7 Best In-Ear Monitors For Singers & Musicians In The Studio 2022

It’s a well known fact that in-ear monitors are one of the most versatile utilities in all of music. They’ve been used for generations for live shows, but recently they’ve gained some traction in studios as well. So, what are the best in-ear monitors for singers and musicians on stage and in the studio? How can you find a pair that can be used everywhere?

Well, that’s what we’re going over in this article. For the sake of keeping things simple, I’ll occasionally refer to in-ear monitors as “IEM’s.”

Now, IEM’s have evolved in a number of ways over the years, making them even more universal. This is the reason why modern in-ear monitors have become increasingly popular among sound engineers in the studio. I mean, I’ve even heard of producers using them during the mixing process at home.

The fact of the matter is that IEM’s are super powerful, and they have something to offer for everyone. In order to choose the best in-ear monitors for your needs, we first need to go over all of the factors worth considering before adding a pair to your list of studio gear.

Quick Picks

Image	Product	Score	Price
TOP PICK	Shure SE846 Type: Wired — Drivers: 4 — Noise Attenuation: 37dB, Passive Sound Isolating — Impedance: 9 ohms — Frequency Range: 15Hz-20kHz — Cable Length: 45" and 60"	9.7	View At AmazonView At Guitar Center
RUNNER-UP	Audio-Technica ATH-E70 Type: Wired — Drivers: 3 balanced armature drivers — Impedance: 39 ohms — Frequency Range: 20Hz-19kHz — Sensitivity: 109 dB/mW — Cable Length: 5.2'	9.6	View At AmazonView At Guitar Center
WELL-ROUNDED	Sennheiser IE 400 Pro Type: Wired — Drivers: 7mm Dynamic Driver — Impedance: 16 ohms — Frequency Range: 6Hz-19khz — Cable Length: 4.26 ft.	9.5	View At AmazonView At Guitar Center
VALUE PICK	Mackie MP-240 Type: Wired — Drivers: 2, Dual Hybrid (single dynamic + single balanced armature) — Impedance: 16 ohms — Frequency Range: 20Hz-20khz — Sensitivity: 108dB SPL @ 1mW — Cable Length: 59.1"	9.4	View At AmazonView At Guitar Center
BUDGET PICK	Shure SE215 Type: Wired — Drivers: Single Dynamic Micro-driver — Impedance: 17 ohms — Frequency Range: 22Hz-17.5kHz — Sensitivity: 107dB SPL @ 1mW — Cable Length: 64"	9.3	View At AmazonView At Guitar Center
BEST IEM KIT	Shure PSM300 Frequency Range: 488-512 MHz — Operating Range: 300 ft. Line-of-sight — Earphone Freq Response: 22Hz-17.5kHz — Earphone Cable Length: 64" — Transmitter Power: 12-15V DC power supply — Receiver Power: 2 x AA batteries, SB900A rechargeable battery (sold separately)	9.2	View At AmazonView At Guitar Center
VERY AFFORDABLE	MEE Audio M6 PRO Type: Wired — Fit Style: In-ear — Drivers: 1 — Impedance: 16 ohms — Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz — Cable Length: 51"	9	View At Amazon

How Do In-Ear Monitors Work?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what in-ear monitors are, what they do, and how they work. After that, you can decide if a pair of IEM’s will even be beneficial to you. The truth is that IEM’s might be overkill for some of you depending on what stage you’re at with your music.

So, earbud monitors are simply a special kind of earbud. The main difference between IEM’s and consumer earbuds is their frequency response and how they deliver sound. They might look similar to a regular set of earbuds, but they most definitely are not. IEM’s are far more complex, and produce a whole different level of sound quality than what can be found in consumer earbuds.

To better understand how IEM’s work, I’ll break them up into their three main components: the earbuds, the transmitter, and the receiver. 

The earbuds offer noise-cancellation, house the speaker drivers, and allow you to fit the monitors in your ears. You’ll find that some IEM’s come equipped with multiple drivers, and those are the ones to look for.

The transmitter sends the audio signal and monitor mix to the receiver (or receivers) 

The receiver is the main hub of any pair of IEM’s. Receivers are usually about the same size as a smartphone, and they’re designed to hook onto a belt. They receive all the data coming in from the transmitter. From there, the receiver sends that data to the earbud monitors and speaker drivers.

In-ear monitors have been around since the 1980’s, but only recently have become affordable. Even now, most options come at a premium price, but it’s nothing compared to how it used to be.

Factors To Consider When Looking At In-Ear Monitors

So, now we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to go over a few of the main factors worth keeping in mind when shopping around for IEM’s. 

Sound Quality

It goes without saying that you should look for a pair of IEM’s that offer the best possible sound quality. Also, the higher the price typically means better sound.

As I mentioned before, some IEM’s use multiple drivers (or transducers) to reproduce audio signals. Top tier IEM’s from renowned manufacturers will have the best of the best drivers, and the quality of sound is unparalleled.

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on using earbud monitors in the studio or on the stage; choosing the best in-ear monitor options with top-notch drivers will make a notable difference in your performances and mixes.

Build Quality & Durability

Another important factor is the build quality of a pair of in-ear monitors. If you’re playing a lot of gigs, then you’ll need them to be able to take some abuse. Alternatively, if you’re a sound engineer and you have a number of musicians using those IEM’s frequently, then the same standard applies.

The reality is that IEM’s are small and fairly fragile by nature. Do what you can to take good care of them, but plan for the worst and choose a pair that’s solidly made.

Comfort & Cable Design

There are a number of different design elements that come into play with in-ear monitors. In some cases, these elements can determine how comfortable they’ll be as well as how practical they are.

To start out, the material used for the ear tips is a big consideration. There are two main materials used: foam and silicone. Foam ear tips are great for isolation, but they tend to not fit as well in the ear. Silicone ear tips have more of a “suction” fit, making them more comfortable and stable in your ear, but they lack sound isolation.

Next, you’re sure to come across two different designs in earbud monitors for the cable itself: straight and over-ear. Straight cables are pretty basic and can be annoying to deal with at times. Over-ear cables are a lot more practical and allow for some much needed cable management.

Isolation

A prerequisite for a good pair of earbud monitors is their ability to block out unwanted background noise. I mean, they’re specifically designed for allowing you to hear your music clearly during live performances, so this is a hugely important factor.

It’s not just for live performances though. When you’re recording in the studio, you need to hear your mix and maybe even the drummer with no interference. 

With all that being said, most in-ear monitor options out there should do a good job of noise-cancellation out of the box. You shouldn’t need to worry too much about the pair of IEM’s you choose having inadequate sound isolation.

In-Ear Monitor Driver Types

You’ll have two main driver types to choose from in in-ear monitors. Let’s quickly go over them.

1. Balanced Armature Drivers

You’ll see these types of drivers used in hearing aids, and they’re sometimes used in earbud monitors as well. Balanced armature (or BA) drivers do a good job of reproducing sound in specific frequency ranges. This is why you’ll see multiple drivers used to cover a wide range of frequencies.

2. Dynamic Drivers

Dynamic driver types are most commonly used among professionals. They cover the whole frequency range with no crossover points. These types of drivers also handle bass responses better than BA drivers.

The fact of the matter is that you’ll see in-ear monitors that use both dynamic and balanced armature drivers in conjunction with each other. Top of the line IEM’s are designed to give off the best sound quality by utilizing both types of drivers when needed. Pay attention to the specs in this area so you can find the right earbud monitors for your needs.

Wired or Wireless In-Ear Monitors?

This factor depends entirely on what your plans are with your new pair of IEM’s. In my list of favorites below, you’ll find only one “wireless” set of in-ear monitors, and that set is made specifically for live performances. That’s just it though. If you need the freedom of a no-wire design for performances or live recording, then go wireless.

Conversely, the most popular option with IEM’s is still wired. There is less interference, they’re cheaper, and they’re just convenient. Plus, wireless in-ear monitor systems that work well are very expensive and might be overkill for most of you. 

Lastly, try to avoid Bluetooth in-ear monitors. While Bluetooth earbuds are good for casual listening, they’re too inconsistent for the tasks you require out of them. The last thing you want is audio cut-outs.

Benefits Of In-Ear Monitors

At this point you might be wondering if you can even benefit from buying a pair of earbud monitors. Honestly, that’s up to you, but IEM’s have a lot to offer for performing musicians and sound engineers alike. 

Here are some of the benefits of adding a pair of in-ear monitors to your equipment list:

• You can hear yourself better during live performances.
• You can have your own monitor mix and pick and choose what you want to hear.
• Better isolation and less strain on your eardrums.
• IEM’s feature top-notch technology and can produce the best sound quality.
• They’re very compatible and easily transferable.
• IEM’s are very portable, compact, and easy to take on the road.

In-Ear Monitors In The Studio

While it’s true that in-ear monitors are mainly used for live performances, they can bring some interesting benefits in the studio as well. I’m a firm believer that more reference points can never hurt, and IEM’s are great for that.

By nature in-ear monitors don’t do a great job of reproducing low-end frequencies, but do an excellent job handling mids and highs. That’s the exact reason why they make for a good reference in the mixing process. 

You can use IEM’s for monitoring and editing your mids and highs, and use some studio headphones and studio monitors to check everything with some low-end presence.

Another reason why earbud monitors can be a beneficial addition in your studio is for the recording process of multi-piece bands. 

If you’re a sound engineer, or in a band yourself, then IEM’s are a great way to improve and streamline your recordings. Each band member can curate their own monitor mix, and everybody can hear what they need to hear. This will help everybody stay on time, and ultimately help to create professional quality recordings.

On top of all that, IEM’s are readily available and convenient to use in the studio, and their sound quality will undoubtedly boost your perception of your sounds and recordings.

If you need further convincing that in-ear monitors have a place in the studio, then check out this article!

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Best In-Ear Monitors List

Alright, so we’ve gone over the important stuff. Now it’s time to get into my list of best in-ear monitors. Again, whether you are planning on using IEM’s for live performances, or in the studio, you can find a pair that works in any scenario. In fact, most IEM’s on this list should be adequate for any task you throw at them.

This list consists of the best budget in-ear monitors, best in-ear monitors for singers, and and a few other options. The goal is to give you enough options so you can find the exact ones you need. With that, let’s dive into the list.

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Shure is mainly known for their microphones, but their in-ear monitors are certainly among the best on the market. They offer quite a few options in terms of IEM’s, but the Shure SE846 could be considered their best all-around high-end options.

Although they don’t have the most unique aesthetic design, the SE846 monitors performance is pretty much unparalleled. They can be used either in live performances, or in the studio, and in either regard, they’ll excel.

These earbud monitors feature a total of four drivers that help to create accurate and clear sound reproduction. They also come loaded with cool features like an adjustable frequency response, excellent sound isolation that blocks up to 37db of outside noise, detachable cables, and a low-pass filter.

As I mentioned, the sound quality on the Shure SE846 IEM’s is really good, and the bass response is better than average. That being said, the treble response is somewhat lacking compared to most IEM’s standard, but it’s still pretty good.

Obviously these are premium earbud monitors, and everything that’s great about them comes at a cost. You can expect to shell out a good chunk of change on these bad boys, but most users praise them for being worth every penny.

At the end of the day, the Shure SE846 set expectations high for what in-ear monitors are capable of, and they’re versatile enough to use in virtually any scenario. You get top-notch sound quality, build quality, and useful features to boot. With a company like Shure at the helm, you know you’re getting the best of the best. 

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Next up, we have a great set of IEM’s from another trusted name in the industry: Audio-Technica. These are by far the best in-ear monitors for using in the studio due to their easy-to-use design, and all-around great sound quality.

The Audio-Technica ATH-E70 in-ear monitors feature three balanced armature drivers, each handling different sections of the frequency range. As a result, these IEM’s boast a wide soundstage, and they cover bass frequencies very well.

That’s probably the best part about these earbud monitors. The level of bass that these little drivers put out is astonishing! That’s one of the reasons why these IEM’s are perfectly suited for studio use. Also, their comfortable fit is notable as well, making them great for long studio sessions.

That’s not to say that you can’t use the ATH-E70’s for live performances though. The isolation they provide is impressive and the ear tips tend to stay pretty snug in your ear.

That being said, it really seems like these earbud monitors were specifically designed to be used in the studio. They do an excellent job at handling detailed monitor mixes, and their detachable cable adds another level of convenience. 

The Audio-Technica ATH-E70 earbud monitors are still a multi-functional option, but mainly lean more towards sound engineers. With that, you really can’t go wrong with them. They’ll give you great sound quality, good build quality that can take a beating, and a cable design that won’t get in your way.

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It’s only fitting to find an option from Sennehiser on a list consisting of audio products. Just like with their headphones, Sennheisers in-ear monitors offer advanced technology that sets them apart from the rest of the pack.

In this particular case, the Sennheiser IE 400 earbud monitors utilize TrueResponse technology in an effort to create super accurate sonic reproductions. It’s safe to say that they succeed at that. The sound quality of these IEM’s is superb, and everything is clear and extremely precise.

The TrueResponse technology consists of one single wide-band transducer that successfully blankets the extent of the frequency range. The simplicity of this technology is what makes it work so well. These earbud monitors introduce very little distortion (<0.06% of total harmonic distortion to be exact), no phasing issues, and impressive stereo imaging capabilities.

Now, you may be wondering where these in-ear monitors are best suited, in the studio or for live performances. The truth is, the IE 400’s are a prime example of a well-rounded pair of IEM’s. They will do an excellent job of handling anything you throw at them. 

In the studio, you’re actually getting a great reference point for mixing and mastering due to their wide soundstage experience. In terms of live performance and recording, you might run into issues with how the ear tips are designed, and some people have reported that they tend to slip out easily. This seems to be an issue with certain individuals and isn’t a widespread problem per se.

Despite that, the Sennheiser IE 400 earbud monitors are advanced and extremely powerful. If you’ve owned or tried out any Sennhieser headphones before, then you have an idea of what to expect.

Also, there are other alternative options in the IE line of earbud monitors to choose from. I picked the IE 400’s because they’re more of a “middle-of-the-road” version, but there is a budget version and a premium version as well. Check them out below.

Budget Option: Sennheiser IE 40 PRO

Premium Option: Sennheiser IE 800 S

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The Mackie MP-240 dual hybrid in-ear monitors come with a price-tag that’s almost hard to believe. Coming from a company that’s not typically known for headphones, these IEM’s are definitely full of surprises.

The MP-240’s come equipped with dual hybrid drivers that sound really good given the price. That being said, two drivers might sound inadequate if you’ve tried IEM’s with three or more. Still, the accuracy is there and most frequencies are clear.

The one qualm I have with the sound quality of these earbud monitors is the low-ends, which seem to be unbalanced. It’s not like you expect the greatest bass response from IEM’s to begin with, but the MP-240’s feel even more thin than others. Outside of that, the mids and highs sound very good.

Now, keep in mind that these are more of an affordable option, and the overall price-to-performance ratio is amazing. These monitors have a solid build quality to them, and the over-ear cable system is a nice touch.

You do also get a carrying case, a ⅛” to ¼” adapter, and a number of ear tips to choose from. That’s another thing, the MP-240’s fit comfortably in your ear canal and rarely slip out.

These really are an excellent mid-range IEM option that come at a reasonably affordable price. If the MP-240’s don’t sound right for you, then there are a lot of other variations in the MP Series line to choose from. The MP-220’s are even cheaper for instance, and the MP-360’s feature a triple-driver design if you want to cover more of the frequency range.

On top of that, these earbud monitors can easily be used either in the studio or on stage, hence why I included them on the list over others in the “MP” line. Again, you have a lot of freedom with these earbud monitors, and that’s definitely my favorite thing about them.

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Like I said in the SE846 review, Shure makes some of the best IEM’s on the market. So it’s no surprise that there is another option from them included on this list. The Shure SE215 in-ear monitors are more of a budget option, but they’re still built with the utmost quality in mind.

There’s not much of a stretch between the SE215’s and the SE846’s in terms of design. Both options have the basic looks and form factor that you’d expect in a pair of earbud monitors. Again, it’s the performance that makes them special. 

The Shure SE215 IEM’s feature a single driver, but at this price, it’d be pretty surprising for them to include more than that. With that, that one little driver puts out some seriously accurate reproductions. To be fair, it’s not the widest soundstage. Actually, it’s pretty narrow overall. That’s not to say that these in-ear monitors sound “bad” by any means, but it’s just not up to par with other premium options on this list.

Keep in mind that these are made to be a budget-friendly set of IEM’s that can still deliver good sound, solid durability, and give you good bang-for-your-buck performance.

You do still get some great features with the Shure SE215 IEMs like detachable cables, a carrying case, and an over-ear cable system. On top of that, these IEM’s have above average isolation, making them ideal for recording and live performances.

It’s easy to see why the SE215’s are such a popular option. They’re easily the best value on this list, and yet, still hold up well against other options with higher price-points.

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If you’re looking for an all-out IEM system that’s specifically made for live performances, then the Shure PSM300 kit is the right choice. I know, we have yet another option from Shure, but that’s just a testament to the quality of their in-ear monitors.

Now, this is a full-blown IEM system that comes bundled with the PSM300 P3T Transmitter, the P3RA Bodypack Receiver, and a pair of SE215 in-ear monitors. This kit comes with everything you need for professional-level on stage monitor mixes and IEM listening capabilities.

This is an IEM system that’s made especially for professionals and gigging musicians. In fact, there are a lot of well-known performers that use this exact kit in their performances. It’s easy to use, it produces high-quality sound reproduction despite being wireless, and it’s an all-around top of the line system.

The bodypack uses 2 AA batteries, and on a good night you can expect about 4 hours of use out of it. While reports of it’s overall battery life are staggered, some user’s have said that the bodypack is battery hungry. That being said, other’s have stated that they get excellent battery life. Just something worth keeping in mind.

In terms of the in-ear monitors themselves, then just refer to the above review of the SE215’s. It’s definitely awesome that Shure decided to include one of their most universal IEM’s in this kit. 

Overall, the Shure PSM300 kit is the best choice for those of you looking for an IEM system that is strictly used for on-stage performances. Don’t limit this kit to just that though, you can still find great use out of it for live recordings as well.

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Last but not least we have an ultra-budget option from MEE. This is a little known brand that has made major strides with this exact model of in-ear monitors called the M6 PRO. 

So, there’s not a whole lot to say about these IEM’s that can’t be seen in it’s specs. These are a modest option for those of you with a budget to stick to. That being said, the MEE Audio M6 PRO IEM’s still produce decent sound quality. It’s not the most accurate sound reproduction out there, but the mids and highs are clear and emphasized. As to be expected though, the low-ends are muddy and inconsistent.

The selling point with these in-ear monitors is their convenience and clever design. They still feature an over-ear cable system, and MEE gives you 7 different ear tips to cater to your specific ear canal shape and isolation needs.

On top of that, these IEM’s provide a level of isolation that you’d expect in a premium set. The cables are also detachable, and they have a IPX5 water-resistance rating.

One thing is for sure with the MEE Audio M6 Pro’s, they’re a wildly popular option and the plethora of positive reviews prove that they’re a great value. These are by far the cheapest in-ear monitors on this list and they’re very much worth it in that regard. At this price, these IEM’s are a great choice for early-stage musicians.

Conclusion

I think that covers everything guys! That’s my list of the best in-ear monitors for singers and musicians in the studio and on stage. I tried to include the most versatile options available. That way you know that no matter what you choose, you can use them in whatever capacity you need.

The top pick has to go to the Shure SE846 in-ear monitors. They boast a truly top-tier sound signature, and they really are the perfect culmination of what IEM’s are capable of. You can use them in the studio or during live performances and they’ll perform exceedingly well at either.

Really though, every option on this list of best in-ear monitors is a winner. It all just comes down to what you need out of a pair of earbud monitors. Singers should opt for a pair with better isolation, whereas sound engineers should look for the pair that has the best sound quality and frequency response. No matter what, there’s a pair of in-ear monitors featured in this list for everyone.

My only hope is that this guide has proved to be helpful to you on your search. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Cheers guys!