Wired earphones are still the go-to choice for many audio enthusiasts who seek reliable sound quality without the need for charging or dealing with wireless connectivity issues. In 2025, wired earphones continue to evolve, offering impressive audio performance, comfort, and durability. Here are the best wired earphones available this year, designed to deliver a premium listening experience.
Shure SE846 Gen 2
Specifications
Driver Configuration: Quad-driver (4 balanced armature drivers)
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance: 9 ohms
Pros
Exceptional sound clarity with customizable filters
Durable, high-quality construction
Detachable cable for easy replacement
Cons
Expensive
Requires a good quality source for best performance
Why I Recommend It
The Shure SE846 Pro is a long-term flagship in the Shure headphone lineup. It was so good back then, and it still holds such a unique position in what it offers. I have the original of these earphones and have used them for years before upgrading to the latest version. It’s just simply brilliant.
The SE846 offers audiophile-grade sound quality with a customizable listening experience. These earphones feature an all-balanced armature setup, so no crazy hybrid or tribrid setups and they deliver precise, clear sound across the frequency spectrum. One of the standout features is the customizable filters, allowing you to adjust the sound signature to your preference, whether you want a more bass-heavy or treble-focused sound.
The build quality is top-notch, with a durable design and a detachable cable for easy replacement. While they come with a high price tag and require a good quality source to perform at their best, the Shure SE846 Pro is a top choice for those who demand the best in-ear audio performance.
Sennheiser IE 900
Specifications
Driver Configuration: Single dynamic driver (7mm XWB transducer)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 48 kHz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Pros
Incredible sound detail and wide frequency response
High-quality materials and construction
Detachable cables with balanced and unbalanced options
Cons
Expensive
Fit may require adjustment for optimal comfort
Why I Recommend It
The Sennheiser IE 900 is designed for those who seek the pinnacle of sound quality in a compact, in-ear design. It is by all accounts Sennheisers answer to the dominance the SE846 enjoyed from the big manufactures. (At that time Sennheiser were even behind Sony and the Z1R earbuds).
Featuring Sennheiser’s proprietary 7mm XWB transducer, these earphones deliver an incredibly detailed sound with a wide frequency response, making them perfect for critical listening. The build quality is superb, with high-quality materials and a sleek, ergonomic design.
The IE 900 also comes with detachable cables, offering both balanced and unbalanced options to suit different audio setups. While they are expensive and the fit may require some adjustment to achieve the best comfort, the Sennheiser IE 900 is an exceptional choice for audiophiles looking for top-tier in-ear performance.
Etymotic ER4SR
Specifications
Driver Configuration: Single balanced armature driver
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
Impedance: 45 ohms
Pros
Highly accurate, neutral sound signature
Excellent noise isolation
Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Cons
May lack bass impact for some listeners
Cable is non-detachable
Why I Recommend It
Should I call this the old earbud list? The ER line is over 20 years old even the the 4 are a new model the is essentially refinements of that original brilliant design.
The Etymotic ER4SR is a long-time favorite among audiophiles who appreciate a highly accurate and neutral sound signature. These earphones are designed to deliver precise audio with minimal coloration, making them ideal for critical listening and professional use.
The single balanced armature driver provides clear, detailed sound, while the deep insertion design offers excellent noise isolation, making them perfect for use in noisy environments. The lightweight design ensures comfort during extended listening sessions, although some users may find the bass response to be less impactful compared to other models. Despite the non-detachable cable, the Etymotic ER4SR remains a top choice for those seeking accuracy and clarity in their music.
Meze Audio Alba
Specifications
Driver Configuration: 10.8mm dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Pros
Rich, engaging sound with deep bass and clear mids
Beautifully crafted, eye-catching, and classy.
Detachable cable for customization
Cons
Getting the best sound is very dependent on fit, so be prepared to test multiple eartips. I recommend Azlas.
Why I Recommend It
Meze Audio is widely regarded as one of the best headphone companies in the world. Producing stunning overhead designs like the Emperyean, which is famous for its detailed music reproduction. Yet there is something else Meze tends to do very well, and that is make music sound musical. That’s what you get with the Alba earphones: they are smooth and engaging with an overtone of warmth and great bass response. Vocals come across with gravitas and passion, and stringed instruments are represented in a way that I usually see earphones in the $500 price range struggle to recreate.
Add to that one of the cleanest and classiest aesthetics, and I think this one is a real winner. The only thing I would say, though, is to play around with eartips to ensure you get a good seal. The small dynamic driver works best when the pressure in the canal is optimized. For me, as always, it was the Azla Sednaearfit tips that worked best, which was an added expense, but you may also have luck with the stock tips as well.
7Hz Timeless II
Specifications
Driver Configuration: 14.5mm Planar Magnetic
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance: 15.2 ohms
Pros
Unbelievable detail and a planar that has great bass
High-quality CNC milled shell
Detachable MMCX cable for easy replacement
Cons
Funky circular design won’t be for everyone.
Fit takes a little to get used to.
Why I Recommend It
The original Timeless by 7hz was one of the most popular early released planar IEM’s it had loads of praise heaped on it for its ability to take on earphones 2-3 times the price. Timeless took their time to release the II We are talking years of development, and people were wondering if it would ever arrive. This year, though, it did, and it’s more than we expected.
Outstanding levels of detail, clarity, and separation. There is not a single area where these earphones let us down. Listening to them, you are getting some of the biggest soundstaging you will hear on an IEM. The bass is also magnificent in the way it portrays clarity and rumble at the same time, thus allowing the mid bass to shine without being overshadowed by the lowest notes.
A definite contender for earphones of the year, and the price makes them, in my eyes, unbeatable.
Considerations for Choosing Wired Earphones
When selecting wired earphones, consider the following factors:
Sound Signature: Choose earphones that match your preferred sound profile, whether it’s neutral, bass-heavy, or treble-focused.
Comfort and Fit: Ensure the earphones are comfortable and offer a secure fit, especially if you plan to use them for extended periods.
Build Quality: Look for earphones made with durable materials that can withstand daily use and offer long-term reliability.
Cable Type: Consider whether the earphones have a detachable cable, which can be beneficial for easy replacement or customization.
Conclusion
Wired earphones continue to be a top choice for those who prioritize sound quality and reliability in their audio experience. Whether you’re looking for the customizable sound of the Shure SE846 Pro, the detailed performance of the Sennheiser IE 900, or the warm bass of the Final Audio E5000, there’s a pair of wired earphones on this list to suit every need and budget. Consider your specific audio preferences, comfort requirements, and build quality to choose the best wired earphones for your listening enjoyment.
