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Many phones are getting rid of the 3.5mm jack, including the new line of Galaxy S20 phones, but the Galaxy S10 is one of few flagships that still has it. As such, there are still plenty of great options available if you're interested in wired audio. The obvious choice is the Shure SE215, which continues to be an excellent pick several years after its debut because of its sound signature, comfort, portability, and ruggedness.
Stellar sound
Shure SE215
Staff pick
The SE215 has been around for a while, and its vibrant sound combined with affordable pricing makes it a great option if you're in the market for earbuds. The earbuds do a great job isolating ambient noise around you, and the cable can be switched out, ensuring longevity.
$99 at Amazon $99 at B&H Photo
Stylish and affordable
JBL Live 100
JBL Live 100 gets all the basics right. It's available in a stylish blue variant that makes it stand out, and you get a fabric cable that's more durable than what you'd normally find at this price point. The sound signature is also better than most budget earbuds, and you get an in-line remote that has a mic for taking calls.
$40 at Amazon $24 at Walmart $30 at B&H Photo
Entry-level marvel
RHA MA390
RHA is known for making high-quality earbuds, and the MA390 is no exception. It is the most affordable option on this list, but you get great sound and a single-button in-line remote that lets you control music playback and take calls. Best of all, the MA390 is backed by a three-year warranty, making it a great choice.
Still going strong
Sony MDR7506
The MDR7506 has been a mainstay in recording studios around the world for over two decades. That's because of the neutral soundstage, making them a great option not only for musicians but for everyday listening, and they're about as rugged as they come. I've thrown my MDR7506 more times than I care to admit, and they're still as solid as they were on day one.
$119 at Amazon $103 at Walmart $100 at B&H Photo
More for less
Grado SR60e
If you're looking for a retro pair of headphones with excellent sound, the SR60e is a great choice. The open-back headphones deliver incredible bang for your buck, easily matching the sound quality of products that cost twice as much. They're also very durable, and should easily last several years without any issues.
$79 at Amazon $79 at B&H Photo
Pump up the jam
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
It's safe to say that the ATH-M50x is now a classic. Audio-Technica's mainstream headphones continue to be a great option even after all these years for the simple fact that they offer excellent sound quality on a budget. The fold-down design makes them easily portable, and you get a nice carrying case and several cables.
$169 at Amazon $149 at Walmart $149 at B&H Photo
Leave it on
Audio-Technica SonicPro
With memory foam earcups that conform to the contours of your ears, the Audio-Technica SoundPro was designed to deliver all-day comfort. It doesn't hurt that the headphones also offer hi-res audio with an emphasis on bass. Then there's the design itself — with a chrome frame joined by tan earcups, the SonicPro looks as good as it sounds.
$250 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy
Best in-ear option
1More Quad Driver
1More has carved out a name for itself in recent years for its earbuds, and the Quad Driver is its most ambitious product yet. Three balanced armature drivers joined by a carbon dynamic driver combine to deliver an impressive soundstage that's warm and inviting, and the kevlar cables ensure they last for years without any issues.
$151 at Amazon $151 at B&H Photo
The real deal
Etymotic ER3XR
With the ER3XR, Etymotic is offering a pair of earbuds with a durable chassis and a wonderfully neutral soundstage. The design may not be to everyone's taste, but if you value a neutral sonic signature over a flashy design, the ER3XR is an excellent option.
$179 at Amazon $179 at Walmart $200 at B&H Photo
Exquisite sound
Sony MDR1AM2
With a liquid crystal polymer driver and lightweight design, the MDR1AM2 combines excellent sound quality with supreme comfort. The lively soundstage with energetic bass and clear mids makes your music come alive, and the swiveling design makes them easy to carry. If you like bass, you'll love what the MDR1AM2 has to offer.
$298 at Amazon $298 at Walmart $298 at B&H Photo $300 at Best Buy
You can still find great wired options for your Galaxy S10
Wired headphones are slowly becoming obsolete, but there's still a decent amount of choice in this segment. The Shure SE215 leads the pack because of its sheer longevity combined with exquisite sound and portability.
The earbuds have an engaging sound signature with booming bass, and the clear design makes them stand out. The cable is reinforced, and you can also switch it out should it break, making them an even more enticing option. They also offer great sound isolation, and you even get a carrying case. For what they cost, you're getting an excellent value with the Shure SE215. If you need a more affordable option, the JBL Live 100 have a similar sound signature and a vibrant design.
If you're looking for a high-end option, I cannot recommend Sony's MDR1AM2) highly enough. They sound absolutely fantastic, feature a sturdy design, and are comfortable to wear throughout the day.
by Harish Jonnalagadda