Best wired headphones for iPhone

Close-up of a pair of purple and white in-ear Beats earphones—the best wired headphones— with their wire laying over a black smartphone. The earphones and phone sit on a marbled surface. The Beats logo is visible on the earphone buds.

Apple decided to drop the 3.5 mm audio jack from the new iPhone models back in 2016. Moreover, amid the fearmongering of many tech analysts who saw the change as an anti-consumer characteristic, iPhone revenues steadily increased. Although several iPhone enthusiasts have shifted to wireless Bluetooth earbuds, or even to Apple’s original Air Pods, there is another choice available if you are old-school and like to stick to the wired headphones. These headsets are connected to the Apple phones via the charging slot and sound perfect. However, certain brands offer more features, along with great audio that can affect your buying decision. This guide gets you through such problems and helps you decide the best wired headphones for iPhone to buy.

Panasonic Ergofit earbuds with microphone

Features

  • Powerful drivers for clear sound
  • Three ear-pad size options
  • In-built microphone and call remote; all-smartphone-compatible
  • Available in eleven colors
  • A comfortable 3.6ft cable for connection
  • In-Ear studio audio, tonally balanced
  • Lightning connector to confirm the attachment
  • Returnable within 30 days of receipt

Design

Starring a big, 9 mm neodymium driver with a broad frequency range, these advanced earbuds provide intense, crystal-clear audio while blocking background sound. Three provided ear-pad packs (S / M / L) give an aerodynamic fit that will not fall out when you are playing. Nine vibrant colour choices with 3.6-ft colour matching cables allow you to complement your apparel, iPhone, or iPod and other accessories. 

Tonally controlled dynamic stereo headphones with crisp tops and soft low notes this product features a broader frequency range plus a vibrant sound quality for captured music. Broad, 3.6-ft headphone cord loops effortlessly through clothes and luggage, making it simple to attach. The earbud’s driver diaphragm is moved by the air particles that make up the pressure sound waves. It is attached to the coil of wire (voice cord), which sits between a magnet.

Performance

These Headphones with Microphone and Call options are the best combination of design, convenience, versatility and, most of all, superb performance. The In-line mic on the earbud cord is used to give voice commands or answer phone calls. You can now enjoy music to the fullest wherever you are with its neodymium magnet drivers. Panasonic’s Ergofit is among the best headphones under 50 dollars for 2020. These earbuds allow you to hear every detail in tunes you love and significantly differentiate the crests and troughs of the compositions. 

Specifications

Product Dimensions 3.6 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches
Weight 1.8 ounces
Warranty 90 days (for parts)
Colour options Eleven (shades of blue, pink, white, black)
Fit type In-Ear
Special features Microphone, Call control, Noise isolation
Frequency range 10kHz – 24 kHz
Input power 22mW maximum
Sensitivity 96B/mW
Driver 9mm neodymium magnet

urBEATS wired earphones

 

Features

  • High performance wired earbuds
  • Fine-tuned acoustic design
  • Compatible with IOS and android products
  • Optimal ergonomic design for comfort
  • Four size options of ear-tips with noise isolation
  • Magnetic earbuds and tangle-free cable
  • Remote-talk microphone
  • Lightning connector

Design

These earbuds are designed to elevate your music obsession with fine-tuned acoustic make that is possible via an axial-aligned driver. Its design includes a laser-precision venting controlling the air balance and providing a micro-pressure controlled bass and treble. Also, its dual-chamber acoustics gives a synchronized sound. 

It has an ergonomic design and fits your ear irrespective of size. These earbuds are a perfect combination of sleek style and exotic beats sound. Four sizes of ear-tip options promise individualized fit, noise isolation, and all-day comfort. Its built-in microphone and remote control for call and music allow you to do anything you want with your IOS or Android smartphone. You can activate Siri with the push of a button, and the tangle-free flat cord with the magnetic buds suits your style perfectly.

Performance

Whether you are talking to someone on the phone or are listening to your favourite sounds, this acoustic design facilitates everything. It results in exceptional listening and music experience. The sound in these is fantastic. It is a cool and matte hue. The packaging is rather stylish since it highly resembles the packaging of Apple. 

The lightning connector is cherry on top, and the magnetic buds with a tangle-free cord allow you to keep this wherever you want, and they will rest without a problem. The buds feature natural tonality for all sorts of music and are so comfortable that you can wear it all day long. The ear-tips allow individualized to fit and complete noise-isolation for a unique experience.

Specifications

Product Dimensions 5.12 x 1.46 x 5.51 inches
Weight 5.6 ounces
Colour options Eight
Fit type In-Ear
Special features Microphone, Call control, Noise isolation
Batteries Lithium-ion, 1
Warranty Upon request from customer service 

RHA MA750i earbuds

 

Features:

  • High-resolution stainless steel built
  • Noise-isolating design
  • Apple remote control and microphone integrated
  • Optimal ergonomic design for comfort
  • Three sizes (S/M/L) dual-density ear tips
  • 2x Silicone flange ear tips (S/L)
  • ComplyTM foam ear tips (M)
  • Compatible with Apple devices
  • Gold-plated 3.5mm connection
  • Lightning connector

Design

The MA750i RHA is a high-resolution sound rated in-ear device with over-ear hooks for long-lasting support and a 3-button in-line Apple compliant remote control. The form of the AerophonicTM headset channels streams from the headset to the ear of the user without interference. It provides a consistent and reliable audio replication combined with a custom-designed RHA 560.1 driver for adequate sound quality. RHA’s clothes loop and luxury carrying case offer additional versatility for exercise or sports use. 

The MA750i is protected by RHA’s market-leading 3-year guarantee and supported by their 5-star customer support team. It is to note that the manufacturer’s guarantee of RHA is only available for orders from approved stores, including RHA specifically.

Performance

It features a 3-button remote system and microphone which are compatible with all Apple devices. The remote system includes a music controller, a call controller, and a digital assistant. It features premium listening experience with a handmade driver. It has flexible over-ear hooks, a superb quality oxygen-free copper cord and promises an accurate and clear sound performance. The Japan Audio Society certifies the audio. 

Specifications

Product Dimensions 1.97 x 0.59 x 53.15 inches
Weight 1.12 ounces
Color options 1 (Clear)
Driver 560.1 Custom Dynamic
Special addition Clothing clip, carry case, ear tip holder
Frequency range 16-40,000 Hz
Design Aerophonic
Construction 303F grade stainless steel
Cable Reinforced 1.35m Oxygen-Free copper cable
Warranty 3-year
Ear-tips Ten pairs, 8x (dual-density), 2x (Comply Foam tips)
Fit type In-Ear

Moshi Mythro earphones 

Features

  • DR8 Neodymium Drivers
  • Anodized aluminium casings
  • Integrated microphone with one-button control
  • Compatible with Apple devices only
  • Hybrid injection earbuds (three sizes)
  • Noise-isolation and comfort
  • HandyStrap cable manager
  • Exotic sound quality 
  • Velcro strap for easy organization
  • Cost-effective and lightweight

Design

These Mythro earbuds are well-tailored to wishes. Rivals cannot surpass the price-performance ratio. Sound insulation helps you to enjoy listening while muting the grim background music from the surroundings. The phone microphone and button configuration are integrated into the “Y” of the earpiece adapter and work great. It works on DR8 Neodymium drivers that work perfectly on 15 Hz – 20 kHz. The integrated mic and remote buttons allow you to control music and audio calls. The cable manager included in the kit makes it perfect to have when you are not listening to music. 

Performance

The noise suppression is pretty cool even though it is not a powerful noise canceller. It ships with various types of earbuds, all of which fits perfectly in respective ear size. With minimalistic aesthetics and simple design, it is highly rich in performance and provides a vibrant sonic presence. These are lightweight, comfortable, ergonomic, and user-friendly. Solid for its price, these earbuds work more than your expectations.

Specifications

Product Dimensions 7.1 x 3.5 x 08 inches
Weight 0.5 ounces
Colour options Three (Gunmetal Gray, Pink, Purple)
Driver 560.1 Custom Dynamic
Special addition Handyscrap cable manager
Frequency range 15 Hz – 20,000 Hz / -10db@1kHz
Sensitivity 100 +/- 3db@1kHz
Headphone Jack 3.5 mm
Warranty 10-year global warranty
Ear-buds Hybrid injection (three sizes)
Fit type In-Ear

The buyer’s guide

Now that you know all about the best-wired headphones for iPhone, it is time to give you a sneak peek into the essential buying factors that are ultimately going to shape your final buying decision.

Comfort

The headphones or earbuds you are going to buy must feel super-comfortable even if you wear it for extended durations. Look for foamed earbuds and tips, check for different sizes, and the material your earbuds are made of. If the earbuds are comfortable and durable, these are worth buying.

Noise isolation or cancellation

It is an important factor to consider when buying earbuds. Some headphones are active-noise-cancellation devices, but these can be expensive and are particularly used for gaming. If you want headphones for regular use, you can buy the earbuds which, although do not actively cancel noise, can help you get rid of significant background noise.

Portability

Owing to their weight and size, the in-ears are the most compact of all types of headphones. You may quickly hide them in your pockets while they are not in use, and if that is too many, it is not too awkward to loop them around your neck. Also, you need to check whether the cords connected with the earbuds are tangle-free or not. The products featuring magnetic ear tips and tangle-free cords are easy to keep, and you do not have to untie the knots every time before use.

Design

It is the central requirement of all headphone users. Earbuds offer various design options like steel, metal, or alloys. Look for the durable ones, featherweight, and fits your ear perfectly. Earbuds are the perfect choice when it comes to exercise or workouts. Sure people do use other types of headphones, but they are by far the most common because of how compact, lightweight, and ergonomic they are. Some headphones may not be a perfect fit and hence are not ideal if you are buying these for gym and running exercises.

Sound quality 

Audiophiles cannot and should not compromise on the sound quality of the headphones. This feature depends on many other factors, including:

Frequency response

It is the parameter that informs you of the frequency of sound that the device is capable of generating measured in Hertz (Hz). If you look at the box of every audio device, this figure is usually about 20Hz – 20,000Hz, with the first figure reflecting the least power and the last number representing the highest. Other devices have a much greater frequency range, such as l5Hz – 25.000Hz, which allows a bit more breathing space to the frequencies at the two extreme ends of the spectrum. In other words, with these ranges, you hear better.

Drivers

These features are not recognized by most users but are important to consider if you are sensitive about the sound quality. The best-known drivers are neodymium magnets and provide a broad frequency range along with superb sensitivity. 

Built-in microphone and control

If you do not like dragging your device out of your backpack or pocket, several earbuds and headphones have controllers and microphones on the cord or are built inside headphones.  You can answer your calls, use Siri or Google Now, and monitor your songs. Therefore, check the settings and see if the controller fit your needs and provide ideal sound quality.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prevent my earbuds from falling out?

The best earbuds feature ear tips that are designed to stay put and fit in your ears. Most of these come with different sizes of buds to fit the respective ear size. 

Does the Panasonic Earbuds have volume control buttons?

No, the Panasonic control system in the earbuds feature a universal button system and does not have separate volume buttons.

Can I use the lightning adaptor with android?

The earbuds are compatible with both Apple and Android systems, but the adapters usually work with iPhones only.

How much noise isolation is provided by non-active earbuds?

Earbuds that are not active cancellers provide adequate noise isolation if they are designed to be in-ear. It ultimately depends directly on how well it fits in your ear.

 

Buying the best wired headphones for iPhone requires proper research. Cost-effectiveness must be your goal when looking for the ideal earbuds. Keep in mind that your purpose-cost target is achieved and the products serve you well. If you are looking for a fashionable look, go for the Moshi or urBeats earbuds. Nevertheless, if simple design and ergonomic style suits you and performance is your only demand, the Panasonic and RHA headphones are perfect for you.

About the Author

News content on AppleMagazine.com is produced by our editorial team and complements more in-depth editorials which you’ll find as part of our weekly publication. AppleMagazine.com provides a comprehensive daily reading experience, offering a wide view of the consumer technology landscape to ensure you're always in the know. Check back every weekday for more.

Editorial Team | Masthead – AppleMagazine Digital Publication