Low leakage, low profile, on-ear headphones?

runswithascript

I have been using two cheap pairs of Betron earphones for the last year or so, which lasted a year or so, which I think is good for the money, but now I would like to try on-ear headphones for listening to music with my phone a the gym.

These new headphones are primarily for the gym, where there is usually terrible music on in the background, but i would rather not be wondering if I am also subjecting others to my personal taste. I looked at some reviews for the Skull Candy Grind and AKG Y50, and both mention leakage.

I have a HyperX Cloud II gaming headset, which I considered using, though I would rather not look like I am directing air traffic.

Requirements:

- low profile
- better sound quality than a €20 pair earphones to justify use
- low sound leakage

Bonus:

- in-line volume and Spotify track control for Android
- mic
- detachable cable for longevity
- noise canceling/isolation

I would like to spend €50 or less, but I could go to €150 or €200 if it is really, really, really, really worth it.

Audiophiles of boards.ie, please respond with your recommendations!

Grahamer666

You're going to have a hard time using on ear's at the gym as they will just fall off if yer moving about a lot unless you want to get a pair with a vice like grip. This will then be uncomfortable and you won't want to wear them. I think a nice set of bluetooth in ear are the way to go for you.

Useful.Idiot

Any reason why you're not considering a proper pair of in-ear headphones?

docentore

^ what u-idiot says. I'd be looking at nice pair of IEMs.

But if you really want to go on ear route and really prepared to spent 150-200 euro I'd recommend Thinksound ON-2. They are on Massdrop right now. cool looking (made of wood), extremely durable, great sound, pads made of memory foam (great isolation).

runswithascript

I find it hard to justify a spend of €150 - €200 for a pair of in-ears, are they really 15 to 20 times better than a pair of €10 in-ears? I tried first a cheap pair from Tyger but they were not very loud, and now have picked up pair of Paladium earphones at TK Maxx which work much better. I fear if spending a lot on inears they will break as easy, or almost as easy as the cheap ones!

Grahamer666

I'd only pay a lot if you're really into your music. If it's just to listen to something while you're in the gym then don't spend too much on a set.

listermint

Bought Jaybirds some years back. Wouldn't go back.

4068ac1elhodqr

1. $1dolla' cheap as chips in-ears
2. Placed these into a 5mm drilled out pair of foam industrial noise earplugs (bag of 50 is about the same price as a cup of tea).
3. Cover using non-working/broken on-ears, just so no one can see the hack method, draw a beats logo on them, save a further hundred notes.

Total cost: About the same as a staryucks coffee.

Useful.Idiot

10e ones will rarely sound any good,. Most of the sennheisser ones you see in most music/electronic shops in the 30-50e range are a big step up. Of course in ears are more fragile than a pair of headphones, you just have to take better care of them. Most non-cheapo ones come with a protective carry case that helps.

docentore

dusf wrote: »

I find it hard to justify a spend of €150 - €200 for a pair of in-ears, are they really 15 to 20 times better than a pair of €10 in-ears? I tried first a cheap pair from Tyger but they were not very loud, and now have picked up pair of Paladium earphones at TK Maxx which work much better. I fear if spending a lot on inears they will break as easy, or almost as easy as the cheap ones!

It depends on your budget and requirements. I really think that some €150 in-ears are 15x more worth than €10 ones. But this is my opinion. But there are exceptions, there are hidden gems that you can get for 1/3 or 1/4 of that sume that will sound as-good-ish.

Hearing is the most subjective of human senses, every person hears differently.