Headphones – Page 4 – Go Sound Shack

[amazon box="B011ITKLFU,B00NOOX36M,B00OY2T9U2,B01MQWUXZS,B01LZUH820,B07CX58QB6,B00X9KV0HU,B078X37JF9,B07FM1L5HJ,B00CKJG7NS,B01HETFQA8" template="table"]Today's headphone market offers everything from near-disposable cheapies to pro-grade recording monitors. With such a wide range of headphones available it's often hard to determine which are the best in-ear headphones, both literally and figuratively.This article will focus specifically on premium in-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, intended for high-quality listening. We'll break down some characteristics to look for in a set of premium earbuds and rank 10 of the top products available for the recreational listener seeking a top quality experience.Earbud FAQsWhat Are Earbuds?Earbuds are a style of headphones that fit within the ear and connect to an external source that provides audio content (i.e., smartphone, mp3 player, Betamax). The ergonomic fit of earbuds set them apart from other types of headphones, which typically sit on top of the ear hole or surround the entire ear.What Do Earbuds Do?Like all headphones, earbuds transmit audible sound from an audio source into the ear. Earbuds are typically smaller, lighter and have a lower profile than other types of headphones. This makes them an ideal choice for use during physical activities like running.Where Can You Buy Earbuds?Premium quality earbuds are available for purchase from a wide range of online and brick-and-mortar retailers. A complete range can be found on major online retailers like Amazon.com, Jet.com, and eBay as well as through music retailers like Reverb.com and SamAsh.com.These days big box retailers like Walmart and Target also frequently carry high-quality earbuds. Dedicated music shops like Guitar Center usually stock a range of higher-end earbuds made specifically for performing musicians.How We Reviewed These EarbudsFor this list, we considered a wide range of variables including the prices, features, manufacturer warranty, availability and overall pros and cons of each set of earbuds. Each of the reviews compared the products relative quality and price with the other products in this category.What We ReviewedBose SoundTrue UltraFocal Sphere1More Triple DriverBowers & Wilkins C5 S2RHA T10iApple AirPodBose SoundSport In-Ear HeadphonesBeatsXJabra Elite Active 65tJBL Endurance SprintBose QuietComfort 20[amazon box="B00X9KV0HU"]FeaturesThe Bose QuietComfort 20 are wired earbuds that feature a simple design specifically for those who prefer a shallow feel in the ear. The SoundTrue Ultra's eartip is slightly shorter than some of its competition, making it ideal for extended use. They feature crisp, balanced sound and an integrated microphone for making and receiving calls. Other key features are an integrated volume control and two color options—black and mint green.ProsShallow ear tip for comfortable extended useExcellent sounds qualitySecure fitting ear-stabilizerConsGreater external sound bleed than earbuds with deeper ear tipSomewhat bulky volume controlWarrantyBose backs their headphones with a two-year limited warranty. The speakers within these headphones are backed by a separated five-year warranty.Focal Sphere[amazon box="B011ITKLFU"]FeaturesThe Focal Sphere is a noise-canceling earbud that features a comfortable housing and a variety of useful accessories. The Sphere comes in a stylish carry case that with a selection of different ear tips and a two-prong, right angle adaptor ideal for use on airplanes. The sonic range of the Focal Sphere is pleasingly balanced with crisp highs and full, powerful lows. They also feature a microphone and volume control that doubles as an answer/hang-up button for calls and a start/pause button for audio.ProsAudiophile quality audio with little sound colorationSmall and light profile for extended comfortNice selection of accessoriesConsLess sound isolation than some bigger noise canceling earbudsVery transparent audio can feel harshbanBulky circular hub joining left and right cablesWarrantyFocal covers Sphere earbuds in the United States by a one-year, non-transferrable warranty. This warranty may differ for customers in other countries.Sennheiser CX 6.00 BT [amazon box="B078X37JF9"]FeaturesThe Sennheiser CX 6.00 BT earbud features an attractive fit and finishes well as a robust cable reinforced by Kevlar. The set comes with a wide selection of silicone eartips and high quality carrying case. The volume control features plug-and-play compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, making it easy to get the most from your device.ProsThree audio drivers for full, crisp, soundImpressive build qualitySleek design with brushed copper and black aluminum lookConsCan lack stability in the ear1More is a relative unknown to the earbud marketWarrantySennheiser CX 6.00 BT offers a one-year manufacturer warranty against any defects under normal use. The manufacturer may repair the earbuds, issue a replacement or offer a refund of the original product value at their discretion.Bowers and Wilkins C5 S2[amazon box="B00NOOX36M"]FeaturesThe Bowers and Wilkins C5 S2 is the newest edition of their lauded C5 series earbuds. They feature audiophile quality marked with high-end clarity and increased definition in bass frequencies. The S2 also features design tweaks including an all-black cable to replace the previous clear unit. S2 earbuds also have an ultra-sturdy loop design to keep the buds securely in place during heavy activity. The unit additionally features volume control and microphone compatible with Apple devices.ProsSuperb audio quality for the moneyStable fit provided by ear loop designHigh quality fit and finish with minimalist stylingConsThe microphone has no Android compatibilityLoop design may not be comfortable for everyonebanMore expensive than some competing unitsWarrantyBowers & Wilkins offers a two-year, non-transferable warranty on all of their headphones. This only applies to products purchased through authorized dealers and customers are responsible for any associated costs like shipping to and from the manufacturer for repair or replacement.RHA T10i[amazon box="B00OY2T9U2"]FeaturesThe RHA T10i boasts an eye-catching chassis built from injection-molded stainless steel. These uber-solid earbuds also come with a wide range of customizing accessories including multiple silicone ear tips, carry case and most notably, three different audio filters. The T10i's inline microphone and volume control are compatible with iOS devices making it easy to take calls on the fly.ProsRock solid durabilityHighly customizable audio experienceUnique stainless steel aestheticConsHeavier than most earbuds in their classSome mic/volume controls aren’t compatible with AndroidbanIncreased weight can compromise tight ear sealWarrantyRHA backs the T10i and a selection of their other products with an impressive three-year warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects resulting under normal use conditions.Apple AirPod[amazon box="B01MQWUXZS"]FeaturesApple’s AirPod earbuds offer a fully wireless option for those looking cut the cord from both ears. These earbuds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to an audio source and provide good quality audio and calling in an ultra-light package. Unlike many Bluetooth earbuds on the market, these do not connect to one another with a wire, providing a truly free range of motion. AirPods feature Apple’s signature minimal design with a distinct similarity to their classic wired earbuds.ProsFully wireless connectivity for a reasonable priceSolid audio and call qualityClassic Apple stylingConsPoor fit depending ear shapeLower audio quality than some competitorsbanThe shape allows for considerable audio leakWarrantyApple covers AirPods with a one-year warranty covering defects in manufacturing quality and workmanship.TaoTronics[amazon box="B07FM1L5HJ"]FeaturesThe TaoTronics Headphone feature a sweat-resistant housing ideal runners and cyclists. Like the Bose SoundTrue Ultra, the SoundSport offers a shallower ear tip and soft, silicone stabilizing piece creating a comfortable and secure fit for those long runs and rides. This updated SoundSport model features wireless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing active greater mobility without sacrificing audio quality.ProsComfortable and stable fitClip-on carry case for secure storageQuality audio and call quality in a sporty packageConsWater/sweat resistant, but not waterproofShallower fit allows for some sound leakbanNot fully wirelessWarrantyLike the Bose SoundTrue Ultra, the SoundSport Wireless includes a two-year warranty.TBI Pro Bluetooth Headphones[amazon box="B00CKJG7NS"]FeaturesTBI Pro Bluetooth Headphones enabled wireless earbuds with a neckband style attachment and inline microphone/volume controls. This Beats by Dre offering competes with the Bose SoundSport in the water/sweat resistant market, making it another viable choice for workouts. They feature automatic pairing with Apple devices and a comfortable, secure fit that will stay put during a sweaty jog.ProsFoldable neckband packs easily into the carrying caseSolid fit and good suction in the earUpgraded Bluetooth chip for better battery lifeConsA slight bump in some treble frequenciesLong neckband and somewhat clunky mic/volume bandbanNo standout features compared with competing productsWarrantyTBI Pro Bluetooth Headphones, and their headphones include Apple’s one-year warranty.Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones[amazon box="B01HETFQA8"]FeaturesBose QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones is a fully wireless Bluetooth earbud set that is both sweat resistant and noise cancelling. They feature a snug, secure fit for truly unplugged use during workouts with high-end audio for both listening and calling. Each bud has two separate microphones, so you can hear your own voice comfortably while making a call. The Elite Active 65t comes with a charging carry case and gets about five hours of use per charge.ProsDual microphones make calling more naturalBluetooth 5.0 brings fast, latency-free audio connectionCompatible with Siri and AlexaConsBuilt-in step counter lacks wide app compatibilitySnug fit could be uncomfortable for extended usebanMore expensive than some competitorsWarrantyThe Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones has a limited two-year warranted that includes protection from dust and sweat thanks to the product's IP-65 water resistance rating.JBL Endurance Sprint[amazon box="B07CX58QB6"]FeaturesThe JBL Endurance Sprint is a neckband style wireless earbud set that is a low-cost and fully waterproof. These sport-inspired earbuds have a soft, comfortable fit good for longer use periods. They also include touch controls for receiving calls and adjusting the volume level. An over-ear hook construction makes it nearly impossible for them to fall out during use.ProsExcellent audio quality for their low priceFull IPX7 waterproof certificationA minimal neckband that won’t hang too lowConsFewer customizing accessories than some competing earbudsMolded over-ear construction could become uncomfortablebanTouch controls on the earbuds can be hard to manage on the goWarrantyJBL covers their Endurance Sprint wireless earbuds with a one-year limited warranty.The VerdictIf there’s one thing we’ve learned in our research about earbuds in 2018, it’s that there is truly something out there for everyone. Need low-cost, wireless earbuds to use warming up for your next swim meet? You got it. Prefer something made from bombproof stainless steel? It’s out there for you.For our top overall choice, we’ve selected the Bowers & Wilkins C5 S2. These earbuds provide audiophile-quality sound in a tough, comfortable package. Best yet, they come at an affordable price that’s right in the middle of the pack. The C5 S2 has an aesthetic that is both stylish and functional with plenty of comfort for long stretches of focused listening.QualityUsabilitySupportLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.