The 7 Best Earphones (Classic Earbuds) Today
What are the best-rated classic earbuds (non in-ear) right now?
Contents
Comparison: 7 Best Earphones (Classic Earbuds)
| Rating i From 1 to 5. 5 is best. | Price | Controls&Mic i In-line remote controls and microphone for making calls. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Edifier H180 Hi-Fi Classic Earbuds |  | 4.3 | $ (<$30) | P180 model | More info |
| Sennheiser MX 365 |  | 4.2 | $ (<$30) |  | More info |
| Sony MDRE9LP/BLK |  | 3.7 | $ (<$30) | | More info |
| Panasonic RP-HV096 |  | 3.7 | $ (<$30) | | More info |
| JVC HAF160B Gumy EarBuds |  | 4.0 | $ (<$30) | | More info |
| Philips SHS3200BK/37 |  | 3.7 | $ (<$30) | | More info |
| Sony MDR-SA200 |  | 3.7 | $ (<$30) | | More info |
Looking for classic style earphones?
Here you’ll find the top model on the market right now.
What’s the Difference Between Classic Earphones and In-ear Headphones/In-ear Monitors?
The difference between classic earbuds and in-ear earbuds (also known as in-ear monitors (IEMs) or in-ear headphones) is their design.
The classic earphones lay on the outside of your ear while in-ear earphones enter further in the inner canal. The in-ear headphones also come with rubber or foam ear tips that you can replace to adjust the fit.
Above is an example of very popular in-ear earbud design (also called in-ear monitors (IEMs), in-ear headphones) Shure SE215 are one of the most popular in-ear earbuds by musicians and non-professional users alike.
And the above picture is probably already familiar with you. The classic Apple earbud design is one of the most popular one until date. These are earbuds that don’t go in ear canal but stay on the outside of the ear.
What Does That Mean for User Experience?
Generally, you will get a better seal and thus better sound quality from in-ear monitors.
Classic earbuds don’t have such a good passive noise isolation which means more sound gets distorted by noises around you before it reaches your inner ear.
On the other hand, in-ear design proves uncomfortable for a lot of people, especially those with smaller ear canals. Not to mention you have to replace the eartips when they get worn out with use. Some people just don’t like the hassle.
The classic earbud design is simpler and doesn’t require any eartip replacement. Because of this a lot of people find them comfortable for long periods of time.
If you want a simple solution for listening to audio books and don’t like the in-ear design, classic earbuds might just be what you’re looking for.
The Confusion About the Name
Since the in-ear design (in-ear monitors (IEMs), in-ear headphones) has become the standard in popular consumer electronics, most people call them just earbuds even though that is technically incorrect. Among the audiophile community people understand the difference between the earbuds and in-ear monitors and name them accordingly.
Since most people aren’t audiophiles we use the name “earbuds” for in-ear monitors/in-ear headphones because this is what people expect.
If you go to a store, most people will understand what you mean if you say classic earbuds or in-ear earbuds.
Check more detailed reviews of each classic earbud model below.
7 Best Classic Earphones/Earbuds Reviews
Edifier H180 (Top Pick)
The Edifier H180 earphones deliver great sound in a traditional earbud design that fits well all for a low price.
If you’re looking for a quality replacement for your smartphone earbuds or need a backup pair, definitely check these out.
PROS
- Classic earbud design
- Comfortable fit
- Flexible TPE coated cable, good durability
- Good quality sound at a reasonable price
CONS
- No in-line volume controls
- Foam cushions can sometimes slip off
What’s in the Box?
- Edifier H180 Hi-Fi classic earphones
- Foam cushions
- User manual
Comfort
The plastic earbud case on the Edifier H180 earphones is shaped in the classic earbud design, but most users will find them more comfortable than other brands.
The provided foam covers add an extra layer of padding and comfort.
There isn’t a lot of noise isolation since the earbuds don’t create a tight seal, but that is a good thing if you want to be aware of your surroundings.
Even without a tight seal, there is minimal noise bleed, so you can listen to your music, podcasts, or audiobooks in relative privacy.
Here you can find top noise isolating headphones.
You won’t experience any ear canal irritation with these earphones since they don’t have silicone inserts or components that fit deep in the ear.
The H180 earbuds tend to fit better and stay more secure than a lot of stock earbuds supplied by phone and electronics manufacturers.
Users with smaller ears will notice some discomfort and pressure points in the ear during long listening sessions, but that is often the case with this style of earphones.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of the Edifier H180 earbuds is good, and the components hold up well for everyday use.
The 4-foot (1.3m) cable features a 3.5mm straight connector and is coated in a TPE wire jacket that is very flexible and pliable for portable use and does not kink easily.
Strain relief for the cables on the earbud side is ok, but it can fail if the cables are pulled too hard.
The H180 earbuds are available in black or white, with subtle silver lettering that indicates the brand and Left/Right notation.
If you want an in-line mic with TalkBack functionality on the phone, you’ll need to go with the P180 model.
While these earbuds do not include in-line volume controls, the P180 model will include a single multi-function button for play/pause or call answer.
The foam earbud covers work well and stretch tight over the plastic case, but they can slip off over time. Replacements are easy to find if you need them.
A one-year warranty is provided and the company seems to offer good support.
Sound
The sound quality of the Edifier H180 is rather impressive considering its low cost and unassuming design.
You might even forget that you’re listening to earbuds instead of larger over the ear style headphones.
Volume output is good, and even suitable for listening on a plane or commuting in louder environments.
Bass frequencies are presented with a solid presence, but they aren’t overwhelming or over-pronounced.
Using the H180 earbuds without the foam cushions may provide a little bit tighter seal between the plastic and the ear, with only a slight change in sound quality.
Highs are crisp and clear with good sibilance control so that you don’t hear a lot of harsh tones.
The soundstage is reasonably wide and provides good depth for a pleasing listening experience with a variety of musical genres.
The sound quality might not compete with audiophile earbuds or premium in-ear monitors, but it is quite good for the price you pay for this classic earbud style.
If you want a quality set of earbuds that sound good and won’t break the bank, the Edifier H180 earbuds are an excellent choice and top pick in this category.
Sennheiser MX 365
Don’t let the price fool you on these Sennheiser MX 365 earphones. The sound quality is much better than you might suspect coming from a sub-$20 product.
While the construction quality and product feel aren’t phenomenal, the color options and sonic performance are good which makes them a great choice.
PROS
- Several color options available
- Good overall sound quality
- Lightweight
- 2-year warranty
CONS
- No in-line volume controls
- Construction feels cheap
- Symmetrical cable is not very flexible and can kink
What’s in the Box?
- Sennheiser MX 365 earphones
- 1 pair foam earpads
Comfort
Overall comfort level for the Sennheiser MX 365 earphones can really vary, depending on the size of your ears.
These earbuds are a little bit larger than some of the other brands available, which means those with smaller ears may experience some discomfort and a poor fit.
The included foam earpads add a nice cushion if you want to soften the feel of the plastic earbud shell.
Users that don’t like a deep in-ear type of fit will appreciate the classic earbud design that won’t cause ear-canal irritation or discomfort.
While the sound quality is good for long listening sessions, the earbud design is not the best for long-term use.
The MX 365 earphones are not the least comfortable, but they don’t rank super high in this category.
Build Quality
The surprising thing about these earbuds is the sub-standard build quality that is less than what you might expect from a brand like Sennheiser.
The plastic earbud enclosures feel very lightweight, which is ok for comfort and stability in the ear, but the construction feels cheap.
That’s not to say that the Sennheiser MX 365 won’t last you for a long time, because they are fairly durable if they aren’t subjected to too much moisture and abuse.
A 3.5mm angled connector is provided at the end of the 4-foot (1.3mm) symmetrical black cable that has a flat profile.
The cable has a PVC-type of coating which is not as soft or flexible as some other headphone cables with a rubberized jacket.
The cable can also have some wire memory from shipping or storage.
The MX 365 is available in six different colors: white, red, blue, orange, bronze, and brown. And for the price, you may want to pick out a few different colors.
There are no in-line controls or TalkBack mic available for the MX 365, so do not expect to use these for phone calls or remote control of your smartphone.
Sennheiser provides their standard 2-year warranty for the MX 365, so if you have any trouble with the quality or durability you can file a claim within 24 months.
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Sound
This is the category where you’d expect Sennheiser to deliver quality results, and the MX 365 earphones certainly provide great sound for the price.
The soundstage is better than most earbuds and the overall tonal signature is quite smooth and balanced.
Bass is present and forward enough without sounding exaggerated and over-produced.
Mids are balanced, warm, and deliver good vocal clarity that isn’t too sharp.
Highs are strong but can sound just slightly turned down, which can work well to combat ear fatigue if you’re listening for a long time.
Some users have reported minor bass distortion or driver rattling during initial testing, but this noise, if present, tends to go away after a sufficient burn-in period.
The Sennheiser MX 365 earphones are electrically efficient, which provides greater overall volume level than several other common earbud brands.
If you are looking for a mix of colorful style options and good sound quality, the Sennheiser MX 365 earphones are a great option for your listening pleasure.
Sony MDRE9LP/BLK
While the Sony MDRE9LP/BLK earphones aren’t going to win any awards for sound quality, they are a good choice as a backup pair or for listening to podcasts.
Sound quality for these earbuds is average for this price and listeners looking for a deep and expansive audio experience may want to look elsewhere.
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PROS
- Colorful & stylish options
- Classic Sony design
- Compact & lightweight
- Good vocal reproduction
CONS
- Bass is not very strong
- Crackling drivers at high volume levels
What’s in the Box?
- Sony MDRE9LP/BLK earphones
- Foam earphone covers
Comfort
The compact and lightweight design is easy to wear and suitable for a variety of ear sizes. The earbud shape is not a perfect circle, so it can fit the ear a little better.
With a tailpiece that is shorter than most other earbuds, the Sony MDRE9LP/BLK are lightweight, compact, and stay in the ear fairly well.
Users who want to wear a hat or helmet over the ears should find that these earbuds work fairly well for that since they don’t stick out from the ears too far.
The hard plastic shell of the earphones may cause discomfort and pressure points after long listening sessions, but that is common with this type of design.
Thin foam earbud covers are provided, but they don’t necessarily add a lot of comfort. You can purchase third party covers if you want a more plush feel.
With a classic design, users of previous Sony earbuds will likely appreciate the fit and feel of the MDRE9LP.
Build Quality
In terms of style, Sony gets an extra vote for offering several colorful styles of earbuds to choose from. The semi-transparent plastic construction looks nice too.
Quality construction isn’t what you might expect for a low-cost set of earbuds. It isn’t great, but they should last several months or more with normal wear.
Some users have reported, surprisingly, that these earbuds can last through a laundry cycle or two and still work just fine.
The cable is a fairly standard length of 47” (1.2m) and features a 3.5mm angled headphone jack with good strain relief at all connections.
Cable jacket material and construction is good and is quite resistant to splitting or cracking – something other cheap cables can have a problem with.
However, the cable construction and design of the Sony MDRE9LP/BLK earphones is prone to tangling and can easily become knotted if stored loose in a bag or pocket.
These classic earphones have no in-line controls or mic for use with mobile phones.
There is no ambient noise isolation, so listening in loud environments may require a higher listening volume level, which can lead to the next issue.
You may hear a bit of crackling noise if the earbuds are “overdriven” with high volume levels or when moving the connector around.
Sound
The Sony MDRE9LP/BLK earphones might not blow you away with amazing bass or a rich soundstage, but they are great for vocal content like podcasts and audiobooks.
The 13.5mm neodymium drivers are a bit small, producing reasonably solid highs and mids, but they can sound tinny for certain musical genres.
Bass response is lacking just enough that the sound isn’t very deep or immersive, but the casual music listener should be satisfied with the general performance.
Listening to lower volume provides a clearer and more articulate quality that works great for podcasts and interviews.
For a budget-friendly set of earbuds, the Sony MDRE9LP/BLK earphones aren’t terrible, just not as good as the best classic earbuds, so consider these only as a good, cheap backup pair.
Panasonic RP-HV096
Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds are a low-cost alternative to the stock earbuds that ship with a lot of other consumer audio devices.
If you need a spare pair of earbuds for the car, gym bag, or pockets, these will be great because you won’t have to worry about loosing or breaking them at this price.
PROS
- Simple & understated style
- Balanced high frequencies
- Very cheap
- Better than most stock earbuds
CONS
- Foam cushions not included
- Hollow-sounding construction
- Quality control issues for some units
What’s in the Box?
- Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds
Comfort
If you are used to wearing a traditional earbud design, these units should fit well and work just fine.
The physical profile of the case is about average and not too bulky or awkward in the ear. However, active exercise can cause the earbud to fall out pretty easily.
The larger driver size of the Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds means that they won’t be a good fit for smaller ears or if you are sensitive to pressure points in the ear.
Foam cushions are not provided with these earbuds, so if you desire extra padding for fit or comfort you’ll need to purchase those separately.
Overall, the Panasonic earbuds are just about average, perhaps a little below, when it comes to comfort and fit.
Build Quality
The first impression that you might get when unboxing the Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds is that they have a very hollow plastic feel to them.
While construction quality and inspection of the earbuds may not initially inspire confidence, they should work just fine if you take care not to abuse them.
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The black plastic shell is subtly marked with the Panasonic brand and a stamped relief for Left/Right notation on each earbud.
Keeping these earbuds clean is pretty easy because there is no soft silicone-type coating on the shell that can feel tacky and attract dirt.
The 47” (1.2m) cable with an angled 3.5mm connector allows for convenient connection to your music player or phone.
The Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds don’t have any in-line microphone or remote-controls.
It is possible that you could receive a set of earbuds that are bad from the factory. This can happen sometimes with cheaper electronics. Simply replace them if needed.
There have been a few quality control issues noted, with some headphones having a lot of static at higher frequencies and problems with getting a solid connection.
If you’re hard on headphones and are constantly breaking them, these might work for you since they are so cheap to replace.
Sound
The large 14.8mm neodymium drivers produce fairly smooth bass tones, but the power in this lower spectrum is not great, making it hard to hear the bass at times.
High frequencies are well represented but don’t expect a lot of high-end brilliance, shimmer or sparkle translated in your music.
That hollow sounding shell construction seems to have a negative impact on the sonic presence, power, and character of the earbuds.
It is also good to keep in mind that these earbuds don’t have any noise isolation, and people nearby can hear what you are listening to at moderate volume levels.
The cheaper construction and components of the Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds just can’t keep up with the sound quality of many other models that are in this category.
The redeeming quality of these earbuds is that they are better than many of the free earbuds that come with some electronics, so they can be a good replacement option.
Panasonic RP-HV096 earbuds are some of the cheapest earphones we recommend because of their simple utility, affordability, and basic performance. Pick these up if you worry about damaging or loosing more expensive earbuds all the time.
JVC HAF160B- Gumy Ears
With lots of style options, decent audio performance, and a comfortable fit, these JVC HAF160B Gumy earbuds are a popular standard for low-cost earphones.
They rank high in comfort level, and the sound quality and durability aren’t bad either, especially considering an average price of less than $10.
PROS
- Soft rubberized earbud construction
- Comfortable & secure fit
- Good for activities & workouts
- Lots of color options
CONS
- Faceplate fin can rub against the ear
- Mid frequencies can sound muddy
- 5mm jack can have connection issues
What’s in the Box?
- JVC HAF160B Gumy earphones
Comfort
The softer rubberized shell of the JVC HAF160B Gumy earbuds makes them a comfortable alternative to the typical hard plastic construction of other earbuds.
The fit is snug, providing good stability and grip in the ear. These earbuds are great for activities and exercise.
With a slightly oval shape and soft coating, the earbuds readily fit the contour of the ear and are great for long listening sessions.
Perhaps the only downside in this category is that there is a very small protrusion or rubber fin on the faceplate of the earbud that sticks out a tiny bit.
This section can cause some minor rubbing or irritation for users with smaller ears or if the earbuds are not positioned properly.
Build Quality
The build quality for the JVC HAF160B Gumy earbuds is average, beating out some of the cheaper earphones on this list.
Despite their rubberized coating, these earbuds are not waterproof, but they will hold up well under most user environments, including most workouts.
Available in eight different colors, there are plenty of style combinations to choose from. And the great thing is that the cord is the same color as the earbud.
The cable is a symmetrical tangle-resistant design with a flat profile.
At about 40 inches (1.0m), the cable is shorter than several other earbud sets, but this is a good thing if you don’t like managing excess cable in your pocket.
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The weakest link in the design of the JVC HAF160B earbud is the 3.5mm straight audio jack and integrated strain relief.
The manufacturing tolerance of the nickel-plated jack isn’t great, so it can move around and cause some noise if the device or cable isn’t secure.
Note that these are listening-only earphones and there is no in-line volume control or talkback mic for use with smartphones or other music playback devices.
Sound
Sound quality for the gumy earbuds is average, so if you’re an audiophile or looking for exceptional sound quality, these headphones probably aren’t for you.
The unique design of the JVC HAF160B earbuds includes a faceplate that is intended to enhance the bass response of the earbud, and it seems to accomplish this task.
The 13.5mm drivers are small, but deliver a warm and mellow bass presence that is neither overwhelming nor saturated.
The treble is fairly well balanced and not too harsh except in the higher register where it gets brighter and a bit tinny.
Mids are the lowest performing range and they can be perceived as a bit sloppy and muddy, especially with rock styles of music.
Louder than several other common earbuds, the HAF160B can produce enough volume to satisfy most users listening in louder environments.
However, you may hear a bit of breakup in the articulation of the higher frequencies when the earbuds are pushed to higher volume levels.
These earbuds are perfect for listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and they are a reasonable all-around music listening headphone. Just don’t expect sonic fidelity from them.
Consider the JVC HAF160B gumy earbuds if you want a comfortable and secure fit with a track record of dependable sound quality and durability for a price that won’t make you worry about buying several pairs to keep handy wherever you are.
Philips SHS3200
Philips SHS3200 ear hook headphones are perfect for the listener in need of a lightweight earphone that won’t fall out during activities and workouts.
The larger drivers and special bass tube provide good sound quality, and the flexible ear hook design allows the earbuds to rest gently against the ear. More details below.
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Flexible & durable ear hook design
- Bass pipe for extended lows
- Good volume output
CONS
- Large earbud size not suitable for smaller ears
- Wires are very thin & feel fragile
What’s in the Box?
- Philips SHS3200 ear hook headphones
Comfort
Even after wearing these earbuds for a few hours, you still might not even notice that they are there because of the lightweight design and comfortable fit.
Traditional earbuds require a specific fit in the ear and the hard plastic can cause pressure points over time, but the ear hook design on this unit eliminates that issue.
The rubberized ear-hook design is soft and flexible and it allows you to keep the earbuds from pushing tightly into the ear.
Philips SHS3200 earbuds stay in place very well, even for very active listeners. And it is possible to wear glasses alongside the ear hooks.
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The larger driver and case design don’t always work well for children or those with smaller ears, and it can be mildly uncomfortable for those users.
Overall though, the comfort level is very good and it is easy to adjust the position in order to achieve a good fit.
Build Quality
The Philips SHS3200 earbuds are well suited for everyday use and even vigorous activity. The rubberized ear-hook design is robust and very flexible.
The earbud case and driver is attached to the ear hook via the unique bass tube, so there is a remote chance that this connection could break from too much twisting.
Thin wires exit each earbud and hang down, so they don’t follow the ear hook up and behind the ear. You can reroute the wire behind the ear but it will shorten the cable.
Those thin wires are also the weakest component of this otherwise robust design. The cables can be pulled out or broken under the right circumstances.
A 47-inch (1.2m) symmetrical side-by-side cable features a copper-plated 3.5mm straight connector.
In-line controls are not an option, but you may select from several different color choices in the Philips SHS3200 ear hook headphone series.
Branding on the ear hook is very subtly stamped into the rubberized finish and is not flashy at all.
Sound
With 15mm neodymium drivers, these earbuds are some of the largest on this list, and an integrated bass pipe is designed to enhance the lower frequency response.
Bass response is good, but bassheads are not going to be impressed. It is important to position the earbuds properly to get the best bass performance possible.
And given that these earbuds rest lightly against the ear, you won’t get the typical seal within the ear that you might be used to with other earbuds.
Highs are relatively clear and crisp, but the mids can sound a bit muddy and under-represented in the mix at times.
The V-shaped sound signature of the Philips SHS3200 earbuds is good for listening to a variety of musical genres even at a lower listening volume.
With a soundstage that is slightly more forward than some other earbuds, these provide consistently good focus and presence for an enjoyable listening experience.
Overall volume output is good and seems louder than a lot of other stock earbuds shipped with most consumer devices.
There is absolutely no ambient noise isolation with these earbuds, so using them in louder environments may require a higher listening volume.
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The Philips SHS3200 earhook earphones are definitely worth checking out if you need a lightweight set of earbuds that are comfortable, stay in place, and provide a dependable listening experience.
Sony MDR-SA200
Sony MDR-SA200 earphones are a great classic alternative to modern in-ear workout earbuds.
Type: In-ear
Back design: Closed-back
Noise-cancelling: No
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Should You Buy These?
If you’re looking for classic earbuds designed for sports, then read on.
The Good
Firstly, lightweight design makes them appropriate to wear for a long time. Ear hook prevents them from falling off. So, you can go running or to the gym with confidence.
Classic earbuds sadly don’t stop the noise around you from coming in. But it gives you excellent environment awareness. It’s super safe for jogging even in the loudest streets.
The Bad
Unfortunately, these earbuds aren’t waterproof. A little bit of sweat probably won’t damage them, but running in the rain definitely will.
The Sound
The sound they produce is quite mediocre, which is price related. Ranges are somewhat balanced with no range especially highlighted. Bass can be heard, just as long as you don’t expect too much.
If you’re an audiophile or a bass lover, you should maybe look for a different option.
The Verdict
Sony MDR-SA200 are great non-in-ear earbuds you can get for a reasonably low price. Their comfort and sporty design with open-ear awareness makes them perfect for outside running or working out.
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