Best wired headphones and earbuds
Wired headphones never need charging, add no lag and give more sound for the money than wireless ones. Check the plug before you buy: most use a 3.5 mm jack, and a phone without one needs a USB-C or Lightning version or an adapter. Earbuds and full-size headphones are both here.
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Top pick
Sony MDR-7506
Closed-back studio monitor headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Closed-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Closed-back studio monitor headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Closed-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Apple EarPods (Lightning)
Wired earbuds with remote and mic
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- In-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Music
- Microphone
- Built-in mic
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Closed-back studio monitor headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Closed-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Closed-back studio monitor headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Closed-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm
Closed-back studio headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Closed-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Budget pick
Apple EarPods (3.5mm)
Wired earbuds with remote and mic
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- In-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Music
- Microphone
- Built-in mic
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm
Open-back studio headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Open-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Closed-back studio monitor headphones
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- Over-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Studio, Music
- Microphone
- No mic
- Ear cups
- Closed-back
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
Apple EarPods (USB-C)
Wired earbuds with remote and mic
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
- Fit
- In-ear
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Best for
- Music
- Microphone
- Built-in mic
PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
How we picked
We compared 218 headphones with real Amazon listings and kept the 77 that meet all of this:
- Tuned for music
- Wired: no battery, no lag
Every pick fits, so the order is about what to look at first: models that are well known and well liked by buyers come first, with a small nudge for a clear photo. No brand pays to be listed or placed higher. Prices change daily, so we never print one; Amazon shows today's price.
Questions
What are the best wired headphones and earbuds?
Our top three are the Sony MDR-7506, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Apple EarPods (Lightning). Each one meets everything this guide asks for.
What should wired headphones and earbuds have?
Tuned for music and wired: no battery, no lag. Every pick on this list does.
Are these links sponsored?
Links to Amazon may earn Build Your Setup a commission. It does not change what you pay, and no brand pays to be listed or placed higher.