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Wired earbuds are reliable, affordable, and never need charging, making them a go-to listening choice with no wireless lag. Whether you want to save some money, kick it old-school, or tend to lose anything not tethered, wired buds can be freeing despite the cable.
The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X is our favorite pair of wired buds for most listeners. They're comfortable and deliver a rich sound perfect for almost any genre and bass lovers. Our favorite for blocking competing noise is the Shure SE215 PRO. These buds were the best in the group for creating a more isolated experience.
To find the best buds for everyone, we conducted hours of controlled listening tests and compared comfort and fit, sound quality, and passive noise-canceling capability to help you find the right pair for your needs and budget.
If you're curious about active noise cancellation or cord-free listening, our wireless earbud review offers insight into more options with side-by-side comparisons. We've also tested budget headphones and wireless headphones.
Editor's Note: We updated this wired earbud review with 4 new products from Sony, Skullcandy, Panasonic, and Amazon on May 1, 2026.
The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X delivers exceptional audio quality at a reasonable price. The earbuds deliver an expansive soundstage for an immersive, three-dimensional listening experience. It also offers some of the best call quality in the group, with an easy-to-understand microphone that effectively blocks other sounds in most settings. With a comfortable fit, removable cord, and good passive noise cancellation, we think they are a well-rounded, quality pair.
When compared to the slightly more expensive Linsoul Z ZSN Pro, the Pro provides similar performance, with a funner sound mix that is slightly better for audiophiles looking for more. While the Pro X offers a comfortable fit for various ear shapes and sizes and stays in place thanks to an over-ear wire, those with smaller ears might not love them. Overall, we think the Pro X offers a lot, making it a compelling choice for most users.
The Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro offered the best sound quality in the group. With an expansive soundstage that creates depth and three-dimensional movement, it is hard not to enjoy listening to almost any genre of music. They have punchy bass and a fairly clean profile, lacking only a little crispness. The buds are also among the most comfortable to wear for extended periods and feature some of the smallest ear tips we've seen for those with petite ear canals. They are super stable, making them potential contenders for activities or moving through life.
The Pro is not as good at making calls as the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X. So if you are seeking wired buds for calls or meetings, we'd choose the ZSN Pro X over the ZS10. They also didn't block as much ambient sound as the Pro X, so if losing yourself in the music is a top priority, there are better options to be had. Our favorite for noise blocking is the Shure SE215 Pro. All that said, if your main goal is the best sound in wired buds, the ZS10 is tough to beat.
The Shure SE215 PRO delivered a strong audio performance, but really impressed with its ability to passively block external sounds. If you want to eliminate distractions, it's the best in the group, thanks in part to the foam tips that mold to your ear canal. The Shure's tips provide a comfortable fit and come in various sizes and materials (silicone, anyone?).
The Shure has some drawbacks. The soundstage lacks the height and depth of the best models, which deliver a more expansive sound, and we noticed that tracks with many instruments and vocals can become blurry with similar-sounding instruments. This model also lacks a microphone, so you won't be able to use it for phone calls, something many seekers of wired earbuds want. If you want a mic for calls or meetings, the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X would be a better choice. Overall, the Shure are a great pick for blocking out the outside world.
Whether you are working on a spreadsheet or running a podcast, the Shure SE215 Pro Wired earbuds are great when it comes to blocking noise and focusing on the task at hand. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Apple EarPods - USB-C are a tried-and-true open-ear design bud from Apple. Historically a favorite among Apple users, this pair works with any device that has a USB-C port, or with an adapter for a 3.8mm port. They offer an inline mic that delivers some of the best call quality for meetings and chatting with friends.
The open design means all ambient sounds can be heard, which is good for those who prefer awareness, and stinks for those looking to immerse themselves in the music. Many also find the design less comfortable than in-ear buds as the hard plastic shell can be irritating depending on your ear shape and size. Though others prefer not to have their canals feel “full” or have pressure build over time. While these little guys didn't win an award, largely due to their divisive earbud shape, we think many people might still find them the right choice for those seeking awareness on a budget.
We recorded a script we wrote and played it using our Bruel and Kjaer 5128-B test head to measure how well these earbuds microphones work in loud environments. Credit: GearLab Staff
Product Comparison Table
Wires may be inconvenient, but wired earbuds offer some great benefits, including strong gain, and no fear of running out of power. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
After scouring the market for the most compelling and popular wired earbuds, we spent more than 500 hours testing the 12 included in this review. Our investment in a state-of-the-art audio testing facility enables us to generate precise, quantifiable data to deliver unbiased evaluations and produce detailed performance analysis for our frequency response testings. Alongside our professional audio testing equipment, we assembled a panel of audio experts who devoted countless hours to listening to playlists from a wide range of musical genres, as well as recorded speech. Each pair of wired earbuds undergoes more than 18 individual tests, conducted by multiple testers.
Our testing focuses on four metrics:
Sound Quality (45% weighting of overall score)
Comfort and Fit (25% weighting)
Passive Isolation (15% weighting)
Call Quality (10% weighting)
We further refined our testing protocols and procedures with the assistance of industry experts and brought in consultants and audio engineers, including the expert audio test and measurement team from Listen, Inc.
Extensive side by side testing in our state-of-the-art facility gives our team the data to identify top models and make great recommendations. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
Our in-house team featured Senior Audio Analyst Dave Berkman, a versatile artist, musician, and DJ with over twenty years of professional studio experience, accompanied by an impressive roster of clients. Senior Review Analyst Genaveve Bradshaw contributes her invaluable musical talents, test design expertise, insights gained from years at GearLab, and musically attuned ears to our evaluations. Senior Research Analyst Rachael Lamore contributed her background in biological science and her extensive research laboratory experience to enhance and execute the scientific testing protocols in this review.
Analysis and Test Results
We evaluated the wired earbuds by testing comfort and fit, sound quality, call quality, and more.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The all-around fantastic Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X delivers an exciting sound mix for a very reasonable price. While not the cheapest in the group, the price is under $25 and offers a lot, including a comfortable fit and good call quality. Apple users might appreciate the familiarity of the iconic Apple EarPods and their affordable price. While they didn't perform as well as other competitors, they come with USB-C, so you don't need an adapter with newer iPhones. While there are cheaper options, none offer sound that we think most will enjoy, especially for music. So, unless you regularly lose buds and have a hard line about spending money on them, we wouldn't consider them a good value.
Adapter Alert
Many modern phones and laptops lack a 3.8mm jack input, so you might need a 3.8mm to USB-C adapter to make the connection between some earbuds and phones or laptops. While they cost around $10, this should be factored into your purchase price if budget is a concern. Some earbuds offer different jack types, and we've listed those in our comparison table. If you have an iPhone and prefer all Apple products, there is an adapter for that, too.
You'll never miss a beat when you plug in with wired earbuds. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sound Quality
Sound quality in earbuds isn't a luxury, as it can make or break your love of using them and how often you reach for them. High-quality sound reproduction lets you enjoy music as the artists and producers intended, without losing subtle nuances.
Our sound quality tests include analyzing the frequency response curve for each model and the listener's real-world experience. A listener's experience and perception of sound quality hinge on a pair of wired earbuds' ability to craft an immersive soundstage (do you feel like you're there in person?) and facilitate the visualization of instrument separation alongside vocals, which can otherwise become muddled in denser tracks.
The Linsoul's have one of the most immersive soundstages in our test suite, although they weren't quite as clear and layered as our top recommendation. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The top performer for sound quality is the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro, delivering punchier, more powerful bass than the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, which generally offers a more nuanced, layered sound, creating space and atmosphere, allowing the highs to shine through the mix a balanced presentation. Following close behind are the Shure SE215 PRO, UliX Rider, and the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X. The UliX Rider's sound mix is balanced, natural, and uninfluenced. It doesn't favor any specific frequency range, making it suitable for a wide range of music and a strong choice for those who prefer an unaltered sound. It offers a sculpted sound mix that emphasizes lower frequencies, resulting in a soundstage with strong bass presence and a notable thump without sounding muddy.
The UliX Riders provide a fairly neutral sound mix and an enjoyable listening experience. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The worst performers in terms of sound quality are the Amazon Basics - 3.5mm, Panasonic ErgoFit, and the Sony MDREX15AP. Both options are under $20, and if you primarily listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or stream shows, you probably won't be disappointed, but if music is your thing, they'll miss the mark, and we think it is worth spending more. The Skullcandy Jib is marginally better, and for $10, maybe you won't care if your goal is finding a pair you might not mind losing.
Comfort and Fit
Sound quality hardly matters if you cannot achieve a comfortable fit or use your wired earbuds for more than a short length of time. We primarily evaluated comfort and stability, but also considered build quality and details, including cable length and materials.
The JBL Endurance Run 2 were the most comfortable in this group, with a silicone tip shape and size we could wear for hours, as they sit just inside the canal and avoid intruding too far. Despite being marketed as exercise earbuds and good for sweaty, we struggled with the noise that travels through the cord when it rubs on clothing or bodies. The Shure SE215 PRO offers a comfortable, secure fit, with multiple foam and silicone ear tips; once on, the memory wire locks them in place.
The Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro and the UliX Rider provided nearly as great of a user experience as the top models, offering more than satisfactory levels of comfort and a mostly secure fit. While the UliX Rider features slightly more comfortable ear tips than the ZS10 Pros, the Pros offer greater stability with the ear hooks and a cord that tangles less.
The JBL Endurance Run 2 stays in place while working out, multiple silicone eartips make sure the fit is comfortable, but the wires cause feedback and noise that overrides the sound. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The most uncomfortable in the group are the open design on the Apple EarPods. If you like this style, it isn't painful, but if you don't like the kind of buds that sit in the ear but not the canal, you'll likely be disappointed or need time to acclimate to them. The Skullcandy Jib also struggled with comfort, offering only two silicone tips and a fit that feels pretty good at first but rubs and becomes more uncomfortable over time.
Passive noise cancellation can be useful when the background noise gets loud. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Passive Noise Isolation
Passive noise isolation is the ability, through design, material choices, and construction, to block external sounds through isolation and dampening. It involves everything from the texture of wires and mitigating their sound-generating effects(microphonics) when rubbing over clothing or other objects, to one of the most critical components: ear tip material and fit.
Noise Cancelling Performance by Frequency Range
Product
Lows
Mids
Highs
Shure SE215 PRO
22.3
20.1
39.6
Moondrop Blessing 3
20.3
22.5
32.1
Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X
19.1
20.5
29.0
JBL Endurance Run 2
17.6
19.0
29.0
Amazon Basics - 3.5mm
17.3
16.2
29.1
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro
16.3
17.2
28.1
Sony MDREX15AP
16.4
16.1
28.3
Panasonic ErgoFit
15.6
16.3
25.8
Skullcandy Jib
15.1
15.9
24.4
Apple EarPods - USB-C
3.2
0.0
10.1
UliX Rider - 3.5mm
2.6
0.0
8.5
Some wired earbuds can achieve a high level of external noise reduction, effectively blocking a surprising amount of external sounds, particularly mid- and high-frequency sounds, up to 43.6 decibels. The result is a more immersive listening experience with fewer distractions.
Passive is not Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Passive noise isolation is not active noise cancelling (ANC) technology that generates destructive frequencies to neutralize sound waves with opposing sound waves. While ANC is effective at suppressing environmental sounds, it is typically more expensive and makes listening devices significantly more complex.
The Shure SE215 PRO surpassed all other models we tested with its ability to let you escape the world for a while. The Shure includes three sizes of comfortable foam and silicone ear tips, ensuring that listeners of any ear canal size will benefit from strong passive noise isolation. Whether good or bad, you won't hear when your coworker enters the office. The materials and how well they fit in your ears significantly impact an earbud's ability to isolate, dampen, and deaden external sounds. Although both silicone and foam tips can reduce the clamor from the outside world, the silicone tips were less effective at deadening or blocking sound than the foam tips.
The much anticipated Moondrop Blessing 3 failed to deliver in our comprehensive testing of sound and passive noise isolation. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The runner-up for noise cancellation, the Moondrop Blessing 3, offers a solid in-ear seal, includes six silicone tip sizes to accommodate a wide range of ear sizes, and provides a very secure fit once properly fitted. The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X performed almost as well as the Moondrop in our noise isolation tests. They won't make the world disappear like the Shure SE215 PROs, but they are a quarter of the price and offer a better listening experience and solid noise isolation.
The worst performers were the open design Apple Earpods, which are intentionally designed to offer better awareness of surrounding sounds with limited isolation. The UliX Rider was also not great, which was disappointing given their in-ear design; they should have performed better than buds designed to improve awareness.
The Linsoul buds are also great for taking calls anywhere. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Call Quality
Several of the earbuds in this lineup can be used for phone calls or meetings, but not all offer high-quality sound or an enjoyable experience for both parties.
The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X did an excellent job of passively blocking external noise during phone calls; it crisply replicated both male and female voices. The iconic and time-tested Apple EarPods - USB-C excelled in our call quality evaluation, providing clear sound and crisp voices with minimal background noise.
Both the UliX Rider - 3.5mm and JBL Endurance Run 2 offer clear voices, but have more background noise and grain than the Apple EarPods - USB-C or the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro Xs.
The worst for making calls were the Panasonic ErgoFit and the Amazon Basics, so they wouldn't be our go-to choice if that is a priority for you, though they can manage the occasional quick call without too much frustration in quieter environments.
We test performance as well as a wide range of important features and functions in our thorough review process. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Our testing measures frequency response, in addition to the notes taken by our expert listeners. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Lighter earbuds and wires put less strain on ears. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose the Best Wired Earbuds
If you've decided that wired earbuds are the best choice for you over wireless earbuds, you can help narrow the field by considering a few key details.
If an earbud isn't comfortable, you probably won't wear it as often as you planned. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Consider Comfort
Comfort is paramount for earbuds as it can make or break your experience. Choosing a pair with multiple tip sizes and secure fit features you enjoy, like hooks, can help ensure the option you choose is the most comfortable for you. Other considerations include foam vs. silicone materials and the size of the earpiece.
How do they Sound?
Many people choose wired buds for their lack of lag and often better sound quality compared to their wireless brethren. While our tests show a wide variation in sound quality, how important this is depends on your listening goals and personal preference. If good is good enough and you'd rather save money, then this could be less of a driving factor in your decision-making. If you're a die-hard audio file here for all the nuanced textures and layering of sound, then it could cost you more, but be money well spent for a better experience.
From USB-C to the more common 3.5mm connection, you'll need to consider connection type when evaluating wired earbuds . Credit: Natalie Kafader
Connection Type
Most wired earbuds use either a 3.5 mm jack or a USB-C connector. While USB-C is the more modern connection type, both options are widely supported and well-established in the audio world. Inexpensive adapters are available to connect a 3.5 mm jack to a USB-C device, and vice versa, though they can increase your overall cost by $10 or so.
Many phones require an adapter to use the 3.5 mm audio jack, so if this is a deal-breaker, pay close attention to the pair you settle on. Alternatively, some of the options can be used wirelessly when needed, giving you the ability to go wired while using with a computer or tablet and wireless with your phone. Some earbuds also come in both types, which means if you love everything about a specific pair, but not the connection type, they might be offered in a different type, and it is worth the time to check it out.
Other Notable Wired Earbuds
With so many potential contenders, not all wired buds make the cut. However, they could be exactly what you are looking for, or you may want more information about them.
Sennheiser IE 100 — This pair of buds is marketed as “monitoring” earbuds for professionals and hobbyists alike. While some audiophiles will love the better sound than most of the options in our selection, they are more expensive than average, and even Sennheiser doesn't include them on their consumer commercial website, showing them only on their professional site.
Sennheiser IE 200 — This spendy pair of buds has a braided cord, a hook design, and boasts comfort as well as superior hi-def sound. However, for the price, we think most audiophiles should consider headphones with noise cancellation or spend less for the very capable Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro.
SoundMagic E11 C — While often referred to as a good bang for your buck set of buds, many buyers online report connection issues and quality problems with the buds dying within a few months. For the price, we think there are better options.
TRUTHEAR Gate — These in-ear monitoring (IEM) buds might be an up-and-coming option we consider testing in the future, but given their bent toward a more professional application and their relative newness, we've skipped them for this go. However, if you are looking for a set of buds for monitoring, their budget-friendly price might make them worth the risk of buying sight unseen. Or rather, sound unheard.
Wired earbuds range in weight and size, and don't suffer from design constraints that have to include a battery and Bluetooth. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
The cost of wired earbuds varies widely, with several reasonably priced options around twenty dollars that perform quite well and are perfect for throwing in a laptop case, traveling, and taking phone calls. The best wired earbuds strike a balance between affordability and high-quality sound. Whether your goals are convenience, budget, or just like the reliability of being plugged in, there is something for everyone.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Dave Berkman
