Table of Contents
In the last few years, there have been many innovations in the field of earphones. With leaps in terms of Best Earbuds Under $500 regarding lightweight but sturdy materials, multiple drivers filled in a small earbud, better cable systems, and more accessories, we are excited to do the best earbuds under $500 list. Although some of our old favourites predominated, we have several exciting new entries, given their progressive design.
The best earbuds of this year are spread across the price spectrum with various sound signatures and features that distinguish them from previous years. Time to take advantage of some of the best technology in audio equipment to enter the market.
List of the best earbuds under $500
500 Dollars is a significant amount for buying earbuds in this price range. So you’d wish you get the best for your hard-earned money. Our list of Best Earbuds Under $500 consists of the best earbuds that you can buy right now. And we assure you that you’ll not be let down by choosing any of the ones on our list.
Shure SE535
The Shure SE535 in-ear earbuds emerged as a top successor to SE530s. And they’ve kept the Shure SE535-V-J sound-isolating earbuds in position without seeing the slightest drop in price since 2010. This performance is doubly surprising because of their great predecessors, Se530s, underwent a huge price increase and were available at killer rates. The SE535s with universal fit run several delicate scales to deliver physical and audio performance that deserves the best place in our best earbuds under $500 list.
The design of the Shure SE535 earphones speaks of a refined design and exceptional strength. The earpieces of the triple driver are noticeably flatter than the SE530s. They are very low in the ear, and you can even sleep on your side with this one. They are still more significant than regular earbuds. The pre-formed design fits universally in almost all ears, although you talked a little about it, in the beginning, to place them correctly. The earpieces have a transparent driver’s compartments.
There is something new about seeing the circuits for our tech geeks. These are earbuds over the ear, where the wire must be guided around the ear. This offers safer equipment. The portion of the wire that is attached to the earbuds is the memory wire. It is difficult but can conform to the curve of your ears. The Shure SE535 earphones have a design with three drivers. Each earpiece has two woofers and a tweeter for the complete audio sound. Together they have succeeded in achieving a precise point of the sound balance where the music is in balance but not soundly sounding.
Another exceptional quality of their sound is the end-to-end clarity. The bass is present without going overboard and is beautifully defined and detailed. And that remains the same in the entire volume range. The four woofers work together for this precise effect, and the mid-tones are decadent in their detailing. They have an excellent sense of space for earbuds, although you can expect the openness of open-back earbuds.
Shure SE535-CL Sound Isolating Earphones with Triple High Definition MicroDrivers
1 used from $419.68
Features
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance; Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- CUSTOMIZED FIT - Includes three sizes (S, M, L) of the flex and black foam sleeves; Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you
- SECURE, OVER-THE-EAR DESIGN - Wireform fit ensures earphones stay in place and cables remain out of the way
- STRIKING FULL-RANGE SOUND - Full range sound from a triple high-definition driver to deliver accurate, natural sound in a discrete, durable design
Audeze iSINE10
Audeze iSine10 earbuds went on the market at the end, and much more needs to be discussed. This is Audeze iSINE10 In-Ear, Semi-Open earbuds the first time the famous planar magnetic technology is descended from over-ear earbuds to IEMs. Planar magnetic earbuds are known for exceptionally coherent audio with very low harmonic distortion. The aesthetics, the magic among the moths, the Cipher Lightning cable all look to the future of audio technology. It is a slot for the best earbuds under $500.
The Audeze iSine10 earphone looks like a Hulk-y version of your average earphone. To accommodate the planar magnetic drivers, the driver enclosures are large and look like something from Star Wars. But the whole weighs only 0.7 grams, so do not let the size confuse you. The actual earphones protrude from the housing of the drive in the ear. Because of the negligible weight, they are safe on the ear without any help. However, Audeze offers a choice of ear hooks and ear fins that can keep them well on your ears and give you that extra feeling of conviction. There are two pairs of clear and black ear hooks and two pairs of ear fins for the inner ear. They are thorough, if not.
The Audeze iSine10 is an open-earphone. They let in ambient sound and the audio slightly, so they are most suitable for private listening. The audio performance is more in line with that of good full-size earbuds than with an earphone. It takes away the most significant disadvantage of annoying earbuds: the openness of audio. The sound response is much lighter and more spacious compared to earbuds. The lack of distortion reflects temporary processing and resolution. These in-ear earbuds have deep, well-defined bass. They flow smoothly in the very detailed mid-tones. The highs have the same resolution, but with a hint of hardness in the high tones.
Audeze iSINE10 in-Ear | Semi-Open Headphone
Features
- MAXIMUM CLARITY: Hear every beat with maximum clarity. These headphones are built using our proprietary technology, delivering vivid sound, deep bass and balanced treble.
- GREAT AUDIO EVERYWHERE: The lightweight, modern industrial design of the iSINE10 is exceptionally durable, delivering great sound wherever you go.
- SUPERIOR RESOLUTION: Our innovative planar magnetic drivers use NASA material to provide lower distortion, better bass response, and a wider soundstage than any other in-ear headphone.
- CUSTOMIZABLE AUDIO: Your perfect mix is always just a few taps away. Use the Audeze iOS app to boost bass or elevate mids in real time featuring a 10-band equalizer and two savable presets that let you make any genre of music sound exactly the way you like it. AND the settings travel with the cable.
- LIGHTNING CABLE W/ MIC FOR HANDS-FREE CALLING: Get uncompromised audio for music and voice calls. Our MFI cetified cable comes with a in-line Amplifier, 24-bit digital to analog converter that brings the music to life. The mic is Siri-compatible keeping communication simple.
Etymotic Research ER4SR Studio
Etymotic Research ER4SR earbuds are the direct descendants of the first commercial earphones for the use of balancedEtymotic Research ER4SR studio reference in-ear monitors luminaire technology for high-fidelity audio. The SR version is the reference model of the studio, while the XR version offers a comprehensive answer. These are audiophile equipment with the best quality mid-tones available for this price. An excellent noise isolation is only one of the advantages. The new and sophisticated design makes the top of the best earbuds under $500 list.
The Etymotic Research ER4SR earphones have an unconventional design that might impress some and annoy the rest. For us, it was the first because the design helped our need for complete silence in the background while listening to music. The ears hooks of the ER4SR are longer and slimmer than the usual earphones. Their cylindrical structure is thin enough so that the ear tips and part of the earphones can sit comfortably in the ear canal. This deep dive design provides the noise-isolating benefit. The earpieces are covered with a metal tube that can be slid away to reveal the MMCX connector. These earphones come with pairs of triple-flanged earbuds and ear cups with black foam.
The Etymotic ER4SR earphones are famous and notorious for their mid-tones. These little divers have set up the perfect stage for a midrange with a tight and elaborate bass and sparkling highs. With the high-end detailing, ER4SR gives you a taste of ultra-expensive audio sounds such as. Unlike some of the more clinically sounding earphones, the ER4SR has a relaxed and pleasant sound. They are not as intense on bass as the XR earphones coming more in-depth into the sub-bass. But the lower frequencies are tight and fast. The fast transient response ensures clear audio. If you prefer a more relaxed audio character, we advise you to watch the ER4XR.
Etymotic Research ER4SR Studio Reference Precision Matched In-Ear Earphones
$210.00 in stock
2 used from $168.75
Features
- High performance balanced Armature drivers are precision matched to within 1 dB
- Sleek, anodized, laser-etched aluminum body
- Braided, reinforced 5ft detachable MMCX cables
- 35-42 dB of noise isolation with a max output of 122 dB
- Precision machined metal bodies with anodized finish
Westone W30
Westone W30 triple-driver earphones are a very undervalued unit in a market that is run over by other well-known True Waves Earphones with three drivers. These are refined earbuds that offer premium audio through triple drivers. They come with an excellent range of accessories. Westone has paid much attention to the physical and sound design of these earbuds. The result is an almost perfect sound for the price and a possibility to use only nitpick. They get a well-deserved place in the best earbuds under $500 list. The Westone W30 triple driver earphones make a good impression when we open the package. They come in rubber, sliding presentation case that speaks the premium talk of the price.
This is an impressive, foam-covered mini safe to carry the in-ear earbuds around. It is waterproof with shock absorbers on the sides. These are earbuds over the ear. The earpieces have a size somewhere between the Shure SE535 and SE846. So they are slightly out of ears. Apart from the three drivers, the cause of this bulk is the replaceable faceplate on the earpieces. W30 comes with spare faceplates in red and blue. It appeals to the vanity of the audiophiles and adds the smallest volume to the ears. They were comfortable for us, so we do not mind the consideration. This earphone comes with a generous collection of earbuds. Including the patented Westone Star earbuds, short and long versions, there are ten pairs.
The Westone W30 earphones are remarkably removed from the clinically flat response that is rampant at this price from IEMs. This is a lively earphone with a warm, slightly V-shaped signature. It retains stellar detailing through the frequency spectrum, but with a luxurious plush that everyone likes except purist audiophiles. The bass has a substantial impact on a certainly calculated boost in the mid-bass range. For its price, it plays effortlessly and with a strong impact. It can be a bit slow in comparison with Sennheiser IE800s, but they are also twice and price and less exciting. The treble offered by these earphones is the right amount of sparkle without being overbearing or hard. The midrange sounds a bit sunk between the enthusiasm of bass and treble.
Westone W30 Triple-Driver True-Fit Earphones with MMCX Audio Cable and 3 Button MFi Cable with Microphone
Features
- TRIPLE BALANCED-ARMATURE DRIVERS WITH THREEWAY CROSSOVER: The Westone W30 features three balanced-armature drivers with a 3-way crossover, and delivers sophisticated and detailed sound, with balanced lows, mid-range, with crystal-clear highs. The neutral response of the W30 delivers incredible clarity and definition in recorded and mastered music.
- THE MOST COMPACT, LOW PROFILE, ERGONOMIC DESIGN IN THE WORLD: The W30 takes advantage of all the innovations and expertise that Westone has developed in almost 60 years of designing and manufacturing products for the human ear. The W30 is so comfortable that they can be worn for hours and hours - you may even forget that you are wearing them. Westone’s silicone and comfort-foam eartips enhance the performance in-ear earphones by ensuring superior noise isolation, and a superb fit
- MMCX AUDIO CABLE + MFI 3 BUTTON CABLE (APPLE & ANDROID COMPTABLE): Westone’s professional-quality MMCX Audio Twisted Cable is so good that it goes on tour with some of the biggest names in the music industry. It is twisted to help reduce cable noise and keep the cable light-weight and flexible. Westone’s 3-Button MFi Control System with Microphone provides full function and control for all Apple and Android devices. Both feature our MMCX Audio Connectors and 3.5mm stereo plug
- TECHNICAL SPECS: The Westone W30 features three balanced-armature drivers with 107 dB @ 1mW sensitivity, 20Hz - 18kHz frequency response, and an impedance of 30 ohms @ 1kHz
- IN THE BOX + WARRANTY: Purchase includes; 1 pair Westone W30 Earphones, MMCX Audio Twisted Cable, 3 Button MFi Cable with Microphone, 5 pair Patented STAR Silicone Eartips, 5 pair TRUE-FIT Comfort-Foam Eartips, Impact Resistant Monitor Vault, 3 Decorative Faceplates (Red, Blue, and Black) with Removal/Replacement Tool, Cleaning Tool, and a 2-year warranty
Sennheiser IE80
The Sennheiser IE80 earbuds were praised six years ago as the best earphones of their time. They still have excellent value for Sennheiser IE80 earbuds, especially at the reduced price. These over-ear earphones know how to charge a bass tuner on the earpieces, feta that is commendable. They were delighted by the classic Sennheiser fans with their warm and detailed audio. It is in the category IEMs that produce high quality and pleasant sound, hence a perfect fit for our best earbuds under 500 dollars list. The Sennheiser IE80 earphones have a strong attraction. The brushed metal plate on the back of the earpieces is a bold, grungy statement.
The design turned out to be quite comfortable as a universal fit. The back of the earpieces has a small button with white markings to show the bass levels. A mini-bass adaptation tool is supplied with the package to turn the little knob. The cable of this earphone is detachable. It must be looped around the ears for proper assembly. Sennheiser sends a pair of ear hooks with IE80 for extra help to route the cable correctly. These are removable accessories. The cable is simple and rounded. There is no visible outer layer, but it remains tangle-free and resistant to daily abuse.
The Sennheiser Ie80 earphones offer several high-quality basses. There is a slight mid-bass bump at the moderate bass setting, so purist audiophiles usually turn the bass knob down. It is difficult to dispute the detailing and the depth of the bass here. For us, average audiophiles, this low end brings a powerful force to the audio that a flat frequency response can not. The heat that bass offers hardly ever gets in the way of the mid-tones.
Although the mid-tones of Sennheiser IE80 may not sound as forward as the Shure SE535, they have the dynamic detail. The high tones are fluid and forgiving without much glare or hardness. The audio is smooth and detailed for the casual listener. The more demanding audiophile might prefer the SE535s over this one.
Sennheiser IE 80 S Adjustable Bass Earbud Headphone
Features
- Audiophile fidelity combined with contemporary design elements and professional features like in ear canal fit and strain relief on cable connectors
- Durable housing and rugged, interchangeable cable with the well-known Sennheiser proprietary 2 pin connector that allows for customization according to individual taste
- Improved acoustic design featuring a dynamic transducer with powerful neodymium magnets that ensures outstanding sonic accuracy and clarity
- Unique manual sound tuning function lets you tailor the low frequency response to personal preference
- Ear tip set includes standard silicone, lamella silicone, and Comply foam all in small, medium, and large sizes
Bose SoundSport Pulse
An earphone with a heart rate monitor might not be that new, but the Bose SoundSport Pulse earphones are the first that the SoundSport Pulse wireless earbuds are the first to do well. These wireless sports earphones have an HRM mounted on the earbuds. Theseamless Bluetooth integrations, the limited but well-executed HRM, and the smooth sound, all characteristic of the quality of Bose, they launch in the best earbuds under $500 list.
The Bose SoundSport Pulse earphones are wireless buttons. They have earpieces connected by a thick wire. Unlike this specific agreement, they are virtually wireless. The ear hooks are large but flat. They do not stick out of the ears. They are loaded with new StayHear earbuds. These have fins hanging on the ears. In this way, the earbuds do not penetrate the ears and rest at the entrances on the ground. The disadvantage is that environmental noise can creep in. The StayHear tips with these earphones are not back-compatible. These are designed for these HRM earphones. The monitoring unit rests in the earpieces. The contact of their usual fit is sufficient to collect data about the heartbeat.
The Bose SoundSport Pulse earphones are tailored to the active lifestyle. Add that to the reasonable noise isolation; you need full-bodied audio. The audio is fluid with a calculated mid-bass hump. This is tight and spicy. The mid-tones are clean but only moderately detailed. The high tones are energetic. The sound signature is such that you can hear a significant amount of sound, even in areas with a lot of noise. They are not as premium sounds like other regular earphones for this price. Part of the investment goes to Bluetooth and HRM.
Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones
Features
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Sony MDR-EX800ST
The audiophiles have favored mainly the Sony MDR EX1000 earphones over time. The MDR EX800ST inSony Mdr-ex800st earbuds Inner Ear Type-ear earbuds are the affordable and still high version. These studio monitors offer an accurate but musical audio response that purists and music lovers will enjoy. These are wide-open sounding earphones, thanks to their ventilated design. This also limits their use to quieter places. This is one of the best earbuds under 500 dollars.
The Sony MDR EX1000 earphones are intended for use in the studio, and the design reflects that. These are over-earphones, and the ear hooks are huge. They are loosely on the ears, and the earbuds give you a secure attachment. They do not fit entirely in the ear. But they are flat and look neat. There are vents on the driver housing that are intended to extend the sound image. The part of the cable that is connected to the earbuds has memory foam. This keeps the earbuds in the ears when the wire is guided around the ears. These earphones have a detachable cable. They attach to the earpieces via a single connector.
You should immediately know that the air vents on the Sony MDR EX1000 earphones limit noise isolation. These run a string between musicality and pure audio. And they remain firmly in the balance. The bass is tight and spicy. It is meticulously detailed with useful extensions. The amount of bass is just neutral, so that the usual music listeners might find it a bit of bass light. The mid-tones are clearer than the Sennheiser HD600 earbuds with open back. That should give you an idea of the excellent detail and airiness of the mid-tones. The high tones are detailed but smooth. It does not create sibilance or goes overboard.
Sony Mdr-ex800st Headphones Inner Ear Type[japan Import]
2 used from $248.90
Features
Part Number | MDR-EX800ST |
Model | MDR-EX800ST |
Color | Black |
Shure SE425-CL
The Shure SE425 earbuds are another of their range of audio excellence. The energetic and fun sound is Shure SE425-CL sound-isolating earphones partner to ensure the comfortable build quality. They are designed in the style of Shure SE535 and are an excellent alternative for them. Together with their expensive alter ego, these cut the best earbuds under 500 dollars list. The Shure SE425 in-ear earbuds have the same construction as the SE535.
They are over-ear earbuds with the cable wrapped around the ears. The ear hooks are slimmer than the SE530s and have a much lower profile in the ears. They are closer to the size of SE535s and are close to the ears. The scale of the drivers is precise and shows the circuit that is cool inside. These earphones have a detachable cable. It connects to the earpieces via MMCX connectors. The part at the ears is done with memory wire. This ensures that they remain stable in the ears and reduces the vibrations during movement. These are comfortable even when they are routed around the ears.
The Shure SE425 earphones pack dual drivers per earphone, i.e., a woofer and a tweeter. The audio is accurate with beauty to the mid-tones that immediately stand out. They have many details that reveal new sounds that allow you to review your audio collection. The bass is tight and spicy. He is so strict that nonchalant listeners can find basses. The high tones are detailed with some sparkle, but not clear enough to create a feeling of astonishing clarity like high-end earphones often do. They are laidback and forgiving in comparison to Shure SE 5353, which are a bit superior in just about every sonic aspect. That does not mean that SE425s are great. A casual listener may not find much difference between the two.
Shure SE425-CL Sound Isolating Earphones with Dual High Definition MicroDrivers
2 used from $240.00
Features
- SOUND ISOLATING TECHNOLOGY - Own your audio space with sound isolating design that eliminates noise and keeps your experience pristine. It’s the right way to listen and the only way to really hear.
- CUSTOMIZED FIT - Includes three sizes (S, M, L) of the flex and black foam sleeves. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you.
- SECURE, OVER-THE-EAR DESIGN - Wireform fit ensures earphones stay in place and cables remain out of the way.
- STRIKING FULL-RANGE SOUND - Full range sound from a dual high-definition driver to deliver accurate, natural sound in a discrete, durable design.
- DURABLE REINFORCED CABLE - Detachable cable is durable enough to withstand everyday wear, yet allows for easy replacement in case of damage. Gold plated MMCX Connector has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360-degree rotation for comfortable fit.
Things To Know Before Buying Best Earbuds Under $500
Earphones are debuted annually by the dozens of known audio giants and smaller companies. But only a few match the potential of their price. Good earbuds have a price, but the reverse is not always true. Here we try to explain why these best earbuds under $500 took the crown.
Audio response
Although the perception of good audio is subjective to each person’s taste, certain essential qualities make audio sound fantastic:
- Clarity: the clarity of the audio across the board, from bass to mid-tones to high tones, ensures a pleasant listening experience. A lot of work goes into making every sound that goes into the audio. The good earphones ensure that the audio does not sound veiled or blunted, so that some details of the music are not audible.
- Balance: tonal balance is essential for the best earbuds under $500. In tonally balanced audio, none of the frequencies sounds too loud or too soft compared to the others. In other words, the energy of audio is distributed uniformly over the audio spectrum. Balanced audio gives you a good picture of the original sound, i.e., the song as it should be.
- Detailing: You might wonder why some earbuds cost $1000. What could they do those earbuds under $500 cannot? The devil is in the details. Careful detailing of the sound helps you to hear all the small sounds that are part of the audio and to enjoy your favorite songs more thoroughly. The popular songs on the market are popular because of the combined efforts of these details.
- Signature audio: some people prefer bass-heavy sound, some seem entirely flat, some like a warm balance. We can not say that one is better than the other, so we have selected the best earphones that cover different types of audio talks. However, the flat audio response is most easily matched to your taste of warm/bass-heavy/mid-front sound. So we preferred them. Some of the best earphones come with tuning filters that change the audio response to neutral/bass-forward/treble heights based on the filter that is physically fixed to it.
Durability
Earphones have the annoying habit of shorting you on one side. It is banter. You can hear half of the shape of you. the best earbuds do, not when you treat them moderately well. Sometimes even when you abuse them completely. The extra protection on the earbuds, the Y-joint, the connection, etc. Indicate the lifespan of the earphones.
Comfort
Most of us think earbuds are generally more comfortable than earbuds. Only some do not like the earbuds that penetrate the ear canal. And some audiophiles believe in the power of significant drivers that have standard earbuds. But in-ear is given priority due to convenience. Audiophile earphones often place their wires over the ears and behind the neck instead of being worn in the usual way. Although this gives you a safer fit, some users do not find it very comfortable. The standard earbuds on the front are usually comfortable unless they have large earpieces.
Cable
There are several ways in which a cable can determine the fate of the earphone. One is whether they are removable. Thanks to the detachable cables, you do not have to throw away $ 300 earphones because the wire is shorted. But to be economical, the backup cables must be affordable. There are modular cables where a part of the cable is connected to an extension just below the Y-connection. The cable must be sturdy but not so heavy as to load the earphones.
Jack
The connection of the earphones is another stress area. For most earbuds, the jacket is now gilded. A straight connection is more comfortable to insert and remove from the audio device. But an L-shaped jack has more stress relief and is more likely to last longer without damage. The plug’s housing must be thick but not so beast that it does not enter the hole in a phone case.
Ear Hooks
The optimal performance of the best earphones depends on the seal you receive in the ear. The better your ear hooks are sealed against ambient noise, the more bass and details you can distinguish. With a good seal, you can get the best audio from your earphone. Usually, silicone ear tips in different sizes do well. Comply foam earbuds are guaranteed to provide a good seal, but they can absorb sweat. Some earphones come with both types of earpieces, along with double/triple flange tips. The options ensure that you find the best deal.