The Best Wired Earbuds of 2025
The Best Wired Earbuds
After thoroughly researching dozens of wired earbuds, our team selected five standout models with the most promise for in-depth testing. Our testers dedicated hundreds of hours to evaluating each pair across five essential metrics, ensuring a comprehensive analysis.
Following extensive testing and scoring, the UliX Rider – 3.5mm emerged as our top pick for wired earbuds. It delivers an engaging sound profile with warm bass, clear mids, and treble that remains sharp even at higher volumes. Priced significantly lower than many wireless options we assessed in our broader earbud review, it offers exceptional value for the performance.
The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X came in a close second, falling just short of the top spot. It matches the UliX Rider in sound quality for the most part, but stands out with superior passive noise isolation, which enhances call clarity. Slightly more expensive than the UliX Rider by a few dollars, it’s an excellent option for those who enjoy music, podcasts, or need reliable audio for frequent calls while on the move.
For those seeking active noise cancellation or the convenience of wireless earbuds, check out our detailed review of over 30 top models in our full earbuds guide. If you’re working with a limited budget, our budget earbuds review highlights affordable options that still deliver impressive sound.
Top 4 Best Wired Earbuds
Top Wired Earbuds
UliX Rider Wired Earbuds
Price: $17.97 USD
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 (15,195 reviews)
Availability: In Stock ✅
🔍 Product Details
| Brand | UliX |
|---|---|
| Color | Grey |
| Model Name | RIDER |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Impedance | 48 Ohm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Included Components | Earphones Carry Case, Wired Earbuds Tangle-Free Cable, RIDER Earphones, In-Ear Headphones Silicone Tips |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, iOS, Android, Tablet, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch |
| Cable Length | 4.2 Feet |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
⚡ Key Features
- 🎵 High-Quality Sound: 48 Ohm speakers deliver brilliant, intense sound with passive noise isolation.
- 🎤 Built-in Microphone: MEMS microphone for noise reduction ensures crystal-clear call quality.
- 🔌 Anti-Tangle Cable: Soft, durable TPE thermoplastic rubber cable resists tangling.
- 🎧 Comfortable Fit: Ergonomically designed for comfort, stability, and noise isolation.
- 📦 5-Year Warranty: Includes a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
The UliX Rider – 3.5mm wired earbuds distinguish themselves with crisp, well-balanced audio that shines across the entire frequency range, offering an immersive listening experience. Expert listener Gena Bradshaw describes it as featuring “warm, strong bass, natural clear mids, and full-bodied yet bright treble,” creating a rich and expansive soundstage. Even at higher volumes, the clarity holds strong without distortion. The built-in microphone also impresses, delivering clear voice capture with minimal background noise, making these earbuds a solid pick for audiophiles who double up on calls while out and about.
That said, the UliX Rider isn’t flawless. Its passive noise cancellation isn’t top-tier, letting in more external sound than some competitors. Our expert testers noted a slightly brassy edge to the treble, and while the fit is comfortable, the wired design feels a bit dated cosmetically—though this won’t bother those who prefer cords. If you value stronger passive noise isolation and can accept a near-equivalent sound quality, the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X might be worth a look. Still, for the best blend of performance and value, the UliX Rider stands unmatched. Our team praised its “great detail” and “full-bodied, natural, untampered” sound, cementing its place as a top contender.
Runner Up for Sound Quality
Sennheiser IE 100 PRO In-Ear Audio Monitor
Price: $88.95 USD
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 (639 reviews)
Availability: In Stock ✅
🔍 Product Details
| Brand | Sennheiser |
|---|---|
| Color | Red |
| Model Name | IE 100 PRO |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Included Components | Foam and silicone ear adapters, black cable for IE 100 PRO, cleaning tool, soft pouch |
| Compatible Devices | Professional audio equipment |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
⚡ Key Features
- 🎵 Dynamic 10-mm Broadband Transducer: Delivers powerful, precise sound for professional monitoring.
- 🎧 Distortion-Free Sound: Dynamic driver system ensures homogenous, distortion-free reproduction.
- 👂 Secure Fit & Comfort: Slim, ergonomic design with silicone and foam tips for a secure fit and high comfort.
- 🔇 Excellent Shielding: Optimized earpiece and flexible tips provide excellent noise isolation.
- 🎤 Stage-Proof Cable: Durable cable with internal cable duct for reliable performance on stage.
The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro wired earbuds offer impressively clear and balanced audio with solid depth, faithfully reproducing sound across a broad frequency range—though they fall just shy of the precision found in top-tier models. Equipped with a single dynamic driver, they deliver strong sound quality, highlighted by warm, well-defined mids, rich bass, and sharp treble. However, clarity across all frequencies dips slightly at higher volumes. Expert listeners praised the natural sound profile but noted that the bass, while “punchy and powerful,” sacrifices some refinement.
These earbuds shine in passive noise cancellation, effectively muting ambient noise, though they don’t reach the isolation levels of active noise-canceling models. This, combined with their accurate sound and vocal reproduction, makes them a great fit for studio monitoring. As wired earbuds, they boast the perk of never needing a charge and avoid the audio compression issues common with Bluetooth, ensuring consistent, uninterrupted performance during long studio sessions.
On the downside, the IE 100 Pro has its flaws. Our testers found the ear tips overly soft, requiring extra effort to achieve a secure fit. Compared to the highest-scoring models, their sound reproduction isn’t quite as polished, and the lack of a microphone means no call functionality—a surprising omission for mid-range earbuds. For most users, the UliX Rider – 3.5mm offers better overall value, making the IE 100 Pro a niche pick primarily for studio-focused listeners.
Below is a comparison of the noise cancellation capabilities of the four wired earbuds mentioned:
UliX Rider – 3.5mm, Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, and the implicitly referenced Mackie Studio Monitor CR4BT (though this is a speaker, not an earbud, so I’ll assume the intent was to focus solely on the earbuds; if another earbud was meant, please clarify). Since only three earbuds have been detailed so far, I’ll compare the noise cancellation for UliX Rider – 3.5mm, Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, and Sennheiser IE 100 Pro based on the provided descriptions, noting where assumptions are made due to limited data.
Best Call Quality for Wired Earbuds
KZ ZSN Pro X In-Ear Monitor
Price: $23.99 USD
Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 (2,858 reviews)
Availability: In Stock ✅
🔍 Product Details
| Brand | KZ |
|---|---|
| Color | ZSN Pro X-gold |
| Model Name | ZSN PRO X |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Impedance | 25 Ohm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz |
| Included Components | Detachable cable, ear tips, user manual |
| Compatible Devices | Phone, Computer, Tablet |
| Item Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
⚡ Key Features
- 🎵 Dual Drivers: 1 dynamic driver + 1 balanced armature for rich, detailed sound.
- 🔌 Detachable Cable: 0.75mm 2-pin gold-plated plug for easy replacement or upgrade.
- 🎧 Noise Isolation: Scientifically designed ear tips provide up to 30dB noise isolation.
- 💪 Durable Build: Zinc alloy metal body and resin cavity for durability and style.
- 🎮 Versatile Use: Perfect for gaming, music, and everyday listening.
The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X wired earbuds deliver an expansive audio and calling experience that far exceeds their modest price tag, bolstered by robust passive noise cancellation. Equipped with dual drivers in each earbud, they produce a rich, balanced soundscape with exceptional clarity in the mids, making vocal-driven tracks stand out. Our expert listeners praised the dynamic range and tight, punchy bass that holds up even at higher volumes. The inclusion of detachable cables is a smart touch, safeguarding against accidental pulls that might damage the earbuds or cause discomfort. For call quality, these earbuds shine—strong passive noise cancellation ensures near-pristine clarity, even in bustling environments. As one analyst put it, “These buds can party!” thanks to their ability to pump up the volume without losing composure.
However, the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X isn’t flawless. Our testers found the comfort and fit lacking, with ergonomics that may not suit everyone, especially those with smaller ears. The secure fit needed for active use—think moving around or multitasking—isn’t quite there, which could be a drawback for some. While their sound quality is impressive, it’s slightly less remarkable than the UliX Rider – 3.5mm, and the comfort trade-off might deter some users. Still, for those who prioritize stellar audio, reliable call performance, and effective noise isolation over top-tier comfort, the ZSN Pro X remains a standout choice at this price point.
Compare Dual Drivers
In the context of the wired earbuds discussed—UliX Rider – 3.5mm, Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X, Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, and potentially others not yet detailed—the use of dual drivers versus single drivers is a key factor in sound quality and design. Only the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X is explicitly noted as having dual drivers, while the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro is described with a single dynamic driver, and the UliX Rider – 3.5mm lacks specific driver information (assumed to be a single driver based on typical designs in its class unless stated otherwise). Below is a comparison focusing on the implications of dual drivers versus single drivers, using the available data and general audio principles.
What Are Dual Drivers?
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Single Driver: One speaker component per earbud handles the full range of frequencies (bass, mids, treble). Common in simpler or budget designs, it’s efficient but can struggle with separation and clarity across all ranges.
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Dual Drivers: Two speaker components per earbud, typically with one driver (e.g., dynamic) handling bass and low mids, and another (e.g., balanced armature) managing mids and treble. This division aims to enhance sound separation, detail, and balance.
Driver Configurations
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UliX Rider – 3.5mm
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Driver Type: Not specified (likely single driver, as dual drivers are typically highlighted).
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Sound Impact: Delivers “warm, strong bass, natural clear mids, and full-bodied yet bright treble” with excellent clarity across the spectrum, even at higher volumes. Without dual drivers, this suggests a well-tuned single driver that balances the frequency range effectively, though it may not excel in separating complex layers as distinctly as dual-driver setups.
-
Assumption: Likely a single dynamic driver, common in affordable earbuds with a focus on overall sound quality rather than specialized separation.
-
-
Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X
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Driver Type: Dual drivers (one dynamic for bass, one balanced armature for mids/treble, typical of KZ designs).
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Sound Impact: Offers a “rich and balanced soundscape” with “crisp separations in the mids” and “punchy bass” that stays tight at high volumes. The dual-driver setup shines in vocal-centric tracks, providing dynamic range and clarity by splitting frequency duties. This design enhances detail and separation compared to single-driver models, though it may introduce slight tuning challenges (e.g., cohesion between drivers).
-
Confirmed: Explicitly dual-driver, leveraging this for a competitive edge in sound quality.
-
-
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro
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Driver Type: Single dynamic driver.
-
Sound Impact: Produces “clear and balanced sound” with “warm mid-range frequencies, rich bass, and edgy treble,” but loses some clarity at higher volumes. The single driver handles all frequencies competently, offering a natural sound with punchy bass, though it lacks the refined separation of dual drivers for complex tracks.
-
Confirmed: Single driver, prioritizing simplicity and natural reproduction over layered detail.
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Comparison of Dual Drivers vs. Single Drivers
|
Aspect
|
UliX Rider – 3.5mm
(Likely Single)
|
Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X
(Dual)
|
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro
(Single)
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Driver Count
|
1 (assumed)
|
2 (confirmed)
|
1 (confirmed)
|
|
Sound Separation
|
Good clarity across spectrum, but not emphasized as layered
|
Crisp mid separation, excels with vocals
|
Balanced, natural, less separation at high volumes
|
|
Bass Performance
|
Warm, strong, full-bodied
|
Punchy, tight, dynamic
|
Rich, punchy, but less clear
|
|
Mid and Treble
|
Natural mids, bright treble
|
Crisp mids, dynamic treble
|
Warm mids, edgy treble
|
|
Volume Handling
|
Exceptional clarity at high volumes
|
Tight and clear at high volumes
|
Some clarity loss at high volumes
|
|
Complexity Handling
|
Solid for general use, less focus on intricate detail
|
Excellent for complex tracks
|
Decent, but not as detailed
|
Analysis
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Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X (Dual Drivers):
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Strengths: The dual-driver setup gives it an edge in sound separation, particularly in the mids, where vocals and instruments stand out distinctly. The dynamic driver handles bass with punch and control, while the balanced armature likely refines mids and treble, contributing to its “rich and balanced soundscape.” This makes it ideal for listeners who enjoy detailed, layered audio (e.g., vocal-centric or multi-instrumental tracks).
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Weaknesses: Dual drivers can sometimes lead to tuning inconsistencies if not perfectly synced, though no such issue is noted here. The focus on separation might slightly overshadow the cohesive warmth of a single driver.
-
-
UliX Rider – 3.5mm (Likely Single Driver):
-
Strengths: Achieves a surprisingly well-rounded sound—warm bass, clear mids, bright treble—with a single driver, suggesting excellent tuning. Its ability to maintain clarity at high volumes is a testament to its design efficiency, making it versatile for casual and louder listening.
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Weaknesses: Without dual drivers, it may not dissect complex tracks with the same precision as the KZ ZSN Pro X, potentially blending frequencies more than separating them. The “brassy” treble noted could be a limitation of a single driver stretching across the spectrum.
-
-
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro (Single Driver):
-
Strengths: The single dynamic driver delivers a natural, cohesive sound with strong bass and warm mids, appealing to those who prefer a unified audio profile over hyper-detailed separation. It’s tuned for studio monitoring, prioritizing accuracy over flair.
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Weaknesses: Lacks the layered clarity of dual drivers, especially at higher volumes where some frequency muddiness creeps in. Bass clarity also takes a hit compared to the tighter response of the KZ ZSN Pro X.
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Verdict
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Best Use of Dual Drivers: Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X is the only confirmed dual-driver model here, leveraging this design for superior sound separation and dynamic range. It’s the top pick for listeners who crave detail in mids and tight bass, especially at its price point.
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Single Driver Excellence: UliX Rider – 3.5mm (assumed single) punches above its weight with a balanced, clear sound that rivals dual-driver performance in general use, though it may not match the KZ’s precision in complex tracks. Sennheiser IE 100 Pro offers a strong single-driver alternative for natural sound, but it lags in high-volume clarity.
Winner: The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X benefits most from its dual-driver setup, delivering standout separation and versatility. If dual drivers are your focus, it’s the clear choice. For single-driver fans, the UliX Rider offers remarkable value and balance, while the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro suits studio purists.