10 Best Wired Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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.

These earbuds are built for comfort and fit, with an ergonomic low-profile design and optimized nozzle angle, ensuring they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. The over-the-ear design also helps in keeping the cables out of your way. Durability is another strong point, as Shure is known for its robust build quality, ensuring these earbuds can withstand daily use. Noise isolation is effectively handled through the sound-isolating design, which helps eliminate outside noise to provide an immersive audio experience.

It's worth noting that while the earbuds excel in sound and build quality, they lack an integrated microphone, which might be a drawback if you plan to use them for calls. Additionally, the cable length and type are standard with a 3.5mm jack, which means they are widely compatible but might not be ideal for users looking for USB-C or Lightning connectivity. The impedance is low at 9 ohms, making these earbuds easily driven by most devices, ensuring you get a powerful sound without needing an external amplifier. The Shure SE846 Pro Gen 2 Wired Earbuds are an excellent choice for audiophiles and professionals seeking high-fidelity sound and durable build quality but might not be the best fit if you prioritize having a built-in microphone for calls.

The Apple EarPods with USB-C plug offer a comfortable fit thanks to their unique design shaped to follow the ear's geometry, which many users find more pleasant than traditional round earbuds. Their 40 Ohm impedance works well with most devices, providing decent sound quality that maximizes audio output while reducing sound loss. These earbuds include a built-in microphone and remote control on the cable, making it easy to manage music, calls, and volume without reaching for your device. The USB-C connector ensures compatibility with newer Apple devices and many other gadgets with USB-C ports.

The cable is retractable, which helps reduce tangling and adds convenience, but there is no mention of water resistance, so they might not be the best choice for heavy workouts or wet conditions. While they offer good sound isolation, they might lack the deeper bass or advanced noise cancellation found in higher-end models. Also, the earbud design is fixed, so those who prefer in-ear silicone tips for a tighter seal might find them less secure or less isolating.

These EarPods represent a solid option if you want comfortable, reliable wired earbuds with easy device controls and clear call quality, especially if you use Apple devices with USB-C. For those prioritizing advanced sound features or water resistance, exploring other options could be beneficial.

The SENNHEISER In-Ear Audio Monitor (508940) is a strong contender in the wired earbuds category, especially for users focused on precision and sound quality. The innovative dynamic 10-mm broadband transducer ensures powerful and precise monitoring, making these earbuds ideal for musicians and audio professionals. The dynamic driver system also helps reduce acoustic stress factors, providing homogenous and distortion-free sound reproduction, which is excellent for long listening sessions or stage performances.

Comfort and fit are enhanced by the slim and ergonomic design, complete with flexible silicone and foam tips that allow for a secure and comfortable fit, preventing ear fatigue over extended use. Noise isolation is commendable due to the optimized earpiece, offering excellent shielding from external sounds, which could be beneficial in noisy environments or during recordings. The stage-proof cable with an internal cable duct adds to the durability, ensuring the earbuds can withstand frequent use and movement.

The cable is detachable, which might be a point of concern for some users who prefer a fixed connection for reliability. The earbuds come with a 3.5 mm jack, making them compatible with most devices, although the impedance is not specified, potentially affecting performance with different audio sources. Given its focus on accurate sound reproduction and comfort, this product is best suited for musicians, audio engineers, and serious audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and durability.