We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping The 12 Best Wired Earbuds of 2024 for Crisp Sound Uninterrupted power for commuters, frequent fliers, and music lovers By Theresa Holland and Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 16, 2024 03:53PM EST In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider FAQ Take Our Word for It People / Kevin Liang Wired earbuds are having a cultural moment. The old-school earbuds are having a major comeback as a fashionable accessory among stylish celebs like Bella Hadid and Phoebe Bridgers. Plus, a pair of wired earbuds doesn’t require you to charge them before use, so you can listen to your favorite Taylor Swift songs on repeat without running out of battery. Another great thing about wired earbuds? They're harder to misplace than their cord-free counterparts, and in many cases, they're more affordable. Most corded earbuds have either a 3.5 mm jack or a lightning connector, so it’s important to figure out what kind of port your device has before purchasing a pair of corded earbuds (or you could snag yourself a dongle that can connect a 3.5 mm jack to an Apple lightning connector). We caught up with Ethan Winer, a professional audio engineer and author of The Audio Expert, for buying tips. No matter what style of earbuds you choose, he says, "Quality of construction is very important, and so is the price." And like many products, a more expensive price tag doesn't always mean it's a better product. We searched high and low for today's best wired in-ear earbuds, narrowing it down by connector type, noise-canceling versus noise-isolating, and price to find the best options for frequent fliers, commuters, gamers, runners, music lovers, and everyone in between. Scroll down to learn more about the best wired earbuds on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: MindBeast Noise Canceling Headphones Wired Earbuds at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best Budget: Panasonic RP-HJE120 ErgoFit Earphones at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best with Lightning Connector: Apple EarPods at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for iPhones: Symphonized NRG MFI Wired Earbuds with Lightning Connector at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Noise-Cancelling: MuveAcoustics Drive Noise Canceling Wired Earbuds at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best Noise-Isolating: Final A4000 In-Ear Wired Earphones at Amazon ($146) Jump to Review Best for Calls: Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset at Amazon ($50) Jump to Review Best Connector Options: PaloVue In-Ear Headphones at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Design: Skullcandy Ink'd+ In-Ear Earbuds at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Sound: Sennheiser CX 300S at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Overall MindBeast Noise Canceling Headphones Wired Earbuds Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $26 Who It's Good For These ergonomic earbuds are ideal for music lovers and gamers. Who It's Not Good For Those who need to hear outside noise for safety will want a different pair. If you're looking for wired earbuds that can do it all, our best overall pick, MindBeast Wired Earbuds have your name on them. They have a Sony-certified 10mm dynamic driver that offers undistorted bass as it's intended to be heard. Not only that but the ergonomically shaped ear inserts are designed to fit at a 45-degree angle, which enhances the audio at a range of pitches. These wired earbuds also come with three sizes of silicone tips that seal your ear canals to block ambient noise. This helps you hear full-bodied sound, even at a very low volume. While the noise-canceling design is good for music, gaming, and video calls, those who need to hear external sound for safety reasons may want a different pair. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, play/pause, track Best Budget Panasonic RP-HJE120 ErgoFit Earphones Courtesy by Amazon View On Amazon $10 Who It's Good For These earbuds are great for anyone who likes bright, bold colors. Who It's Not Good For With no built-in mic, these aren't ideal for those who take calls on their earbuds. Panasonic's ErgoFit Earbuds are a solid budget option. They're available in 16 colors, ranging from rose gold to green to black, and promise clear, high-quality sound at any volume. We also like that these wired earbuds come with three tip sizes to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. And the soft, padded design conforms to the shape of your ears. Just a heads up, they don't have a built-in mic or volume controls, so they're not ideal for those who like to take calls on their wired earbuds. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: No | Controls: None Best with Lightning Connector Apple EarPods Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Apple $19 Who It's Good For They're great for anyone who has a compatible Apple product because they're easy to connect. Who It's Not Good For If you don’t have an iPhone or a compatible device, then these might not be the best choice for your needs (unless you’re willing to buy the converter). The wired earbuds that you might have sitting at the bottom of your desk drawer right now are officially back in style. Apple’s EarPods may not be as high-tech as the brand’s cordless AirPods, but you won’t have to worry about forgetting to charge the wired earbuds. We love how simple the EarPods are — the lightning connector banishes the need for a headphone-jack converter (though it’s always handy to have one on hand just in case). The button on the cord allows you to adjust the volume, control playback, and answer calls without opening your phone. And, for being such a simple design, the EarPods have impressively high-quality sound output. If you don't have an iPhone or another lightning-compatible device, these may not be ideal as they'll require a converter. Jack: Lightning | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Volume, play/pause, answer/end call Best for iPhones Symphonized NRG MFI Wired Earbuds with Lightning Connector Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $32 View On Symphonized.com Who It's Good For These cool wooden earbuds are ideal for users who like to take calls but don't want to worry about an adapter. Who It's Not Good For They aren't the right earbuds for non-iPhone users unless they have an adapter. For iPhone users, we recommend this set from Symphonized. These wired earbuds have a lightning connector instead of the standard 3.5mm jack, so you won't need an adapter to plug them into your phone or iPad. They're also MFi (Made for iPhone) certified, confirming they have Apple's stamp of approval for compatibility. Featuring real hardwood and shiny metal accents, these wired earbuds have a cool mid-century modern appeal. According to the brand, the wood helps produce deep bass and crisp acoustics. There's also an on-cord remote, so you can answer calls, use Siri commands, and adjust the volume without reaching for your phone. Jack: Lightning | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Volume, pause/play, answer, voice command Best Noise-Cancelling MuveAcoustics Drive Noise Canceling Wired Earbuds Amazon View On Amazon $13 Who It's Good For They're perfect for folks who crave full, crisp sound, as well as those who take hands-free calls from their wired earbuds. Who It's Not Good For Commuters, drivers, and others who need to hear outside noise for safety will want a different pair. If you're interested in noise-canceling earbuds and headphones, MuveAcoustics Drive Earbuds might be your best bet. They come with three sizes of silicone tips that grip your ear canals and help block outside noise. Furthermore, the powerful bass technology delivers isolated sound while keeping external noises out — similar in function to white noise and sound machines which mask or drown out loud, disruptive noises. All you'll hear are crisp notes and crystal-clear voices, whether you're jamming out to music, listening to a podcast, or taking a hands-free call. Speaking of calls, the built-in mic leans on sound-absorbing holes to reduce external noise and deliver your voice in high definition. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, play/pause, volume Best Noise-Isolating Final A4000 In-Ear Wired Earphones Amazon View On Amazon $146 View On Walmart $160 Who It's Good For These geometric earphones localize audio and deliver ultra-clear sound without entirely drowning out everything else, a good option for commuters and music enthusiasts. Who It's Not Good For There's no mic, so those who take calls will want to browse alternative pairs. Something that isolates noise without entirely blocking out external sounds can be a safer bet in certain situations, like jogging at night or taking the train. We like Final A4000 Earphones, which localize audio within your ears to offer deep, immersive sound. The Japanese-made design leans on a 6mm dynamic driver to provide noticeably clear audio rather than drowning out everything else. These earbuds also come with a whopping five different tip sizes, plus locking ear hooks, so you can count on a flexible, customized fit. The price is steep, and there's no microphone or in-line controls, but if you want top-tier sound and like the unique geometric shape, we think it's worth a splurge. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: No | Controls: None Best for Calls Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset Amazon View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $69 Who It's Good For With two mics, hands-free talk, voice commands, audio recording, and playback, this headset was made for those on the go. Who It's Not Good For These use a lightning connector, so non-iPhone users will need a different jack. Do you use your earbuds for hands-free calling? Go with the Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset. It fits both in and over the ear to ensure a secure fit. And there are two separate microphones for taking calls and using voice commands. With audio recording and playback, you can also use this headset for Zoom calls or FaceTiming. As for the built-in remote, it has multiple buttons for answering, screening, and muting calls, plus controlling the volume, playing music, and changing the track. We should note these earbuds have a lightning connector, so they're really designed exclusively for iPhones. Jack: Lightning | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, pause/play, track, voice command Best Connector Options PaloVue In-Ear Headphones Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $42 Who It's Good For These wired earbuds are available in different options to accommodate people with iPhones, Androids, and Galaxy phones. Who It's Not Good For They're not sweat-proof, so they're not the best option for runners and other athletes. It's frustrating to find a pair of earbuds you like only to realize they don't have the connector you need. That's why we love PaloVue In-Ear Headphones, which come in three options to accommodate various devices. The SoulFlow has a standard 3.5mm jack, the SweetFlow has a lightning cable, and the SoundFlow has a USB-C input. (There's also a wireless option if you decide to go cord-free.) But that's not all there is to appreciate about these earphones. The noise-isolating design provides deep bass and crisp mid-notes while reducing ambient noise. They also have a built-in mic and button controls to answer calls, adjust the volume, play and pause, change the track, and even use voice commands. Jack: 3.5mm, lightning, USB-C | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, pause/play, track, voice command The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Design Skullcandy Ink'd+ In-Ear Earbuds Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Target $12 View On Walmart $14 Who It's Good For These wallet-friendly earbuds are great for those who want to make a bold statement without compromising on high-quality sound. Who It's Not Good For They're not ideal for iPhone users or people who need a specific tip size unless they use an adapter. Want something other than standard black wired earbuds? Skullcandy Ink'd+ Earbuds come in 10 colors, ranging from neon yellow and olive to blush and lavender. And they're so affordable that if you can't decide on a hue, you might consider ordering two. An in-line remote and microphone allow you to answer calls, adjust the volume, and change the track. The soft inserts are designed to fit snugly in your ear to provide noise-isolating sound. That said, these earphones don't come with multiple tip sizes or an adapter to use with iPhones, so they might not be a good choice for everyone. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, track The 10 Best Ear-Cleaning Kits of 2024, According to Audiology Experts Best Sound Sennheiser CX 300S Amazon View On Amazon $60 Who It's Good For These come with four sets of ear adapters, so they are a great pick if you're looking for an option with a customizable fit. Who It's Not Good For They aren't the best choice for those who use Apple products exclusively. These customizable in-ear wired earbuds from Sennheiser have a sleek, classic design. They provide excellent sound quality and include four sets of ear adapters to reduce ambient noise and provide a secure fit. The one-button remote makes it simple to pause your music or podcast to take a call without touching your phone. They come in three colors, have a 3.5mm jack, and are compatible with tablets, smartphones, and computers. If you exclusively use Apple products, these might not be the best choice because you’ll need an adapter to use these earbuds. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: One-button smart remote Best Fit 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones Courtesy by Amazon View On Amazon $70 View On Walmart $90 View On Adorama.com $80 Who It's Good For These are great for someone looking for lightweight, ergonomically designed earbuds. Who It's Not Good For They include a 3.5mm jack, so they won't work with an iPhone unless you use an adapter. These in-ear wired earbuds from 1More are angled to naturally fit the ear canal to provide the most comfortable experience. They’re also made of lightweight aluminum alloy that’s stylish and durable. Beyond that, they include nine sets of ear tips (six silicone sets and three foam sets) so you can find the ideal fit. These earbuds provide excellent sound and have an In-line remote control to change songs, adjust volume, and switch to calls. They also include a magnetic storage/travel case and a matching shirt clip. These quality earbuds also have a one-year limited warranty. If you use an iPhone, you'll need an adapter to use these earbuds. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Three-button remote control Best Cable SoundMAGIC E11C Wired Earbuds with Microphone Amazon View On Amazon $46 Who It's Good For These are great for anyone looking for high-quality wired earbuds at a reasonable price. Who It's Not Good For The shape of the earbuds may not be comfortable for everyone. When choosing wired earbuds, the quality of the wire itself is not always a top consideration. But the silver-plated copper cable included with these earbuds from SoundMAGIC elevates the listening experience. They also include a high-quality aluminum housing, so they’re lightweight and sleek. The three-button remote control makes it easy to switch between songs and phone calls. There’s also a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. While the shape of the earbuds might not be right for everyone, if you’re looking for a quality wired earbuds for a reasonable price, the SoundMAGIC EC11 is a great choice. Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Three-button remote control The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Things to Consider Before Buying Wired Earbuds Connector Type Most wired earbuds come with a 3.5mm jack. As the industry standard for audio plugs, it'll fit into most outputs. However, with the ubiquity of smartphones, this is becoming no longer the case. For instance, Apple users will need something with a lightning connector, like the Apple EarPods or the Symphonized NRG MFI Wired Earbuds. Or, if the wired earbuds have a standard jack, they'll need a 3.5mm-to-lightning adapter (also known as a dongle). Like iPhones, most Androids and Galaxy phones no longer have actual audio outputs. So, unless you're using wireless earbuds, you'll need wired earbuds with a USB-C connector, like the PaloVue In-Ear Headphones, which goes where the charger plugs in. Otherwise, these phones require a 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter. Noise-Canceling vs. Noise-Isolating When browsing wired earbuds, you'll see many labeled as "noise-canceling" or "noise-isolating." Noise-canceling headphones work by using additional opposing sounds to neutralize (cancel out) external noises, like the MuveAcoustics Wired Earbuds. With noise isolation, it's more about localizing the audio, which can be done by physically wedging earbuds snugly into your ear canals and pressing play. Price Consider how much you're willing to pay for wired earbuds before shopping around. Are you buying a gift for someone special or just treating yourself? A premium price tag could indicate superior-quality headphones, but this isn't always the case. "You can pay $500 for something that's not one iota better than a similar product selling for $50," says Winer. "This happens all the time with audio, especially designer names — just like with handbags and watches." Frequently Asked Questions Why are wired earbuds making a comeback? Apple AirPods changed mobile audio as we know it, with cordless Bluetooth headphones becoming the norm within a couple of years of the first-generation launch. However, wired earbuds seem to be having a comeback, not just among older generations who resist Bluetooth technology but also the Gen Z crowd.Members of Generation Z are known to be rebels, though the gravitation toward wired earbuds goes beyond that. People like them because they're reliable and never have to be recharged — convenient for when you don't have access to a portable charger. Also, thanks to the corded design, you're less likely to misplace them. And in many instances, they're more affordable than their wire-free counterparts. Do wired earbuds or headphones sound better than wireless earbuds? A decade ago, wired earbuds may have provided noticeably better sound. However, according to Winer, modern Bluetooth technology just barely reduces audio data size when transmitting it into wireless headphones (a process known in the tech world as "lossy impression"). To the untrained ear, he says, "It doesn't affect quality enough to notice." Are earbuds safer than headphones? In terms of audio potential damaging your hearing, earbuds and over-ear headphones are roughly the same. It's really about making sure the volume isn't too high — or high for too long. But, since earbuds go directly into the ear canal, some believe they pose a greater risk of hearing damage when set to a higher volume.As for wired earbuds versus wireless earbuds, there's some concern about the low levels of non-ionizing radiation transmitted from Bluetooth technology. But, according to the FDA, daily exposure is "generally perceived as harmless to humans." Take Our Word for It Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer and product tester specializing in consumer tech, travel, remote work, and lifestyle. For this story, she compared several wired earbuds based on price, capabilities, sound quality, comfort, ease of use, and more. She then researched today's most popular wired earbuds to find standout designs for every use, style, and budget. We also reached out to Ethan Winer for buying tips. This story was most recently updated by PEOPLE staff writer Cai Cramer for timeliness and accuracy. Meet Our Expert Ethan Winer is a professional audio engineer and author of The Audio Expert. The 10 Best Record Players and Turntables of 2024 Sources PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/radio-frequency-radiation-and-cell-phones