Ranking of the best vacuum earplugs in 2024

What is our life filled with? There are more and more different types of equipment around: one simplifies life, the other helps to improve labor activity, the third makes rest more varied and creates comfortable conditions for communication. It is to the third category that headphones can be attributed, which are now in every home (sometimes not alone) and almost everyone has in their pocket or bag. For some, this is a way to isolate themselves from the world and plunge into listening to music, for others - an auxiliary means for communication. In any case, now there is nothing without them.

How can you make the right choice and choose the right one that will fit? After all, the assortment is huge and varied, as well as the pricing policy. They can be both inexpensive and very expensive. There are many types of them, so sometimes it is quite difficult to immediately understand which will be better.

Types of headphones

To make the right choice, you need to study what types of headphones manufacturers offer. There are not so many of them, but they differ significantly from each other, although they perform the same function:

Plug-in (or earbuds)

By the name, you can determine what their feature is: they are inserted into the ear. This is the most common type, which is often included in the package for various types of devices. Made of plastic, small in diameter, just suitable for the size of the entrance to the auricle. They are relatively inexpensive and have their own advantages and disadvantages.

• Price;
• Convenience and ease of use;
• The most common.

• The sound quality cannot be called ideal even on more expensive models;
• Sound insulation from the external environment "limps".

Vacuum type headphones

They have different variants of names: in their form they are called droplets, the slang version is plugs.

They are very close to the previous ones in appearance, but unlike them, they are inserted much deeper into the ear, located in the utmost proximity to the eardrum. Therefore, they cannot be used continuously, as this affects the user's hearing. Especially if you listen to music at high frequencies.

In terms of sound quality, the plugs are significantly superior to plug-in models, this is ensured by the quality of isolation from external noise.

• Convenient and easy to use and carry. Easily fit in your pocket, even if you are in a special case.
• Good noise insulation;
• Sound quality.

• Cannot be used constantly due to the risk of hearing damage;
• Listening to music at high volumes is not recommended.

On-ear headphones

This gadget is completely different from the previous ones, both externally and in its characteristics. By the name, it is easy to determine that they are completely superimposed on the ear, that is, they cover the entire auricle. They are attached around the head by means of an arc to which the main "cushions" of the device with membranes are attached.

On-ear headphones are considered by users and manufacturers to be the most suitable for comfortable music listening.

There are a number of reasons for this.

• Another level of sound quality;
• The bass does not cause discomfort;
• Excellent sound insulation due to the large “cushions” surrounding the membrane that is responsible for sound;
• There is no danger of harm to health (but high volume is still not recommended).

• More suitable for stationary use at home;
• Bulky, inconvenient to carry.

Monitor headphones

Designed for specialized studio use. They are large in size, excellent sounding, which is very different from the usual consumer in the purity of sound without impurities and additions. Such sounding will cause discomfort to the ordinary listener-music lover. If there is no need for recording and its subsequent processing, such headphones are not suitable for simple listening, especially with a mobile device.

• Professional sound;
• Excellent sound insulation;

• Big sizes;
• Purpose - for professional use.

Wireless headphones

They are also categorically different from other types in the absence of wires and connections. They are convenient to use while moving in space, but they cannot boast of super sound. One of the drawbacks is the need for constant monitoring of the battery charge level from which the device operates, as well as the distance from the main playback device - the distance should not exceed 10 meters.

• Lack of cable connections by the main device;
• Ease of use;
• Comfortable dimensions.

• Dependence on the main device (distance);
• The need to control the charging of the device.

The most common among ordinary users are earplugs and earbuds. They are often combined into one species due to their external similarity. They attract the consumer with ease of use, comfortable size, and not causing inconvenience to carry from a distance. All these advantages successfully compensate for all the disadvantages of models of this type.

Earbuds and earplugs - two different types of headphones

In order not to get confused in the names, you need to remember how the earbuds and plugs (vacuum headphones) differ:

• The earbuds have a structure made of plastic, which is inserted into the opening of the auricle without going deep into it.
• The earplugs (vacuum headphones), unlike earbuds, go deeper into the ear and are located in close proximity to the ear membrane. In their design, they have seals - ear pads, with the help of which fixation occurs inside the ear, as well as sound insulation from external noise.

Vacuum headphones: how to call it correctly

Correctly and "scientifically", that is, more professionally, it is necessary to call earplugs in-ear because of their location inside the ear. They are called vacuum, because with the help of ear pads they fit tightly into the ear opening and provide good noise isolation, while displacing air.

Ear cushions are called “ear cushions” that are put on vacuum headphones. They can be made of different materials: for example, foam rubber, silicone, soft plastic, etc. Their main function is to seal in the ear canal and soundproof.

The name "gag" "is a colloquial or slang version that is used in everyday communication.

Vacuum earbuds are called droplets because of their visual shape, but this is a very controversial issue, since the earbuds have the same shape.Thus, "droplets" can also be considered a colloquial name among non-professional users.

Classification of types of vacuum headphones

There have been various attempts to classify in-ear headphones: by appearance, by the presence of wires, by sound power. The most popular and more correct classification is considered, dividing devices into the following subspecies:

1. For everyday use;
2. Sports vacuum tubes, that is, suitable for sports training and sports;
3. Waterproof earplugs for outdoor activities;
4. Professional studio sleeves, also called monitor sleeves (not suitable for use by average users).

Indicative characteristics of the parameters of vacuum headphones that you should pay attention to when choosing

1. The first thing to pay attention to is the connector through which the device connects to the main device. It can be USB cable if the headphones are applied to a computer or laptop, with smartphones and other mobile devices, a 3.5 mm mini-jack is more often used. Bluetooth connection is applicable to models designed for it.
2. Sound frequency characteristics are divided into medium (18 Hz to 20 kHz) and professional (5 Hz to 60 kHz), the sound quality of the headphones depends on them.
3. The parameter responsible for the sound volume is sensitivity. The minimum threshold is 100 dB, if this figure is lower, then the sound quality leaves much to be desired.
4. Maximum power is also a loudness parameter.
5. Sound distortion is measured as a percentage.
6. Resistance is a sensitivity characteristic with an average of 30 ohms. The lower the resistance, the greater the sensitivity in the headphones.

In order not to be mistaken in the choice, it is still worth initially determining the scope of the device, and only then decide which ones to buy.

Best Vacuum Headphones in 2024

Xiaomi Piston Fresh Bloom

Xiaomi has been pleasing for several years with a wide selection of devices of this type in all price ranges. The presented model attracts with its appearance (many different colors), wide frequency range, good microphone quality and sound good for its price. Quite comfortable to use, comfortable ear pads.

Parameters	Specifications
Frequencies	20 to 20,000 Hz
Resistance	32 ohm
Connection	3.5 mm mini jack
The cost	500 rubles

• Sound quality in line with the price;
• Structural strength;
• Appearance + large selection of colors;
• Wide sound range;

• In principle, for such a price, we can say that there are no shortcomings, except that there is a high probability of purchasing a fake, which by itself will affect the quality of the headphones.

Sennheiser CX 300 II

Legendary headphone model, which does not give up its positions in popularity. A large number of adherents value the device for its combination of reliability and quality. Excellent sound with good bass. Comfort in use.

Parameters	Specifications
Frequencies	from 19 to 21000 Hz
Resistance	16 ohm
Sensitivity	113 dBA
Cable	more than 1 meter
Connection	3.5 mm mini jack
The cost	1400 rubles

• Cost;
• Quality-to-price ratio;
• Durability and reliability;
• Excellent sound quality with good bass
• The presence of a comfortable cover and replaceable ear pads.

• Wire breakage problem near the plug.

Sony MDR-XB50AP

The value for money is fully working. Sufficiently wide frequency range, good resistance and, accordingly, sensitivity. The presence of a microphone of decent quality, works equally well both indoors and outdoors. In call management, only accept and end a call.

Parameters	Specifications
Frequencies	from 4 to 24000 Hz
Resistance	40 ohm
Sensitivity	106 dB / mW
Maxi power	100 mW
Weight	8 grams
Connection	3.5 mm mini jack
The cost	1650 rubles

• Good sound quality for budget headphones, excellent bass (suitable for listening to rock songs, hip-hop);
• Remote control;
• Microphone quality;
• Construction strength, wire quality.

• Someone will find the size too big (all individually);
• The coating wears off over time;

Meizu EP51

Bluetooth headphones are great for sports and outdoor activities, as the device is waterproof. The absence of wires also adds to the comfort of use. There is a microphone and the ability to control calls. Duration of work without additional recharge is about 6 hours. Good connection with the main unit. The sound quality is above average.

Parameters	Specifications
Frequencies	20 to 20,000 Hz
Resistance	16 ohm
Sensitivity	88 dBA
Maxi power	10 mW
Weight	15 grams
Battery life	5-6 hours
The cost	1800 rubles

• Excellent sound quality for a budget model;
• Good sound insulation;
• Availability of water protection;
• They sit comfortably inside the ear, do not cause inconvenience, do not fall out;
• Reliability of connections, structural strength;
• Long operating time without recharging;
• The presence of a control panel;
• The ability to monitor the headphone charge level according to the data on the phone screen.

• Not very good bluetooth connection outdoors, reacts to extraneous waves;
• The ability to control the volume only through a mobile device.

The breadth of choice in the budget range is quite diverse. For non-spoiled and undemanding consumers, it is quite easy to choose a device that satisfies the needs at a sufficient level. The main drawback is the danger of buying a fake, which will ruin the impression of inexpensive headphones once and for all.

SONY WI-C300

Another model with Bluetooth support, which is deservedly popular with fans of sports activities without interrupting listening to music. Reviews illustrate good sound quality with decent bass. I am pleased with the duration of the playback in offline mode (up to 8 hours) + fast battery charging. Good connection with the main device.

Some users criticize the size and weight of the remote control and battery. Many did not fit the included ear pads.

Parameters	Specifications
Frequencies	20 to 20,000 Hz
Weight	15 grams
Battery life	up to 8 hours
The cost	2400 rubles

• Sound quality, good bass;
• Battery life up to 8 hours;
• Fast battery charging;
• High-quality assembly;

• It is better to immediately change the ear cushions that come with the kit for others;
• Inconvenience with the location and weight of the battery.

KOSS BT190I

Recommended for active people. Good contact with a supported device. Convenient to use, do not pinch or fall out of your ears. Based on the reviews, you need to pay attention to the ear pads, the quality and size of which depends on the sound (everything is individual in this world).

Reliable protection against moisture, allowing you not to remove the device in the shower. High-quality volume control that allows you to select a comfortable sound range, which further improves the expected result.

The only inconvenience is the 4-hour battery life.

Parameters	Specifications
Frequencies	20 to 20,000 Hz
Battery life	About 4 hours
The cost	3500 rubles

• High quality sound;
• Reliable construction;
• Waterproof (you don't need to remove it in the shower);
• Stable contact with the main device;
• Great for sports.

• The supplied ear cushions distort the sound. It is recommended to change them, choosing individually suitable ones.
• Short battery life without recharging.

Headphones, like any other personal item, require a personalized approach to selection. You should not follow the lead of advisers and purchase the first model that comes across. It is necessary to study the selection criteria, the variety of the proposed models, their functionality.

For a device to become a reliable companion for a long time, you need to pay enough attention to select it.