Buying new headphones can sometimes be a nightmare. There are so many brands and models – where do you start?

Luckily, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand the range of one of the biggest audio brands out there.

Shure have almost 100 years of experience in the professional audio world. Decades have been spent developing and researching audio technology, resulting in the most incredible products possible. The brand has three different ranges when it comes to headphones and earphones: SRH headphones, AONIC, SE earphones, and KSE electrostatic earphones. 

We’ll help you understand the differences so you can decide which one is right for you.  

SRH headphones

The SRH range will cover you for everything you need, from critical listening to monitoring for studios. Even casual listeners who just want a better listening experience will enjoy these headphones.  

SRH240A

• Entry-level professional headphones
• Perfect for beginners who need quality headphones at a reasonable price 
• Provide full bass and clear mids and highs – excellent for critical listening when mixing and everyday use
• Great for someone who has just started getting into music and needs a solid pair of long-lasting headphones

Shop now | Shure SRH140A Professional Headphones

SRH440A

• Entry-level professional headphones
• Enhanced frequency range compared to the SRH240A, giving you accurate audio and a detailed listening experience
• Lightweight with a swivel cup design for a more comfortable experience during long sessions
• Compact design closely follows the contour of your head, perfect for being on camera if you are streaming, podcasting, or recording live sessions
• Lower total harmonic distortion ensures a clean, consistent natural audio reproduction
• Perfect if you need multiple headphones for your podcast or recording session – their low-cost means buying multiple won’t break the bank 

Shop now | Shure SRH440A Professional Headphones

SRH840A

• A natural and well-balanced frequency response allows you to pick apart the nuances of whatever you’re listening to
• Reinforced metal headband with padded woven fabric can withstand everyday use
• Similar in design to the SRH440A, but with the addition of rose gold details. Stand out a bit more while filming a studio session or a live stream!
• Natural frequency range will help you achieve a mix with a ‘tight’ and ‘focused’ bass
• Neutral frequency is a good reference for getting vocals to sit perfectly in a mix
• Perfect for recording musicians, professional studios, and content creators who need to hear that extra level of detail in their audio

Shop now | Shure SRH840A Professional Headphones

SRH1540

• Premium headphones, perfect for audiophiles, professional mixing engineers, musicians, and anyone who wants the highest audio quality possible
• Lightweight construction of aluminium alloy and carbon fibre
• Built to last
• Padded, felt ear pads for comfortable listening during long sessions 
• Incredibly flat frequency response delivers a true representation of what you’re listening to – something every mix engineer needs
• Comes with a high-quality hard travel case, replaceable ear cups, and a detachable jack cable

Shop now | Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed Back Headphones

SRH1840

• The only open-back headphones in the Shure headphone range
• Open-back headphones allow air to pass through, meaning low and problematic frequencies are no longer an issue
• Deliver a natural, clear sound with well-defined, solid bass and a rich, detailed mid-range. 
• You’ll notice audio errors like pops and clicks within your mix which you may not have noticed otherwise – your mixes will be perfect!
• If you don’t need sound isolation but want to listen with the highest audio quality possible, these headphones are perfect for you
• Made for mixing/mastering engineers and audiophiles who want the best listening experience possible 

Shop now | Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones 

No matter what you need them for, the Shure SRH range of headphones will cover you for just about anything and everything. And they’re all built to the incredible Shure standards.

AONIC

The Shure AONIC Listening Range is aimed at music lovers and audiophiles. With wireless headphones and wired earphones, they are perfect for travel, gaming, and home listening.

Immerse yourself in your audio with the newest addition to the AONIC line up, the Aonic 50 Gen 2 Wireless noise Cancelling Headphones.

It boasts a sleek all-black design, 45-hour battery life, and Snapdragon Sound Technology, giving you the very best audio quality for gaming, streaming music, or even taking calls.

The AONIC Earphone range have enhanced drivers for detailed sound as well as isolating any outside noise up to 37dB. All AONIC earphones come with the Shure RMCE Cable, which allows you to take calls as well as control your volume and music on your device.

AONIC 50 Gen 2

• Wireless headphones
• Active noise cancellation
• All black design
• 4 ANC modes – Light, Moderate, Max, and Max Aware
• 45 hours of battery life
• Bluetooth 5 technology with Class 1 transmitter for 100m of Range
• Compact Carry case
• Snapdragon sound technology
• Spatialised audio to enhance your listening experience
• Music Mode, Cinema Mode, and Podcast Mode.
• Supports multiple codecs:
  Qualcomm^® aptX^™
  Qualcomm^® aptX^™ HD
  Qualcomm^® aptX^™ Adaptive
  AAC
  SBC
  LDAC

Shop now | Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2

AONIC 40

• Wireless noise-cancelling headphones
• Studio quality audio for everyday listening
• Adjustable noise cancellation
• Up to 25 hours of battery life
• Environment mode lets you hear the outside world and can be accessed via the headphone switch or in the Shure Play app
• Folds flat for easy travel and storage
• Available in black or white
• Impedance = 31 Ohms
• Frequency response = 20hz – 22kHz

Shop now | Shure AONIC 40

AONIC 215

• Single high-definition driver
• Sound isolating blocks up to 37 dB of noise
• Removable cable
• Incredible clarity
• Deep, rounded bass response
• To be worn over the ear for maximum comfort and stability
• Comes with a carry case and a range of eartips
• Available in clear, black, white, blue, and purple
• Blue and black are available with the True Wireless Adapter
• Comes with 3.5mm jack RMCE-UNI cable which allows you to play/pause music and take calls
• Frequency = 22Hz – 17.5kHz
• Impedance = 17 Ohms

Shop now | Shure Aonic 215 Sound Isolating Earphones

AONIC 3

• Single-balanced armature driver
• Sound isolating blocks up to 37 dB of noise
• Removable cable
• Amazing audio quality across the full frequency range
• Smallest earphones in the Aonic range for long-wearing comfort
• Available in white and black
• Comes with 3.5mm jack RMCE-UNI cable which allows you to play/pause music and take calls
• Frequency = 20Hz – 18.5kHz
• Impedance = 26 Ohms

Shop now | Shure Aonic 3 Sound Isolating Earphones

AONIC 4

• Dual-balanced armature drivers
• Sound isolating blocks up to 37 dB of noise
• Removable cable
• Accurate, natural sound
• Dual drivers provide more frequency response and clarity
• Over-ear design for comfort and stability
• Built to last and withstand live music environments
• Available in black and white
• Comes with 3.5mm jack RMCE-UNI cable which allows you to play/pause music and take calls
• Comes with a carry case and a range of eartips
• Frequency = 20hz – 19Khz
• Impedance = 22 Ohms

Shop now | Shure Aonic 4 Sound Isolating Earphones

AONIC 5

• Triple-balanced armature drivers
• Sound isolating blocks up to 37 dB of noise
• Removable cable
• Spacious sound and incredibly rich, detailed bass
• Over-ear design for comfort and stability
• Built to last and withstand live music environments
• Comes with 3.5mm jack RMCE-UNI cable which allows you to play/pause music and take calls
• Comes with a carry case and a range of eartips
• Frequency = 18Hz – 19kHZ
• Impedance = 36 Ohms

Shop now | Shure Aonic 5 Sound Isolating Earphones

SE in-ear earphones

As well as over-ear headphones, Shure offers an earphone series with the same amazing audio quality as the SRH range.

The SE earphone range is aimed at performing musicians. However, they’re also great for listening to music due to their built-in audio drivers and sound-isolating buds that make for an immersive experience. If you need earphones for your onstage monitoring or want high-quality earphones to listen to music, the SE series has you covered. 

All Shure SE earphones have a 3.5mm jack cable that can be used with any in-ear monitoring system bodypack. They can even be used with smartphones or other devices such as laptops and tablets.

Check out our dedicated SE series guide here to get into the finer details | Shure SE Series Earphone Guide 

SE112

• Detailed sound with rich bass
• Perfect for someone who needs a pair of in-ears for band practice without breaking the bank
• Slightly different to other in-ears as they are traditional straight-fit earphones rather than an “over-ear” design   
• Sound isolating to block out unwanted noise and protect hearing when performing

Shop now | Shure SE112 In Ear Headphones 

SE215

• Tailored towards performing musicians that need professional in-ears at a low cost
• Single high-definition driver
• Over-ear design allows the earphones to comfortably sit within the ear without falling out when performing on stage
• Crisp, clear, and detailed sound with a strong bass response
• Detachable cable allows you to easily replace parts
• Comes with a variety of earbuds, so you can find a fit that works for you
• A range of colours to choose from such as clear, black, blue and green

Shop now | Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones

SE425

• Perfect for musicians that need some more definition in their live mix
• Deeper bass response for a clear sound at higher volumes
• Dual high-definition drivers
• Increased frequency response for both bass and high frequencies
• Includes a carry case with a variety of changeable earbuds

Shop now | Shure SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones 

SE535

• Exceptional, clear sound, even at higher levels, thanks to three high-definition drivers – two for bass and one for highs
• Defined low end, great for bassists and drummers
• Premium carry case with a variety of earbuds
• Comes in clear and limited-edition red

Shop now | Shure SE535 Sound Isolating Earphones 

SE846

• Made for professional performers or those who just want to listen to music at the highest level possible
• Changeable sound signature for the perfect on-stage sound
• The highest quality earphones from Shure
• Four high-definition drivers offer incredible high-end quality
• Deep low end delivers the performance of a subwoofer 
• Comes with a premium, pro carry case with a variety of accessories

Shop now | Shure SE846 Professional Sound Isolating Earphones

True wireless adapters

Shure noticed that it wasn’t just musicians using the SE series of earphones. People were using them to listen to music in everyday environments: on the train, at the gym etc. So, they created True Wireless adapters. These can be attached to any SE earphones that have a removable cable (215 and up).

True Wireless adapters turn your SE earphones into wireless ones. They have built-in touch control as well as eight hours of battery life, meaning you can take the SE earphones with you, no matter where you go.

Shop now | Shure RMCE-TW2 True Wireless Adapter for SE Series

KSE Electrostatic in-ears

For the music lovers out there that need the highest fidelity and audio quality possible, Shure created the KSE series of in-ears. These come with a reinforced Kevlar cable that is designed to isolate the Electrostatic conductors. The cable is plugged into a dedicated amplifier that must be used to make the earphones work correctly. 

What does Electrostatic mean?

Electrostatic refers to how the driver of the earphones works. In other words, how the earphone produces its sound. 

Normal earphones use dynamic drivers, usually held in place by a magnet. The electricity within the cable moves the magnet up and down which helps to produce sound through the diaphragm. However, as there is only one cable and magnet holding the diaphragm in place, it can move around, causing distortion and unwanted noise.

With Electrostatic drivers, the diaphragm is suspended between two opposing magnets that are powered by a power supply (the amp). The magnets can push and pull the diaphragm back and forth incredibly fast, giving you the clearest sounding tones – even in the heaviest and busiest sounding tracks. 

KSE1200

• Perfect for someone who takes listening to music seriously 
• Experience next-level clarity and definition.
• Provides the fastest, most accurate transient response of any earphone
• Kevlar cable is durable and isolates each conductor for consistent quality
• Re-chargeable amp via USB with 12 hours of battery life
• Dedicated amplifier provides unimaginable sound quality
• No need to carry around a hi-fi system to get incredible sound

Shop now | Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System

KSE1500

• Takes your listening experience to a new level – ideal for someone who takes pride in their music
• Capable of processing digital audio via the USB as well as analogue audio via the “direct line”
• Four customisable settings to manage playback
• Four-band parametric EQ
• Comes with an assortment of accessories such as a leather carry case, and a range of adapters for iPhone, smartphone, and other devices
• Compatible with iOS, Android, MAC, and PC 

Shop now | Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System

Find out more

Hopefully this guide has helped you understand the variety of headphones and earphones that Shure offer. Why not check out the full range?