IEM headphones, or “In Ear Monitors,” block and seal the ear canal from external noise. The sound drivers are right next to the eardrum so noise from outside is significantly reduced. IEM headphones are favored by professional musicians for their sound quality and by active runners and exercisers because they stay in place.
This guide will help you choose the best IEM headphones by outlining all the things you need to know to make a well-informed choice. Included are some suggestions of IEM headphones to buy, including the Shure AONIC 5 Wired and Wireless Earphone Bundle, a popular choice of stage performers and athletes.
What to know before you buy IEM headphones
Earbuds and IEM headphones look a lot alike because they are both small, portable listening devices that are inserted directly into the ear. Don’t confuse the two, though. The big difference is that where common earbuds rest on the outer ear, IEM headphones are inserted snugly into the ear canal, blocking and sealing it. Because they are deep inside the ear canal, IEM headphones deliver low-frequency audio via bone conduction, making bass notes surprisingly full and powerful. IEM headphones also have ear tips that earbuds do not because they are not inserted into the ear canal.
Comfort and fit
Not only are your inner ears different from everyone else’s, but your left and right ear canals are usually not exactly the same size or shape, either. Size, shape, length and weight will vary widely from product to product.
Audio specifications
The IEM headphone is designed to isolate noise by sealing the ear canal. Look for IEM headphones with higher decibel ratings to do a better job of blocking noise and eliminating distractions than those with lower decibel ratings.
Frequency response tells you what your IEM headphones are capable of producing. The wider the range that is covered, the better the depth and quality of the audio.
Amount of isolation is measured in decibels and tells you how much unwanted sound is blocked by the earpiece. The higher the number, the more sound is being blocked.
Hygiene
Eartips get contaminated with earwax, perspiration and dirt, so they need to be cleaned regularly and replaced frequently.
IEM headphone features
Eartips
Look for IEM headphones that come with multiple interchangeable ear tips so you get the best possible fit. Foam and silicone are the most commonly used materials, and both do an excellent job of staying in place and blocking out noise. Because silicone eartips use suction to stay in place, they are great for active performers because they are lighter and more stable. Silicone ear tips come with one, two or three flanges and in a variety of shapes.
Foam eartips are denser and provide better isolation, but they degrade quickly when exposed to perspiration. Avoid rubber eartips because they are the least comfortable and some trigger skin allergies.
Configuration
Look for IEM headphones that have a strain-relief cable system that loops up and over the ear to help keep the earpiece in place. This is the feature that delights workout enthusiasts and runners, keeping their IEM headphones in place even while vigorously bouncing and moving. IEM headphones with over-ear loops are the configuration of choice for serious stage performers for another reason, too — they hide the cables while keeping your IEM headphones securely in place.
Drivers
Drivers are the devices that take the electrical signals from our devices and turn them into sounds. The larger the number of drivers that come with your IEM headphones, the clearer and more precise sound you will receive. Like their earbud cousins, lower-end IEM headphones have only one driver. High-end IEM headphones have as many as eight drivers.
IEM headphones with multiple drivers are the best option because each driver delivers a different range and they combine for a high-quality sound.
Cords and cabling
Choose an IEM headphone that has braided and wrapped wires that don’t tangle or kink like plastic and rubber cables found on most earphones. Braided and wrapped wires are also far more durable and longer lasting.
Removable cables
Modern IEM headphones use connectors that are not only secure but also easy to snap on and off. This interchangeability allows you to use shorter and longer cables when the situation calls for it, as well as add a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver or an in-line remote for your smartphone. Special communication cables allow for direct connection to in-flight entertainment systems, laptops and other mobile devices.
IEM headphone cost
Low-quality budget IEM headphones cost as little as $10. Affordable IEM headphones are in the $50-$100 range, but for professional-quality sound and comfort, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$800 and more.
IEM headphone FAQ
Should you get custom-fit IEM headphones?
A. There is no question that custom-fit IEM headphones are more comfortable, block more noise and deliver better sound. The difference in cost is quite extraordinary, though. To have your IEM headphones custom-fit to your exact specification, you would need to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, who would then make a physical cast of your inner and outer ears. Audiologist fees are usually around $100-$200, and the making of the custom IEMs costs from $300 to more than $1,000.
Who are IEM headphones made for?
A. Band musicians playing live music want to be able to adjust the volume they hear for each of the other musicians in the band. Runners and exercisers use IEM headphones with ear loops to keep from losing them.
Which IEM headphones should you get?
Best of the best IEM headphones
Shure AONIC 5 Wired and Wireless Earphone Bundle: available at Amazon
Our take: Legendary acoustic design meets true wireless freedom and delivers the best of both worlds.
What we like: Three high-definition balanced armature drivers deliver customizable audio with selectable frequency response. The ergonomic low profile design has an optimized nozzle angle and a true wireless adapter. Secure over-ear fit comes with 20 eartips and is compatible with Apple and Android devices. Comes with a two-year warranty.
What we dislike: Quite expensive.
Best bang for your buck IEM headphones
Sennheiser IE 40 Pro Molded In-Ear Dynamic Monitor: available at Amazon
Our take: Dissonance-free reproduction at maximum sound levels for the beginner’s budget.
What we like: Flat profile and ergonomic ear mold design adds wearing comfort to a good fit. Reinforced ear hook with replaceable cable is ideal for use on stage. This pair utilizes a next-gen dynamic single driver that produces harmonious sound without the need to split the frequency range into different sections.
What we dislike: More drivers would be better.
Honorable mention IEM headphones
Audio Technica ATH-E70 Professional In-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: This pair has specially designed housing that delivers maximum isolation so you can focus on the music.
What we like: Flexible cables loop over the ears for a custom fit to hold the earphones in place. Three well-balanced armature drivers provide accurate and extended frequency responses in the low, middle and upper ranges. Includes a carrying case, a plug-in adapter and a durable detachable cable optimized for audio performance.
What we dislike: No receiver or transmitter.
David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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