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10 Best Wired Earbuds 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds, Professional Sound Isolating Earphones with Clear Sound, Deep Bass, Secure in-Ear Fit, Carrying Case, Black (SE215-K)

The Shure SE215 PRO wired earbuds cater well to users seeking professional-grade audio performance, offering clear sound and deep bass through a single dynamic MicroDriver. These earbuds excel in sound quality, especially for personal listening or professional monitoring, and their noise isolation feature blocks up to 37 dB of noise, ensuring an immersive audio experience, ideal for those in noisy environments or who travel frequently.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,199
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Durability

Most important from
10038 reviews

Sound Quality
The Shure SE215 PRO earbuds excel in providing great sound quality, even in challenging environments like motorcycle rides, effectively reducing wind noise.
Comfort and Fit
The earbuds stay securely in place, whether worn with or without a helmet, making them a reliable choice for motorcyclists.
Durability
The replaceable cords and robust build enhance the longevity of these earbuds, ensuring they are a worthwhile investment.
#2
10.0 score

Sennheiser Pro Audio IE 100 Pro Wired In-Ear Monitor, Red

The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro earbuds are designed mainly for professional audio monitoring and music recording, making them a good choice for musicians or audio enthusiasts who want precise sound. They use a 10mm dynamic driver, which helps deliver clear and powerful audio with less distortion. With an impedance of 20 ohms, these earbuds work well with most devices without needing extra amplification. The frequency response reaches up to 18,000 Hz, which covers a broad range of sound but is slightly less than some earbuds that capture the very highest frequencies.

Rating
10.0
Frequency Response
Earbud Design and Fit
Cable Quality and Length

Most important from
875 reviews

Frequency Response
The earbuds deliver a well-balanced sound with a slight boost in trebles, making snare drums and cymbals notably crisp and forward.
Earbud Design and Fit
Comfort is exceptional, with a slim, ergonomic design and easily adjustable over-ear hooks that fit securely in most ears.
Cable Quality and Length
The retractable, stage-proof cable is durable but the wired design and relatively short cord length may limit convenience for some users.
#3
10.0 score

Shure SE846 Gen 2 Sound-Isolating Earphones with 64" Detachable Cable - Clear

The Shure SE846 Pro Gen 2 Wired Earbuds come with an impressive array of features designed for a high-quality listening experience. One of the standout features is its state-of-the-art sound quality, thanks to the four high-definition drivers that provide clear highs and robust low-end performance. These earbuds also offer four different sound signatures due to the new sound filter, making them versatile for various audio preferences whether you're gaming, streaming, or listening to music.

Rating
10.0
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Durability

Most important from
741 reviews

Sound Quality
The SE846's bass performance is astonishing; it's the best I've heard from any IEM.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable for long periods, the SE846 fits well even for extended use.
Durability
Build quality is exceptional, with robust cables and a design that exudes quality.

Top 10 Best Wired Earbuds 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds, Professional Sound Isolating Earphones with Clear Sound, Deep Bass, Secure in-Ear Fit, Carrying Case, Black (SE215-K)

Sound Quality: clear sound, deep bass
Comfort and Fit: secure fit, various sleeve sizes
Durability: reinforced, detachable cable
Noise Isolation: blocks up to 37 dB
Cable Length and Type: 3.5mm cable, detachable
Impedance: 17 Ohm

Chosen by 1199 this week

Sennheiser Pro Audio IE 100 Pro Wired In-Ear Monitor, Red

Driver Size: 10mm
Frequency Response: 18000 Hz
Impedance: 20 Ohms
Wired Connector Type: 3.5 mm Jack
Earbud Design and Fit: Universal In Ear, slim, ergonomic
Microphone and Controls: Mic and remote, media control
Cable Quality and Length: Retractable, stage-proof wired cable

Shure SE846 Gen 2 Sound-Isolating Earphones with 64" Detachable Cable - Clear

Sound Quality: Four high-definition drivers, clear highs
Comfort and Fit: Ergonomic design, optimized nozzle angle
Durability: Robust build quality
Noise Isolation: Sound-isolating design
Cable Length and Type: 3.5mm jack
Impedance: 9 Ohm

Shure SE215 Special Edition PRO Wired Earbuds, Professional Sound Isolating Earphones, Clear with Deep Bass, Single Dynamic MicroDriver, for Music, Gaming, & Calls - Purple

Frequency Response: 22 Hz to 17.5 kHz
Impedance: 17 Ohm
Wired Connector Type: 3.5 mm Jack
Earbud Design and Fit: Sound Isolating, Over-ear cable design
Microphone and Controls: Touch-based media control
Cable Quality and Length: Detachable MMCX cable, reinforced

Apple EarPods Headphones with 3.5mm Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

Impedance: 40 Ohm
Wired Connector Type: 3.5 mm Jack
Earbud Design and Fit: In Ear, ergonomic fit
Microphone and Controls: Mic, volume, call, voice, remote
Cable Quality and Length: Lightweight, foldable cable
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Buying Guide for the Best Wired Earbuds

When choosing wired earbuds, focus on comfort, sound quality, and compatibility with your device. Wired earbuds are popular because they offer reliable sound without the need to charge batteries and often have less audio delay. To find the best fit for you, consider how and where you’ll use them—whether for commuting, exercise, calls, or just casual listening. Aim for a balance between audio performance and wearing comfort that suits your daily habits.
Driver SizeThe driver is the component inside the earbuds that produces sound, and its size impacts audio quality, particularly bass. Generally, larger drivers can produce deeper and richer sound, although earbud drivers are usually smaller than those in headphones. Most wired earbuds have drivers between 6mm and 15mm. If you want powerful bass and fuller sound, look for earbuds with drivers on the larger end of this range. If you prioritize compactness and don't mind less pronounced bass, smaller drivers might suit you just fine. Your choice should depend on what kind of music you listen to and your overall sound preference.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response is the range of audio frequencies that the earbuds can produce, measured in Hertz (Hz). The wider the range, the more sounds—from deep bass to high treble—the earbuds can reproduce. Most human hearing ranges from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, so earbuds covering those frequencies will display all the details humans can perceive. If a pair of earbuds offers a slightly wider range, it won’t hurt, but focus on how balanced and clear the sound feels to your ears, since not all frequencies are equally important for all types of listening.
ImpedanceImpedance refers to the electrical resistance of the earbuds, measured in Ohms (Ω), and affects how much power they need from your device. Lower impedance (16-32Ω) works best with smartphones, tablets, and laptops because these devices have less powerful audio outputs. High-impedance earbuds are designed for specialized audio equipment. For everyday use, low impedance is your friend: it means you can plug your earbuds into almost any gadget and get sufficient volume and good clarity.
Wired Connector TypeThis refers to the plug that connects the earbuds to your device. The most common is the 3.5mm audio jack, but some wired earbuds may use USB-C or Lightning connectors, especially for newer smartphones that lack a traditional headphone jack. It is important to pick the correct connector that matches your device—otherwise, you’ll need an adapter, which can affect both convenience and sound quality. Always check what ports your main device uses, and select earbuds with a compatible connector.
Earbud Design and FitEarbuds come in different shapes: some are worn just inside the outer ear (standard earbuds), while others go deeper into the ear canal (in-ear monitors or IEMs) and may include various ear tip sizes for a custom fit. The right fit is essential for both comfort and sound quality since earbuds that seal well also block more outside noise and deliver clearer audio. If you’re sensitive to wearing things in your ear for long periods or if you use earbuds for exercise, pay close attention to the design and choose one that feels secure and comfortable for your daily routines.
Microphone and ControlsMany wired earbuds have a built-in microphone for making calls and buttons to control music playback or answer phone calls. Some even have volume controls or track skipping. If you use your earbuds for calls or meetings, or want on-the-go control without touching your phone, look for a model with these extra features. For pure listening, you might not need them, but for commuting or multitasking, they can be very handy.
Cable Quality and LengthThe cable connects your earbuds to your device, and its durability and length can greatly affect everyday use. A longer, tangle-resistant, or braided cable is ideal if you move around a lot, while a shorter cable might be better for pocket use and portability. Consider the thickness and flexibility of the cable as well—thicker or braided cables tend to last longer, but thin, soft cables are lighter and less bulky. If you have specific needs, such as using your earbuds at a desk, during sports, or while traveling, let that guide your choice.

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