I've been using Bose Quiet Comfort headphones at work for several years now to listen to music/block out the open office noise. Unfortunately, I've developed a case of CNH ear (really painful spot on outer ear), and over the ear headphones are no longer an option. I also work on a military base, and due to security policy can't have bluetooth/microphone headphones. I have some Klipsch S4 noise isolating earbuds that work well, but the sound quality isn't anywhere near what the Bose headphones are. I realize I won't be able to match that in ear buds completely, but what's the best under $150 headphones out there?



TDLR: What's the best wired, non-bluetooth, no microphone, noise-isolating earbuds for $150 or less?

Sennheiser Momentum and RBH ep2 are both nice. On the cheaper end, I have a set if Focal Sphear (sp?) earbuds that sound really nice as well.

I used to have a set of those Klipsch earbuds as well and they were the worst sounding headphones I have ever heard. Like, free pair to watch the movie on American Airlines bad. I just gave mine away. Anything you get will be an upgrade.

What kind of sound do you want? Heavy bass, V shaped, all neutral, or emphasized mids/treble? I like a more bass heavy or V shaped IEMs. Here are a few to check out...

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-mee-audio-pinnacle-px-iems

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PO10E2/

This is also a good site for some cheap, but good sounding IEMs...
https://audiobudget.com/

Thanks I had to google what V-shaped means, but I think that']s more of what I'm looking for. The clarity in the Bose headphones is unreal compared to the klipsch's. I can pick our individual instruments when listening to bands, etc.

The BLON BL-03, Tin T3 and the Tin T4 (assuming these fit you well) are solid IEMs under $100.

HiFiHear BLON BL-03 in Ear Earphone,10mm Carbon Diaphragm Dynamic Drive Bass HiFi DJ in Ear Monitor, Diamond Mirror Process in Ear Headphone with 2pins Detachable Cable Wired Earphone (Slive No Mic) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TXXRPZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EkgoEbM4RKVRT

Linsoul TIN HiFi T3 Premium Single Knowles BA Single PU+PEK Dynamic Hybrid Driver InEar Earphones, CNC-machined Metal Design, Detachable Gold-Plated OFC SPC MMCX Cables https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQ8H77N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vtgoEbQX61PHB

Linsoul TIN HiFi T4 10mm Carbon Nanotube Dynamic Driver in-Ear Monitor Earphones, Ultra-Sleek Metal Housing, Silver-Plated MMCX Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0828W881B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3mgoEbHPE9BH2

Thanks, the BLON BL-03 looks interesting...

I couldn't find it earlier, but this is another site that has good reviews.

https://headfonics.com/category/iem-earphones/hybrid/

FYI, I would highly recommend some of the Dekoni Audio memory foam tips for the BL-03.

Dekoni Audio Bulletz Moldable Memory Foam Isolation Earphone Tips, Black, 4.9mm, 3 Pack (Sample (S, M, L)) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0SGE1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eFjoEb2FWZSF1

tamusc said:

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The BLON BL-03, Tin T3 and the Tin T4 (assuming these fit you well) are solid IEMs under $100.

HiFiHear BLON BL-03 in Ear Earphone,10mm Carbon Diaphragm Dynamic Drive Bass HiFi DJ in Ear Monitor, Diamond Mirror Process in Ear Headphone with 2pins Detachable Cable Wired Earphone (Slive No Mic) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TXXRPZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EkgoEbM4RKVRT

Linsoul TIN HiFi T3 Premium Single Knowles BA Single PU+PEK Dynamic Hybrid Driver InEar Earphones, CNC-machined Metal Design, Detachable Gold-Plated OFC SPC MMCX Cables https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQ8H77N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vtgoEbQX61PHB

Linsoul TIN HiFi T4 10mm Carbon Nanotube Dynamic Driver in-Ear Monitor Earphones, Ultra-Sleek Metal Housing, Silver-Plated MMCX Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0828W881B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3mgoEbHPE9BH2

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Have a set of T3's, can recommend.

HifiMan RE600's should be thrown in, too.

No matter what you get, even a basic headphone amp will do wonders.

Yeah, if you have a headphone amp, I'd throw the Tin P1 into the mix as well. They are fantastic IEMs at ~$150, but they definitely need an amp to shine.

Linsoul TIN HiFi P1 10mm Planar-Diaphragm Driver in-Ear Earphones with Detachable MMCX Cable for Audiophiles Musicians https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TZ2X1ZV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hpmoEbG7W91PE

There's a few solid portable headphone amp options like the Fiio Q1 and the EarStudio ES100 (which is a Bluetooth connected portable amp/DAC).

FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC & Amplifier for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Computers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757MH46M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AqmoEbMDAYK10

New: EarStudio ES100 MK2-24bit Portable High-Resolution Bluetooth Receiver/USB DAC/Headphone Amp with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC (3.5mm Unbalanced & 2.5mm Balanced Output) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078H4YD2L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DrmoEbRTCFYGZ

Ordered the HiFiHear BLON BL-03 and some New Bee foam tips to swap out with. We'll see how it goes, I appreciate all the input.

Hope you enjoy them! They've become my default earbuds for when I'm out and about or can't listen to open-back headphones.

Just a note, the bass on them is definitely dependent on a good seal (as with most IEMs).