BEST EARPHONES UNDER £50

1. final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers – they give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

READ MORE: Final E500 In-Ear Headphones Review

2. SoundMAGIC E11/E11C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

With various SoundMAGIC models already available, what can the E11/E11C bring to the table? Well, Everything! We have found the E11 to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board.  A truly impressive earphone for the price and in 2024 it is still the wired budget king.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E11C In-Ear Headphone Review

3. SoundMAGIC E80D USB-C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

Modern technology requires modern solutions. No headphone jack on your new phone? The SoundMagic E80D has you covered. These earbuds deliver exceptional comfort and impressive passive noise isolation at a budget-friendly price. With a reliable USB-C connection, they provide seamless compatibility with modern devices. Lightweight and elegant, they’re perfect for long listening sessions, offering great value without compromising on audio clarity or design quality.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E80D

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £100

4. final VR2000 Virtual Reality In Ear Isolating Gaming Earphones – £59.99

The VR2000 builds on the immense success of their gaming earphone predecessor the VR3000, which is known for their overwhelming spatial expression. The VR2000 focuses on the rapid response and aims to make object sounds within game audio more noticeable. Many typical gaming earbuds and headphones emphasize an exaggerated sound quality, aiming to accentuate sound effects for a more dramatic experience for the user. But in competitive gaming such as arcade fighting (Tekken), FPS (Apex Legends), Third person shooters such as Fortnite or rhythm games sich as Osu! it’s no exaggeration to say that the player’s quick judgment in reacting to sound effects can largely influence the outcome of each round. The VR2000 is a set of professional-grade earbuds developed specifically for players who are serious about winning.

READ MORE: final VR2000 Gaming Earphones

5.1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table, something that currently is only usually found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

READ MORE: 1MORE AERO

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £200

6. final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones – £119.00

True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look abolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!

READ MORE: final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones Review

7. 1MORE Penta P50 – Five Hybrid Driver IEMs – £179.00

The Penta P50 offers a smooth, natural sound with standout bass texture and crisp treble, perfect for those who prefer a relaxed and fatigue-free listening experience. Its compact, comfortable design adds to the appeal, making it a strong choice for audiophiles seeking balanced tuning.

READ MORE: 1MORE Penta P50

8. Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

READ MORE: Final ZE8000 MK2

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £500

9. Westone Audio AM Pro X20 Professional Earphones – £400.00

Stage musicians rejoice! Musicans of the past were limited to selecting either an isolated in-ear monitor mix or an immersive wedge based experience for monitoring. With the Am Pro X20 you can now enjoy both the energy and input from the audience, as well as from other performers and the stage. With Westone Audio’s exclusive StageSense Ambient Technology you are in total control of your musical environment. You can enjoy full-range frequency response from your in-ear monitor signal, hear and feel your surroundings and engage with fellow performers and your audience like never before. The AM Pro X series is a recommended universal solution for on-stage monitoring and band practice.

READ MORE: Westone Audio AM Pro X20

10. Final A5000 – £259.00

Final’s new addition to the “A” series, The A5000 is a wired IEM that punches far above it’s price in terms of sound quality. Style aside, the bass is powerful and tight, the mids and the highs fabulous. Final have proven time and time again that you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality earphone. For anyone looking to upgrade their gear on a budget, look no further. Final Magic for £259.00? Yes please.

READ MORE: Final A5000

BEST EARPHONES OVER £1000

11. 64 Audio U4s -£1,099.00

The U4s is 64 Audio’s new, blue & cheapest UIEM coming in at £1099.00. The hybrid construction delivers a richer and deeper sub-bass then their next cheapest universal model the U6t (which is made up from a full BA driver set up) thanks to the dynamic driver under its hood. The U4s comes with 64 Audio’s all new M12 Apex module, meaning you essentially get four different sound signatures out of the box. You are after an open sound with as wide an image as possible? Then slot in the MX or the M12. Want more bass? Say hello to the M20 or M15. The versatility of these is great and the energetic sound from the U4s will keep your attention for years to come.

READ MORE: 64 Audio U4s

12. final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1999

With the A8000, final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.

READ MORE: final A8000 Custom-Driver Audiophile Earphones Review

13. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of which is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a True Isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away. It is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Honourble mentions to the, Fourté , LCD i3, OV800, and many more out there! What is your favourite? Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Best In-Ear Headphones For 2017

Looking for a new pair of in-ear headphones?  We’ve collected the best earphones and earbuds available in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our in-ear earphones store

Read More: Best Full Size Headphone Buying Guide

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50

Edifier P281 Sport

Sleek sporty look with a perfect fit, the P281 Sport are some new budget kings on the block. Coming in at £24.99 they are a huge step up to any headphones that come with a phone.

Offering a well balanced sound with good kick down low, they offer an engaging and fun listening experience when out and about, yet still allow plenty of detail to be heard. From top to bottom there are not real peaks or dips, they have a smooth and easy to listen to sound. What is also great is the inclusion of a microphone and button for taking calls or skipping tracks.

SoundMAGIC E10C

What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £50? The E10C has the same superb build quality and sound signature as the E10 but with the added function of a universal smartphone in-line microphone – need we say more?

The E10C has tight bass with plenty of weight – the mids are well defined and the top end sparkles. These earphones are perfect for listening on the go as the sound is fun and they will sound great with whatever you throw at them.
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 E10C. Easy.

MEE Audio M6 Pro

If you are looking for a more detailed and neutral sound than the E10C, take a look at the MEE Audio M6 Pro. With it’s monitor like sound and styling, detachable cable and great looks, it is a steal for under £50.

Well the M6 Pro with Blackbird S20 foam tips may have become a new favourite for under £50. These really managed to have everything and sound very engaging, the highs do not disappoint with their presence and tone, the midrange is slightly up front and the mid bass has a mild boost, as a stage monitor I can see these being good and the sound would be easily tuneable with EQ.

For under £50 you won’t find this level of detail, clarity or separation from another in-ear headphone. Add to that brilliant build quality and you have a winner.

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £150

Oriveti Basic

Looking for a more bass oriented in-ear headphone with an upfront and engaging sound, yet without losing out on the finer details and comfort, you need the Oriveti Basic.

A 10mm titanium coated driver supplies an impressive amount of bass. Now I am not much of a bass head but after listening to these for a while I found myself really enjoying them.

They’re not audiophile and they won’t give you a reference sound but if you like your earphones to be fun and enjoyable with plenty of punch then these could be for you. The isolation and comfort is also really impressive and along with replaceable cables they are a great buy!

Oriveti are new on the scene and they certainly know how to make an entrance. The new Oriveti Basic earphone packs a punch and gives you plenty of features for its modest price tag.

READ MORE: Oriveti Basic Full Review

Westone UM Pro10

Looking for a in-ear headphone with quick snappy transients, whilst retaining a well balanced sound signature? Take a look at the New Westone UM Pro10, revised in 2017 to be even better and more comfortable.

Predictably, the balanced armature makes short work of replicating higher frequencies accurately, but the real interest is at the low end where single BA IEMs are concerned. Provided a decent seal can be achieved, the bass is in good balance with the rest of the presentation, although bassheads will be wanting more.

If you fancy the idea of a single balanced armature earphone, but don’t fancy the protruding capsules of the Etymotic designs then the UM Pro 10 is worth a close look. Sometimes the best designs are the simplest and I really think there is something to be said for single-driver IEMs. Makers may be able to tune the sound signature a little more with multiple drivers, but this risks muddying the sound with possible phase/imaging issues as the audio from these different drivers reaches our ears at different times.

In short – choose the simple life and get the UM Pro 10!

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £300

Oriveti New Primacy

One of our best sellers, the New Primacy has a well balanced sound signature with class leading separation and clarity.

The Oriveti New Primacy has a bit of a mid forward sound signature, with excellent clarity and air throughout the range, the bass digs deep and is very articulate, the mids have a habit of bringing out all the detail in recordings but not in an unpleasant way. The highs are airy and well extended, without fatiguing properties, overall a very comfortable and enjoyable listen. The New primacy manages to be a very coherent sounding hybrid design, with a very well textured and layered sound.

READ MORE: Oriveti New Primacy Full Review

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £600

Dunu DK-3001

Our top pick for under £500 is the Dunu DK-3001, with impressive technical capabilities that are really enjoyable to listen to as well. Punchy and clear sound with a wide soundstage, these are truly excellent.

The Dunu DK-3001 is a very well done hybrid IEM, the bass is dynamic and punchy, with excellent and realistic body. The midrange is well layered and very detailed, with a hint of smoothness to it. The highs are always present, yet not fatiguing. These work well with all genres, the bass is fun and energetic in EDM, and rock comes across with detail and layering. Jazz has a very natural tone, and they just take all genres in their stride, however their ability to control heavy metal is truly impressive.

READ MORE: Dunu DK-3001 Full Review

Audeze iSINE 20

If you don’t mind the open back design, the Audeze iSine20 will offer a listening experience more like a full size headphone than an in-ear model.

Offering an open sound with excellent punch the iSine20 offers a relaxing listening experience with slightly polite treble. Keeping in tone with their house sound the iSine20 offers good bass quantity with non-fatiguing treble and a natural tone. This is a very unique IEM that is well worth looking into if you want a more traditional headphone sound. The sound is slightly v-shaped; it’s a warmish, ‘fun’ tuning yet still retains excellent detail retrieval.

Best In-Ear Headphones Price No Object

Westone W80

The W80 are an incredible performer, with a very detailed, spacious yet smooth sound plus an added Alo Audio cable you are sure to be impressed. Fitting 8 BA drivers into this tiny housing is no easy task, yet Westone have done it without sacrificing anything at all.

Some of the most comfortable IEM’s available; the Westone W80 is a pleasure to use for long periods of time, especially with their non fatiguing sound. The bass has body and impact adding a little warmth to the overall sound, the midrange is smooth and non fatiguing, yet the finer details still shine thought. The treble is slightly relaxed but still retains a certain level of sparkle and extension; they are not analytical but still extract the finer details with ease. A very well balanced IEM, that is comfortable and easy to listen to.

Final FI-BA-SST35

The FI-BA-SST35 is one for the detail lovers, being very unforgiving of the source material you will want to listen to well recorded music to get the most out of these.

Final are kings at squeezing the most out of one single BA driver, and the FI-BA-SST35 is no different. Using their proprietary BAM design they move more air, and dig deeper than most conventional single BA driver designs. The bass is always well controlled but offers good impact and articulation without becoming overwhelming or adding much body to the overall sound. The midrange changes depending on the track you are listening to, yet is always very detailed and very transparent. The treble is not fatiguing yet offers incredible insight into the recording, again play well recorded tracks and you will be rewarded with great sound. The soundstage and separation are both excellent, and the timbre is very good for a single BA driver.

The post Best Earphones To Buy In 2017 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

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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:

The post Best in-ear headphones to buy in 2016 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fidue A65 In Ear Headphone Review – A Load of Fun for Half a Ton

These days, you could almost pick a number and it would coincide with the model of a Fidue earphone’s name. But along with quantity there remains quality; something that Fidue is obviously keen to preserve in its lineup. The Fidue A65 is certainly in the midst of the budget price category, but stands tall in terms of sound quality.

Pros:

• Decent cable with mic included

• Well rounded, weighty sound

• Good soundstage

Cons:

• Lack of cinch on cable

Design and Appearance

The A65 has sturdy feeling and attractive metal capsules with a brushed copper texture, which looks like someone’s wound some copper wire tightly around them. Not inappropriate, since the A65 is driven by a copper winding-powered dynamic driver for a decent bass sound which starts low! The button/mic cable and jack is much the same as the higher-priced Fidue A73; a good quality rubber coated affair with decent strain reliefs.

As with most of Fidue’s models, there’s a small mic/button remote on the cable but nothing too intrusive for those who do not require it.

Durability and Build quality

The A65 gives the impression of a long-lasting earphone which will be a solid performer for a good long while. Despite its relatively entry-level pricing, the A65 looks as if it can withstand a fair amount of use and abuse; there’s no exterior plastic to be found other than the rubber-like material making up the strain reliefs, making it pleasing in a tactile way too.

Comfort

Comfort shouldn’t be an issue; the Fidue A65 can be worn with the cable down or over the ears depending on the wearer’s preference, and these particular pearls are light and small enough to nestle well in anyone’s shell-like. The cable does lack a cinch (slidey bit) as do many Fidue IEMs, not a deal breaker but some may miss this feature.

Sound isolation

Isolation is fair, this depends of course on how well they fit the individual but isolation is good enough to take the wearer’s mind off of anything which might spoil the fun.

Sound characteristics

Using the Chord Hugo DAC/Amp standard, the Fidue A65 belies its sub £50 position in terms of sound as well as build. The overall impression is one of a fun sound, but not at the expense of refinement.

• Bass

Bass is great on the A65, and that’s great in the older sense of the word too; the quality is punchy and quantity is perfectly balanced. It starts low and provides a solid foundation, but never loses control.

• Mids

Midrange is slightly laid back, but this is not really noticeable since the bass is so nicely controlled. There’s a very nice impression of space in the presentation. Vocals and harmonics seem larger than life in terms of definition and presence without being forced.

• Treble

There is a certain amount of graininess here in terms of clarity, but this doesn’t mean that there’s any roughness or noise. Things are smoothed off slightly so the Fidue A65’s talents are made the most of whilst still keeping a good balance between bass and treble. The overall impression is of an earphone at at least twice the price which this earphone is offered at.

Soundstage and Separation

Another excellent feature is the depth and width of presentation, with the clarity of the midrange stepping in to do its part. Harmonics and their accompanying instruments/parts take a step forward and vie for attention where the listener may not expect them, and it all feels completely natural.

Music genres good for and why

Rock music is one which 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.

Classical fans may miss a little top-end resolution and detail, but the width and harmonics which come through make up for this.

Summary

Fidue’s no stranger to introductions, and they’re certainly presenting a challenge to this reviewer; there’s only so many ways of stating that something is good. If only it was as easy to trawl the English language for original words as Fidue finds talent and fine sound to put in its earphones!

The post Fidue A65 In Ear Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

In this video we cover sales from in ear headphones, amps, DACs, portable players, full size headphones and accessories.

The post Hifiheadphones Top 10 Best Sellers Of 2015 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

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:

The post Best in-ear headphones to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

With the potential to have the highest quality audio in your pocket you will want to complement that with the headphones you use. This article will cover how to choose a portable headphone and suggest some of our favourites.

When buying headphones or in ear earphones for a portable player there are 3 main qualities you will be looking for:

Compact

As you will be more than likely using the headphones while travelling you will want them to be small enough to fit into a bag or even fold up for easy storage. You will also want them to be a size that won’t get in the way whilst moving from busy train to busy train.

Closed Back / Sound Isolating

As these headphones will probably be used in public, you won’t want the sound of your guilty pleasures spilling out to the rest of the train carriage – nor will you want to hear the loud music being played by the youths at the back of the bus. Closed back or sound isolating headphones are perfect for this, as they reduce the amount of sound leaking and help block out external noise.

Easily Driven

The majority of portable players such as iPod, iPhone, Samsung, Sony etc. can give great sound quality but they don’t have the most powerful headphone amps on them – when this is the case you want a headphone that is easy to drive so you can get a good volume out of them without maxing out your player.

In ear headphones

The ultimate portable solution are in ear isolating earphones as they tick all the above qualities – here are a selection that I would recommend:

SoundMagic E10 (£34.99)

The go to in-ear for under £60.

Final Audio Heaven II (£89), IV (£199) and VI (£599)

Refined sound with great bass and sharp detail.

Shure SE112 (£46), SE215 (£96) and SE315 (£159)

Well balanced sound with superb midrange. Great isolation and secure over the ear fit.

On the ear

SoundMAGIC P30 (£69)

Best budget portable headphone.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear (£169.96) and Full Size (£259.99)

Warm, smooth sound and superb build quality.

KEF M500 (£249)

Clear detail with tight bass and crisp mids. Folds up for easy storage.

Full size over the ear

GermanMAESTRO GMP 8.35 D (£160)

Practically indestructible and one of the best for isolation. Great punchy sound.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro (£169.96)

Adjustable bass ports for customizable sound. Another great one for isolation.

Beyerdynamic T70p (£438.95)

Neutral sound with crystal clear detail.

Beyerdynamic T5p (£880)

Studio quality sound on the go.

Ultrasone Edition 8 (£1099)

Audiophile quality sound with superb isolation.

Open back

Now if you don’t need complete sound isolation and would prefer an open backed headphone then there a some very good ones to choose from:

Koss Porta Pro (£29.95)

The classic portable headphone.

Grado SR80i (£99.95)

These are very hard to beat for under £100. HiFi quality sound on the go.

SoundMAGIC HP200 (£229)

Smooth and fun sounding with great detail. Very comfortable and good isolation for an open back.

Headphone amplifier

And finally… If you have got your heart set on a headphone that is more difficult to drive then do not fear! Adding a portable headphone amplifier into the chain will solve this issue.

FiiO E12 (£109.99)

Lots of power, bass boost, sturdy build quality and detailed sound.

So hopefully this article has helped you decide on your new headphone – but if you have any questions then do feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to help!

The post Best Headphones for Portable Players appeared first on HiFiheadphones.