The Best In-Ear Monitors: IEMs for Any Stage or budget

Are you ready to upgrade your monitoring experience with a pair of the best in-ear monitors (IEMs)? These discreet, snug-fitting devices deliver pristine, personalised audio directly into your ears, even amid the loud and unpredictable environments of live performance. Crucially, they also protect your hearing by significantly reducing exposure to harmful stage volumes.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the brands, options, and price points, fear not—your friends at Headliner are here to guide you through eleven excellent IEM choices, covering affordable, mid-tier, and premium options. Ear we go!

Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED

Yes, as we just teased, owning one of the best in-ear monitors doesn’t mean crippling yourself financially. The bold capitals of ZERO: RED from this Truthear x Crinacle collaboration are only slightly north of $50 and south of £50. These affordable in-ear monitors pack in some premium features, with brilliant tuning for this price point, particularly notable for the sub-bass tuning. The bass and treble quality and response are also very impressive. And if you’re a proper bass head, you’ll appreciate the Bass+ adapter. The nozzle size may be a touch large for some, but it's just something to consider.

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Shure SE215 Pro

Spoiler: there’s a second pair of Shure IEMs coming later in this roundup, and they cost ten times more than the ones we’re discussing here. If the £/$100 price point is a lot more appealing than the almost £/$1000 one, fear not, as the SE215 Pro falls into the former category. They are happily some of the most affordable and best in-ear monitors for singers, musicians and beyond. It’s nice knowing such a sparkly name from the world of audio offers something in the more budget spectrum while packing in quality features: a thick, detachable cable, a durable build, and a nicely balanced sound. They only use one driver, which is hard to complain about at this lower price, so otherwise expect IEMs that could easily demand more of your hard-earned cash.

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Sennheiser IE 100 Pro

The Sennheiser IE 100 PRO in-ear monitors offer musicians, DJs, and sound engineers precise and detailed sound reproduction. Featuring an innovative 10mm dynamic broadband transducer, they deliver a warm, powerful, and nuanced audio experience, even in loud environments. The ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, suitable for extended use. With a frequency response of 20 Hz to 18 kHz and an impedance of 20 ohms, these IEMs provide clarity across various audio applications. The detachable, stage-proof cable with internal cable duct enhances durability, making them reliable for rigorous stage use. Additionally, the IE 100 PRO Wireless variant includes a Bluetooth module, offering flexibility between wired and wireless monitoring.

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MIPRO E-8P

Over to MIPRO as they lay their claim in the fierce best in-ear monitors debate, with the E-8P being the contending pair. How about a dual-dynamic coaxial driver, a detachable twisted cable which looks more or less invisible, and an ergonomic and comfy fit? You can count on great sound isolation, and there are three sizes of the ear sleeves to ensure you get the right fit. And for sound, expect tight, clean bass and crystal clear highs.

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Mackie MP-220

One driver or two drivers? It is the question that has plagued many a purchaser when pondering on the best in-ear monitors for musicians, singers, and what-have-you. Usually, budget IEMs are limited to one driver, meaning all the treble, mid, and bass are more contained. Not the Mackie MP-220, however, which brings you two drivers without bankrupting you. One driver handles the highs, while the other handles the lows (audio, not emotional). In layman’s terms, this means the audio quality is excellent and superior to a lot of the budget options available.

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Audio Technica ATH-E70

When choosing the best in-ear monitors, you’ll want to make sure the pair you go for has the best possible tech, and you’re in good hands with Audio Technica. As we enter the mid-range budget category of IEMs, you’ll be pleased to hear that the ATH-E70 ticks plenty of boxes, whether it be noise isolation, providing three drivers, and a very noticeable step up from the quality of everyday headphones. Sound-wise, expect a great balance overall, a fantastic midrange response, and accurate audio delivery. These are aimed at professionals, and for good reason.

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Ultimate Ears UE 350

The Ultimate Ears UE 350 in-ear monitors are designed to deliver clarity, volume, and smoothness across the frequency spectrum, making them suitable for both stage and studio environments. Featuring three balanced armature drivers—dual low/mid and a single high—paired with a two-way crossover, they provide exceptional headroom and nuanced sound reproduction. The ergonomic PerForm Fit design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the black carbon faceplate adds a sleek aesthetic. With a frequency response of 5 Hz to 22 kHz and an impedance of 13.5 ohms, these IEMs offer detailed audio performance. Additional features include a detachable 127 cm (50") cable with IPX connectors, silicone and foam ear tips in various sizes, a cleaning tool, and a carrying case. These specifications make the UE 350 a versatile choice for artists across diverse genres.

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Shure SE846 Pro

So, as we teased in Shure’s much more budget-friendly entry earlier in this best in-ear monitors compilation, the SE846 Pro are not the cheapest — which is putting it mildly at a little below £/$1000. The good news, however, is not a penny or cent of that is wasted. The website slaps a big ‘professional use only!’ label on these IEMs, and the high-end clarity, low-pass filter design and true subwoofer are just a few of the features ensuring a premium experience.

You can customise your experience with four sound signatures, and the detachable cable means you can switch between wireless and wired. If there was a volcano erupting outside, you’d be blissfully unaware with up to 37dB sound attenuation. Oh, and one last thing: they sound incredible.

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Westone Audio Mach 60

How does six drivers sound? Westone Audio swoops into the best IEMs for musicians' conversation with the Mach 60, known for open highs, and plenty of depth in the mid and low regions. The soundstage is wonderfully balanced overall. You can also rest easy expecting some of the best higher-frequency clarity on display here. With that number of drivers, you can also enjoy brilliant detail in the bass and rhythmic elements.

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InEar ProPhile 8

Have you got a spare £/$1240 lying around that you don’t know what to do with? Then perhaps you should invest in the InEar ProPhile 8, some of the best in-ear monitors for singers, musicians, touring artists, and the rest. At this price point, they are aimed at professional touring musicians rather than hobbyists, and the eight internal drivers will attest to that. The 26dB will eat up ambient noise with ease, and those drivers ensure sound that is both balanced and mighty. Whatever vocals, deep bass, or drums you throw at these, you can expect incredible accuracy.

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JH Audio Sharona

Regarded by some as JH Audio’s flagship in-ear monitors, The Sharona was unveiled as the company’s first ever 16-Driver configuration with a true four-way crossover. Sharona dazzles with its Knowles RAU Quad Supertweeter, producing an extended treble response. It all starts when the most balanced armature drivers roll off (12 kHz), and pushes out to 25 kHz. These IEMs bring to the table a highly accurate, well-rounded sound signature with the powerful low-end of the discontinued Layla and the smooth mid-range grit of the Roxanne model. Goodness knows they’re not cheap, but this kind of quality is potentially life-changing.

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Why Use In-ear Monitors?

In-ear monitors (IEMs) have become the go-to solution for professional musicians due to their significant advantages over traditional stage monitor speakers. Primarily, they offer superior sound clarity, isolation, and consistency. Unlike traditional wedge monitors, IEMs deliver personalised, precise audio directly into your ears, dramatically reducing stage volume and eliminating feedback issues. Each musician can have their own, personalised mix. 

Additionally, their noise isolation helps protect musicians' hearing, ensuring safe listening levels in loud environments. 

Ultimately, in-ear monitors enable performers to clearly hear themselves and their bandmates, enhancing performance quality and confidence on stage.

HOW 64 AUDIO AND TIFFANY DESIGNED BEYONCÉ’S CUSTOM DIAMOND IEMS