. However, wired still has some advantages over wireless, notably thanks to an analog connection always appreciated by audiophiles.
Most nomadic audio manufacturers have gone wireless, but there are still fans who offer “old-fashioned” products. You will discover in our selection several references that stand out from the competition for their audio qualities. Note that we’re focusing on consumer models here and not ultra-audiophile molded-in-ear models from Ultimate Ears or Snugs.
The wireless headphone buying guide is also available if you don’t want to have a cable on your leg (or in your ear) anymore. Do you have a small budget? Take a look at our selection of cheap headphones.
Finally, if you are looking for a wired product, but you are looking for more comfort and isolation, go to our selection dedicated to headphones.
Finally, if you don’t (yet) want to do without a connector on your phone, you can choose the appropriate device from our selection of smartphones with a connector.
Sennheiser IE 300: The best wired headphones
These days, it’s hard to launch wired headphones without looking like they’re out of time on the market. However, this is what Sennheiser tried to do with the IE 300. However, the manufacturer made a good selection of materials, especially for the cables. These do not tangle at all costs and the installation of each end is very comfortable in the long run: two already important advantages in daily use.
In addition to their optimized use, the Sennheiser IE 300 headphones are also distinguished by their high-quality sound. The German brand has a hi-fi signature capable of seducing all audiophiles. The fidelity of the sounds is well transcribed and it is very rich. Even if some bass management flaws are noticeable, listening to your music library will be sublimated.
In general, the Sennheiser IE 300 are the reference in the sector thanks to the services they provide. Available from 239 euros, they are highly recommended if you have a budget.
The strengths of the Sennheiser IE 300:
- Rich and accurate sound
- Cables that do not tangle
- comfortable in the ears
1More Triple Driver: the best value for money
The 1 More Triple Driver headphones focus on robustness, with an aluminum alloy body and Kevlar-coated braided cable, and comfort, with 45° swivel ear tips. On the cable, a small 3-button remote control allows you to manage listening, receive calls, but also use Siri or Google Assistant.
For less than 100 euros, few headphones can boast of benefiting from 3 drivers and Hi-Res and THX certification. We find beautiful stereophony, very present basses and precise sound reproduction for a homogeneous and high-quality result. It is the ideal pair of headphones to enjoy quality sound without spending a lot of money.
Why do we recommend them?
- Ideal price/quality ratio
- For its Hi-Res / THX certification
- For the comfort and support they offer
Sony MDR-EX110APB: Sony headphones at a low price
Sony is always a safe bet when it comes to headphones and earphones. For under $20, these little in-ear headphones get the job done if you don’t want to break the bank.
The headphones have a 1 meter 20 cable, the delicacy of which we regret a little – handle it delicately if you want to keep them as long as possible. However, they are surprisingly small, light (12g) and above all comfortable, even when worn for a while. The sound quality is also surprising, with powerful bass compared to other headphones at the same price. They also benefit from a microphone to take calls. The Sony MDR-EX110APB are available in three colors (black, white, red).
Why do we recommend them?
- Ideal price/quality ratio
- Sound quality for the price
- Presence of a microphone.
The special case of EarPods
If you have an iPhone, our first tip, if you can, is to look for the AirPods Pro. However, Apple also offers cheap wired headphones under the name EarPods. These were already available by default on iPhone boxes before French law changed.
While EarPods haven’t undergone any real evolution, they remain in step with the times. As always at Apple, the finishes of the product are clean, although we have already seen stronger cables.
EarPods aren’t really in-ears because they’re made of one piece and don’t have a tip that fits the size of your ear. If you’re unlucky, wired headphones may not be right for you. A real thorn in the side.
EarPods stand out in terms of sound, thanks to quality reproduction and deep bass. They also have the advantage of their low price: for 19 euros, it may be the product you need.
Why choose EarPods?
- Naturally designed for iPhones
- quality finishes
- good sound reproduction
A USB/Lightning to jack adapter: an essential
You will no doubt have noticed that nowadays more and more smartphones are ditching the jack port in favor of a USB-C port. A trend launched by Apple before being imitated by most of the market. If you don’t have a jack phone, this little item will make all the difference.
It is possible to find different versions for little money and above all that are compatible with the best smartphones such as entry-level ones. If you have an iPhone, use a Lightning to jack adapter. Apple even offers its own products at 10 euros each.
All about wired in-ear headphones
How to choose your wired headphones?
The global telephone market has gradually eliminated an essential element of wired headphones: the jack port. With the desire to always save space, smartphones are changing this location for some more components. Before jumping on one of the products in our selection, check that its use corresponds to the prerequisites of this category of products.
If you’re a sound purist, the wired jack connection ensures quality sound output. As for the advantages over wireless, it is the unlimited useful life since the products in question do not depend on an autonomous battery.
Are wired headphones doomed?
In a survey conducted by us, most of you prefer wireless to wired. If these have disappeared from smartphone boxes, they are still popular, especially for audio professionals.
What are some reliable brands for headphones?
The players in the sector are diverse. Therefore, you need to choose a trusted brand wisely so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises. In this case, JBL, Apple or Sennheiser are companies that have already proven their worth in the audio sector. You can buy their headphones with your eyes closed.
What are the different types of wired headphones?
You may have realized this when reading our selection. Almost all products offered are in-ear (except EarPods). In other words, headphones with a silicone tip, which fit your ear to stabilize comfortably and offer passive isolation from the outside world. They usually come with multiple tips to fit your ear. You won’t find a supraaural, but some manufacturers offer a surround-the-ear design.
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