Monitoring is one of the most important factors of any good performance. It’s also one of the hardest things to get just right.
Everyone needs to hear their own mix blend, and when you factor in a high SPL environment and a monitor engineer to make sure everything goes smoothly it gets out of hand quickly.
My choice for the best overall is the Shure PSM300 P3TRA215CL because it lets you find a usable and dependable frequency easily with automatic scanning, the earphones provide stellar isolation, and you can fine-tune the levels through MixMode.
When curating my choices for the best in-ear monitors I took into consideration features like solid sound reproduction, frequency response and range, comfort, and hearing protection. I will also run down items to look for when you’re looking for your own set of IEMs and answer a few common questions.
Let’s get to it!
Quick Summary of the Best In-Ear Monitors
- Shure PSM300 P3TRA215CL (Best In-ear Monitors Overall)
- Audio Technica ATW-3255 (Best Wireless In-ear Monitors)
- Sennheiser EW IEM G4 System (Best High-end In-ear Monitors)
- Xvive U4 (Best Mid-range In-ear Monitors)
- Galaxy Audio AS-950 (Best Budget In-ear Monitors)
Best In-Ear Monitors
Best Overall
SPECS:
Type: In-ear
Frequency Response: 38Hz to 15kHz
Frequency Range: 488MHz to 512MHz
Features: 15 frequencies, auto frequency scan, 38Hz to 15kHz frequency response
Getting the right monitor mix is always an ordeal. In-ear monitors offer a lot of advantages over more traditional monitoring. For starters, they help block out environmental interference like bleed, helping you focus on what matters – the performance.
Like most Shure products, this in-ear monitoring system is easy to set up and dial in. Through a single frequency scan and IR synchronization lets you quickly find the best wireless channel to assign to the system.
I love the convenience and control over the mix they offer. Through MixMode available on the bodypack receiver users can adjust the levels to where they need them to be without having to work with the engineering team. It doesn’t have an onboard limiter like the Sennheiser EW IEM G4 System, though.
What could be better:
- Prices out most buyers outside of the professional market
Best Wireless
SPECS:
Type: In-ear
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 19kHz
Frequency Range: 470.125MHz to 607.875MHz
Features: Stereo and mono functionality, 49 frequencies
Audio-Technica has built their reputation as one of the best brands in the music business. Their wireless microphone systems are top-notch. And while mics might be the first association people make with their products, they make some excellent in-ear monitoring systems.
The bodypack has an easy-to-read OLED screen for monitoring settings and alerts. One of my favorite things about this model is the crystal clear playback from the ATH-E40 monitor headphones. They balance the frequency spectrum and enhance the low end just enough to provide the push you need for your performance.
I chose this model for the best wireless category mostly because of how versatile it is. It works in stereo or mono operation and has personal mix controls. The body pack has EQ, a limiter, and gain and balance controls so you can always make sure your levels are in check.
If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly alternative, check out the Xvive U4.
What could be better:
- If you need to rackmount the receiver there are better options
Best High-End
SPECS:
Type: In-ear
Frequency Response: 25Hz to 15kHz
Frequency Range: 470 to 516MHz
Features: 300 feet line-of-sight range, adaptive diversity for high reception quality, stereo/focus mode, limiter, high-frequency boost
This in-ear wireless system operates across 61 available channels with 1,680 selectable frequencies. You can automatically scan for available frequencies, and the adaptive diversity technology ensures the highest possible reception quality.
Synchronization is key to secure a steady connection between transmitter and receiver, and few do it as well as the G4. It’s got better metering than other high-end models like the Shure PSM300 P3TRA215CL, too.
The OLED display provides multiple mechanisms that let you analyze the connection like LEDs for sync and clipping warning. I love the Auto-Lock function that prevents any accidental settings changes, a lifeline when it’s show time.
Some of my favorite sound features include a high-frequency boost and adjustable limiter so you don’t have to worry about clipping and greatly reduces transients that could damage your hearing.
When I use IEMs I need to know that the system I’m using is reliable. Multiple features on the G4 prove that it is a great choice to avoid any random connection issues between the transmitter and receiver.
What could be better:
- Plastic transmitter sheath isn’t as sturdy as metal
SPECS:
Type: In-ear
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Range: 470MHz to 516MHz
Features: 1,680 total frequencies, auto frequency scan, 300 feet of operating range
Compact doesn’t even begin to describe the U4. Aside from a clear audio signal, the headphones have the dual balanced-armature double magnetic dynamic driver from Knowles and custom-tuned tweeters that provide great high frequency and low-end reproduction.
Some in-ear monitoring systems take a decent amount of time to get up and running, and one of the things I love the most about the U4 is how easy setup is. Xvive added a large, easy-to-find volume knob so you don’t have to look down to make fast changes.
It comes with a variety of accessories and an ergonomic carrying case to keep it all organized, but you can’t mount it in a rack like you can the Galaxy Audio AS-950. In my opinion, if you work in small venues any other IEM is overkill in performance and price.
What could be better:
- Very small line-of-sight range isn’t good if you work in large spaces.
Best Budget In-Ear Monitor
SPECS:
Type: In-ear
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Range: 470MHz to 494MHz
Features: Stereo and mono, 16 frequencies, 200 feet line-of-sight range, 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
When I was first shopping around for an IEM system I knew I wanted to start small. I didn’t need to drop hundreds of dollars on a pro-level system because I was still unsure if IEMs were a better choice than traditional monitoring for me.
There aren’t a lot of budget in-ear monitor models to choose from, but Galaxy Audio’s AS-950 is one of the best. These 16-channel entry-level IEMs are a great combination of quality and affordability. The transmitter offers level displays over left and right channels, stereo XLR and ¼” inputs, and a headphone out with independent volume control.
Performing live means a lot of movement, and the lightweight design is great. It even fits comfortably in your pocket! They’re expandable, so you can build out the system so the entire band can use it. All receivers can link to the same transmitter, which adds even more value to their cost effectiveness.
The downside to the AS-950 is the 200’ operating range. The Xvive U4 is a budget option that is less restricting. It won’t suit artists who play live on large stages, but it’s great for small venues. It comes with single and dual rackmount pieces to keep everything organized and easy to find.
What could be better:
- White noise can be an issue regardless of proximity to the receiver.
Best In-Ear Monitors Buyer’s Guide
In-ear monitors are fairly complex devices. There are a number of factors to consider when you’re trying to find a good pair for you. In my opinion, the most important specs to look for are sound quality, frequency response and range, comfort, and hearing protection
These are the most important features I recommend considering when you’re shopping for the best in-ear monitors.
Sound Quality
Since the sound is placed directly into the ear canal with IEM systems, sound quality – along with a good monitor mix – is critical.
Drivers are one of the main determiners of sound quality. IEM systems come in multiple driver configurations. How many drivers is up to the manufacturer. In general, more drivers generally contribute to better clarity and separation.
Sound isolation is another contributor to sound quality. Good isolation is important to prevent bleed when playing on stage. I suggest researching the level of passive isolation the model you’re interested in provides, and some even have active noise-cancellation features.
Frequency Response
Like any type of headphones, along with drivers, frequency response is one of the biggest contributing factors to providing the best sound reproduction. The full range of human hearing is 20Hz to 20kHz.
Some IEM models offer this full-frequency response reproduction, but many manufacturers opt to cut out the extremes on either end. By doing this it cleans and tightens up the playback.
If you want a model that offers 20Hz to 20kHz response look into the Xvive U4 or Galaxy Audio AS-950. But most high-end, professional in-ear monitors pass-filter the very low and high ends of the frequency spectrum to provide playback that is tight, clear, and focused.
Frequency Range
In-ear monitors work on frequency ranges, just like a radio. When you look at a spec sheet for IEMs, frequency range refers to the number of available frequencies that model operates on.
Most models have a large number of bands available, and you want to select one that has the strongest signal and no interference, static, or white noise. There are many variables that determine what the best operating band will be, so finding the right one can take some time when you’re getting the unit up and running.
Luckily, a lot of models like the Shure PSM300 P3TRA215CL offer automatic frequency scanning. This feature does the work for you to find the ideal band to work with at that time. Automatic frequency scanning has saved my life many times when I’ve done engineering work with in-ear monitors.
Line-of-sight is a critical factor when it comes to getting and maintaining a good connection. You want to make sure that the antenna on the transmitter and the wireless receiver don’t have anything between them that could cause static, interference, or even worse…signal dropouts.
My biggest tip for wearing the receiver on your person is to make sure it doesn’t come into contact with anything metal like a belt. Sometimes even bare skin can cause problems with reception.
Comfort and Protection
Considering in-ear monitors are placed directly in the ear canal, comfort is one of the most important features a lot of people don’t initially think about. Custom molds are ideal, especially for users with smaller ears. But that's not always an option.
I recommend looking into options that come with a variety of tip sizes to fit varying ear shapes. Foam ear tips are especially comfortable for longer periods of use. Some IEMs only offer one size, but you’ll be wearing them for extended periods of time, so take this into thought.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to protect your hearing, especially since the drivers sit so close to the eardrum. The seal created when in-ear monitors are properly inserted not only affects sound quality but also the level of hearing protection from outside sources.
Some models like the Audio-Technica ATW-3255 and Sennheiser EW IEM G4 System have onboard limiters that prevent hearing-damaging transients as well as signal clipping.
Additional Features
Not all in-ear monitors offer additional features, but they make getting a clear sound and the best performance out of them much easier.
Additional features include different operating modes like stereo and mono, which is sometimes referred to as “focus” mode. Controls over the sound can make the monitor engineer’s job easier.
This includes things like equalization and frequency boosts so the user hears the mix in the best sonic context for them, a compressor for a more even mix, and limiting to prevent clipping or allowing transients through that could potentially cause hearing damage to the user.
Most IEMs offer some degree of metering. The simplest ones might only give indicators of battery level and an LED that signifies that the transmitter and receiver are connected.
But believe me, the ones that offer more robust monitoring over things like alerts, connection strength and issues, and overall settings can be a lifesaver when it’s go time and there is no room for errors.
Models that come with larger transmitters often come with rack mount kits. Mounting them keeps them safe and secure as well as easy to transport.
FAQ
What ear monitors do professionals use?
Every musician has their own preferences. The specific models that professionals use is highly subjective and varies based on each person. That said, professionals need the sound and reliability that professional IEM units offer.
My top choices for professional in-ear monitors are the Shure PSM300 P3TRA215CL and Sennheiser EW IEM G4 System. Both offer strong connections, reliability, and different ways to fine-tune control the sound like limiters, high-frequency boost, and automatic scanning so you can find the most reliable operating frequency.
Are expensive in-ear monitors worth it?
If in-ear monitors are your preferred method of monitoring, it’s absolutely worth it to invest in a good model. They have a more robust frequency response, especially in the low and high ends of the spectrum and provide a level of realism that resonates better in the user’s ear canals.
Expensive models have better sound isolation, noise reduction, and are more comfortable to wear. Hearing protection is critical and they provide specific features to safeguard your hearing like limiters and mechanisms to focus the sound to user preference.
Are IEMs better than earbuds?
It depends on how you’re using them, but overall the sound and build quality of IEMs (in-ear monitors) are much better than earbuds. Since in-ear monitors are professional devices they have more detail and clarity of sound that consumer products just can’t match.
They also provide better sound isolation, which means you don’t have to blast the volume to get the same monitoring quality as you do with earbuds. This helps to protect user hearing, which is one of the biggest concerns with in-ear devices.
Conclusion
Every musician knows how important monitoring is to a good performance – and just how difficult it can be to get just right. Everyone needs to hear the mix a little differently, which can be more difficult to do with traditional monitoring techniques. That’s why in-ear monitors are so useful.
Here I discussed my top picks for the best IEMs, went over some of the features I recommend investigating when you’re shopping around for your own IEM system, and answered a few common questions surrounding the topic.
My choice for the best overall is the Shure PSM300 P3TRA215CL because it’s easy to set up and dial in, and has great sound isolation to get high sound fidelity and protect your hearing at the same time. But my favorite feature is MixMode, which lets the user adjust settings to their preference themselves.
