Shortlist

In-ear monitors under $500

Wired in-ear monitors at $500 or less: pocketable, sealed, and mostly happy on a phone or a small dongle.

Ordered by how well each pair's design fits the job, then by owners' scores once enough owners have rated — never by who pays. Prices are the makers' list prices. Adjust it in the finder →

1. 01  DUNU · List $350DN-242

   • Planar magnetic drivers

   Compare
2. 
   02  Moondrop · List $360Blessing3

   • Hybrid drivers

   Compare
3. 
   03  DUNU · List $120KIMA 2

   • An easy first step: plays straight from your phone

   Compare
4. 
   04  Etymotic · List $250ER3SE

   • Balanced armature drivers

   Compare
5. 
   05  Etymotic · List $250ER3XR

   • Balanced armature drivers

   Compare
6. 
   06  Kiwi Ears · List $35Cadenza

   • The lowest list price of these picks

   Compare
7. 
   07  Kiwi Ears · List $249Orchestra Lite

   • Balanced armature drivers

   Compare
8. 
   08  Letshuoer · List $169S12 PRO

   • Planar magnetic drivers

   Compare
9. 
   09  Letshuoer · List $169S12 Ultra

   • Planar magnetic drivers

   Compare
10. 
    10  Moondrop · List $75MAY

    • Planar magnetic drivers

    Compare