The 4 Best Wired Earbuds of 2025

Best Wired Earbuds

Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X

Connection Type: 3.5mm jack | Microphone: Yes

The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X delivers exceptional audio quality that will impress you just as it impressed our team, particularly given its price point. The earbuds create an expansive soundstage, enhancing the sense of space and positioning in audio, which results in an immersive, three-dimensional listening experience. Achieving this with earbuds can be difficult due to design limitations, so we were genuinely impressed. The Pro X excels at reproducing mid-range sounds, where many vocal performances sit, adding a slight refinement that brings voices to life.

The bass ranges that create the hard-hitting rhythms remain well-defined even at high volumes, with minimal distortion. Unlike lower-rated models, the Pro X maintains height, depth, and location without becoming crunchy, tinny, or distorted at increased volume, although some highs, like cymbals or synth leads, can feel a touch thin. As one of our experts remarked, “These buds can party! They actually get louder than I can bear to listen to.” They produce up to 112 decibels (dBA) at maximum volume, which is rather loud. While they maintain audio integrity at those levels, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) does not recommend that you listen to anything over 85 decibels. Our testing also highlighted the passive noise isolation capabilities of this model, which is the ability to deaden external sound through the construction and materials of the earbuds and ear tips. They were more effective at blocking noise than most other models we tested.

When compared to top wireless models that are slightly more expensive, the Linsoul Z ZSN Pro X provides comparable performance and a fun sound mix that is mostly neutral and only slightly sculpted toward an emphasis on higher frequencies. While they offer a comfortable fit for various ear shapes and sizes and stay in place thanks to an over-ear wire, they do not fit smaller ears as well as larger ones. Overall, our team felt that the Pro X is the best choice for most users, while a model like the JBL Endurance Run 2 would be more suitable for sweaty gym sessions, as it is the only model we tested with an IPX water resistance rating.

Read more: Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X review

Best Studio Wired Earbuds

Sennheiser IE 100 Pro

Connection Type: 3.5mm jack | Microphone: No

The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro wired earbuds shine as a professional-grade audio solution, delivering impressively balanced sound reproduction across the entire audio frequency spectrum that audiophiles will appreciate. They produce warm, rich mids and punchy bass, complemented by a crisp treble response; overall, they provide “a lovely, balanced blend” that “sounds rather neutral.” This neutral sound balance makes them particularly suitable for vocal reproduction and studio monitoring applications across a wide range of musical genres, allowing audio professionals and musicians to hear recordings as they were intended, without a biased sound mix. Their wired design eliminates common frustrations associated with wireless headphones, such as battery drain and Bluetooth compression, ensuring consistent, uninterrupted performance during critical listening sessions. Additionally, the passive noise isolation offers a good degree of background sound reduction, helping users concentrate on their audio work.

While our team found these earbuds comfortable enough to wear for several hours once properly fitted, the malleable ear hooks require some trial and error to achieve optimal positioning. The absence of an integrated microphone significantly limits their functionality for business calls and everyday use. At this price point, we would like our earbuds to sound good and help us block out the world around us, but our testers found that “light noises like the clacking of keyboards still crept in when wearing these around the office.” For a pair of earbuds with better noise isolation and a similarly neutral sound profile, check out the Shure SE215 PRO.

Best Wired Earbuds for Noise Blocking

Shure SE215 PRO

Connection Type: 3.5mm jack | Microphone: No

Overall, the Shure SE215 PRO delivered strong audio performance in our tests. While it may not be as outstanding as the top-performing models we evaluated, it effectively blocks noise and provides a clear soundstage, making it easy to locate instruments and voices. If you want to eliminate distractions, you'll appreciate its passive noise-blocking ability and comfortable fit, easily achieved with one of the many included foam and silicone ear tip options in various sizes. One expert, who has smaller ears, remarked, “I appreciate that it comes with foam and rubber tips in different sizes!” Although these wired earbuds depend entirely on their passive ability to isolate external sounds through a good ear fit, noise-deadening foam materials, and design, they do not offer any form of active noise cancellation through destructive sound waves. Instead, they excel at preventing external sounds from intruding physically into your ears.

The team enjoyed the listening experience that the Shure SE215 PRO provided during our testing, particularly because of the passive noise isolation that allowed us to immerse ourselves more fully in the music. However, they do have some drawbacks. The soundstage lacks the height and depth of the best models, which deliver a more expansive sound, and we noticed that tracks with many instruments and vocals can become blurry with regard to the separation of similar-sounding instruments. This model also lacks a microphone, so you won't be able to use these earbuds for phone calls. They are a great pick, specifically for blocking out the outside world, but for significant savings, most people will be satisfied with our top pick, the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X.

Best Wired Earbuds for Sports

JBL Endurance Run 2

Connection Type: 3.5mm jack | Microphone: No

The JBL Endurance Run 2 earbuds stand out as an impressive budget-friendly option for fitness enthusiasts, and it is the only model we tested with an IPX rating. These wired earbuds feature a practical matte finish that helps them stay securely in place during workouts. Our testers found “these guys quite comfy” and that the “shape of the bud sits snugly inside the ear canal, which improves the fit.” Additionally, their IPX5 water resistance rating protects against sweat and exposure to small amounts of water. The thoughtful addition of magnetic clips allows for convenient wear around the neck when not in use, and the earbuds perform well in terms of call quality, making them versatile for both exercise and daily communication needs.

Even with its attractive price point and useful IPX5 rating, the JBL Endurance Run 2 does have some notable drawbacks. The wires tend to tangle easily, which can be frustrating during workouts or when pulling them from a pocket. Additionally, users may find the microphonic noise (the feedback created when the cable rubs against clothing) distracting during activities. Nevertheless, these minor inconveniences are reasonable trade-offs considering the earbuds' affordable price and overall functionality as a sports-oriented audio solution. If you prioritize overall performance over an IPX rating, you should check out the equally affordable yet otherwise superior Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X.

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	71	Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X Best Wired Earbuds	$22
	71	Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro	$45
	68	Sennheiser IE 100 Pro Best Studio Wired Earbuds	$100
	67	Shure SE215 PRO Best Wired Earbuds for Noise Blocking	$99
	65	JBL Endurance Run 2 Best Wired Earbuds for Sports	$20
	64	UliX Rider - 3.5mm	$18
	56	Apple EarPods - USB-C	$19
	56	Moondrop Blessing 3	$360
	44	Panasonic ErgoFit	$10

How We Tested

At GearLab, our commitment to rigorous scientific testing distinguishes us from other gear testing and review sites. Our significant $200,000 investment in a state-of-the-art audio testing facility enables us to generate precise, quantifiable data. Our testing infrastructure allows us to deliver unbiased evaluations, develop detailed performance scores for every pair of wired earbuds we test, and offer tailored recommendations that suit every budget and application, from the best pair for the gym to the pair that delivers the most immersive experience, or the top pair for use in a studio.

Our testing and evaluations focus on four essential metrics:
Sound Quality (50% of overall score)
User Experience (25% of overall score)
Passive Isolation (15% of overall score)

Call Quality (10% of overall score)

Why Trust GearLab

Alongside our significant investment in testing facilities and equipment, we assembled a panel of audio experts who devoted countless hours to listening to playlists from a wide range of musical genres, as well as recorded speech audio, including Harvard sentences. This effort added valuable human insight to the comparisons made in our frequency response recordings. To learn more about our frequency response testing, check out this in-depth article on our rigorous testing procedures, creating our own frequency curve for frequency response testing, and the overall depth of audio science and technology we employ in our work at GearLab.

We assembled an extraordinary team of seasoned audio experts, testers, analysts, and external consultants to gather the objective data utilized in our reviews. Our in-house team featured Senior Audio Analyst Dave Berkman, a versatile artist, musician, and DJ with over twenty years of professional studio experience, accompanied by an impressive roster of clients. Senior Review Analyst Genaveve Bradshaw contributes her invaluable musical talents, test design expertise, insights gained from years at GearLab, and musically attuned ears to our evaluations.

Senior Review Analyst Graham Faulknor, who holds patents to multiple products and has developed a wide range of products from race cars to satellites, brought with him a combination of analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, tech know-how, as well as product development and design experience.

Senior Research Analyst Rachael Lamore also contributed her background in biological science and her extensive research laboratory experience to enhance and execute the rigorous scientific testing protocols we utilized for the products in this review.

Writer and contributor Ben Hickok breaks down our team's findings into clear, actionable takeaways, helping readers understand exactly what they should look for when choosing wired earbuds.

Together, their combined musical, audio, and testing experience was critical in designing tests, rating sound, refining our House Curve, executing our testing, and capturing data. We further refined our testing protocols and procedures with the assistance of industry experts and brought in consultants and audio engineers, including the expert audio test and measurement team from Listen, Inc.

Analysis and Test Results

We had high expectations for the wired earbuds that made it from selection to our comprehensive testing. We evaluated their performance across four key metrics, weighing ratings to assign an overall score for each pair. Below, we've broken down the metrics and highlighted which pairs excelled in each respective metric below.

What's the Best Value In Wired Earbuds

While the more expensive studio-style models we tested, such as the Shure SE215 Pro and the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, are solid choices for an entry-level studio monitor, the average listener may prefer a pair of earbuds that offer a more lively and playful sound mix. The all-around fantastic Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X delivers an exciting, though tailored, sound mix, whereas the UliX Rider - 3.5mm strikes a balance between a cinematic and natural sound profile. Both earbuds come at a fraction of the price of studio monitor-style models and are sure to satisfy.

Apple users may also appreciate the familiarity of the iconic Apple EarPods and their affordable price point. However, they do not perform as well as our top recommendations, and the main reason to choose them is essentially brand preference. If you value passive noise isolation, you'll find that the Shure SE215 PRO effectively blocks the outside world while still delivering solid sound quality. Additionally, they offer a strong and secure fit, making them a suitable option for musicians, though they come at a higher price than other top-performing models. Meanwhile, models like the JBL Endurance Run 2 stay securely in place, provide a decent music-listening experience, and serve as a practical and affordable choice for running and gym sessions, thanks to their IPX5 rating.

Sound Quality

Sound quality in earbuds isn't just a luxury, it's essential to how we experience music, podcasts, phone calls, and other audio content in an increasingly mobile world. High-quality sound reproduction allows listeners to enjoy music as the artists and producers intended, without losing the subtle nuances that enhance the experience. A couple pairs of wired earbuds, which are also quite budget-friendly, did an impressive job delivering this experience, punching above their price point compared to similarly capable wireless earbuds.

Our expert listener scores and the data collected on each model, compared to our house sound frequency curve, showed that the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro stood out. Also notable were the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro, and UliX Rider - 3.5mm for overall sound quality.

Sound quality goes beyond just frequency response. A listener's experience and perception of sound quality hinge on a pair of wired earbuds' ability to craft an immersive sound stage and facilitate the visualization of instrument separation alongside vocals in what can otherwise become muddled in denser tracks. Our team discovered that the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X delivers a spacious and layered sound that is typically unexpected from earbuds compared to over-ear headphones. These earbuds provide a truly expansive and immersive listening experience, placing you at the center of a crisp sound stage.

The UliX Rider sound mix is largely balanced, natural, and uninfluenced. It does not favor any specific frequency range, making it suitable for a diverse array of music and a strong choice for those who prefer an unaltered sound. However, we occasionally found these buds lacking in the mids, where our expert ear Genaveve noted, “some vocals sound masked, as if there's some veiling occurring”.

The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X and Sennheiser IE 100 Pro both provide a slightly clearer and crisper sound balance across the entire frequency spectrum, leading to enhanced vocal clarity and instrumental precision in the songs our experts evaluated. Additionally, both pairs of Linsoul earbuds tested by our team produced a fun, sculpted sound that was less neutral than either the UliX Rider 3.5mm or the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro.

The Linsoul KZ ZS 10 Pro offers a sculpted sound mix that emphasizes lower frequencies, resulting in a soundstage with a strong bass presence that has a notable thump without sounding muddy. It features warm mids, unsculpted highs, and a focus on bass that enhances the drama and enjoyment of bass-heavy tracks, though it can overshadow the highs in vocal and treble-driven pieces. The Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro provides a punchier and more powerful bass line compared to the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, which generally offers a more nuanced and layered sound. The KZ ZSN Pro X impresses with its ability to create space and atmosphere, allowing the highs to shine through the mix, and while its profile feels tuned, it maintains a balanced presentation. In contrast, the KZ ZS10 Pro offers a dramatic mix that rarely feels realistic, but can provide an exhilarating experience for those who prefer a thumping bass in center stage.

Many of the wired models we tested provide better gain than their wireless Bluetooth counterparts, likely because they don't experience the data loss inherent in wireless data transmissions. In no specific order, the UliX Rider - 3.5mm, Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, Moondrop Blessing 3, and Sennheiser IE 100 Pro all delivered great clarity as we cranked up the volume, while the Apple EarPods - USB-C surprised us with their inability to really increase the volume.

The JBL Endurance Run 2 and the Shure SE215 PRO also performed well as we increased the volume, but the JBLs lost some detail, and the highs became a bit pitchy as the gain went up. While the Shure's did slightly better, there is some distortion our team observed in the highs and lows, and we also experienced a buildup of ear pressure.

User Experience

Sound quality hardly matters if you cannot achieve a comfortable fit or use your wired earbuds for more than a short length of time. We primarily evaluated comfort, stability, and build quality and details, which included cable length, inline controls, and materials.

User Experience

Product	Comfort	Stability	Cable Build
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro	9	9.0	7.0
Shure SE215 PRO	6.8	9.5	8.5
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro	7	8.5	7.0
Moondrop Blessing 3	5	9.0	8.0
Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X	7	6.0	6.5
UliX Rider - 3.5mm	8	4.5	6.0
JBL Endurance Run 2	8	5.5	5.0
Apple EarPods - USB-C	4	3.0	8.0
Panasonic ErgoFit	8	4.0	3.0

Three models stood out from the rest for the positive user experience they offered our testers. The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro comes with four sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Once properly fitted, the memory wire ear hooks keep them securely in place. The feedback from the wire rubbing on clothing is minimal, and the wire is not prone to tangling.

The Shure SE215 PRO also offers a comfortable and secure fit, with multiple foam and silicone ear tips, and once in place, memory wire will also lock these in place. Feedback from wire rub is similar to the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, and only slight, although we found the wires to be slightly more tangle prone.

Shure SE215 PRO Panasonic ErgoFit

The Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro and the UliX Rider provided nearly as great a user experience as the top models, offering more than satisfactory levels of comfort and a mostly secure fit. While the UliX Rider features slightly more comfortable ear tips than the ZS10 Pros, the Pros provide greater stability and a cord that is less prone to tangling.

The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, Moondrop Blessing 3, and JBL Endurance Run 2 performed very similarly in this metric. However, the JBLs produced more microphonics from wire rubbing compared to the other similar models.

Despite the name, the Panasonic ErgoFit was among our least favorite wired earbuds in terms of user experience. We generally don't criticize a product for not performing well in a specific test metric, but the name is a misnomer and warrants mention. While the ear tips were comfortable compared to other leading models, they often did not stay in place during movement, and we found the cables tended to tangle easily. However, the low price and the nearly miniature ear tips make these an attractive option for a child's first earbuds. Otherwise, we recommend spending a few extra dollars to choose a different pair.

Passive Noise Isolation

What is passive noise isolation and what can it do?

Passive noise isolation is the ability, through design, material choices, and construction, to block external sounds, through isolation and dampening. It involves everything from the texture of wires and mitigating their sound-generating effects, microphonics, when rubbing over clothing or other objects, to one of the most critical components: ear tip material and fit. Some wired earbuds can achieve a high level of external noise reduction, effectively blocking out a surprising amount of external sounds, particularly mid and high frequencies, up to 43.6 decibels. The result is a more immersive listening experience with fewer distractions.

What it is not. Passive noise isolation is not active noise cancelling technology that generates destructive frequencies to neutralize sound waves with opposing sound waves. While active noise cancelling is effective at suppressing the sound of your environment, it is typically more expensive, and makes listening devices significantly more complicated.

The Shure SE215 PRO surpassed all other models we tested with its ability to let you escape the world for a while, and immerse yourself in work, or a music listening session. The Shures include three sizes of comfortable foam and silicone ear tips, ensuring that listeners with any size ear will benefit from strong passive noise isolation. Whether good or bad, you won't hear when your coworker enters your office.

Through our combined analytical testing and personal experience with these earbuds, we found that both the materials used in their construction and how well they fit in your ears significantly impact their ability to isolate, dampen, and deaden external sounds. Although we found earbuds with both silicone and foam tips that could reduce the clamor of the outside world, the silicone tips were not as effective at deadening or blocking sound compared to the foam tips.

The Shure SE215 PRO excels in noise isolation, provides comfortable foam tips, and our whole team generally found that they deliver a secure fit. Meanwhile, the runner-up for noise cancellation, the Moondrop Blessing 3, ensures a solid in-ear seal, offers six included silicone tip sizes to accommodate a wide range of ear sizes, and, once fitted properly, provides a very secure fit.

Noise Cancelling Performance by Frequency Range

Product	Lows	Mids	Highs
Shure SE215 PRO	6.5	7.7	8.5
Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X	6.4	7.9	6.3
Moondrop Blessing 3	5.1	8.5	6.9
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro	6.0	7.8	5.9
JBL Endurance Run 2	4.3	7.5	6.3
Panasonic ErgoFit	4.7	6.6	5.6
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro	3.6	7.0	6.1
Apple EarPods - USB-C	2.0	2.1	2.3
UliX Rider - 3.5mm	2.1	2.0	2.0

The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X performed almost as well as the Moondrop Blessing 3 in our noise isolation tests. They won't make the world disappear like the Shure SE215 PROs do, but they are a quarter of the price and provide a better listening experience, along with solid noise isolation.

Call Quality

More than half of the wired earbuds our team tested are perfectly suitable for handling phone calls, but a few stood out as top options.

The iconic and time-tested Apple EarPods - USB-C may not compare favorably to the leading wired models in various other testing metrics, but they excelled in our call quality evaluation, providing clear sound and crisp voices with minimal background noise.

The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X also did an excellent job of passively blocking external noise during phone calls, in addition to crisply replicating both male and female voices. Both the UliX Rider - 3.5mm and JBL Endurance Run 2 offer clear voices, but we did notice more background noise and grain with both models than there was with either the Apple EarPods - USB-C or the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro Xs.

You'll want to avoid a few microphone-free models if you expect to take calls. They are the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, Shure SE215 PRO, Moondrop Blessing 3, and Panasonic ErgoFit. These models were better suited for use as an alternative to the typical over-ear studio monitor headset, blocking exterior noise, as a backup pair to throw in a laptop case, or strictly for listening to media.

How to Choose the Best Wired Earbuds

When buying wireless earbuds, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, is a wired pair right for you? While they are usually more expensive, wireless earbuds may provide benefits in terms of freedom and comfort worth considering. Check out our comprehensive review of the best earbuds, where you can compare dozens of wired and wireless options, including a couple of wireless models that cost just a bit more than our top wired picks and less than studio monitor-style earbuds.

Comfort & UX

Beyond the choice between wired or wireless, consider how long you'll be using your earbuds and whether the pair you're interested in can offer the right fit and comfort for your needs. Our reviews of earbuds include a user experience score that evaluates comfort, fit, and usability. Be sure to check those scores along with our top recommendations to avoid ending up with an uncomfortable pair or experiencing buyer's remorse.

Sound Quality

Several factors determine earbud sound quality, but two factors significantly impact your listening experience. The first is frequency response, which indicates how well earbuds reproduce various sound frequencies. A quality pair should provide balanced coverage across the entire spectrum of audible sound. This encompasses deep bass frequencies of 20-250 Hz, a rich midrange of 250-2,000 Hz, and bright highs in the 2,000-20,000 Hz range. An uneven frequency response can lead to muddy bass, harsh treble, or midrange frequencies that make vocals sound distant and underwhelming.

Many manufacturers design earbuds based on the target frequency response they believe their customers will enjoy, which allows them to use specific hardware that may compromise music requiring a different or less common frequency response. In contrast, the best earbuds deliver a crisper response across the entire audible spectrum, offering an expansive and immersive listening experience that is layered and detailed throughout.

Secondly, gain factors into sound quality significantly. Given the more simplistic hardware requirements and hard-wired data connection of wired earbuds, there is far less data loss than there is with wireless data transmission. The typical end result is that a wired model can generally replicate sound better as the gain is turned up. A good comparison would be the difference between listening to a vinyl record and an mp3 that has suffered data loss through compression so that it can be bootlegged more rapidly, moved around the internet, and then played back. Most experts would agree that the vinyl experience is far superior.

Examine the sound quality scores of each model we tested to ensure that the one you choose best suits your listening needs and preferences. Some models may provide a more sculpted or colorful sound, while others offer a more neutral sound mix.

Connection Type

Most wired earbuds use either a 3.5 mm jack or a USB-C connector. While USB-C is the more modern connection type, both options are widely supported and well-established in the audio world. Inexpensive adapters are available to connect a 3.5 mm jack to a USB-C device, and vice versa. Wired earbuds lack the cable-free versatility and freedom of wireless models and therefore do not require a Bluetooth connection. A wired solution, whether it utilizes a 3.5 mm jack or a USB-C connector, generally provides the previously mentioned benefit of cleaner gain.

This amplification, or 'gain', is considerably cleaner, likely due to the direct transmission of an audio signal. In contrast, a wireless connection like Bluetooth can experience packet data loss, which may create noise and ultimately negatively impact sound quality, particularly as volume increases. The size of wired earbuds can also be smaller since they do not need to accommodate a battery; alternatively, they can use the same space for larger drivers or even multiple drivers, producing a rich sound that's difficult to achieve within the limitations of a wireless design.

Conclusion

The cost of wired earbuds varies widely, with more common models priced around twenty dollars that perform quite well and are perfect for throwing in a laptop case, traveling, and taking phone calls. Studio monitor-style earbuds are designed without a microphone to reduce potential distortion and ensure unblemished sound. Their price can range from one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars or more, and based on our testing, they are not always worth the higher cost. The best wired earbuds strike a balance between affordability and high-quality sound.