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Headphones are a popular choice when it’s time to listen to music or an audiobook, or stream a video without disturbing those around you. The term can be used to generally describe all headphones that go in your ear, but this is not always the case. There are also in-ear monitors, or IEMs. They are also inserted into the ear, or rather more precisely into the inner part of the ear. On the other hand, headphones tend to be located in the outer part of the ear.
An earphone and an IEM essentially do the same thing: they stream sound into your ears so you can enjoy music or listen to a podcast. The differences are in how they are inserted and the type of audio quality they produce. IEMs offer overall improved sound quality compared to headphones thanks to a design that better blocks outside sound through the use of eartips, which close the space in the ear canal.
Price is also a difference between the two, with more expensive IEMs claiming to produce better sound. Headphones are placed in the outer ear and do not always include silicone or rubber caps to block external sounds. So, if you want to experience fuller, deeper sound while listening to music, watching TV, or even gaming, IEMs like the Sony Inzone E9 Gaming model are often the best choice.
Which one do users prefer for audio quality?
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The consensus from online forums and people who own both IEMs and headphones recommends going with an IEM if sound quality is your primary goal. Since they fit into the inner ear canal, IEMs can better dampen sound from outside sources such as conversations, other music, or general everyday noise. Their rubber or silicone tips cover your ear so that the music or other audio you are listening to is streamed directly into your ear more directly than with an earbud.
For example, reviews of the Moondrop CHU II indicate that the IEMs offer great audio clarity and solid overall sound quality. They are lightweight and don’t weigh heavily in the ear, and users appreciate the interchangeable cable. Some have complained about sound qualities in certain pitch ranges (around four kilohertz), but these same users were able to alleviate this problem by reducing the volume when playing these sounds.
Among Reddit users who have used both IEMs and standard headphones, the consensus is clear: IEMs produce better sound quality. They deliver deeper bass and produce cleaner sound due to their location. The earbuds may move more freely when placed in your ear, which may produce inconsistent sound quality over time. So, when looking for in-ear devices that offer the best audio quality, whether you’re a professional mixer or just want to listen to music on the go, consider investing in an IEM.
What to look for when purchasing IEMs
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If you’re considering purchasing a pair of IEMs, you have plenty of options to choose from across a wide price range. The Moondrop CHU II IEMs mentioned above, for example, cost around $23 on Amazon. They feature a treble-boosting aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm and a frequency response that supports sounds between 15 hertz (Hz) and 38 kilohertz (kKz) — that’s a wide range, meaning you won’t miss any detail in whatever you’re listening to.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Essonio ES-C19 in-ear monitors are more luxurious IEMs, costing around $963. They suppress noise and have a frequency response between 5 Hz and 50 kHz, boosting bass, mids and highs. Beyond these extremes, Bluetooth options are also available, but the sound quality is generally not as good because they are not directly connected to the source device. Bluetooth can also be interrupted and cause skipping or poor sound quality.
One thing to keep in mind is how you are going to use the IEMs. If you’re a casual listener at home or at work, you may not need expensive IEMs with an eight-strand, 192-conductor silver-plated balanced cable like the one in the Essonios. If you produce music in a studio or play in a band, it might be a good idea to consider at least one more expensive option that offers a better hearing experience. Standard IEMs and headphones can be wireless or wired, with wired being the better choice if your goal is a premium listening experience. This is probably one of the reasons why old-fashioned wired headphones are back in style.
