Shure SE215 PRO Review

Our Experience

The Shure SE215 PRO is a curious combination of impressive performance, a higher price, and no call capabilities. While we get that many seekers of wired buds may not use them for calling or meetings, we think plenty do, and the lack of a mic is a non-starter for many and a possible misstep at this price.

The Shure are comfortable with 3 different foam tips and memory wire that you hook around the outside of your ear base. The foam tips can take some getting used to, both putting them in and getting used to the feel, but they help create some of the best passive noise blocking in the group, making the effort worthwhile if that is your goal. The memory wire creates a stable fit, suitable for running or working out. Once you get them on, they're nearly impossible to fall out.

We had trouble changing the tips, and even with the included tool, they felt like they were going to tear. We also suspect most users will lose the tool, so choose your size wisely and commit to it.

Despite offering some of the best sound quality and superior passive noise blocking, we think most listeners will be happy saving serious money by looking elsewhere. However, for a handful of folks looking to lose themselves in the music with minimal distractions, the price will feel acceptable, and they'll be more than pleased to pony up the extra cash for the immersive experience they long for.

Sound Quality

The Shure offer better than average sound with one of the highest scores in the group. They have a neutral overall sound that works well with most genres. The soundstage provides a good location of instruments and vocals, though dense tracks can get somewhat blurry; they always maintain their place.

The bass is not super thumpy, but it has decent presence, body, and warmth. They are largely fun and accurate. The highs often get punchy as they try to compensate for the bass's shortcomings, but the treble is firmly middle of the road without glaring harshness and just a bit on the boring side. These buds aren't risk takers, but they offer some of the most consistent highs in the group. The mids lead instruments sound great, and vocals have a good presence and a pleasing range of textures. In really dense tracks, the sounds can get somewhat muddied and shoved together.

Comfort and Fit

The Shure have foam tips that take some practice to insert and some adjustment time if you aren't accustomed to foam. We were able to wear them for up to 6 hours without discomfort, but some users might find that the powerful inner-ear seal they create can cause pressure buildup, similar to the feeling of a change in altitude. The foam tips are hard to remove and change, and we worried about tearing the foam in the process, despite the tool they provide to help. While we generally found them comfortable during use, it often felt like a relief we didn't know we needed when we took them off. Like taking shoes off after a long day.

The buds fit well and felt stable thanks to the memory wire, which forms a hook behind the ear. They really seem harder to dislodge than most of the competition, with accidental cord snags not even creating a slight shift in placement.

Passive Noise Isolation

Passive noise isolation is where the Shure shines. While they don't have active noise cancellation (ANC) often found in wireless earbuds, their foam tips help create an impressive in-ear seal that blocks even pesky coworkers who stop by for an unsolicited chat.

The Shure offer and overall reduction of 22.30 dB, with their best performance happening in the treble (a stunning 39.60 dB!) and mid frequencies. While they still block more bass sounds than the average bud, active noise cancellation typically does a better job of creating more silence in these ranges.

Call Quality

The Shure do not come with a microphone and can't be used for calls or meetings.

Should You Buy the Shure SE215 PRO?

Maybe, but it's not for everyone. The Shure is on the spendy side for good wired earbuds, likely only fulfilling the wants of a niche set of users. If that user is you, they might be worth a second glance. If that user isn't you, you can save a significant amount of cash by looking elsewhere. The optimal user for the Shure is anyone looking for the best passive noise isolation available in a wired bud. These buds have one of the highest performances for this feat, and, paired with one of the best sound-quality scores, they create a truly exceptional listening experience for music across genres. If you don't demand the best noise blocking, we think you should look elsewhere.

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