Shure SE846-GR+2

The SE846 Gen 2 sounds incredible, with bass that hits like a subwoofer and clarity that rivals anything wired. Just know you're paying $989 for the privilege and you'll want a decent amp to unlock it.

Sound quality sits in the 95th percentile, which means it's basically top of the charts for in-ear monitors. The quad-driver setup with the three-way crossover delivers bass that hits like a dedicated subwoofer while keeping mids and highs clean. Users consistently rave about the deep, punchy bass and clear, detailed highs. The catch is that you'll want a decent amp to get the most out of these. Plug them straight into a weak phone jack and you're leaving performance on the table. The interchangeable filters are genuinely useful, though some owners say the differences between them are subtle rather than night-and-day.

Against the Technics EAH-AZ100 or Sony WF-1000XM6, the Shure wins on pure sound quality but loses on convenience. Those wireless buds give you ANC, Bluetooth, and app control. The Shure gives you a cable and better sound. The Nothing Buds 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are cheaper and more practical for daily commuting, but they can't touch the Shure's bass texture or detail retrieval. If you're comparing to Shure's own Aonic 5, some owners say the Gen 2 isn't a massive upgrade, so existing Shure users should think hard before spending again.

At $989, this is not a value play. But value isn't really the point here. If you want the best wired sound isolation and don't mind paying for it, the SE846 Gen 2 delivers. If you're comparing it to wireless buds at half the price, you're asking the wrong question. This is a tool for critical listening and gaming where sound quality is the only thing that matters.

The Shure SE846 PRO Gen 2 is a wired IEM that costs $989 and still manages to feel worth it if you're the right person. That person is someone who wants reference-grade sound with a subwoofer-like low end and doesn't mind a cable. The headline feature is the new fourth sound filter, which gives you four distinct sound signatures by swapping tiny nozzles. It's a niche product, but in that niche it's one of the best-sounding things you can put in your ears.

If you're looking for wireless convenience, active noise cancellation, or something you can toss in a bag for your commute, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Technics EAH-AZ100 instead. The Shure is for people who sit down, plug in, and listen critically. If that's not you, you're paying $989 for features you won't use.

Buy the Shure SE846 PRO Gen 2 if you want reference-grade wired sound and don't care about wireless convenience. It's expensive, it needs a good amp, and the cable design isn't for everyone. But the sound quality is genuinely exceptional, and the filter system gives you real control over your listening experience. For critical listening and gaming, this is one of the best wired IEMs you can buy right now.