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Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Best Full Size Headphones To Buy In 2017 – Expert Reviews

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Steve

Best Full Size Over-Ear Headphones 2017

We’ve have some of the best full size hi-fi headphones from under £100 to over £1000 from 2017. The reviews are designed to help you choose from the massive selection of hi-fi and audiophile headphones available with open back and closed back designs. From established brands like Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser, to new creative brands like MrSpeakers and Audeze.

Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite full size open back and closed back headphones.

Shop: Visit our Full Size Headphones Store

Best Full Size Headphones Under £50

Edifier H840

The closed-back Edifier H840 has audio quality which belies its entry-level price. Low-cost headphones can emphasise the bass a little too much but the Edifier H840 has a good balance throughout the frequency range, with midrange and treble coming through with impressive clarity. Bass is there too, and prominent enough to give a bit of weight to those basslines without stealing the show.

Build quality is also impressive for headphones at this price; they are quite rugged, but light and comfortable as well.

They can be used either in the home or as a portable model, since the closed-back design offers good isolation from exterior sounds and the H840 can be powered sufficiently by a phone, or a portable music player.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

If you’re on a budget, there is no need to compromise on sound quality. For the asking price, the Edifier H840 represents amazing value.

Best Full Size Headphones Under £150

Sennheiser HD461G (Android) or HD461i (Apple)

Sennheiser’s HD461 models come in two flavours, depending on whether you have an Apple handset (with a headphone socket!) or an Android handset. Designed primarily for portable use, the HD461 models can also be used with home equipment as they will still work in standard 3.5mm stereo sockets.

Also, the cables are available separately as spares, so if you change your phone from one type to the other, you only need to get the appropriate cable for full functionality with your new handset.

The design is light and comfortable with a sound akin to what Sennheiser generally prefers; a warm comfortable sound with enough sparkle at the treble end to keep things interesting and vibrant, but without any danger of listener fatigue. The HD461 design hsa a little bit of extra bass than usual however, so if you’re a bass fan then these are worth a try.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

For a bassy accompaniment at home or on the move, the HD461i (or HD461G) will give full functionality with your handset, whether Apple of Android. With spare cables available too, there is no need to change your headphones if you change your phone (iPhone 7 notwithstanding!).

SoundMAGIC HP151

The new HP151 from SoundMAGIC is perfect for those who want to treat themselves to some excellent sound and build quality, but without breaking the bank. The HP151 comes with a sturdy carry case and an extension cable for more options if listening at home, but is otherwise suitable for portable use, being of a closed-back design. Be aware however that whilst the HP151 will work well with commercial genres, classical or similar may require more amplification than a phone/handset can provide on its own, as those music types generally have quieter recordings, with less dynamic compression applied during production.

The HP151 sound has a good amount of well controlled bass from its 53mm drivers, and midrange/treble are clear and present. It’s a comfortable sound, and it is not likely that listener fatigue will set in.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The HP151 is a fantastic all-rounder, with a bassy yet crisp sound. It has a spacious and wide presentation considering the closed back design, and it looks really good too!

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC HP151 Full Review

Best Full Size Headphones Under £350

Final Sonorous III

Final makes some excellent-sounding headphones with great build quality too. Their closed-back Sonorous range encompasses many models, but the Sonorous III is a point of interest as it gives some amazing sound quality for the price. With slightly boosted bass and treble, the Sonorous III gives a little added shine to your tracks without going overboard. The low impedance of this design makes it suitable for using with a portable device or phone, for enjoying your collection in the home, or out and about.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The Sonorous III is a favourite here for its relaxed, natural sound. However the Sonorous II is also noteworthy as a more neutral version, giving a more faithful rendition of your recordings and particularly suitable for classical and acoustic performances.

Best Full Size Headphones Under £800

Now we start to enter the price range of diminishing returns; for instance, headphones costing £800 will not sound twice as good as those costing £400, but if you are intent on raising your headphones game, these smaller improvements are still worthwhile to make your music collection come alive again.

Beyerdynamic Amiron Home

Beyerdynamic has impressed us for many years and continues to do so with new models such as the Amiron Home. With sterling build quality and sound quality alike, the open-back Amiron Home does everything well. All frequencies are very well balanced with each other, with treble a little gentler than quite a few of Beyerdynamic’s previous models.

So the sound is natural and smooth; ideal for relaxing at home (where else?), and quite suitable for any music genres that can be thrown at it.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The Beyerdynamic Amiron Home is a real treat to use, and is as comfortable to wear as it is to listen to.

MrSpeakers Aeon

A relatively new maker, MrSpeakers has certainly caused a stir with their line of planar-magnetic models recently. Not least with the Aeon, a lightweight design which hits heavy with some excellent sound quality. The design lends itself well to portable uses, although additional amplification may be required if using with a phone.

The sound is fairly well balanced with a little extra bass and lovely clear midrange and treble. The Aeon is well suited for all genres, but a real treat with anything likely to get you moving!

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

If your portable audio game needs updating, the MrSpeakers Aeon is one to look at, although the Aeon is equally enjoyable if you like to stay put.

READ MORE: MrSpeakers Aeon Full Review

Best Full Size Headphones Under £1000

Focal Elear

Focal’s recent additions to their lineup show a slight move away from the generally brighter sound of their previous models, to a gentler more laid-back sound which nevertheless gives detail in spades. The Elear is an exquisitely comfortable model to wear also, and gives the impression of the venerable HD650 but with a little bit of extra treble presence.

The Elear is not a light model at 434g, so this may be worth bearing in mind but the sound is very pleasing indeed.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

French company Focal has produced a real hit with the Elear, and it is easy to understand how; they’re great fun!

READ MORE: Focal Elear Full Review

Pioneer SE-Monitor5

Pioneer’s new SE-Monitor5 is where headphones start to get sumptuous and luxurious! Build quality is like an executive car, and the plush padding is much the same. The SE-Monitor5 may be a little heavy for some at 480g but they are made for relaxing at home and swallow up the sides of the head with their huge earcups.

The sound is as you would expect from Pioneer at this price, with well-controlled bass doing just what it needs to according to the music genre being enjoyed. Higher frequencies follow suit and remain faithful to the music, only to add a little bit of extra excitement and glamour to proceedings, whilst staying very relaxing.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The SE-Monitor5 is incredibly comfortable and bound to please anyone who gives them a listen.

READ MORE: Pioneer SE-Monitor5 Full Review

Best Full Size Headphones Over £1000!

If you have got bored of circling Switzerland in your yacht then you’re probably lost, but you may be wealthy enough to consider the following models for your floating games room! These higher priced models may seem as steep as a black route ski slope, but those who accept no compromise will find the following offerings very interesting.

Sennheiser HD800S

Sennheiser is no stranger to premium headphones, and has followed up on the excellent HD800, released a few years ago. Some felt that the HD800 is incredibly detailed but at the cost of a certain amount of musicality, so Sennheiser now has the HD800S which offers a little more in the way of ‘soul’. Bass is very responsive to what different music genres need without overdoing things, and midrange/treble give some excellent soundstage and imaging with a slightly gentler presentation when compared to the older HD800.

The HD800S is however just as comfortable as its older brother the HD800; these models can be worn for hours on end with no trouble.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The HD800S is a very popular model and with good reason; it’s as enjoyable as it is comfortable and has a fair amount of visual impact as well.

READ MORE: Sennheiser HD800S Full Review

Audeze LCD-4

Audeze has plenty of models, but at the top of the range we have the planar-magnetic LCD-4. Top notch build quality is to be expected at this price, including unique drivers which feature NASA technology in their nano-scale diaphragms. These light, thin diaphragms can move very quickly with no inertia, making transient response times very fast, and bass precise with nice extension and very good control.

Made from 30 year old Macassar wood, the earcups are set off by bright silver grilles making the LCD-4 a treat to look at as well as to listen to. As well as the excellent bass, midrange and treble follow in good order with a smooth transition between, but with perhaps a slightly recessed midrange, putting bass and treble at the forefront of the presentation.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

For the last word in headphones, this may need to be your first stop!

Best On Ear Headphones To Buy in 2017 – Expert Reviews

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Oscar

Best On Ear Headphones 2017

Looking for a new pair of on-ear headphones? We’ve collected the best on ear, open back, closed back and portable headphones to buy in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our on-ear headphones store

Read More: Best In Ear Headphone Buying Guide

Best On Ear Headphones under £50

SoundMAGIC P22C

SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category – the brand is a natural at making low cost headphones which sound much pricier.

The P22C model is a lightweight portable with a flat tangle-free cable and good isolation. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case. The P22C included a microphone for phone usage and the remote is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

Sound is impressive for this price point, with plenty of detail and a good kick to the bass without overpowering the mid range.

Engaging and fun-sounding, the P22C will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.

Edifier P650

The Edifier P650 is a smartphone friendly, easy to carry portable headphone that punch above their weight and price.

Offering a well balanced sound with a little added kick down low, the midrange is clean and detailed and the treble isn’t far behind. The bass does not have the most sub-bass rumble but for a quick and easy to use, on the go headphone they offer great sound.

What impresses most is their ability to portray the whole frequency range in a well controlled and balanced manner, too many budget headphones overload you with muddy bass, yet these offer plenty of detail but are also easy to listen to; a no brainer at this price point.

Koss PortaPro

The simple design and great sound keeps them viable while the open-back design, whilst not being the best for isolation of course, is perfect for those who wish to be aware of what’s going on around them such as joggers, and muggers.

The sound is generally well balanced between bass and treble, although the midrange can seem a bit distant and mushy. Bass is perhaps a bit on the heavy side, but it will definitely satisfy those who want a bassy sound. The Koss Porta Pro Classics offer a warmish sound overall.

Be aware though that their open-back nature means that they will be of limited use in noisy environments.

READ MORE: Koss PortaPro Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £150

B&W P3 Series 2

B&W have a long history of making excellent hifi products, and this has trickled down into their headphones.

The P3 are superbly built with an elegant and sophisticated look, the P3 really do impress. Lucikly they are not all about the look either, as the P3 offer a smooth and effortless sound that is akin to their house speaker sound. Offering excellent full bodied bass response with a non fatiguing and slightly sweet midrange and treble.

Comfortable, well built with a smooth and pleasing sound signature, the P3 are perfect for on-the-go use.

Sennheiser HD25-1 II

The HD25-1 II are one of the most well known on-ear headphones, this is partly due to their popularity as a DJ headphone. Used by DJ’s and sound engineers globally the HD25-1 II are a rugged portable headphone that will last for years.

Offering an immediate and aggressive sound they won’t give you a wide soundstage but will give you an engaging and detailed signature. The bass is tight and digs deep with excellent control and presence, the midrange is smooth yet very detailed and the treble has good extension and is very well placed in the mix.

If you are looking for a smooth laid back sound, the B&W are probably a better choice, but if you want a fun, upfront and engaging listen the HD25-1 II is for you. All parts are easily replaceable too, should anything ever break.

Grado SR80e

The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.

These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound.

At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.

READ MORE: Grado SR80e Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £250

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0i

The Momentum series are hugely popular with on the go commuters, and for good reason. Offering stylish looks, a comfortable fit and a smooth easy to listen to sound.

Built to last with replaceable parts, the Momentum has slightly retro looks and comes in an array of colours. With playback controls on the cable you no longer have to take your phone out of your pocket. The sound is dynamic and punchy, offrering a slightly bass driven sound without sacrificing the midrange and treble. Engaging and fun are the best word to sum up the Momentum 2.0i.

Good looks and great sound, it is easy to see why the Momentum 2.0i is so popular with commuters. For Android users there is also the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0G.

Beyerdynamic T51i

The T51i have been around for a while now and are still excellent on-the-go headphones. They have a sturdy and sophisticated look, and offer a well balanced and detailed sound.

The T51i again tilts towards an easier to listen to sound, with a slight bass boost that gives the whole sound a little added body. There is sufficient detail across the range to keep them from sounding boring and what comes to mind when you put the T51i on is refinement.

With excellent build, comfy fit and refined sound the T51i has a lot to offer.

READ MORE: Beyerdynamic T51i Full Review

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2

Leather earpads and a metal headband, the P5 Series 2 screams quality and luxury. The earpads are soft lambskin leather with memory foam inside, like cushions against your ears.

Like the P3 the P5 Series 2 has the typical B&W house sound, which is smooth and effortless. Offering a well balanced but slightly rich sound with superb separation and articulation, from highs to lows these sound very refined and grown up.

The P5 Series 1 look stunning, have replaceable cables and a smooth effortless sound, what is not to like?

Best On Ear Headphones Over £250

Audeze Sine

Built from leather and metal, the Audeze Sine are built to last and also come with detachable cables. Using planar magnetic drivers they take a little more power than most phones can output, so they are best used with a high quality music player.

Give them a good source and the Sine in return give you excellent audio with snappy dynamics that can keep up with the most demanding of music. The bass is full yet superbly controlled, the midrange is where these excel not allowing the lows to affect them. Guitars have excellent power, and vocals come across with plenty of detail. The highs are present and well defined, but never become too hot and harsh.

The Sine are a mighty fine sounding on-ear headphone when driven well, and give you a full and detailed sound all

Best in-ear headphones to buy in 2016 – Expert Reviews

Posted on December 31, 2015 by John

Best In Ear Headphones Of 2016

Our audio gurus have collected the best in0-ear headphones from under £50 to over £500 in 2016 and reviewed them all to help you choose. From established brands like Shure, RHA and Sennheiser, to new kids on the block like DUNU and FIDUE and DITA, below you can check out our best rated headphones from the year so far.

Scroll down for reviews of our favourite in-ear headphones this year so far.

Shop: Visit our in-ear earphones store

More Info: Best full size headphones of 2015

— Scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the video

Best In Ear Headphones Under £50

First in this year’s line-up is the Dunu Detonator, perhaps to reflect the explosion of interest in earphones..

They’re bassy, with a clear midrange and warm treble where perhaps some detail is exchanged for a vibrant sound and a low price. They come with a microphone for taking those important calls, and will suit anyone who is new to earphones other than the generic ones you receive with your new phone.

Being good all-rounders, there is ample scope for the SoundMAGIC E50 to be enjoyed with all genres but the relatively flat response or neutrality of the E50 makes it a perfect earphone for vocals; particularly when accompanied by backing vocals. Percussion gets a nice lift also, as does any distortion effect.

Our full review can be found here: SoundMAGIC E50S In Ear Headphone Review

The A65 gives the impression of a long-lasting earphone which will be a solid performer for a good long while. As for their sound, rock music should be mentioned first as the exceptional midrange is perfect for guitars and vocals. Pop, dance and hip-hop are also well served, with an expansive bass and good detail without any danger of sibilance to get in the way.

Our full review can be found here: Fidue A65 In Ear Headphone

Best In Ear Headphones Under £100

Shure’s SE215 is the oldest design in our line-up, being released in early 2011. However it’s still popular, which means it hits the spot with a great many earphones fans. Styled for on-stage performers, the cable goes over the top, and down the back of the ears. Bass is plentiful and powerful, with midrange and treble more laid back; but still a very fun-sounding model.

Fidue’s new A73 shows that IEMs under £100 are facing challenges unthought of until recent times – there’s fierce competition within the fertile £50 – £100 section of the market and it’s getting better all the time.

The Fidue A73 can do it all, however dance genres can be enhanced very well with the tremendous bass response. Also rap music and pop for the same reasons. Older pop also does very well on the A73 with the clear midrange offering a crisp presentation of tracks which are 50 years old, further enhanced by the clear reproduction of reverb equipment and compressors which were used back in the day.

Our full review can be found here: Fidue A73 In Ear Headphone Review

Best In Ear Headphones Under £200

These great Bluetooth in-ears will give wire-free piece of mind for those with boundless energy. Designed to stay in the ear with the help of supplied ear fins, they should remain in place during the most strenuous workouts. The sound is well implemented with a well controlled impactful bass, a midrange which is present and clear and a treble which is detailed but smooth so your ears don’t get fatigued along with you!

If you fancy a glint in your ear as well as your eye, the T20 from Glasgow-based RHA has a lot to offer. Both the build quality and the sound are solid. The T20 was tried with a varied range of genres and does well with them all. They are as good with dance as they are with rock music with a good balance between bass presence and midrange action. Soundstage and separation prowess also lets genres such as jazz and classical shine. The T20 is a worthy successor to the T10, with several sonic improvements.

Our full review can be found here: RHA T20 In Ear Headphone Review

Best In Ear Headphones Over £300

Soundstage and separation are as good as I’ve heard from a BA in-ear model, and the added clarity in the AF180 makes the space portrayed in the music very lifelike. Bass is just right in terms of power and placement – sub bass is present and gives just enough without threatening to take over. Mids are sharp and edgy but not breaking into a sweat, there is an air of effortlessness here. Detail is brought out and reverb decays can be followed right to the end, clearly heard within the mix.

Another of our favourite models, Dita’s ‘The Answer’ doesn’t wait for any questions, and gets straight on with providing some truly immersive sounds. Bass is rich and weighty, with an astonishing midrange. Treble is smooth but with clear and crisp detail, making for a wide soundstage with fantastic imaging.

Unlike the more neutral Final Audio Heaven VII, the Heaven VIII is tuned with a richer and more vibrant frequency response for a lusher sound. Like all of the Heaven range, there’s virtually no stridence or discomfort for sensitive ears, but detail is reproduced with no compromise. Bass is fully represented (thanks to Final Audio’s ‘BAM’ technology) without getting too big for its boots, midrange is crystal clear and uncluttered, with treble as smooth as silk, yet superbly detailed.

Our full review can be found here: Final Heaven VIII In Ear Headphone Review

John from the sales team gives you a visual rundown of our top 10 best in ear headphones 2016:

Best headphones for bass to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

Posted on February 13, 2015 by John

Best Headphones For Bass

Are you looking for headphones with powerful bass? Would you consider yourself a bit of a basshead? Thanks to headphones with emphasised bass like Beats by Dre we’ve noticed that a popular requirement for new headphones is big bass.

Often powerful bass response in headphones comes at the cost of clarity, so we’ve reviewed some models that handle strong bass – well defined, big, punchy bass! With this in mind we’ve compiled a list of our 10 best headphones for bass from the selection that we often recommend to our customers.

The list is in price order (low to high) so there is something for everybody with in-ear headphones and earphones, full size, portable and IEMs all covered.

Scroll down and read our expert reviews of the best bass headphones available in the UK.

Best headphones or bass under £50

1. DUNU DN-22M Detonator

This entry level in-ear is the bassiest we have heard! Not only do they have big bass, top end clarity and build quality is great for a sub-£40 earphone.

2. FOSTEX TH-5BB

Fostex have been in the audio business for a long time, and it shows with their entry level headphone. For under £50 you will struggle to find a full size headphone with as much good quality bass and build.

Best headphones or bass under £100

3. SOUNDMAGIC P30S

If in-ears aren’t for you then the P30S is the best for the price. Portable, comfortable, great isolation and most importantly – they’ve got that bass!

4. FIDUE A71

These dual driver IEM’s go low. Very low! They have a mini sub-woofer as well as a smaller dynamic driver inside each earpiece – supplying not only great bass but lots of detail too.

5. DUNU Titan 1

Our Full Review, including video unboxing

These beauties are one of our favourites! For under £100 you get extremely sturdy build quality, amazing sound – bass, detail, soundstage, separation and energy. They have it all.

Best headphones or bass under £200

6. RHA T10 / T10i

Built like a tank, the RHA T10 is built to last. They come supplied with a filter system which gives you 3 levels of sound – bass, bassier and blow your head off!

7. BEYERDYNAMIC Custom One Pro

Beyerdynamic are best known for their studio headphones – The Custom One Pro has studio build quality but can be used with portable devices. They have superb isolation and most importantly great sound! With the 3 bass port settings on each earcup you can customise your sound to suit your music.

Best headphones or bass over £200

8. AUDIOFLY AF140

The AF140 gives you three drivers inside each earphone housing – one 9mm dynamic driver for the low end power and two balanced armature drivers for crystal clear detail. The resulting sound has punchy bass and lots of energy.

9. PIONEER SE-MX9

Our Full Review,

These are real Beats beaters. Not only do they have lots of bass, it’s good quality bass. It goes as low as you like with no distortion. That’s not all – unlike their competitors they also have great detail and separation.

10. AUROSONICS ASG 1.5

Finally, the ASG-1.5 delivers a full-bodied, warm, organic sound with an incredible and articulate bass response that is captivating and powerful. Each housing holds a 14.2mm dynamic driver and the build quality is what you would expect and more from a high end IEM.

Best in-ear headphones to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Tony

Best In Ear Headphones Of 2015

Our audio gurus have collected the best in ear headphones from under £50 to over £500 in 2015 and reviewed them all to help you choose. From established brands like Shure and Sennheiser, to new kids on the block like DUNU and FIDUE, below you can check out our best rated headphones from the year so far.

Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite in-ear headphones this year so far.

Shop: Visit our in-ear earphones store

More Info: Best portable on-ear headphones review

Best In Ear Headphones Under £50

DUNU DN-12 Trident

We had to keep reminding ourselves that the DUNU DN-12 in-ears cost less than £50. The packaging is nicely finished and when you get inside you find a good quality leatherette bag, plenty of different eartips, a cable clip and even a Karabina belt clip.

The headphones themselves are extremely well built. The driver housing is made from titanium which feels great and has a good amount of weight. The cable feels tough and isn’t flimsy, this ends in a smartly designed angled jack connection – you even get a cable tidy designed by DUNU included

Bass is deep and punchy without being boomy, midrange is slightly recessed with high frequencies well balanced; there’s a slight roll-off for those who like a warmer sound signature.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Punchy with tight bass and crisp detail, the DUNU DN-12 looks and sounds incredible for the price. A real budget winner!

Our full review can be found here: DUNU DN-12 Trident In Ear Headphone Review

DUNU DN-12 Trident In-Ear Isolating Headphone Review – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/reviews/dunu-dn-12-trident-in-ear-isolating-earphones-review/#sthash.k4fb5q4C.dpuf

DUNU DN-12 Trident In Ear Isolating Earphones – Review – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/reviews/dunu-dn-12-trident-in-ear-isolating-earphones-review/#sthash.k4fb5q4C.dpuf

SoundMAGIC E10S

From the start it is hard to believe that the E10S is under £40. The packaging is smart and of a very high quality – once opened you find plenty of spare ear tips and an attractive hard case. Holding the earphones you can feel how well made they are and the innovative switch on the jack plug will let you set the earphones to work with any smartphone – you would not expect technology like this on such a modestly priced earphone.

The E10S comes with ‘Smart Switch’ (Hense the added S to the Model Number) making it compatible with all smartphones, the E10S incorporates this ingenious user adjustable switch enabling control of Apple as well as Android smartphones. Owners of multiple smartphones can easily swap between devices to control call answer and end functions without compromise, and to top it all it comes in a choice of colours.

For those who don’t need the microphone the SoundMAGIC E10 is also available without microphone for £10 less.

And for those with a little more to spend, consider the new SoundMAGIC E50. The E50 is a very similar design, but with improved driver (giving more detailed sound) and Comply tips supplied as standard.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

If you have £40 to spend on some new earphones then go for the SoundMAGIC E10 – if you need an in-line microphone then go for the E10S. Easy! These earphones are our default recommendation at this price point.

Our full review can be found here: SoundMAGIC E10S In Ear Headphone Review

Shure SE112

Shure’s addition to the sub £50 earphone range is very impressive. They are very well built with a tough cable and solid speaker housing. The sound rolls off slightly at the top which takes away any harsh frequencies and the bottom end has plenty of punch!

The Shure SE112 are a great alternative to the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 – especially if you prefer a mellower presentation.

For a more professional in-ear monitor design we also recommend the Shure SE215 – tight bass, crisp mids and great soundstage.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The Shure SE112 has punchy bass and smooth top end detail. They are very comfortable with great isolation and they are tougher than most. IF you ned a built in Mic you Shure have now produced the Shure SE 112M+ for all smartphone options.

Our full review can be found here: Shure SE112 In Ear Headphone Review

Best In Ear Headphones Under £100

Sennheiser Momentum In Ear

When it comes to the sound, the Momentum In-Ear compares well with its full-size Momentum sibling. Detail is high without sibilance or discomfort; harmonics are brought out for a very real sense of musicality.

Soundstage is surprisingly broad for an in-ear model and imaging is coherent and sharp. Overall, the sound is fairly typical of Sennheiser’s recent offerings; in terms of full size headphones at least. When compared to older lines such as the soon to be axed CX300, the sound is drastically improved and shows that this old dog still has some new tricks!

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Momentum in-ear – For the asking price, the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear is incredible value; giving great sound as well as swish styling and all in a very rugged and classy looking case.

Our full review can be found here: Sennheiser Momentum In Ear Headphone Review

DUNU Titan 1

This is a very special earphone that challenges the big brands with both finish and sound quality. We think the DUNU Titan 1 is arguably the best in ear headphone available under £100.

An ideal solution for fans of the wide sound of open-backed headphones, but who require more isolation. The bass is tight and solid, providing thumping drive when needed.

Soundstage is greatly enhanced by the innovative vented design. One theory is that the energy coming through the holes in the earphone housing (not through the eartip) is felt by the concha, or bowl of the ear. Just as in real life, when sound energy is focused by the ear into the ear canal, it creates a light sensation on that part of the ear which the Titan 1 design mimics with great success.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Yet another triumph from DUNU-Topsound. Bright crisp and clear with big bass. These shiny little IEMs are comfy as well as crisp and airy sounding, The finish and materials are high end making this earphone a solid choice for those looking for something special.

Our full review can be found here: DUNU TITAN 1 In Ear Headphone Review

Best In Ear Headphones Under £150

Final Audio Design Heaven IV

Heaven IV achieves the truest possible expression of live concert hall sound.With the incorporated balancing air movement mechanism the earphone body design has evolved into an uncomplicated, slender structure.

Final Audio Design’s special BAM (Balancing Air Movement) mechanism, optimises air movement inside the housing, has pushed the evolution of earphone body design to the next level with a simpler structure and slimmer body. The result is a balanced, natural sound that reduces unwanted sibilant high-frequency sounds.

The Heaven IV is handmade by Japanese sound engineers with a full-focus on ideal sound with no compromises.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Final Audio Design have managed to create an earphone that not only looks great, but sounds it too! You get a refined sound with clear and textured detail as well as deep, tight bass. The flat cable design has also been well thought through, it is very durable and eliminates tangles and microphonics.

Best In Ear Headphones Under £300

Fidue A83 Hybrid

Fidue is another of those makers who are peppering the market with all sorts of models at various pricepoints, and the A83 occupies their top spot just now. Despite sharing its name with a minor road up in Scotland, the Fidue A83 is warm, fast and hardly ever congested. The Fidue A83 can however bring you to ‘The Mull of Kintyre’ as well if you really want to go that far.

The left and right sides are denoted by the blue and red housings of the Fidue A83; they simply beg to be worn and seem to offer a fun experience just by looks alone. Supplied tips are what can be expected for a model in this price category; there’s a good range along with the nearly ubiquitous free Complyfoam tips and the accompanying carry case is a chunky ‘Pelican’ style along with a hard foam winder/storage insert that will certainly protect the earphones.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Great sound quality, superb cabling- this hybrid driver earphone has come from nowhere to capture the hearts of audiophile listeners in 2015.

Our full review can be found here: Fidue A83 Hybrid In Ear Review

Best In Ear Headphones Over £500

DITA Audio Truth Edition

Machined from solid aluminium, the capsules are designed to avoid adding their own colouration to the sound, and are weighted to lean into the ear for greater comfort and a better seal. They aren’t heavy but just weighty enough to let you know they mean business, and the cable is reassuringly stout.

The Answer Truth Edition is a dynamically driven IEM with a single 10mm driver; Dita Audio wanted to go for the simplest design in order to deliver the purest audio. Since balanced armature technology requires crossovers, multiple drivers and all the related gubbins, Dita went for the less complicated dynamic route. And why not? We’ve all been shown the power and finesse of the dynamic principle through Sennheiser’s excellent IE800s.

Soundstage and imaging are first class, and the use of a headphone amp can really add the cherry to the cake in terms of realism.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The Truth Edition is not cheap, but then the best things in life often aren’t, these are incredible earphones with a crazy over engineered cable. Aluminium monsters that are powerful yet precise.

Also available is the Dita Audio Answer IEM, using the same driver and housing as the Dita Truth Edition but with a simpler cable option.

Our full review can be found here: DITA Audio Truth Edition In Ear Headphone Review

Final Audio Design Heaven VIII

This is a very special earphone that pushes the boundaries of in-ear headphone design.

The FAD Heaven VIII is tuned with a rich and vibrant frequency response for a lusher sound. Like all of the Heaven range, there’s virtually no stridence or discomfort for sensitive ears, but detail is reproduced with no compromise.

Bass is fully represented (thanks to Final Audio’s ‘BAM’ technology) without getting too big for its boots; midrange is crystal clear and uncluttered, with treble as smooth as silk, yet superbly detailed.

A special effort is required to keep any dignity the wearer might want to hang on to; the temptation to start dancing is great with the Heaven VIII! Soundstage too is incredible; for IEMs, the Heaven VIII comes close to full-size headphones. Imaging and separation are razor sharp also, instruments leap out and reverb decays really give an idea of real space.

Also check out the Heaven VIII’s little brother the Heaven VII.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Final Audio has earned itself a fanbase the world over, thanks to the wonderful IEMs and full size headphones it produces; the Heaven VIII is a shining example (literally) of the sort of talent they have. Both stunning to look at and even prettier to hear, these handcrafted beauties are among the best earphones you will ever be able to buy.

Our full review can be found here: Final Audio Design VIII – Review

Sennheiser IE800

The IE800 are Sennheisers new flagship audiophile earphones. Featuring a linear-phase driver system that achieves distortion-free audio even at high sound pressure levels. Surely Sennheisers most innovative portable music solution, the IE800 meets the demands of portable audio with truly superb sound and comfort.

The extra wide band transducer system, with a diameter of just 7mm is the smallest wide-band driver system currently available in dynamic earphones. Innovative vent holes in the housing of the IE800 direct the air flow resulting in minimal distortion levels. Sennheiser’s revolutionary dampened two chamber absorbers eliminate the masking of low volume frequencies by absorbing the energy from the louder low-frequency sounds.
Build quality is amazing, scratch-resistant ceramic housing, stainless steel air vents and Kevlar coated audio cable, the IE800 is built to last. Two special meshes protect the IE800 against residue and contamination.

The package includes 5 pairs silicone eartips in different sizes, premium leather carrying case, a cleaning tool and instruction manual.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Brimming with ground-breaking technologies the IE800 are the ultimate IEM for bass lovers. Big warm and powerful sounding, beautifully engineered with an ergonomic and attractive design, these are very special IEMs.

John from the sales team gives you a visual rundown of our top 10 best in ear headphones of 2015:

10 Best Headphone Christmas Gifts 2014 – Under £250

Posted on November 28, 2014 by John

With Christmas coming, we thought it would be a good idea to suggest what we think are the best headphone gift ideas our site has to offer. Here is a rundown of our favourite headphones, earphones, portable players (DAP), amps and DAC’s that 2014 has to offer.

SoundMAGIC ES20 – £24.95

Coming in under £30, the ES20 punches well above its weight. The build quality is superb with braided cables and tough speaker housing. The sound quality will blow you away – fun and punchy with great detail!

Similar Items – Fidue A31s £19.99 | DUNU DN12 £29.99

Shure SE112 – £42.99

Shure are famous for their high end IEMs, but their lower priced earphones follow Shure’s high standards. The SE112’s build quality is very solid and comfortable. The sound is rich with plenty of power and smooth detail – these earphones will sound great with whatever you throw at them. There is also the Shure SE112M+ for those who will use them with a smartphone.

Similar Item – SoundMAGIC E10S £39.99

SoundMAGIC P30S – £69.99

SoundMAGIC’s new portable on ear, the P30S, not only sounds great but it can work with any smartphone out there – thanks to their compatibility switch you can manually set the headphones to work with your phone. The P30S is extremely comfortable and folds up nicely for easy storage. The sound is fun and punchy with plenty of detail and great bass!

Similar Items – Sennheiser PX100-IIi £44.95 | SoundMAGIC P21S £49

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear – £89.99

For the asking price, the Momentum In-Ear is incredible value; giving great sound as well as swish styling and all in a very rugged and classy looking case. They are available in versions compatible with Apple devices as well as Android, so you needn’t be cutting down your choice of handsets with the Momentum In-Ear.

Similar Items – Beyerdynamic MMX102iE £79.99 | RHA MA750i £89.95

FiiO X1 – £99.99

Now that high quality audio is becoming more commonly available, it is time to upgrade your music player. The FiiO X1 supports very high audio (up to 192kHz/24bit) and will play most formats (APE/AAC/FLAC/ALAC/WMA/WAV/MP3) – most devices like mobile phones and more basic players can’t handle the higher quality and different audio formats. There is enough power to drive some of the more demanding headphones and the sound is crystal clear and very well balanced. The X1 will hold one micro SD card – with this you can have up to 128GB of storage.