Image via Complex Original
Intro
There's very little more enjoyable than walking around the city on a nice day listening to music. Now that Spring's finally really getting underway, we expect to do that much more in the coming days. In order to do that, though, you need to make sure you have some headphones (and comfortable sneakers). If you're still rockin' with the ones that came with your iPhone or iPod, and want something a little better, we got you. The good news is you can get some headphones that are a lot better for a little money. For those of you that don't like walking around looking like you're DJing a party, we've put together a list of our favorite in-ear headphones currently available for under $100.
AKG K328
AKG K328
Price: $60, akg.com
As far as all-around headphones go, the AKG K328s fit the bill perfectly. Clocking in at just $60, they are priced well below other models on this list that it performs better than. Bass is round and deep, while the rest of the range is nicely reproduced. All the other modern-day accruements are in tow: in-line microphone and volume controls that work perfectly with your iPad or iPhone. Best of all? They're lightweight and won't drag your ear canal to the sidewalk.
Sony XBA-1
Sony XBA-1
Price: $80 sony.com
Earlier this year, Sony introduced its all new line of in-ear headphones that feature its new Balanced Armature full range driver technology. What all that means is that these little headphones, which range in price from $80 to TK, are able to recreate true studio-quality sound. The entry-level model, the XBA-1 feature the same tech, in smaller doses (there's only one driver), as the pricier models.
Urbanears Bagis
Urbanears Bagis
Price: $30, urbanears.com
Sounding everybit as a good as the full-sized over-ear Plattan model, the Bagis is a great alternative for those who want a decent pair of headphones in a color that's not white, silver, or black.
Incase Capsule
Incase Capsule
Price: $80 goincase.com
Incase's Sonic over-ear headphones are one of our favorite models. The Capsule follows suit with a great minimalist design, comfortable fit, and unadorned sound. The bass isn't trumped up, nor is the audio overly boosted; you just get great natural sound. Available in four colors, the Capsule also has an in-line remote and mic so you can easily control playback and take calls on your iPhone.
Bose IE2
Urbanears Bagis
Price: $100, bose.com
The IE2s are the cheapest pair of headphones you can currently buy from Bose. That said, they're better than the best models most brands offer. Thanks to Bose's StayHear tips, these may be the most comfortable headphones on this list. Though they're not meant for athletic activity, they won't fall out of your ear if you have to do a brisk jog to catch a train. Oh, and they sound great like all Bose products do.
TDK
TDK EB900
Price: $80 tdkperformance.com
Man, lately TDK's been on one. The legendary audio company has released an awesome collection of audio products. Its ST700 headphones made our list of the Best Gadgets of 2011 list, and its Three Speaker Boombox (review coming soon) is also sick. So it came as no surprise that these in-ear headphones were also dope. Great build quality coupled with wide-ranging sound delivered by its 8.5mm high-performance drivers, make for a great set of headphones. And thanks to the braided cords, you'll never have to worry about untangling them when you pull them from your pocket. Win.
Astro A*Star
Astro A*Star In-Ear Headset
Price: $80, astrogaming.com
The good people at Astro makes it their business to ensure you hear exactly what game developers and sound engineers meant for you to hear. That's why we loved the A30 headset, and also why we dig the A*Stars. They're a bit on the heavy side—the control module that incorporates the mic, volume, and play buttons, tends to pull the headphones down while walking—but they sound great.
Apple In-Ear
Apple In-Ear Headphones
Price: $80, store.apple.com
If you detest the earbuds that came with your i-device, Apple has a solution for you: the In-Ear Headphones. At $80 they're on the pricey side considering the build construction—they err on the flimsy side—but the sound and fit is top notch. The set comes with three ear tips, a built-in mic, and built-in volume buttons for easy iPod control. There's a third, hidden button: If you press the space between the volume controls twice the next song will place, press it three times and the previous song will play.
Klipsch Image S4
Klipsch Image S4
Price: $80, klipsch.com
We've been fans of the Image S4 since it debuted over three years ago. Comfortable, durable, and powerful, Klipsch's mini in-ear model does well with acurately recreating sounds while keeping most of the distracting background noise—babies crying, subway performers, loud conversations—blocked out. Oh, and though we found 'em to be pretty sturdy, if you do manage to break 'em, don't worry—buy the Image S4s new and you're covered by a two-year replacement warranty.
SOL Republic
SOL Republic AMPS HD
Price: $60, solrepublic.com
SOL Republic came out the gate with a great lineup of audio products, the Tracks HD over-ear model leading the way. Our Market Editor, Matthew Henson, tested SOL's Amps HD in-ear model and said they were "one of the superior sets of ear buds on the market". If $100 is a bit much for you to shell out, SOL's got you covered with the Amps. $40 cheaper, you get a slightly less powerful pair of drivers (called the i4 Sound Engine), but the same dope design.