The 11 Best Wired Headphones of 2023
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Sony's Wired In-Ear Headphones are our top choice
People / Kevin Liang
Wired headphones are having a cultural moment. The old-school headphones are having a major comeback as a fashionable accessory among stylish celebs like Bella Hadid and Phoebe Bridgers. Plus, a pair of wired headphones don’t require you to charge them before use, so you can listen to your favorite Taylor Swift songs on repeat without running out of battery.
Another great thing about wired headphones: they're harder to misplace than their cord-free counterparts, and in many cases, they're more affordable. Most corded headphones have either a 3.5 mm jack or a lightning connector, so it’s important to figure out what kind of port your device has before purchasing a pair of corded headphones (or you could snag yourself a dongle that can connect a 3.5 mm jack to an Apple lightning connector).
We caught up with Ethan Winer, a professional audio engineer and author of The Audio Expert, for buying tips. No matter what style of headphones you choose, he says, "Quality of construction is very important, and so is the price." And like many products, a more expensive price tag doesn't always mean it's a better product.
We searched high and low for today's best wired in-ear headphones, narrowing it down to options for frequent fliers, commuters, gamers, runners, music lovers, and everyone in between.
Scroll down to learn more about the 11 best wired headphones on the market.
Best Overall: Sony MDRXB55AP Earbud Headphones
Who It's Good For
These headphones are good for those who want a reasonably priced set with a built-in mic, crisp bass, and undistorted sound at any volume.
Who It's Not Good For
They have a standard 3.5mm jack, so they're not ideal for iPhones unless you use an adapter.
Our top choice for wired headphones is the Sony Extra Bass In-Ear Headphones. They call on a bass duct design to deliver crisp sound isolation of low-end audio (aka the "unz-unz-unz" of your favorite songs). Not only that, but the 12mm (millimeter) magnetic drivers are small and compact yet highly sensitive, providing crystal-clear, undistorted sound at higher volumes.
With four tip sizes included, you can count on a comfortable fit, no matter the size or shape of your ears. And the tangle-free cable is nearly 4 feet long, so you can place your device comfortably in your pocket or on a table in front of you without strain.
These wired headphones also have a built-in microphone and control button on the cord, allowing you to answer calls, talk hands-free, adjust the volume, and change the track. One thing to note is that they have a standard 3.5mm jack, so if you're using them with an iPhone or iPad, you'll need a 3.5 mm-to-lightning adapter. But all things considered, the price is more than reasonable.
Price at time of publish: $48
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Volume, track, answer
Best Budget: Panasonic RP-HJE120 ErgoFit Earphones
Who It's Good For
These affordable earbuds are great for folks on a budget and anyone who likes bright, bold colors.
Who It's Not Good For
With no built-in mic, these aren't ideal for those who take calls on their headphones.
Panasonic's ErgoFit Earbuds are a solid budget option. They're available in 16 colors, ranging from rose gold to green to black, and promise clear, high-quality sound at any volume.
We also like that these wired headphones come with three tip sizes to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. And the soft, padded design conforms to the shape of your ears. Just a heads up, they don't have a built-in mic or volume controls, so they're not ideal for those who like to take calls on their headphones.
Price at time of publish: $10.79
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: No | Controls: None
Best with Lightning Connector: Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector
Who It's Good For
For anyone who has an iPhone or other lightning-compatible device, the Apple EarPods are a simple and reliable choice
Who It's Not Good For
If you don’t have an iPhone or lightning-compatible device, then these might not be the best choice for your needs (unless you’re willing to buy the converter)
The wired headphones that you might have sitting at the bottom of your desk drawer right now are officially back in style. Apple’s EarPods may not be as high-tech as the brand’s cordless AirPods, but you won’t have to worry about forgetting to charge the wired headphones.
We love how simple the EarPods are — the lightning connector banishes the need for a headphone-jack converter (though it’s always handy to have one on hand just in case). The button on the cord allows you to adjust the volume, control playback, and answer calls without opening your phone. And, for being such a simple design, the EarPods have impressively high-quality sound output.
Price at Time of Publish: $17.97 (orig. $29)
Jack: Lightening | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Volume, play/pause, answer/end call
Best for iPhones: Symphonized NRG MFI Wired Earbuds with Lightning Connector
Who It's Good For
These cool wooden earbuds are ideal for Apple users who like to take calls and use Siri commands but don't want to worry about an adapter.
Who It's Not Good For
They aren't the right headphones for non-iPhone users.
For iPhone users, we recommend this set from Symphonized. These wired headphones have a lightning connector instead of the standard 3.5mm jack, so you won't need an adapter to plug them into your phone or iPad. They're also MFi (Made for iPhone) certified, confirming they have Apple's stamp of approval for compatibility.
Featuring real hardwood and shiny metal accents, these headphones have a cool mid-century modern appeal. According to the brand, the wood helps produce deep bass and crisp acoustics. There's also an on-cord remote, so you can answer calls, use Siri commands, and adjust the volume without reaching for your phone.
Price at time of publish: $35.99
Jack: Lightning | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Volume, pause/play, answer, voice command
Best Sport: JBL Endurance RUN Wired In-Ear Headphones
Who It's Good For
This sweat-proof, ear-conforming pair is perfect for runners, cyclists, gym rats, and other athletes who like to listen to music while on the move.
Who It's Not Good For
With no volume control, they aren't ideal for folks who like to adjust the sound on their runs.
For runners, cyclists, and other athletes, JBL's Endurance Run Headphones are an excellent choice. They come with two sizes of soft, flexible tips that conform to the shape of your ear canals, ensuring they don't fall out when you're on the move. Not only that, but the two-way design gives you the option to wear them behind your ears instead of inside.
These wired earbuds are also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about sweat or rain damaging the electronics. They have a built-in mic and an on-cord button for answering calls, changing the track, and pausing. However, there's no volume control, so you'll want to set that up before starting your workout.
Price at time of publish: $19.95
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, play/pause, track
Related: The 8 Best Plyo Boxes, Tested and Reviewed
Best Noise-Cancelling: MuveAcoustics Drive Noise Canceling Wired Earbuds
Who It's Good For
They're perfect for folks who crave full, crisp sound without the disruption of outside noise, as well as those who take hands-free calls from their headphones.
Who It's Not Good For
Commuters, drivers, and others who need to hear outside noise for safety will want a different pair.
If you're interested in noise-cancelling headphones, MuveAcoustics Drive Earbuds might be your best bet. They come with three sizes of silicone tips that grip your ear canals and help block outside noise. Furthermore, the powerful bass technology delivers isolated sound while keeping external noises out.
All you'll hear are crisp notes and crystal-clear voices, whether you're jamming out to music, listening to a podcast, or taking a hands-free call. Speaking of calls, the built-in mic leans on sound-absorbing holes to reduce external noise and deliver your voice in high definition.
Price at time of publish: $12.99
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, play/pause, volume
Best Noise-Isolating: Final A4000 In-Ear Wired Earphones
Who It's Good For
These geometric earphones localize audio and deliver ultra-clear sound without entirely drowning out everything else, a good option for commuters and music enthusiasts.
Who It's Not Good For
There's no mic, so those who take calls will want to browse alternative pairs.
Something that isolates noise without entirely blocking out external sounds can be a safer bet in certain situations, like jogging at night or taking the train. We like Final A4000 Earphones, which localize audio within your ears to offer deep, immersive sound.
The Japanese-made design leans on a 6mm dynamic driver to provide noticeably clear audio rather than drowning out everything else. These earbuds also come with a whopping five different tip sizes, plus locking ear hooks, so you can count on a flexible, customized fit. The price is steep, and there's no microphone or in-line controls, but if you want top-tier sound and like the unique geometric shape, we think it's worth a splurge.
Price at time of publish: $159
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: No | Controls: None
Best for Calls: Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset
Who It's Good For
With two mics, hands-free talk, voice commands, audio recording, and playback, this headset was made for on-the-go calls.
Who It's Not Good For
Non-iPhone users will need a different jack.
Do you use your headphones for hands-free calling? Go with the Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset. It fits both in and over the ear to ensure a secure fit. And there are two separate microphones for taking calls and using voice commands.
With audio recording and playback, you can also use this headset for Zoom calls or FaceTiming. As for the built-in remote, it has multiple buttons for answering, screening, and muting calls, plus controlling the volume, playing music, and changing the track. We should note these earbuds have a lightning connector, so they're really designed exclusively for iPhones.
Price at time of publish: $49.95
Jack: Lightning | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, pause/play, track, voice command
Best Bass: MindBeast Noise Canceling Headphones Wired Earbuds
Who It's Good For
Ideal for music lovers and gamers, these ergonomic headphones call on a Sony-certified driver to deliver undistorted bass and enhanced audio at any volume.
Who It's Not Good For
Those who need to hear outside noise for safety will want a different pair.
If you're all about that bass, MindBeast Wired Earbuds have your name on them. They have a Sony-certified 10mm dynamic driver that offers undistorted bass as it's intended to be heard. Not only that, but the ergonomically shaped ear inserts are designed to fit at a 45-degree angle, which enhances the audio at a range of pitches.
These headphones also come with three sizes of silicone tips that seal your ear canals to block ambient noise. This helps you hear full-bodied sound, even at a very low volume. While the noise-canceling design is good for music, gaming, and video calls, those who need to hear external sound for safety reasons may want a different pair.
Price at time of publish: $21.99
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, play/pause, track
Best Connector Options: PaloVue In-Ear Headphones
Who It's Good For
Available with three different connectors, these earphones accommodate people with iPhones, Androids, and Galaxy phones.
Who It's Not Good For
They're not sweat-proof, so they're not the best option for runners and other athletes.
It's frustrating to find a pair of earbuds you like only to realize they don't have the connector you need. That's why we love PaloVue In-Ear Headphones, which come in three options to accommodate various devices. The SoulFlow has a standard 3.5mm jack, the SweetFlow has a lightning cable, and the SoundFlow has a USB-C input. (There's also a wireless option if you decide to go cord-free.)
But that's not all there is to appreciate about these earphones. The noise-isolating design provides deep bass and crisp mid-notes while reducing ambient noise. They also have a built-in mic and button controls to answer calls, adjust the volume, play and pause, change the track, and even use voice commands.
Price at time of publish: $19.99
Jack: 3.5mm, lightning, USB-C | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, pause/play, track, voice command
Related: The 8 Best Travel Pillows, Tested and Reviewed
Best Design: Skullcandy Ink'd+ In-Ear Earbuds
Who It's Good For
These wallet-friendly earbuds are great for those who want to make a bold statement without compromising on high-quality sound.
Who It's Not Good For
They're not ideal for iPhone users or people who need a specific tip size, unless they use an adapter.
Want something other than standard black headphones? Skullcandy Ink'd+ Earbuds come in 10 colors, ranging from neon yellow and olive to blush and lavender. And they're so affordable that if you can't decide on a hue, you might consider ordering two.
An in-line remote and microphone allow you to answer calls, adjust the volume, and change the track. The soft inserts are designed to fit snugly in your ear to provide noise-isolating sound. That said, these earphones don't come with multiple tip sizes, so they might not be a good choice for everyone.
Price at time of publish: $11.79
Jack: 3.5mm | Microphone: Yes | Controls: Answer, volume, track
Things to Consider Before Buying Wired Headphones
Check the connector
Most wired headphones come with a 3.5mm jack. As the industry standard for audio plugs, it'll fit into most outputs. However, with the ubiquity of smartphones, this is becoming no longer the case. For instance, Apple users will need something with a lightning connector. Or if the headphones have a standard jack, they'll need a 3.5mm-to-lightning adapter (also known as a dongle).
Like iPhones, most Androids and Galaxy phones no longer have actual audio outputs. They typically need a USB-C connector, which goes where the charger plugs in. Otherwise, these phones require a 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter.
Consider Noise-canceling vs. Noise-isolating
When browsing wired headphones, you'll see many labeled as "noise-canceling" or "noise-isolating." Noise cancelation (or active noise reduction) means the audio technology uses additional opposing sound to neutralize (cancel out) external noises, like the MuveAcoustics Wired Earbuds. With noise isolation, it's more about localizing the audio, which can be done by physically wedging earbuds snugly into your ear canals and pressing play.
Think About Your Budget
Consider how much you're willing to pay for wired headphones before shopping around. A premium price tag could indicate superior-quality headphones, but this isn't always the case.
"You can pay $500 for something that's not one iota better than a similar product selling for $50," says Winer. "This happens all the time with audio, especially designer names — just like with handbags and watches."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are wired headphones making a coming back?
Apple AirPods changed mobile audio as we know it, with cordless Bluetooth headphones becoming the norm within a couple of years of the first-generation launch. However, wired headphones seem to be having a comeback, not just among older generations who resist Bluetooth technology but also the Gen Z crowd.
Members of Generation Z are known to be rebels, though the gravitation toward wired headphones goes beyond that. People like them because they're reliable and never have to be recharged, and thanks to the corded design, you're less likely to misplace them. And in many instances, they're more affordable than their wire-free counterparts.
Do wired earbuds sound better than wireless earbuds?
A decade ago, wired earbuds may have provided noticeably better sound. However, according to Winer, modern Bluetooth technology just barely reduces audio data size when transmitting it into wireless headphones (a process known in the tech world as "lossy impression"). To the untrained ear, he says, "It doesn't affect quality enough to notice."
Are earbuds safer than headphones?
In terms of audio potential damaging your hearing, earbuds and over-ear headphones are roughly the same. It's really about making sure the volume isn't too high — or high for too long. But since earbuds go directly into the ear canal, some believe they pose a greater risk of hearing damage when set to a higher volume.
As for wired versus wireless, there's some concern about the low levels of non-ionizing radiation transmitted from Bluetooth technology. But according to the FDA, daily exposure is "generally perceived as harmless to humans."
Take Our Word for It
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer and product tester specializing in consumer tech, travel, remote work, and lifestyle. For this story, she compared several wired headphones based on price, capabilities, sound quality, comfort, ease of use, and more. She then researched today's most popular wired headphones to find standout designs for every use, style, and budget. This story was most recently updated by PEOPLE staff writer Cai Cramer for timeliness and accuracy.
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