From superior sound quality to less stage clutter, and increased musician mobility to reduced stage volume, the benefits of in-ears over traditional stage monitors are numerous. Here are 10 excellent options to consider.
ULTIMATE EARS
UE 7 Pro
Boasting a big and bold sound signature with additional midrange details, these handcrafted monitors are digitally modeled and 3-D printed for perfect fit, comfort, and strength.
$899 street
pro.ultimateears.com
JERRY HARVEY AUDIO
JH16v2 Pro
These IEMs have a 10-driver configuration to bring clarity to a very broad range of sounds, from the crash of a cymbal to full-volume bass with no distortion.
$1,499 street
jhaudio.com
STEALTH SONICS
U9
The company’s flagship 9-driver model is housed in resilient, acoustically optimized composite material, and covers a frequency range of 18 Hz to 40 kHz.
$1,099 street
stealthsonics.com
SENNHEISER
IE 500 PRO
This compact and ergonomic design is intended to sit securely and comfortably in every ear canal, and its 7 mm driver delivers a distortion factor of just .08 percent.
$599 street
sennheiser.com
AUDIO-TECHNICA
ATH-E70
Packaged with four sizes of silicone ear tips for a comfortable fit, the housings for these IEMs were designed to provide enhanced isolation while offering extended frequency response.
$399 street
audio-technica.com
SHURE
SE535
These IEMs have a detachable cable system that enables multiple connectivity options, and triple high-definition drivers in its sound-isolating design for spacious sound and rich bass.
$449 street
shure.com
ZILDJIAN
ZIEM1
Built with a dual dynamic driver for a smooth frequency response for all listening applications, these IEMs include two sizes of silicone ear tips for increased noise isolation.
$149 street
zildjian.com
FENDER
IEM TEN 3 Pro
A precision 3-D printed housing provides a custom-like fit for these IEMs, which have a 10 mm high-density dynamic driver and a total driver configuration of four.
$799 street
fender.com
WESTONE
UM PRO 50
The flagship model in Westone’s universal-fit line features five proprietary balanced-armature drivers with a 3-way passive crossover for impressive sonic detail.
$649 street
westone.com
64 AUDIO
A2e
These customizable IEMs are handbuilt using players’ uniquely shaped ear impressions, and feature the company’s apex technology for relieving ear-canal air pressure.
$499 street
64audio.com