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Having the best headphones available means looking into some style comparisons. If you’re looking for the finest wireless earbuds, comparing high-end IEMs vs. earbuds will be essential. These two styles are both wildly popular, but for very different reasons. Keep reading to learn more about how the two measure up to each other.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When you’re comparing the best wireless earbuds and IEMs, you should know a few things. The differences between them will allow you to decide which fits your lifestyle better. While these two might seem like very similar devices, a few differences between them make a world of difference in the eyes of audiophiles. If you want to learn about other audio devices, try comparing earpods vs. earbuds.
Insider Tip
Custom IEMs will always be better than a standard earbud model due to differences in their design.
Audio quality is a huge factor for most people when it comes to audio equipment. When comparing IEMs and earbuds, this is naturally a big category. Earbuds are generally lower-quality than IEMs. This is because of their usually cheaper design, especially those with lower prices. This means IEMs win this round. Those who want the best sound quality possible would benefit from comparing headphones vs. speakers.
When using earbuds, you usually pump up the volume to drown out ambient noise. However, the superior noise isolation capabilities of IEMs mean you don’t have to worry about doing that. IEMs form a better seal in your ear and essentially act as ear plugs. On the other hand, earbuds sit on your outer ear and rarely create a proper suction with your ear. This makes IEMs a winner in this category.
Warning
Level of performance in audio devices largely depends on their price range, so keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Finally, we’re going to talk about their capabilities regarding ambient noise cancellation. IEMs have a design that fits directly into your ear canal and generally offers a tighter seal in your ear as a result. This helps provide you with a more immersive audio experience. On the other hand, earbuds tend to have a weaker seal and sit in the outer ear. Because of this, IEMs are the best bet for noisy environments. For more great options, look into the best headphones for TV.
STAT: As of the first quarter of 2020, Apple held the highest market share in the smart personal audio device or wireless earbuds market, accounting for 24 percent. (source)
