In-ear headphones tests to include Panasonic, Philips, Sony and UE

Lots of readers have asked us why our in-ear headphones product survey doesn’t include models from big-name manufacturers like Philips and Sony, or specialist brand such as Ultimate Ears. The simple answer is that despite our best efforts, we weren’t able to convince these manufacturers to lend us their products so we could test them. Now it finally looks like things are changing.

As our contacts at the manufacturers offices will be able to tell you, we’ve been relentless in our attempts to get hold of these products! Ever since we split headphones and in-ear headphones into two separate categories, we’ve been hounding manufacturers with requests for popular, readily available and affordable products, such as the Sony MDR-EX500 or the Philips SHE9700, which our readers are keen to see tested. However, every time we contacted them we were told that the products were unobtainable, not available for loan, etc.

Anyway, we didn’t give up, and in the end it looks like our perseverance (or some would say harassment) has paid off. We received two separate phone calls confirming the imminent delivery of the Ultimate Ears 700 and Triple.fi 10, plus the Philips SHE9850 and SHE9500. We should also be getting our hands on some Sony and Panasonic models before too long. So apologies for not having them sooner, but we’re working hard to put that right.

These products will really bulk out our product survey, particularly when it comes to headphones that cost under £50 - a category we’ve admittedly neglected a bit.

So thank you to all of our contacts who’ve helped us get these products loaned out for test.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the results in the next few weeks!


> Product Survey: In-Ear Headphones

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products