Need Headphone Suggestions for Iphone...

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ScottH82

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Jan 27, 2009
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I am looking for some earbud style headphones for my iPhone. The ones that came with the thing are totally worthless when jogging etc. They always seem to fall out. So I am looking for a set that fit snugly yet are still somewhat comfortable to wear when working out.

Thanks,
 
Earbuds or IEMs? I was skeptical of IEMs but they do sound a lot better than earbuds and at 'least for me they've been much more comfortable, but I've still never used mine (Sennheiser CX300) to run because I'm not sure they'd stay in (and sweat seep would make 'em utterly gross)... So I use some cheap set of Sony earbuds w/a big 'round the ear clip (those blue ones that are all over) when it's hot. When I lived in IL and it was colder outside (and I wore a beanie or a headband) I ran with a pair of Koss KSC-35's (now 50's), awesome for the price but the ear clip is not real snug (hence the headband/hat), and they're over the ear headphones not earbuds. I think they make a behind-the-head version tho.

Sorry, I guess I don't have an exact answer for ya... :p
 
If you're stuck on earbuds, you won't find any that don't fall out while jogging. If you are ok with IEM's, post here again saying so.
 
Most people don't seem to realize you can loop the wire of an IEM/earbud over your ear when you're wearing them, and they most certainly won't "fall out" after that. Keeping your ears clean also helps, Q-Tips, etc, anything really to cut down on the wax which is typically what causes 'em to not "stick".
 
I still don't want to sweat all over my IEMs, even if they're worth like $30... :p They can't possibly last that long w/sweat seeping into 'em every couple of days. That and the cord rattle would annoy me anyway.
 
I use some Shure e4 earbuds. They hold in well and are really good quality, just watch the traffic - a truck with no exhaust sounds like a little electric golf buggy going past ;)
 
IEMs are the only things that will stay in while moving, shures or westones are good for this (my UM2's are essentially weightless). But like Ribby said, watch for traffic.
 
IEM = In-Ear Monitor, basically the "earplug" style of earbuds. Most earbuds are designed to sit on the outer edge of the ear and not inserted into the ear canal itself, so one other nickname you'll find for IEMs is canalphones as they do get inserted into the ear canal.

They are designed to work like earplugs with the intention of blocking outside sounds from entering the ear canal and therefore provide better quality sound with less power required to drive 'em. The downside, as noted by implication, is that you get a sortakinda positive/negative effect:

1) You can hear the stuff from the player much easier, but...
2) You can't hear the stuff in your environment well at all more often than not, especially if you've got the IEMs cranked.

So, be careful if you get some. ;)

The trick with IEMs isn't just with the brand or specific model, the trick is getting the best seal inside the ear canal, hence most IEMs will come with several different silicone or gel sheaths/inserts that are what actually come into contact with your ear. Get a bad seal, get crappy sound; get a solid seal and it's a whole world of difference.

The biggest reason most people can't stand IEMs is they never spent enough time to get the seal right as there's actually a proper way to insert 'em - just don't jab 'em in your ears. Insert 'em so they're "flat" against one side of the ear canal and once inserted to the correct depth, let them center themselves. That keeps the air pressure fairly balanced (note that an IEM isn't perfectly sealed even when inserted; it'll have very tiny holes in it to work as any speaker typically does, aka "ports" so the diaphragm can move as required.

Just jabbing them into the ear canal usually causes pressure on the eardrum (not a good thing) as well as pushing back on the diaphragm until the pressure equalizes.
 
Sounds like IEM's are what I want. My main complaint is earbuds my iphone came with just fall out while working out. The IEM's sound like they'd work perfect for me when working out.. So which ones are good without paying through the nose??
 
if you're spending under $80, these are probably the best IEMs: http://www.head-direct.com/product_detail.php?p=23#

there are some similar quality IEMs and maybe some better but theyre usually $80+. IEMs can get as pricey as $500 but for working out, i wouldnt spend more than $50. the RE2's will give you great sound quality and stay in your ears unless you yank em out. a good seal with IEMs will be felt and heard when inserted and RE2's come with multiple gels to make sure you get the best seal (just like most IEMs do).

i had a pair of Shure E2c's i got years ago for $90. they were great when i got em b/c IEMs were just coming out. these RE2's easily sound as good and dont have the bulkiness of the E2c's or tell you to wrap the cord around your ear. these stay in on there own with a good seal. they also have a clip the keep stress off the buds to support the full wait of the cord.

what i dont like is the thinness of the cords. theyre really skinny and do nothing to block noise from the cord rattling around. the old E2cs had extremely thick cords and blocked out most rustling noise
 
There's cheaper options too ($30-50) that will still sound a lot better than your bundled earbuds if you're not entirely sold on IEMs and wanna try something less costly first, 'specially if you intend to abuse 'em a lot when excercising. The Senn CX300's I mentioned for instance used to cost like $50 or $60 when they came out (about 3-4 years ago, I think) but can be found for as little as $28 now w/special offers (just be wary of knockoffs, if you get those get 'em from a reputable place like Amazon/Newegg). They still go for $45+ at retail AFAIK. There's several cheap JVC models that are decent as well.
 
if you're lookin into IEMs then have a look at the Nuforce NE-7m's (around $60 i think), they've been getting a lot of attention over at head-fi and they come with a mic. the Phonak Audeo's are also a good bet and come with a mic as well but will leave a $149 dent in your wallet.
 
I have had a good experience with the Sennheiser MX-75s. They are not the best sounding headphones and they take a lot of tweaking to get comfortable, however they are not an IEM or over the ear clip, but I can jog with them on and have never had one fall out. My problem with the IEMs is the isolation and the sound of the cord slapping. Any IEM will sound better than an earbud, but I need to be able to hear bikes coming up behind me or when an attractive lady says something to me in the gym (hey it happens sometimes).
 
CX300s: Cheap, half decent. Bass heavy. 90 degree plug, which may not be compatible with your iPhone. J style cord.

Mids/highs suffer due to the heavy bass. Cable picks up a lot of noise when you touch them; eliminate this by wrapping the cord around your ear and inserting them upside down/right side up. Kinda like those in ears security/secret service wear. Isolation won't be on the same level as something like ER6i, but its enough to stop people talking on the bus, or some douche with his standard iPod earphones with the iPod on max.

Beware of fakes. There a number of guides on the internet. And don't pay more than $35. They're not worth that much.
 
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