In-ear headphones offer great sound in a small and convenient package
In ear headphones (also called in-ear monitors, IEM, earphones, ear canal headphones, and canalphones) are small earphones that fit into and 'seal' the ear canal, much like standard earplugs. These earphones can sound significantly better than traditional headphones or earbuds at the same price, and work well with any iPod or MP3 player (smartphone owners: please check our mic'd in-ear selection if wanting take calls too!). In ear headphones are also commonly used by pro performers to monitor sound mixes; this prevents possible feedback from stage monitors and isolates the artist from audience noise.
Some in-ear headphones fit quite deep into the ear canal (Etymotic, Shure) and thus provide the best isolation and reduction of ambient noise. Some fit shallower into the ear (DENON, Monster, Sony, Skullcandy) and provide less, but still solid noise-blocking. In-ear headphones help to ensure safe listening levels since they block ambient sounds so thoroughly you won't have to turn the music up loud just to overcome noisy environments. Most in-ears come with a variety of different sizes / types of eartip sleeves; it's important to experiment to find the tip that works best for you. To get solid bass from in-ear headphones it is CRITICAL that you have a securely tight eartip seal within your ear canal. Nearly all in-ear headphones are efficient enough to work well directly out of an iPod or portable player without necessitating a headphone amp. There are plug adapters available to convert basically any in ear headphone into a 'headset' for use with an iPhone or smartphone.
Some of our best low-cost in-ear headphones
Sennheiser CX300-II. At an also great price, the Denon AH-C360 has a warm and lovely smooth sound. Skullcandy makes tasty, styling in-ear headphones that are also very affordable; we particularly enjoy the Titans bumpin' but even sound. Monster brings big bass and eye-blinking impact with the affordable and tough-as-nails Jamz in-ear headphones, a really great audio value. The Etymotic MC5 and MC3 (w/mic) are very clean-sounding in-ears that fit deep into the ear to provide the best isolation of the in-ear 'phones mentioned thus far.
Some of our favorite high-end in-ear headphones
Audiology innovators Etymotic Research has long offered an outstanding line of in ear headphones and remain strong in the category with the well-priced HF5 and the audiophile-grade ER4P. Both are neutral-toned, precise and highly articulate headphones with the 4P providing a more refined sound and a hint more bass. Monster's Turbine Pro in-ears have garnered favorable reviews their pleasingly full and lively sound. Shure has become a world-leader in the in-ear headphone field with their signature detachable cables in the dual-driver SE425 and top-of-the-line SE535 which features 3 microdrivers with a warm, luscious and very inviting tone. Finally, Florida's awesome JH Audio offers an outstanding range of 100% custom, audiologist-molded in-ear headphones for those uber-serious about obtaining the best possible sound quality in a small, deep-isolating in-ear design.
There are many more excellent in-ear choices available at HeadRoom in every price range. We've listed even more of our top picks below, but here's our entire HUGE listing of in-ear headphones.
