Whether you’re an audiophile or not, you probably need a pair of headphones with great sound quality, the ability to cancel noise around you, and superior comfort for the ears. Although wired earphones are often overlooked, many of them provide all those features and more, at a fraction of the cost of their wireless counterparts.
To ensure your ears feel loved while you go about your tasks, we curated a list of the 5 best wired headphones available, with a variety of uses, at a variety of prices. Most of them are Amazon Prime-eligible, which means you could be using them to listen to your favourite tunes as early as tomorrow, if you purchase today.
1. Best Overall: Sennheiser CX 300 II Precision Noise Isolating Earphones, Silver
Pros
- Lightweight
- Asymmetrical cable reduces tangles
- Superb sound for the price
- Noise-cancelling earphones
- Comes with a pouch
Cons
- Not the best fit, reviewers say
This pair of Sennheiser CX 300 II earphones has over 12,000 4.5-star reviews for good reason. Its dynamic speakers are bass-forward, which means it's ideal for all kinds of music. Unlike other bass-focused earbuds, these are tuned so that they don't drown out the male vocals or guitars. The sound is clear, rich, and higher frequencies are not screechy or piercing. Three different sized eartips are provided, although some reviewers said they had trouble keeping them secured in their ear for long periods. Still, with an assymetrical cable that's tangle-free, and superb noise-cancelling features, it's a great wired pair of earphones.
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12, and 2-year extended warranty for Dh19.
2. Best for Students: Skullcandy Set In-Ear Sport Earbuds with Microphone
Pros
- IPX4 water resistance
- Great noise isolation
- Comfortable fit for a long period of time
- In-line microphone and track control
Cons
- Bass is slightly muddy at higher volumes
The Skullcandy Set is a multipurpose pair of earphones for people who want to work and play without having to switch. That makes it great for students who often go from virtual classes to gaming to listening to lectures or music - all while never leaving their seat. The in-line mic and track control gives people the ability to toggle without having to reach for their phone or laptop. The earphones' audio quality is solid and its IPX4 rating means you don't have to worry about damage from sweat, if you decide to bring out your yoga mat after a gruelling study session.
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12, and 2-year extended warranty for Dh19.
3. Best for Sports: JBL Endurance Run Sweatproof Sport In-Ear Earphone
Pros
- Flexible in-ear or behind-ear fit
- IPX5 water resistance
- Includes in-line microphone and remote
- Excellent noise cancellation
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
- Magnetic buds are not strong
This pair of JBL Endurance Run earphones gives you options - a huge bonus when you're on the move, exercising. It has two kinds of adjustments for your ears - you can either place it in-ear, or behind the ear if that's more comfortable. With FlexSoftTM ear tips and TwistLockTechnology, the earphones are made to sit tight without hurting your ears or falling out. Its IPX5 rating means its sweatproof, so you don't have to worry about damaging your earphones at the gym. An added advantage is that you can answer calls through its in-line mic and not have to reach for your phone in the middle of a workout.
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12, and 2-year extended warranty for Dh19.
4. Best for Android Devices: Google Earbuds
Pros
- Clean, smooth sound
- Featherlight
- Comfortable
- Voice assistance and Google Translate-enabled
- Compatible with most USB-C devices
Cons
- Negligible noise isolation
- Bass could be better
With USB-C devices becoming truly universal, Google Earbuds are an obvious choice for some. They get all the essentials right - the sound is excellent, they are comfortable to wear, compatible with most devices, and affordable. You can even use its three-button remote to access a mic and call up Google Assistant. The adjustable cable loop on the earbuds acts as a stabiliser, keeping it in place for when you need to wear the earphones for a long period of time. It's an all-rounder and ideal for daily wear.
5. Best for Apple Devices: Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector Earphone
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Lightweight
- In-line mic and remote control
- Voice assistance-enabled
Cons
- Negligible noise isolation
- Not the most secure fit
Apple EarPods are great for Apple iPhone users who want to experience the premium sound quality provided by Apple, but not at the cost of an AirPod that is available at almost 10 times the price. Simple, portable headphones that are perfect for casual listening, the design of the EarPod is defined by the geometry of the ear, which brings the wearer more comfort. You also get superior, high-quality audio, and the built-in remote of the earphone cord is great for adjusting volume, controlling the playback of music and video, and answering or ending calls.
Warranty: Apple provides 1-year limited warranty.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
