7 Best In-Ear Headphones & Earbuds 2020

Let’s face it, when we want high quality audio fed straight to our ears, whether when on stage busting out vocals or whilst listening to your music in glorious hi definition sound in near-perfect isolation, we can’t settle for anything less than professional level quality – otherwise there’s just no point!

This is why you need the best in-ear headphones to suit your budget. We’ve previously covered the Best In-Ear Monitor Systems for musicians, and each option already comes with a set of in-ear headphones and in ear monitor earbuds, but if you want to upgrade your set up, or you already have a monitor system and you find yourself in need of a pair to go with it there’s a world to choose from out there. So we've narrowed down our favourite in-ear headphones and in-ear monitor earbuds that will help you get the sound you want on stage.

 The Ashdown Meters M-Ears In-Ear Headphones are superb quality in-ear headphones designed for listening to audio in high quality and providing performers with reliable, clear sound when performing in a live situation. These are easily some of the best in-ear earphones for in-ear monitors thanks to the fact they have a unique magnetic design and tangle-free cable management which means that when they’re not in use, they won't get tangled up and you can easily get them back in your ears when the song calls for it. When you let them drape around your neck, the headphones will automatically stick to each other so you can find them easily.

The 7mm acoustic driver provides a fantastic audio quality usually associated with in-ear headphones twice the price. This is especially useful in a live situation as you hear everything you’re supposed to. In regards to casual listening, or use with smartphones and tablets, users will appreciate the fact the Ashdown Meters M-Ears In-Ear Headphones has microphone and volume controls built-in, so you can make calls and change volume on the fly. If you want a set of cheap in-ear earphones that don’t suck, these are a great option.

These are top quality in-ear monitor headphones for the musician who needs to get these in and out of their ears quickly, with minimal fuss.

The Stagg SPM-235 High-resolution Sound-isolating In-Ear-Monitors are another great option for those in need of high-quality in-ear monitors that won’t break the bank. At just under £50, they’re extremely affordable, but still pack in a huge sound and clarity usually associated with far more expensive options. These in-ear monitors make our best in-ear headphones list thanks to the fact they actually provide a better sound than most of their more expensive counterparts.

The Stagg SPM-235 in-ear headphones are actually made from Graphene, which is made from carbon atoms. This material is actually 100 times harder than steel yet still remains ultra-thin. This causes the diaphragm to omit better conductivity, encourages a stronger, clearer signal and reduces sound distortion. This provides complete confidence when performing on stage. In addition, these sound-isolating headphones utilise a specially engineered small high-energy magnet which is close to the magnetic flux of one tesla. This basically means it provides more driver energy and therefore more detail than a conventional coil could. For less than £50 you get world-class sound from these cheap in-ear headphones that don't suck.

Also available in Black.

The Sennheiser IE 40 Pro Black In-ear monitoring headphones make our best in-ear headphones list with ease thanks to the strong focus on both high-quality sound and sleek design. These earphones support 20Hz-18khz frequencies which is ideal for all styles of music. This means you’ll hear everything in crystal clear high definition whether you’re performing live or listening to your favourite tracks at home or on the move via your smartphone or MP3 player. These are fantastic quality in-ear earphones that have multiple applications.

The design ensures they stay put when you’re rocking out on stage and they've been specifically designed for hard use which means they’re tour ready!

The dynamic diaphragm gives you perfect audio quality which is perfect for on stage monitoring and the useful, immersive isolation means the Sennheiser IE 40 Pro In-ear monitoring headphones are probably some of the best in-ear headphones in the game.

Also Available in: Clear

We’re now in the realms of professional-level in-ear headphones and the best way to start is with the industry-standard Shure SE215 in ears. These are consistently relied upon by professionals all over the world and are often featured in best in-ear headphones blogs and must-have lists due to their high-quality sound, fantastic isolation and Dynamic MicroDriver technology – a fantastic combination.

These in-ear monitor earbuds are easily some of the best in-ear earphones for professional performers, singers and those who value high definition sound as the meticulous sound-isolating design blocks up to 37 dB of ambient noise, making it far easier to hear your mix in a live scenario. The over-ear construction keeps the cables out of your way and the Gold plated MMCX connector with lock snap mechanism ensures your cord won’t come out when you need it most. The Single Dynamic MicroDriver powers the sound signature of the SE215 earphones which gives them their clear, detailed and powerful enhanced bass, so they make great ear-phones for on-stage monitors as well as listening to audio away from the stage. If you’re serious about your on-stage monitoring, these are one of the best options that won’t break the bank.

Shop all Shure In-Ear Monitors here.

The V-MODA Zn 3-Button In-Ear Headphones - Black are especially useful for singers as they provide excellent isolation on stage, so you can hear everything you’re supposed and nothing you’re not! The main reason we think these are contenders for the best in-ear headphones is down to the fact they offer a clear and neutral audio signal. The dynamic 8mm driver reproduce audio with low distortion and a consistency that will allow you to make the right decisions when performing.

A tangle-free cable makes sure you're not running into problems onstage and the ActiveFlex sport ear hooks allow you to wear them over your ear - very handy for singers. Finally, the three-button interface allows you to raise the volume or lower it quickly. If you're using the earphones off stage, you'll appreciate the fact you can play and pause tracks, skip tracks backwards and forwards, fast forward, rewind and take calls when connected to your smartphone or device.

 Next up we have two offerings from the Shure range of in-ear earphones designed for in-ear monitoring systems. Shure make arguably some of (if not THE) the best in-ear headphones on the market today, so of course we're going to feature a selection from their impressive catalogue.

The Shure SE535 Sound Isolating In Ear Headphones feature a higher definition driver than the previous models we talked about and have a superior detailed sound, so you’re going to hear everything you need to. As these offer a higher definition sound, have their own bass unit built-in and feature a triple definition driver they are widely used by DJs and keyboard players as they provide a balanced sound that really brings out the unique features of your music.

You can hear the detail of the instrument thanks to 18 Hz – 19 kHz frequency range and enjoy a spacious sound that really brings your music to life in your ear buds. Thanks to this high quality sound, they also make a great option for those who need to mix music on the fly. The addition of a volume control and airline adapter also makes them a great option for travelling musicians too – they’ll easily become part of your day to day life.

 Finally, we have the ultimate industry standard option for touring musicians, session musicians and the ultimate professionals. The Shure SE846 Sound Isolating In-Ear Headphones are some of the best in-ear headphones in the industry, widely regarded as the go-to option for those who are serious about on-stage sound. The key thing that sets these apart from all other Shure in-ear earphones, aside from the extended high-end clarity and low-end performance akin to that of a subwoofer without the loss of clarity is the fact you can adjust the frequency response for different sounds and sculpt the sound to your preferences. You can select between Balanced, Warm and Bright settings – ideal for on stage and mixing purposes.

With dedicated low, mid and high-frequency distribution technology, all tracks and instruments within your mix will shine through. This is world-class reference sound quality directly to your ears! When combined with the sound isolation of up to 37 dB, it’s like you’re in your own private vocal booth! If you want the ultimate in-ear monitoring earphones, this is the best choice you could make when it hopes to choosing the best in-ear headphones that will last a lifetime and keep you're gig running smoothly.

Shop a full range of in-ear headphones and earbuds and wireless monitoring systems over at PMT Online today or call in to your local PMT store to speak to one of our PA experts about your needs.