Top 20 iPhone Headphones (Best of iPhone)
1. Scosche IEM856md
The Scosche IEM856md ($250) are canalbud-style earphones that have the rare design element of combining dynamic drivers with balanced armature drivers. The combination is rare because earphones are usually designed around one or the other. Dynamic drivers typically offer heavily driven, bass-focused sound, while balanced armature drivers offer a well-rounded clinical experience. The Scosche IEM856md’s make the unique combination work, especially in the low end, with Matt Ward of MacWorld saying the IEM856md’s offer “the most-impressive-sounding bass I’ve heard at or below this price point.” Overall, the IEM856md’s offer the full sonic experience weighted slightly toward the bass side—perfect for modern music.
The Scosche IEM856md are not exactly stylish headphones, but they do contain a few nice functional design elements. First is the flat ribbon cable that is not only rugged but also helps prevent those annoying tangled cord nests that take forever to unravel. The IEM856md also offer the requisite three-button dongle control and a microphone, which sits by its lonesome self on the right cord. The 3.5mm headphone plug bends at a 45-degree angle to help reduce stress on the cable.
Included with the Scosche IEM856md are a good range of accessories, including 6 sets of eartips—3 single-flanged and 3 double-flanged eartips in three sizes each—a zippered carrying case, and a shirt clip. The headphones are often offered at a steep discount (I’ve seen them as cheap as $150 on Amazon).
Helpful links:
Official website for Scosche IEM856md
2. Klipsch X10i
The Klipsch X10i ($350) are Klipsch’s top-of-the line headphones and thus come at a premium price (although they can often be found at discounted prices—I’ve seen them as cheap as $250). In terms of sound reproduction, the X10i’s offer excellent performance across the spectrum with an especially meaty low end. CNET’s Steve Guttenberg said the X10i’s have “the sort of weighty sound we expect from larger headphones” and that the X10′s “sweet, laid-back tonal balance flatters all types of music.” One reason for the X10′s impressive sound performance is the 5 different-sized eartips included with the headphones that help owners find a tight, snug fit, and channel the X10′s premium sound reproduction directly into the ear.
The X10i’s are also one of the most comfortable earphones on the market due to the fact that they are one of the smallest and lightest full-featured earphones currently available for the iPhone. They weigh in at a light 10 grams and come with 5 different-sized sets of Klipsch’s Countour ear gels (3 sets are double-flanged). The only downside is that their thin, light cords are also a durability liability.
The headphones come with a quarter-inch adapter for non-iPhone and iPod music players, an airline adapter, a cleaning tool for ear wax removal, a faux leather carrying case, and a small pouch carrying case.
Helpful links:
Official website for Klipsch X10i earphones
iLounge X10 review (same earphones as X10i, only without the three-button dongle)
CNET X10 review (same earphones as X10i, only without three-button dongle)
3. Etymotic HF3 Headphones
The Etymotic HF3 earphones ($120) are an updated version of the previously highly-recommended Etymotic HF2 earphones. The HF3′s have been updated with an angled 3.5-mm plug that is less susceptible to wear and tear and also with a three-button control dongle (the HF2′s had a single-button control). The HF3′s have recently been named an Editor’s Choice of MacWorld UK.
For sound quality, the HF3′s deliver premium performance to go with its premium price, with its strengths laying in the mid to high rangess. MacWorld UK’s Karen Haslam says, “treble and midrange clarity are superb, allowing us to hear things that are inaudible on cheaper headphones, and the bass was just right, rather than overpowering or non-existent. If you are a real bass-lover then there are more bassy headphones out there, but we feel that too much base detracts from the rest of the track.”
The HF3′s come with 4 different size eartips, but if you have unusual ear canals, you can separately purchased eartips specifically moulded for your ears.
Helpful Links:
4. Klipsch Image S4i
The Klipsch Image S4i ($99) are one of the best values in iPhone headphones when it comes to price combined with sound quality. And they’re not bad looking either. The S4i’s have been awarded an Editor’s Choice by CNET and are also a top recommendation of Art of the iPhone.
The S4i’s overall sound reproduction is impressive, with CNET reviewer Jasmine France saying “Straight up: these earphones sound stellar.” The S4i are weighted toward delivering a bass-heavy sound that’s not too overbearing and perfect for modern pop music. But the kicker for the S4i is that the mids and highs are also delivered with detail, with CNET noting the S4i “deliver an excellent amount of clarity and detail throughout the high-end” and that the “S4[i] earphones are the best we’ve heard in their price range.”
The S4i are also one of the more stylish earphones out there, available in traditional Apple-inspired white as well as black. They are made from a glossy plastic with chrome accents that looks better in person than what the photos can show. The headphones include a three-button dongle complete with microphone to give you full control over music and phone calls.
The Klipsch S4i’s come with 3 sets of rubber silicone eartips, a cleaning tool for earwax, and a carrying case.
Helpful links:
Official website for Klipsch S4i
Amazon.com: Klipsch Image S4i $99 black, and white version
5. DiddyBeats In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk
The DiddyBeats In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk ($150) combine high fashion with durability and excellent sound reproduction. The headphones are part of the stylish line of Dr. Dre Beats line of headphones, and thus deliver the requisite deep bass and well-rounded mids and highs. The earpieces are conical-shaped, glossy, and trimmed with leather. The cord is thick and durable, with a flat ribbon style to help prevent tangling. The inline control dongle is located on the cord and comes with a microphone, 2 volume buttons, and function button that starts/stops music, answers/ends calls, and moves music tracks forward/back. The Diddybeats headphones come with an impressive range of eartips: 1 pair of foam tips (fits all sizes of ears), 6 pairs of different-sized silicone tips, and 2 triple-flanged tips. A travel pouch is also included.
Helpful links:
Amazon.com: DiddyBeats In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk ( black, white, pink, red)
6. Klipsch Image S5i Rugged
The Klipsch Image S5i Rugged ($110) are versatile earphones designed to be used both indoors and out. They are water-resistant (but not waterproof) earphones that should survive basic sweat-producing sport activities like running, snowboarding, etc. In terms of sound quality, the Klipsch S5i are designed to provide an impressive full bass experience that fits in perfectly with most modern music. In that area, it doesn’t disappoint, as it truly produces an impressive booming low-end. But the sound is not quite as well-rounded as the previous-gen Klipsch S4i, as the S5i suffers some lack of clarity in the mid to high ranges. Overall, the S5i provides distortion-free sound quality even at high volume levels and a rich listening experience worthy of its $100+ price tag. The S5i comes with a built-in microphone and three-button control dongle. The lone complaint about the S5i is that the dongle is larger than the average earphone dongle, meaning some runners might find it cumbersome when running. A shirt clip is included to help alleviate that issue. Also included is a cool-looking case with a feature we’ve never seen before, a built-in LED light with a steady or strobe-light mode that, via a belt clip, can be attached to your person and used for safe running at night. The S5i comes with 4 pairs of different-sized ear tips.
Helpful links:
Engadget brief review (with water-resistant testing video)
7. Bose MIE2i Headphones for iPhone
The Bose MIE2i headphones ($130) rest outside of the ear canal and thus are not in-ear headphones. The headphones come with StayHear eartips, which are curved, bendable pieces of silicone that are attached to the earbud and fit into the curve of your ear to add improved stability and fit. Included with the headphones are 3 size of StayHear earbuds and 3 sizes of regular (non-StayHear) earbuds. The MIE2i deliver above average sound quality are balanced like most modern headphones, with an emphasis on bass, but lacking the clarity of more expensive “premium” headphone. Reviewers also noted below-average treble response. The MIE2i’s are Apple-certified to work with iPhone/iPod.
Helpful links:
Official website for Bose MIE2i
8. V-Moda Remix Remote Headphones for iPhone
The VModa Remix Remote ($80) are stylish, bass-heavy headphones that provide excellent sound isolation and solid durability. In addition to the typical modern emphasis on bass, the headphones deliver a warm mid range and a decent high range as well, allowing it to easily outperform cheaper models. For improved durability, the headphone jack is gold plated and has an “L” shape that decreases wear and tear (but may cause difficulty with some iPhone cases). The cord is 34 inches long, rubber coated, and has a built-in microphone/remote dongle. The headphones come with a fabric carrying pouch, sports earhooks for stabilization during workouts, 4 different-size sets of clear silicone ear tips, and 4 sets of black silicone eartips. The headphones are available in several different color combinations.
Helpful links:
Official website for the V-Moda Remix Remote headphones
Amazon.com: V-Moda Remix Remote headphones $80
9. Maximo IP-595
The Maximo IP-595 ($79) are canal-bud earphones that come with attractive polished-metal earbuds and a cloth-wrapped cord, available in black or white. The headphones include the all-important, iPhone-friendly 3-button control dongle with microphone.
The sound quality of the Maximo IO-595′s can be summed up with one word: value, especially if you can get them cheaper than the $80 suggested retail price. Sound reproduction is excellent, providing both crisp highs and well-rounded lows. Mids are adequate but not as detailed as more expensive earphones. Overall, sound quality is excellent for its price range, but lacks the high detail capability of premium headphones.
Included with the IP-595′s are 3 sets of eartips (small, medium, large), extension acble, shirt clip, and small carrying case.
Helpful Links:
Official Maximo IP-595 website
10. Sennheiser MM70 iP
The Sennheiser MM 70 iP ($99) are canal bud earphones, meaning they have dome-shaped earbuds that do not penetrate as far into the ear as true in-ear headphones, yet still retain some degree of sound isolation. The MM 70′s come with a three-button control dongle with microphone, and in a nice touch, the volume buttons on the dongle are differentiated by small bumps that allow you blindly find them with your fingers.
The MM 70 iP offer solid but not exceptional sound reproduction. The mid to highs have a moderate level of detail, and the bass is boomy, but the bass details tend to get lost in the boom. The overall sound reproduction of the MM 70′s lacks the oomph of similarly priced earphones.
Included in the packaging are 6 sets of eartips (3 single-flanged sets and 3 dual-flanged sets, each with small, medium, and large sizes), shirt clip, fake leather pouch, and cable wrap.
Helpful Links:
Official Senn heiser MM 70 IP website
Amazon.com: Sennheiser MM 70 iP
11. Apple In-Ear Earphones
Apple’s In-Ear Headphones ($70) are a step-up from the default earphones in terms of sound quality. The In-ears have dual sound-drivers that provide well-rounded neutral sound. The Apple In-Ears come with the same microphone and control button found on the default headphones. Packaged accessories are 3 different-sized sets of eartips, and extra set of “speaker grilles” or the eartips, and a plastic carrying case. One downside I’ve noticed for these headphones is that earwax tends to clog the metal speaker grilles, severely affecting the sound. Good thing a replacement set is included.
Helpful links:
Official Apple In-Ear Headphones website
12. Shure SE115m+
The Shure SE115m+ ($119) earphones, released in late 2009, have the three-button control dongle that newer iPhones and iPods have support for. The biggest selling point for the headphones are the eartips—it comes with 6 different-sized sets: 3 made of a form-fitting foam material and 3 of silicone rubber. If any set of eartips is going to fit comfortably in your ears, it’ll be Shure. In terms of audio reproduction, the headsets deliver better-than-average performance at best, with decent bass but weak mid- and high-range sound. Still, a little disappointing for a premium-priced product from one of the better earphone companies. The main upside in terms of sound comes with solid sound isolation. Besides the plethora of eartips, the headphones come with a carrying case and a cleaning tool for de-clogging the earwax from the eartips.
Helpful links
Official Shure SE115m+ website
Amazon.com: Shure SE115m+ Headphones $119
13. Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra Mzx606
The Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra Mzx606 ($40) headphones deliver surprising loud volume for such small earbuds. Overall sound quality is excellent, delivering a warm rich sound that expresses the entire sound spectrum, anchored by a solid, all-important bass. The sound reproduction is a step above being merely clinical, making the Mxz606′s a value buy. The headphones come with an iPhone-compatible control dongle with built-in microphone and call/music controls. Also included are four sizes of earbuds for you to find the right fit. Downsides are that the tiny Mxz606′s, with the thin wires, aren’t the most durable of headphones, so you’ll need to take care how store and travel with them.
Helpful links:
Official website for Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra Mzx606 headphones
Amazon.com: Altec Lansing MZX606 Ultra Headphones
14. a-Jays Four Headphones
The a-Jays Four ($69) are durable headphones that come with a flat rubber cord designed to be tangle-free. The a-Jays come with a three-button dongle with microphone to allow for full control over the iPhone. In terms of sound quality, the headphones deliver a warm, smooth sound with an emphasis on bass that works well with modern music. Mids and highs are adequate, but lack the detail of more expensive premium headphones (ie, cymbals aren’t crisp in the mix). The a-Jays are essentially a value buy, providing good audio quality at a solid price, especially if you can get them for less than the $70 suggested price.
The a-Jays Four come with 5 sets of different-sized silicone earbuds.
Helpful Links:
15. Woodees Vintage In-Ear Headphones With Mic for iPhone
Woodees In-Ear Headphones ($60) are for the audio enthusiast who swears by wood for providing the sound acoustics in their speaker cabinets and musical instruments. The body of the headphones is made of natural wood, and the sound reproduction focuses on providing a warm mid- and high-range, best for listening to classic rock and jazz. Lovers of bass-heavy music will find the performance solid but not as good as bassy earphones from V-Moda or Klipsch. The iPhone version of the headones comes with a microphone and three-button call/music control dongle. The earphones come with 4 different-sized eartips and a carrying case.
Helpful links:
iLounge review (Classic version without 3-button dongle)
CNET review (Classic version without 3-button dongle)
Amazon.com: Woodees In-Ear Headphones
16. Skullcandy 50/50 iPhone-Compatible Headphones
The Skullcandy 50/50 ($40) are affordable headphones that are available in 6 different colors. The 50/50 come with the iPhone-friendly 3-button control dongle with microphone, giving the user full control over calls and music. Sound quality-wise, you get what you pay for. The 50/50 are tuned to be bass heavy and provide some oomph at the low end, but lack detail and crispness in mids and highs. Overall sound quality is a step up from the iPhone’s stock headphones, especially when it comes to bass performance, but not by much. The headphones are also somewhat fragile, with a thin, easily tangled cord and being built mostly from plastic. Skullcandy includes 3 soft silicone eartips in 3 different sizes.
Helpful Links:
Official Skullcandy 50/50 headphones website
Amazon.com: Skullcandy 50/50 Headphones
17. V-Moda Vibe II Headphones for iPhone
V-Moda knows how to build stylish headphones, and in this area, the V-Moda Vibe II ($55) don’t disappoint. Made out of stainless steel and available in two colors (black and rouge), the headphones have a two-tone design and a X-shaped framework that fits over the earbuds. In terms of sound, the Vibe IIs are tilted toward a powerful low end. The headphones are a step up in terms of sonic clarity of the previous generation of V-modas, but not quite in the realm of premium headphones. The Vibe IIs have a durable design, with its stainless steel earbuds, fabric-covered cord, and bendable headphone plug that prevents cracking from repeated used. Included with the earphones are 4 different-sized silicone eartips as well as special earhooks that give the headphones more stability for use in sports activities like jogging. Also included is a stylish leather carrying case.
Helpful links:
Official website for V-Moda Vibe II
Amazon.com: V-Moda Vibe II $55
18. Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi for iPhone
The Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi ($99) offer premium sound reproduction that focuses on the bass spectrum while still reproducing solid mids and highs. The earbuds are constructed of lightweight aluminum and the eartips are silicone and are generally comfortable to wear. Included are an impressive 5 different-sized sets of eartips, with one of the sets being double-flanged. The in-line microphone produces impressive sound on-par with the default iPhone headphones. One drawback to earphones are complaints of lack of durability, so potential buyers should factor in how they’ll use the headphones. Besides the 5 sets of eartips, the earphones also come with a carrying case as well as a 2.5mm adapter for non-iPhone and iPod devices.
Helpful links:
Amazon.com: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi $99
19. V-Moda Vibe Duo
The V-Moda Vibe Duo ($30) earphones not only look great in the ear, with their chrome accents and metal styling, they also deliver great sound. The earphones’ focus is toward the low end of the sound spectrum, delivering warm but full bass levels that should appeal to lovers of R&B, rap, and other bass-heavy music. The Vibe Duos have gone through various upgrades, and early versions had a microphone but lacked the call/music control button—be sure to get the most recent version. The cord of the Vibe Duo is covered with a fabric that lends a level of durability to the earphones. The headphones come with an impressive array of accessories, including 6 different-sized pairs of eartips (3 white, 3 black), a nice carrying case, and a shirt clip.
Helpful links:
Official V-Moda Vibe Du website
Amazon.com: V-Moda Vibe Duo $30
20. Maximo iMetal iP-HS5
The Maximo iMetal iP-HS5 ($55) are stylish headphones that deliver a balanced sound, offering clarity and detail not normally found in headphones at this price, although those who love bass-heavy music might be slightly disappointed. The iMetal earbuds are made of metal with silicone eartips. The microphone is separated from the call/music control button and sits higher up on the cord closer to the mouth. The iP-HS5 comes with an impressive array of accessories, including 4 sizes of eartips, a carrying case, two 2.5mm plug adapters, a 2-foot extension cable, lanyard, and shirt clip
Helpful links:
Official website for the iP-HS5
Amazon.com: Maximo iMetal iP-HS5 $55
 are canalbud-style earphones that have the rare design element of combining dynamic drivers with balance){kind=link}
Thanks a million for doing the work of reviewing the earphones.
It’s difficult to sort through the many that are out there.
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I’ve had such a hassle with headphones for my iPhone… the apple ones seem to break, but I find many of the in-ear headphones uncomfortable. Am I a genetic freak with irregular-sized earholes, or are many of these headphones very difficult to make fit snug?
I know they come with different-sized parts to alleviate this, but I have real trouble keeping them in when on the move, but I don’t want to switch to bulky over-ear headphones. It’s tricky.
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Try the Hearing Components foam eartips (see #10 in the list). They can be purchased separately from the headphones and can be used on most earbuds in place of the silicone eartips. They might be a solution for your irregular earholes.
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A very helpful breakdown that has saved me a few hours of scouring – thank you :)
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Thank you for such a comprehensive list!
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A must have…such a tedious work. congratulations for covering an extensive list.My friend is all praise to item number 16 Skull candy FMJ. He thinks its the best iphone headphone ever.
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No JBud J3M review? Where would they fit on this list? I want to stay under $50.
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Anthony, from what I can tell, they would NOT fit into this list, because the JBuds are not iPhone earbuds, meaning there is no mic and/or remote built into the cable. All of the models reviewed here have that feature in common, and thus are iPhone specific as the headline says.
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Hey: after buying two horrible iPhone headphones, I decided to get a pair of regular headphones for my iPhone to use for music. Did you know that the microphone on the iPhone still works while you have the headphones on? You can actually leave the headhones on and speak to the phone. No need to buy the $30 or more headhones if you’re willing to put the I phone claw to your lips.
Hope this helps…
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I have had nothing but trouble with Skull Candy. They have replaced 4 sets for me 3 sets for my son and 2 sets for my wife. So… If you want to send them broken headphones every few months to get a new set that will last a few months. They are great. One ear piece just stops working. I just want a set to last at least a year.
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Great list – thank you for it. One thing I would also like to know is which headphones have asymetric cable lengths. I do know that the Sennheiser MM50 iP do. I prefer to wear my headphones behind my neck and this is easiest with these types of headphones.
Thanks again
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Hiya I am looking for a set of headphones that are not electronic – just audio tubes that somehow work with an Ipod I am skeptical about any electronic device connecting to my skull…. halooo can yew help me??
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Awesome review. Thanks! Just listened to the Klipsch Image S-4 in the store and they sound great. What do you think of the Klipsch Image S5i RUGGED In-Ear Earphone with Mic, 3-Button Apple Control and Saftey Case (Black/Gray)? Is that the same as the S-4 only tougher? Do you think it sounds better? One person noted that the mic is mounted too far away from your mouth. What do you think? Thanks!
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Thanks for this. It is hard to find information on which headphones include dedicated (+, PLAY, -) buttons for the iphone.
One thing I am most interested in though, is the quality of their microphones. I realize that output sound quality is important to most, but I have requirement for the mic to sound good to the other party.
I use a wired headset (3 of the original Apple, plus 1 Logitech) for 90% of my phone calls. My phone calls lasts for upto 1.5 hours at a time, 2-5 times a day! For this amount of airtime, I need a headset that is clear, comfortable, and sound good to me AND the other party!
Pretty much with all my current headsets, the other party is now complaining I sound soft, or there is an echo. That me talking directly on the iPhone sounds better. That is not acceptable.
Would anyone like to comment?
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The Bose earphones are by far the best out of this list. I have tested them all and clearly bose is superior.
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Very very informative post. Keep posting.
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I do not want to spend so much on headphone where the cable will probably break sooner or later. I would love to find an ear bud type that has the necklace style cable with an angle jack and a remote with mic. Why is that so hard to find
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