Music lovers know how important it is to have a reliable pair of in-ear headphones to listen to tunes on the go. However, most budget options, especially in-ear headphones under ₹1,000, can be quite underwhelming when it comes to sound quality. Some of these have mediocre build quality while some have distorted sound. Fortunately, we’ve had the chance to try multiple in-ear headphones under ₹1,000 and we have some favourites that not only offer great build and design but also come with satisfactory sound quality for the price. In this list, we’ve primarily listed wired in-ear headphones, but we’ve also added a couple of wireless options for users who prefer going wire-free. The best in-ear headphones we’ve tried are the KZ - EDX Pro which comes with slightly bass-boosted sound but still manages to reproduce the highs pretty well. For those who prefer wireless headphones, the JVC - HA-FX9BT is a great option. Other options under ₹1,000 include the Audio Technica CLR100IS BL, Realme Buds 2, and Blaupunkt EM01.
The KZ EDX Pro is a small in-ear monitor with a built-in microphone. It utilizes a unique dual magnetic circuit dynamic unit to reproduce live audio experiences. The earphone is crafted using a resin inlaid metal technique, giving it a distinctive texture. It includes a flat cable designed to reduce tangling, enhancing its durability. The cable also incorporates an HD microphone with convenient one-touch functions for music control and call management. It offers extended comfort and is suitable for various ear sizes.
The JBL C100SI is an in-ear headphone known for its dynamic and lightweight design. It incorporates 9mm drivers that provide a noticeable bass response and the renowned sound quality characteristic of JBL. The headphones are exceptionally lightweight, ensuring comfort throughout the day. They are equipped with an in-line microphone and a universal remote control for call management on both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, three different ear tip sizes (Small, Medium, Large) are included to enhance comfort during prolonged listening sessions.
The boAt Rockerz 255 Neo is a neckband that prioritizes performance and quality. It incorporates boAt’s Signature Sounds using 12mm dynamic drivers. This device delivers up to 10 hours of battery life and features ASAP charging. It utilises Bluetooth V5.0 for reliable connectivity. The earphones have an IPX5 rating, which makes them resistant to sweat and rain. Moreover, the Rockerz 255 Neo facilitates dual pairing, enabling quick device switching. These lightweight headsets boast an ergonomic design for all-day comfort.
The Wings Phantom 550 represents a set of high-performance gaming earbuds. It comes with a low-latency game mode and provides a substantial 45 hours of playtime. These earbuds incorporate touch controls and exhibit a distinctive gamer aesthetic in their case design. Furthermore, they are equipped with environmental noise cancellation to enhance the gaming experience. The device holds an IPX5 rating for sweat and water resistance and boasts a wireless range of 15 meters, thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
The Audio-Technica Sonic Sport is an in-ear headphone crafted for active lifestyles. It incorporates 8.5mm powerful drivers that deliver clear sound with remarkable depth and detail. Designed with a secure and lightweight form, these earphones include adjustable ear hooks, ensuring suitability for sports and travel. Additionally, it includes three sizes of sound-isolation silicone ear tips (S/M/L) for personalised comfort. The Sonic Sport features a tangle-free cord and in-line controls, complete with a microphone for hands-free call handling and music control.
The Sony MDR-ZX110A is a pair of on-ear headphones with dynamic drivers. It incorporates a 30mm dynamic driver unit to ensure clear sound, and the inclusion of high-energy neodymium magnets delivers powerful audio. These headphones are both lightweight and feature an inside-folding design, making them convenient for packing and transport. They come with a generous 1.2m cord, ideal for on-the-go listening without concerns. Additionally, the headphones are designed with pressure-relieving earpads for prolonged comfort, and their wide frequency range ensures deep bass, rich mid-levels, and soaring highs.
The Infinity-JBL Glide 120 is a wireless neckband known for its premium qualities. It includes metal earbuds and a flexible flexsoft neckband. With Bluetooth V5.0, it ensures seamless connectivity, and the presence of a 12mm dynamic driver adds to its audio performance. It offers up to 7 hours of music playback time under optimal audio settings and supports dual equalizer modes for both normal and deep bass output. This device is sweatproof with an IPX5 rating, suitable for workouts. It covers a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 KHz and has an impedance of 32 ohms.
The Sony MDR-EX15AP is an in-ear headphone known for its lightweight design. It boasts a 9mm dynamic driver unit and high-power neodymium magnets, ensuring a powerful and balanced sound output. This headphone is equipped with a gold-plated L-shaped four-conductor stereo mini plug and a 1.2m long Y-type cord. Its frequency response spans from 8Hz to 22,000Hz, with an impedance of 16 ohms at 1 KHz. Additionally, the device features an in-line microphone and remote for convenient hands-free calls and music control. The earbuds are available in S, M, and L sizes for a comfortable fit.
The Noise Buds VS104 wireless earbuds are known for their impressive playtime, lasting up to 32 hours. These earbuds are equipped with Enhanced Noise Cancellation (ENC) featuring a dual microphone setup, Instacharge technology, Type-C Charging, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. They also carry an IPX5 rating, making them resistant to water. Notably, the Noise Buds VS104 can provide 2 hours of use with just 10 minutes of charging. They support voice assistants like Siri and Google Voice Assistant, enabling hands-free calling. These earbuds feature full touch control and come with a USB Type-C charging connector.
The OnePlus Nord Wired Earphones are built with a 3.5mm audio jack and incorporate a microphone for added functionality. These earphones stand out for their enhanced bass, achieved through 9.2mm dynamic drivers. They offer a user-friendly call control feature, where a single press can answer a call, and another press can end it. Additionally, they provide music control options for play/pause, next song, previous song, and activating the voice assistant. The earphones boast a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It’s important to note that while the headphone part is IPX4 waterproof, the entire earphones are not.