Latest/Best/Smart/ Earphones,PriceFor 2011

MEElectronics M6 Earphones ($20)

Pros:

    * Excellent sound quality for the price
    * Tangle resistant memory wire makes for a comfortable fit in an over-the-ear design
    * Many extras in the package including 6 sets of ear tips and a carrying case

Cons:

    * Not the most balanced sound available
    * Not the best in sound isolation

Top Review Sources:

    * Cnet: 3.5 out of 4 stars: 8 out of 10 for design and features, 7 out of 10 for performance; “A great value for bass addicts”
    * Amazon: Average 4 out 5 stars based on 95 reviews

The stiff memory wire and angled ear tip of the MEElectronics M6 provides comfort for use at the gym and sports activities. The design durability is unmatched with other under-$50 earphones. Though not the most accurate in sound, they will fill in nicely after some burn time. Most reviewers remarked that the bass was the strongest with a softer midrange. The MSRP on these are $50, but are currently on sale for $20. All in all, a solid budget buy.

Etymotic hf5 Earphones ($120)

Pros:

    * Exceptional sound isolation
    * Lightweight, stays in well for workouts (can be worn in front or back of the ear)
    * High fidelity audio experience- balanced sound quality
    * Sleek, modern design

Cons:

    * Doesn’t come with an extensive variety of ear sleeves
    * Not for bass lovers

Top Review Sources:

    * Cnet: 4 out of 5 stars, 8.0 overall score; “Great sound quality for the price”
    * iLounge: A- “Highly Recommended”
    * Amazon: Average 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 78 reviews

With stellar sound quality and noise blocking capability, the Etymotic fits in nicely between the crowded under-$100 earphone set and the sometimes untouchable $200 set. The hf5s are similar to the popular hf2 model except minus the microphone which can add weight when considered for sports use. Etymotic succeeds in creating a balanced sound that is most true to listening to a live performance. Not heavy on the bass so may not be for those who listen to rap and hip hop.

Diddybeats High Performance Earphones ($116)

Pros:

    * Balanced sound quality with deep bass
    * Attractive design
    * A built-in remote on the cable features volume control and a mic

Cons:

    * Large earbuds can be uncomfortable and tend to fall out of smaller ears
    * Some may find the cable too heavy

Top Review Sources:

    * PCMag: 3.5 out of 4 star rating- Good, “No distortion at high volumes”
    * Cnet: 4 out of 5 stars- Excellent, “Impressively balanced”
    * Digital Trends: 7.5 out of 10; “Look and sound fantastic”

Similar to Monster Beats by Dr. Dre, Monster Cable has now hooked up with Diddy (or you may know him as Puff Daddy,Sean Combs, P. Diddy, etc.) to make Diddybeats. They’re designed to look and feel like leather for a unique design that doesn’t tangle. The Monster Control Talk remote is for use with iPod and iPhone for hands-free talking which would be convenient during workouts. The design is ultra-durable, which is great for sports use, but the Diddybeats are on the heavy side, which may be bothersome for various activities. They come in black, white, and pink.

Shure SE425 Sound-Isolating Earphones ($299)

Pros:

• Accurate sound quality that lives up to the price, Bass is balanced, not heavy
• Detachable cord for replacement
• Lightweight, durable design
• Ergonomic eartip design sits inside the outer ear; cord goes over top of the ear

Cons:

• Pricey
• Fit may not be comfortable for everyone
• Not for Bass lovers

Top Review Sources:

• GadgetMac: 4 out of 5 stars: “For those who truly want to experience the music as it was produced”
• Cnet: 4 out of 5 stars, overall score- 8.0, Excellent: “An excellent choice for eclectic listeners who demand stellar audio and a high-quality design”
• Amazon: Average 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews

In business for over 80 years, Shure has long been the go-to audio electronic company for both professionals and amateur audiophiles. Those who use earphones during strenuous activities may tend to wear out their cords before the speakers go, so the detachable, replacement cable feature is alluring. Included are three sizes of the flex and black foam sleeves as well as 1 pair of triple flange and 1 pair of universal fit foam sleeves. With a tweeter and woofer in each ear, both the sound-isolation and sound quality are excellent providing a true sound for a broad range of music styles.

Sleek Audio SA1 High Fidelity Earphones ($79)

Pros:

    * Outstanding sound quality rivals more expensive earphones
    * Appealing design with siam rosewood housing that also lends to the sound clarity
    * Personalize sound with interchangeable bass and treble tuners
    * Detachable cable for replacement or ability to go wireless

Con:

    * Takes some tweaking to get the sound you want
    * Cable isn’t tangle-free

Top Review Sources:

    * Engadget: “At $79.99, it has few contemporaries that offer as much flexibility.”
    * Gear Diary: “Sounds excellent, Looks gorgeous”
    * Amazon: Average 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 16 reviews

Sleek Audio set the standard of a flexible listening experience with their SA6 earphones that offered interchangeable tuners and wires. Now they’ve released the much more affordable SA1 model which delivers the same award-winning sound quality and adaptable features. The SA1 cable is lightweight and won’t pull out during activities and is for those who don’t like the ones that go around the top of the ear. The ability to change up the sound is a bonus for those who switch between music styles, podcasts and audio books.