Ear Buds vs. In-Ear Monitors – Why Upgrade?

Why are In-Ear Monitors becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the earphone market, replacing the all-so-common Ear Buds popular for cell phone and mobile device use?

Ear Bud Advantages 

Ear buds are usually sold at lower prices and are designed to wear outside the ear canal which lets you hear your surroundings to make them more suitable for jogging or cycling in busy environments.

Ear Bud Disadvantages

Ear buds generally offer inferior sound quality with clarity and bass affected by external noise. The ear-bud body must remain small to prevent falling out too easily, which limits the types of drivers used and the sound quality. Higher volume levels are needed to overcome external noise which can impact long-term hearing and short-term listening fatigue. Fixed cables are prone to damage easily requiring frequent replacement of the entire product.  Most are replaced within a year.

In-Ear Monitor Advantages

In-Ear monitors offer superior sound quality with lower noise. They securely fit in the ear canal creating isolation from external noise and distractions making them better for noisy environments such as air travel, commuting and work. This allows lower volume levels, protecting the user from long-term hearing loss and lowers listening fatigue for longer comfortable use.

In-Ear monitors provide improved music clarity, bass performance and voice intelligibility. The secure in-ear fit allows for more and larger drivers in the monitor body creating a Hi-Fi portable audio experience rivaling headphones without the bulk and weight which also makes them better for active use.

The secure in-ear fit makes them less prone to fall out and also better for active use. Designs with ear memory cables loops provide the best active wearing security. They are long-lasting - models with user detachable cables promote product longevity and value with low-cost replacement cables.

In-Ear Monitor Disadvantages

In-Ear Monitors have few disadvantages other than they usually cost a bit more than ear buds. Their noise isolation reduces suitability for jogging or cycling in crowded busy environments.

Atlantic Technology has created the FS-HAL1 In-Ear Monitors for music lovers who want to upgrade their sound to the authenticity and musicality that their speakers have been known for over 30 years. Click here to learn more about these exciting headphones.