Best Earbuds in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 8, 2024
Earbuds are a special type of miniature headphones, which were designed as more convenient and portable alternative to full-sized headphones. Earbuds have their peculiarities, pros and cons, finding which will be simpler after reading our review with the 5 best modern earbuds models. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Sound Quality
Design
Convenience of Use
Device Compatibility
Supply Package
Warranty
 
PROS

The in-line remote control allows you to easily turn over songs from your favourite playlists, making your listening experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

CONS

Some of the remote control functions are not compatible with Apple.

OUR VERDICT

Dr. Dre earbuds provide crystal clear audio and snug-fit comfort that will be surely appreciated by music connoisseurs.

detailed parameters
Sound Quality

Deep bass, Soaring highs and crystal clear mid-range

Design

Metal earbuds, Rubber coated cable

Convenience of Use

Built-in mic, In-line remote control, Cable length: 120 cm

Device Compatibility

All Android-based devices

Supply Package

4 x Eartip sets, Soft carrying pouch for storage and transportation

Warranty

30 days

PROS

Built-in magnets allow clasping the earbuds together to wear them conveniently around your neck when not in use.

CONS

Since this pair is rechargeable, you should keep an eye on its charge status.

OUR VERDICT

These Bluetooth wireless earbuds offer a comfortable fit that is a perfect solution for those leading an active lifestyle.

detailed parameters
Sound Quality

Good bass performance coupled with aptX support

Design

Aluminium earbuds, Taped rubber coated cable

Convenience of Use

Built-in mic, In-line remote control, Bluetooth 4.1 connection

Device Compatibility

All Bluetooth-based devices

Supply Package

3 x Eartip sets,3 x Ear hooks, Charging cable, User manual

Warranty

1 year (18 months upon registration)

PROS

The earbuds this small provide custom fit and aren't overlayed around user's ears.

CONS

No in-line remote control and built-in mic.

OUR VERDICT

Simple, elegant Betron earphones are fully compatible with all mobile phones. They offer reliable, superior quality sound at a quite affordable price.

detailed parameters
Sound Quality

Powerful, bass-driven stereo sound with greater clarity

Design

Plastic earbuds, Taped rubber coated cable

Convenience of Use

Cable length: 120 cm

Device Compatibility

All Android-based devices

Supply Package

3 x Eartip sets, Carrying pouch

Warranty

1 year

PROS
A wide choice of color solutions available enables you to pick the one blending with your looks best.
CONS
No volume adjustment via the in-line remote control.
OUR VERDICT
This earbuds set by Skullcandy was designed for energetic individuals who like going in for extreme sports and love outdoors amusements.
detailed parameters
Sound Quality
Attacking Bass, natural vocals and precision highs
Design

Plastic earbuds, Taped rubber coated cable

Convenience of Use
Built-in mic, In-line remote control Cable length: 4.3 feet
Device Compatibility
All Android-based devices
Supply Package
2 eartip sets
Warranty
1 year
PROS

Each earbud has different coloured wires, that allows you to quickly identify right and left ear placement.

CONS

Powerful bass sound may result in poorer high and mid-range sound quality.

OUR VERDICT

These coloured in-ear headphones with a complete set of accessories will be an excellent present for music lovers.

detailed parameters
Sound Quality

Powerful bass enhanced sound with superb musical detail

Design

Metal earbuds, Gold plated connection jack, Clear coated cable

Convenience of Use

Built-in mic, In-line remote controlCable length: 120 cm

Device Compatibility

All Android-based devices

Supply Package

6 x Silicone eartip sets, 2 x Foam eartip sets,Soft carrying pouch for transportation, Wire clip

Warranty

1 year

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Beats by Dr. Dre Monster In Ear Earphones

Thoughtful Design

Probably, every true music lover agrees that the Beats By Dr.Dre earphones are associated with superb sound quality and top-notch durability. The distinctive feature of this model is the letter “b” engraved on the metal earbuds body. The earbuds ensure clear sound transmission via connected devices, immersing you in the captivating world of music. Incredibly deep bass and crystal clear sound in high and mid-range will ensure the utmost comfort, making your listening experience unforgettable. The ear headset features an in-line remote control with convenient buttons that lets you get to the next track, play or pause. And a built-in mic lets you make phone calls as well as use your earbuds as a headset. Meanwhile, a multifunctional centre button on the remote control lets you accept calls when the mobile phone is in your pocket. The manufacturers even cared about providing the earbuds with a soft, compact carrying pouch for tangle-free storage and convenient transportation. Besides, an over-ear headphone might be a splendid alternative to the earbuds.

Review of Beats by Dr. Dre Monster In Ear Earphones

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01DAZFDVC

 

TaoTronics Bluetooth Earbud

Unmatched Comfort

An exceptional advantage of the wireless TaoTronics earbuds is that they provide a direct connection to your mobile devices via Bluetooth. The latest Bluetooth 4.1 technology offers fast and stable pairing with Bluetooth-based devices as well as a crystal clear quality sound from compatible devices. On top of that, the earbuds have an integrated high-definition aptX codec, providing CD-like quality sound. Also, they provide a long battery life on a single charge. Just fancy, you can enjoy up to 5 hours of uninterrupted talking or listening to music and about 175 hours in a standby mode. Another undeniable benefit of these earbuds is the built-in magnets that offer users a convenient way of carrying them around the neck when not in use.

Review of TaoTronics Bluetooth Earbud

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B017I9CBPC

 

Betron B750s

Optimal Choice

The Betron B750s sound-isolating earphones are an optimal choice if you'd like to get headphones that produce high-quality sounding and don't cost a fortune. The small size of the earbuds allows for a custom fit being not overlayed around ears. The Betron B750s earbuds are available in two options - with and without an in-line remote control, and in three colours - black, red and white, so you can find best matching pair to your needs. In the package, you will also find three silicone eartips of S, M and L sizes accordingly. Speaking of extras, the earbuds are supplied with a carrying pouch too, so that they could be kept in a neat way and tangle-free when being not in use. Comparing to many other earbuds within the same price range, the Betron B750s earphones pleased us with high noise isolation capable of blocking all ambient noise. 

Review of Betron B750s Wired In-Ear Headphones

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £10.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00I3LTQ9O

 

Skullcandy Ink'd 2 (S2IKDY-003)

A Mindful Design

The whole line of Skullcandy accessories and equipment was designed and has been produced for the fans of an active lifestyle and outdoor sports. The Skullcandy headphones, digital audio players, and other products can frequently be spotted worn by snowboarders, skateboarders, fans of cross country, downhill or freeride. One of the distinguishing features of the Ink'd 2 earbuds is several color solutions available. We are sure that everyone can pick the solution to emphasise their style. The colour of the earbuds model we chose is black with conspicuous company logos made as skulls engraved on earbuds butt ends. The same logo is applied to the eartips, 2 additional sets of which are included, by the way. Conсerning the sound performance of these Skullcandy earbuds they make highs and mids of a record sound quite naturally thus offering you a refined pleasure when listening to calm and vocal music. The authoritative bass produced by these small in-ear headphones will without fail be loved by all the fans of “heavy” and electronic music.

Irrespective of whether you are a professional or an amateur the Skullcandy Ink'd 2 fits for fans of extreme entertainment and brings you an immense joy of listening to music and audio materials when you concern yourself with a favourite occupation.

Review of Skullcandy Ink'd 2 (S2IKDY-003) In-Ear Headphones with In-Line Microphone

The Skull Brand Mark

Today you can see skull symbols on many decorations, accessories, clothes and many other things. Despite the commonly held opinion a skull not only symbolises death but opposing, confronting the death thus regarded a controversial symbol. The symbolic of this kind consolidates various social groups and is very ancient. For example, the skull symbol was used by those warriors of Roman empire who achieved victory in a battle. A skull image was frequently accompanied by a popular “Memento Mori” inscription, which means “remember that you must die” translated from Latin. Some people put fear into this symbol though by others it was regarded a symbol of struggle and resistance. It may be that the Skullcandy company applies skull symbols to its products to reflect a humanity’s aspiration for going beyond the set barriers and experience a true power of music. Using the skull logo the Skullcandy company seems to inspire its supporters to set new records and achievements.

Skullcandy Ink'd 2 (S2IKDY-003) In-Ear Headphones with In-Line Microphone in the use

More Products to Consider

If you love music but don't want to sacrifice too much space for speakers, take a look at in-wall & in-ceiling speakers!

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B007136D3C

VIDEO
Skullcandy Ink'd 2.0 Review
 

Betron YSM1000

Aesthetically Pleasing Accessory

The Betron YSM1000 earbuds can be easily considered one of the best headphones to give as a present to your relative or friend. Out-of-the-box the pair comes with all necessary accessories one would need to use. Aside from the earbuds, you'll also find here a number of additional silicone eartips of different sizes and 2 sets of foam eartips for better noise isolation. For comfort of transportation and storage, the Betron YSM1000 earbuds are shipped with a soft carrying pouch where you could fit in not only headphones but also a few eartips. What we definitely liked about these earbuds is that they can be worn on clothes, being attached with a wire clip to your shirt's pocket or elsewhere. The phones look pretty special and bright and will easily elevate your looks and style. In regard to performance characteristics, the sound these earphones produce isn't a fracture worse to some more expensive models, due to a gold-plated connection jack that not only provides better connection but also stands for the sound quality. And, with the foam eartips being attached, there's no chance at all you may be distracted by foreign noise. All wires here are coloured differently to let users easily identify their intended application, which is surely handy. 

Review of Betron YSM1000 In-Ear Headphones

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £13.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00S2P0M4Y

 

What are Earbuds

Earphones, both earbuds and IEMs (in-ear monitors) are very convenient accessories, which are made as miniature speakers for plugging directly into the ears and are used for listening to music and audio records from MP3-players, DAPs, and other mobile devices. Earbuds are loved by mobile devices owners as they are much more compact and lightweight than full-size or over-the-ear headphones and you can take them with you almost anywhere and use them on the go. In addition, earbuds sit more snug in your ears and allow achieving a much better seal and noise isolation than over-the-ear and on-ear headphones thus improving the overall quality of listening.

If you wish to pick headphones other than earbuds we recommend you to check our wireless headphones, and earphones reviews, which will help you make the right choice.

What Features to Compare

When choosing any earphones including earbuds the first thing that requires your attention is the Sound Quality. While there is a whole range of measured parameters that are widely regarded representative of earbuds sound quality from an “objective” point of view it all boils down to how much you personally like the sound of certain earbuds. So eventually the subjective perception prevails when choosing between several models. Please keep in mind that in-ear headphones/earbuds are only a link in the “audio record-source device-earphones” chain though affecting an overall listening experience most of all.

Thus, such a parameter as earphones amplitude-frequency response or simply frequency response (the way the earbuds respond to input signals of different frequency in terms of output sound amplitude) that can hardly be defined as good or bad and determines an earbuds model “signature” usually plays a much more important role than other technical parameters. In addition, we all have different music genre preferences so those who like metal and rock music, as well as some electronic music styles, might find earbuds with more punchy and pronounced bass a better option. With that, those who like jazz, instrumental or acoustic music usually consider earbuds that accentuate middle and high frequencies more enjoyable. On the other hand, the same person may choose some earbuds for vocal-oriented music and prefer models with different frequency response for instrumental and more intense music.

As your music listening sessions may last several hours a day the next important parameter that needs to be considered is Convenience of use. You need to pay attention to earbuds design if you want to choose the earbuds model that suits you most. Due to the fact that you're probably going to use this accessory every day you need to make sure the looks and aesthetics of the earbuds you’ve chosen fit you and emphasise your personal style. We strongly suggest you take note of earbuds cable as the quality of this cable affects the earbuds longevity. The cable length and flexibility are of much importance as they directly influence the convenience of earbuds handling and wearing. Another important convenience feature of modern earbuds is an in-line remote control, which allows switching between the tracks, adjusting the volume without even touching your DAP as well as receiving incoming calls when used with a smartphone. With that, the availability of an in-line mic will enable you to use the earbuds as telephone headset and conveniently receive incoming calls with your smartphone resting in your pocket or bag.

Eventually, we came to the point when you should focus on the Distinguishing features of earbuds in question. At that stage, you need to clarify whether the in-line remote control of the earbuds you’ve decided on is operable when paired with your mobile device and enables the full-fledged remote functionality. One of the important distinguishing features an earbuds set has is a supply package. Please, pay attention to the type and the number of eartips included in the supply package. Every person has an individual conch and ear canal sizes, therefore, the more eartip options you are given, the higher the probability of finding the eartips that suit you perfectly and provide the best fit and noise isolation for your IEM or earbuds. Some earbuds manufacturers ship their products with special pouches or boxes (or both) for a comfortable carrying and providing additional protection for the earbuds. Therefore the availability of these accessories adds to the value of certain earbuds.

Sources:

1. Headphones and Earphones Buying Guide, The Hub. November 4, 2013.

2. How to Choose the Most Comfortable Earphones, eBay. March 10, 2016.

3. Paul Sanders Tips on Choosing the Right Headphones, Overstock.

4. Lewis Skinner How to Buy the Best HeadphonesWhich?

5. Jerry Hildenbrand Choosing the Best Headphones,  Android Central. March 1, 2016.

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