Earbuds and in-ear headphones have exploded in popularity with the rise of smartphones, but what brands stand the test of time? Which are the best brands to buy? Below, we’ve done a deep dive into this topic, uncovering which earbud and headphone makers produce top quality products that won’t break your budget—and also won’t do any damage to your eardrums.
While there’s no standard for testing headphones, most manufacturers use a 1-10 scale to rate their sound quality. A rating of 10 typically means that the earbuds can produce deep, low bass sounds while also being able to capture high-pitched instruments like cymbals and violins. The best earbuds are made from high quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, but won’t break easily if you accidentally drop them or sit on them.
Let’s take a look at the best earphones brands of the moment:
10. Shure
Shure is mostly known for their professional studio monitors, but they also produce some of the best sounding earphones on the market. They’re a little pricey at times, ranging from $100 to $500 depending on model and quality you go with, but if you’re looking for top-of-the-line sound quality then Shure is an excellent option. In fact, most audiophiles would agree that Shure’s are one of the best brands available right now as they’re known for their flat frequency response, making sure that no sound is lost in the low, mid or high frequencies.
9. V-Moda
V-Moda are known for their durability and style as well as great sounding earphones. Not to mention they have a line of earphones specifically designed to withstand any situation you throw at them (and then some). They also come with an impressive 10 year warranty which means if anything breaks due to normal wear and tear then they’ll fix it for you at no charge.
8. Klipsch
Klipsch is known for its high quality sound and style, but they’re also well-known as a top choice when it comes to bass heavy earphones. The X10 model in particular is the most popular line of earphones that Klipsch has produced so if you’re looking for a good pair of noise cancelling headphones then look no further than these guys. In fact, their unique oval ear tips are the reason for the extra bass, so if you’re in search of some beefy sound then Klipsch is a great option.
7. Beats By Dre
Beats by Dre has become one of the most popular brands out there thanks to its stylish look and powerful sound quality, but they’ve also earned a reputation over their durability as well which is why many artists use them on stage or at events due to how long-lasting they are. They also come with a lifetime warranty which makes them one of the most reliable brands out there as well.
6. Bose
Bose is known to have some of the best noise cancelling earphones out there, but they’re also great in terms of sound quality too. They’ve earned a reputation for being near-indestructible due to their solid construction and ability to withstand harsh conditions without breaking down or needing repairs. If you like listening to music on your daily commute then these are the earphones you should get.
5. Sennheiser
Sennheiser has been around for a while now, and it’s earned its place as one of the best brands out there due to its high quality sound whether you’re in search of some studio grade headphones or simply need some solid noise cancelling earphones. They’ve also got an impressive line up with their Momentum series that are designed to be worn all day long thanks to its lightweight design so if you’re looking for a pair of earphones to wear all day then you can’t go wrong with Sennheiser.
4. Beats Wireless
Beats Wireless has made a name for itself by making insanely great quality wireless headsets that don’t sacrifice sound and style, but they also have some amazing in-ear headphones as well. Their Powerbeats are designed to be used in the gym which means they’re able to withstand heavy activity while still providing an excellent listening experience. They come with some great accessories as well such as a carrying case and an armband so you can listen to music while at the gym in style. Beats’s successful marketing campaigns have placed it among the best brands of bluetooth earphones among consumers.
3. B&O
Bang & Olufsen is known for its high quality sound, but it’s also known for its stylish design that has made listening to music on your earphones an experience instead of just something you do out of necessity. These guys have been around since 1925 and they’re still going strong with their top notch audio products. B&O is arguably one of the best brands of earphones in India right now.
2. Skullcandy
Skullcandy has become a household name in the headphone market over the last few years, and for good reason too. They’ve made some seriously great quality earphones that also offer up solid sound with an awesome design to boot at a price point that’s affordable even on a student budget. If you’re looking for something stylish but still want to have some high quality speakers then look no further than these guys as they’ve got everything you could possibly want in a pair of earphones.
1. Bose QuietComfort 15
Bose has made a name for itself by being one of the top brands when it comes to noise cancelling technology and that’s why we chose them as the best brand out there right now. They’ve been around since 1964, but they’ve definitely made their mark on the industry with their impressive line of noise cancelling earphones. Not only is Bose known for its sound quality, but they’re also well-known for being one of the most durable brands out there as well (aside from Shure), which is a big factor when it comes to picking out your next pair of earphones.
Conclusion
So those are our top 10 best earphones brands of 2021. Did you agree with the list? Are there any other brands that should have been included? Let us know if you think so. Hopefully these brands will help you find the right pair of earphones for your next purchase.