How to get the best sound from in-ear headphones

I love in-ear headphones--the ones that fit inside your ear canals, as opposed to ear buds that rest on the outer ear. I'm a big fan because in-ear headphones' ultraclose proximity to eardrums offers the potential for the highest-resolution sound quality.

The better in-ear headphones also do a great job of sealing out external environmental noise so you can listen at a lower (safer) volume and still hear all of that amazing detail. The problem is, unless both earpieces are sealed tight, you're not going to get the sound you paid for.

Everybody's ears are different, so achieving a perfect fit can be a tricky exercise. Most in-ear headphones come with a selection of differently sized and shaped eartips. Try them all; the goal is to produce a the best possible "seal," which reduces the amount of outside noise you hear and delivers the headphone's fullest-possible bass response.

The difference in sound quality between a good seal and an iffy one isn't subtle. It's definitely worth a little extra effort to maximize each tip's seal. Remember, too, that poor sealing makes for a less secure fit, so the earpiece is more likely to fall out of your ear.

Tip: Your left and right ear canals may not be exactly the same size; you might need, for example, the smallest eartip for your right ear and a medium tip for the left ear.

How to get the best sound from in-ear headphones

I've included a gallery of images to help perfect your in-ear insertion techniques. First, try rotating/twisting the tip slightly as you push the headphone inside the canal.

Gently push it in, and when you hear less external noise, you're done. The quieting effect can be at least as powerful as the better noise reduction headphones. If the tip still feels loose or the external noise level is about the same, try using a larger or different type of tip, if it's provided by the manufacturer (foam, silicon, or flange tips (see gallery). If the tip feels too tight or uncomfortable, try a smaller or different tip type.

If the push-in technique doesn't work, try the "lobe tug": Before you push the headphone in, gently tug your earlobe down and/or out, then push the headphone in, then release the lobe. I use this technique with my Monster Turbine headphones. Again, experiment with the tugging direction, as it might take a few tries before you get it right.

If that doesn't work, try the opposite approach: the "ear pull." Before you push the earphone in, reach over your head with your other hand, and gently pull you ear up, then push the headphone in. Release the ear. If it's not working, try different pulling angles before pushing the headphone in.

If you're using silicon tips or flanges, you might try moistening the tips in your mouth before inserting them. That trick can work wonders. In any case, don't be afraid to really push the ear tips into the ear canal. That's how you get the tightest seal, but if any of these techniques hurt or cause discomfort, STOP!

How to avoid tangling your headphones' cable

This tip may work with any headphone with skinny tangle-prone wires. We've all been there: you reach into your pocket or bag to get your headphones, and then spend a few minutes untying knots and tangles. You either just jumbled up the wire before stowing the headphones--or wrapped the wires in a circle around your hand.

Try this technique: Simply fold the wire into an alternating series of U's and upside down U's (see gallery). Then fold the cable to fit inside your bag. I'll readily admit that this technique doesn't always work, but give it a try.

The best-sounding headphones are the large over-the-ear models, but in-ear headphones are the next best thing. And they're certainly more practical for music on the go.

Of course, if you have any headphone tips or tweaks, please share them here.

[SactoGuy018]

Or course, the best solution is a custom-fit eartip, but between having to visit an ear doctor to get the mold of your ear shape and having the mold made into an eartip, it will cost around US$150 to US$200 to do so.

[technologyRules]

My experience suggests custom ear pieces are a waste of money. My expensive custom ear-piece does not expand to fill the ear canal like foam and actually provides less isolation compared to much cheaper "universal" options. Buyer beware.

[soundman45]

I had custom fit earpieces made. Unfortunately my inner ear shapes are radically different from one another. I love them, but it wasn't cheap.

[mattharms]

Without a doubt, foam is the way to go. At first, I hated my ER6i's. But once I tried the foam ear tips, it was an entirely new experience. Even without music playing, I can block out nearly all engine/crying baby noise on an airplane. Plus, you never have to go through the ear twisting/pulling of traditional rubber tipped in-ear headphones.

[wavjockey]

I have the same 'phones and I've come to the same conclusion.
I thought the silicone tips were the way to go until I tried the foam.

They seal better and they feel better after an hour of sweaty exercise.

[Harlan879]

Two comments:

If you're using foam ear tips, and the newer tapered ones on say the Shure line are really good, plan on replacing them every month or two with heavy use. They lose their sound blocking chops after a while.

As for preventing tangles, I really like the Death Metal technique. With your left hand, grasp the earphones in the palm of your hand with your middle and 4th fingers and thumb. Point your first and pinky fingers out, like devil horns, and make repeated figure-8s with the wire until it's all folded up. Stick the resulting clump in a tight pocket where it won't rattle around too much and get tangled anyway.

[clem_cowsie]

Thanks for the tip.

[emsabh]

I'd suggest being just a little leery about introducing potential infection into the ear canal through saliva.

[one_flat_monkey]

have your dog lick your ears...

[yiang]

I tend to hate in-ear headphone because they rarely fit me. And the ones that do fit also seem to get dislodged and fall out when I move around. It's pointless. I prefer the slim collapsible that loop around and sit on the ear. Not those big bulky monsters knobs. Those are a nuisance to carry.

[OStrolphant]

my lesson learned is to not buy the Bose headphones. :) lesson learned

[humblehifi]

I have a set of both the Bose earbud and a set of Shure ec-2s, I prefer the Shures but found that they are downright dangerous to use on the streets of NYC. They block the sound far too well to be able to hear a cab or bike messenger that is about to run you down. I bought the Bose due to the fact that they are very comfortable and have decent sound. I have to admit they are the most comfortable headphones I have worn but they have WAY too much bass and the sound is NOT at all natural.

[ghaff]

I really like my ER-4s. If size were no object, I might be more inclined to use my closed-back Sennheisers but I like to travel light and there's just no way that I'm going to lug along a fair of full-sized headphones on an airplane trip (which is where I use them the most).

[one_flat_monkey]

i have a pair of ER6i buds, and i luv 'em. i'm fortunate to be anatomically perfect (!) so the mid-size earpiece makes a hermetic seal. my wife's half-sister likes to "modify" bunnies for a special holiday she celebrates, and i can't hear any of the annoying shrill sounds that generate from that process.

but seriously, i have a Creative Zen Micro player, and the sound is great. i wear them at a large fitness center that plays background music, and i can't hear that at all.

[Randall Flagg]

My wife is an audiologist and can make me custom earplugs. 10 minutes of inconvenience is worth great fitting headphones.

[one_flat_monkey]

can i send her one of my ears?

[trrobbo]

talking of audiologists, I have just been fitted with a set of "Dot by ReSound" ear hearing aids. And when I had the soft gooey stuff poured into my ears to make the moulds I was aghast at what it would be like at the end result. Well blow me down and call me charlie, it is awesome to actually hear again...........so say the family.

What a great Idea about having earphones made like that but I guess it would cost ME dollars not like you lol lucky buggar lol

[tipoo_]

I actualy need to get new headphones soon...maybe tomorrow.



are the Skullcandy Ink'd good? i had a pair of Skullcandy Smokin buds, and they sounded good but werent built to last.

[JordyKun]

Skullcandy Ink'ds wont last long. In comparison, they won't last as long as the Smokin' Buds. But if you want an incredibly cheap pair of headphones that will get the job done and nothing more, Skullcandy's are alright. Personally though, I'd invest in a more expensive longer lasting pair of headphones with better sound quality.

Everyone should check out Westone earphones. They aren't mainstream like Sure or Etymotic, but they are very good earphones. I have the UM1's. The foam tips do a great job of blocking outside noise. The cords loop over your ears, which some may not like, but the earphones fit very securely.

http://www.westone.com/hearing/UFE/Universal_Fit_Earphones.html

[Wizjad]

Some earphones are better than others. Get the best you can afford and enjoy.

[MrItchy]

I followed a recommendation a few years back and picked up a pair of Koss "Plugs" (similar to "Spark Plugs"). They have been some of the best sounding headphones I have ever owned, and are great for quieting long international flights. The bass response is particularly impressive. The best part is their price: less than $20! They are available at Meijers if you are in the Midwest.

[nwlarry08]

I'm a musician and a lover of in-ear headphones. These are some good comments and techniques for getting the best sound. I also took the advice of a cnet recommendation and bought the V-moda Bass Freq in-ear headphones and was totally blown away by the quality and presence of the bass and mids which are usually lost. The high freqs weren't sacrificed leading to a pretty balanced sound. Even after months of use I still marvel at how great the sound is and for under $20 (List$50) ! Who needs to spend more?
http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/v-moda-bass-freq/4505-7877_7-32098284.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody
http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Bass-Freq-Earbuds-Bling/dp/B000FUESSU

[calmor15014]

For those who don't want to go for the V-moda Bass Freq's sometimes over-enhanced bass response, the V-moda Vibe is also a good pair of headphones. They topped my list after trying several different kinds at a store in Japan. Surprisingly, I thought the Bose that were available for demo were some of the worst in-ears I tried that day, having almost no treble response. The over-the-ear Bose were very well balanced, and the Shures weren't available for demo unfortunately.

I think I paid nearly $100 for the Vibe, though, and beware of the small metal driver protector inside the tube - mine fell out of the headphones... luckily in my pocket and not my ear!

[Eric_Moseman]

I have a set of Shures, and I am absolutely in love with them. I use the silicone tri-flange, because the foamies just lost their ability to seal after a month or two of sweating, and the sound (for me) was never as good as the silicon.

I do know how to use foam ear inserts, as I can block out a C-130 Hercules at full power, inside or out, with simple foam inserts. The silicon just fits me. My best advice is try both types. The Shures (as others, I am sure) come with a variety of plugs, and the tri-flanges are cheap. Your ears are your own, ya know?

[sunon]

hey Steve,
remember to caution about sealing out the environment when there's danger afoot. one example? while in traffic? some folks seem blissfully unaware.
mac

[spingle]

Somebody buy one_flat_monkey a beer. Best comments I've read all week.

My take: find something that fits & sounds good. Duh. I've got Shures & Denons: swap 'em out when one gets stale.

[one_flat_monkey]

here's a shocker:

i dunna drink.

thanks for the props, yo

which Shures? heard the Etymotic ER6is?

[DeeprBlue]

Frequency range on the ear buds are something I've found to be ~quite~ important.
I always check the back and find the lowest ~low range~ and the highest ~high range~. If I had a box in front of me I could tell you the correct terminology but I don't. Still, I've found this to be an an incredible piece of information to learn. By having access to all the ranges of the music---clearly and beautifully--- makes all the difference in the world.
Pull out a few packages and check it out. You'll see what I'm talking about. Then try the new ones with the best range frequency you can get and compare them against your old ones. You'll see what I'm talking about!
Good Luck!
DeeprBlue

[G-RUBZ]

Agreed. Oneflatmonkey = best comments.

I have some Shure in-ear headphones. 250 dollar headphones I got at Guitar Center for 60 bucks during the Christmas sale this past year.

Anyways... I have abnormal ear canals and in-ears never worked for me but it was such a good deal I thought I'd give it a try again and worse-case, try molded tips. But I've found that the tri-flange ones work really well. I cut the smaller end off so now I guess its a dual-flange - just fit best that way. I use them at the gym and when jogging and they rarely lose the "seal" and only because sweat gets in there sometimes.

I used to hate in-ear phones, but like them now. Trying to move around at the gym with ginormous studio style phones sucks so I'm glad I gave in-ears a second chance and actually experimented with the different types.

[one_flat_monkey]

i know it's a pain, but please

it's "one_flat_monkey"

otherwise you're talking about my non-identical twin brother.

[IDSNL]

My ear canals are small and curved in such a way that I've never found ear buds that didn't fall out in a matter of seconds or end up hurting because I was determined to shove them in and they end up against "the wall." Even custom ones don't work very well for me.

So I've settled for low riding headsets which seem to be a good alternative, at least for me.