Shure SE215 review: these wired earbuds serve up incredible noise isolation and a healthy side of bass

Shure SE215 review: Review

The Shure SE215 have made quite a name for themselves in the live music scene, offering solid monitoring capabilities at a competitive price point. Specifically, the SE215 are often available for less than $100 / £100 / AU$200, meaning they’re a fairly low-priced set of entry-level in-ear monitors for live performers, producers, or fans of wired listening.

Let’s start where it matters most: sound quality. The Shure SE215 have a self-proclaimed “warm” sound signature and look to showcase “enhanced bass” while still delivering clear, detailed overall audio. So, how do they fare? Generally, quite well.

First, the Shure SE215 live up to their promise of offering enhanced bass. When I tuned into Black Eye by Allie X, the thumping drum machine had impressive levels of depth and responsiveness, making for a punchy, rhythmic listening experience. Generally, the track’s bouncing bassline was managed well, sounding controlled and impactful throughout the song’s runtime – something I’d always look for when testing the best wired earbuds.

And this was a recurring theme, pretty much every tune I threw on offered very good low-end depth, especially considering the price you pay for these IEMs. The only slight issue you may have is that the higher focus on bass can result in a slightly cluttered sound, especially at top volumes.

When listening to I Want You by Moloko, the song’s pounding bass was both impactful and immersive, but cranking the volume up could sometimes create a slightly overbearing, cluttered sound. This could be slightly frustrating for musicians who want ultra-clear, expertly balanced information during sets, but again, at medium volumes, I found the focus on bass to be pleasing, rather than a source of severe bloating.

The only other complaint I’d have sonically is that highs can sometimes sound a touch inaccurate with these IEMs. For instance, cymbals in I Want You sounded prominent but slightly harsh, particularly the crash that connects the intro to the main portion of the track. But otherwise, audio quality is up to standard here. Vocals, although not perfectly breathy or realistic, are clear and well-balanced, while music rarely sounds distorted or tinny.

Despite offering commendable audio quality, I’d argue that the real highlight of the SE215 is in another domain entirely – passive noise isolation. I’ve been impressed by Shure’s wired noise cancellation before (see my Shure AONIC 3 review), and these deliver more than enough protection against external sounds.

When using the default foam tips and listening at around 50% volume I could barely hear anything in my office, from typing through to colleagues conversing. At one stage, there was some drilling taking place, which was audible, but strongly dulled, thanks to the excellent seal these ear tips provide. So, if you’re a musician who needs a consistent, clear audio feed, free from too much distraction, the SE215 will serve you well.

Speaking of the included ear tips, you get the usual selection of small, medium and large included. But that’s not all, you also get the same, but in gel form, if you find that more comfortable for longer in-ear listening. On top of that, you get a fabric carrying case included with the earbuds, which has a clip that can attach to a belt or bag – pretty handy. For the price, you do get a decent amount included, but something worth considering is that there’s no in-line mic or controller. You can detach the cable and switch it out for an alternative with such features, but you’ll have to cough up extra for this.

I mentioned earlier that you get a great seal with these earbuds and the overall fit is very secure. The buds are attached to a bendy wire that can be molded around your ear – ideal for keeping them in-ear when you’re on the move. I would argue, however, that these aren’t the comfiest buds on the market. You definitely get a reliable, tight fit but they can feel a bit uncomfortable after a couple of hours. So, if you’re looking for a wired option for casual listening, they may not be the best option.

Regardless, these are well-made IEMs with good build quality. The earbuds I tested came in a see-through, black-tinted shell so you can see the components powering the IEMs. That might not be for everyone, but I found it made for a cool-looking aesthetic. The buds don’t appear cheap or fragile, either, so these should last you some considerable time. They don’t have a specific waterproof rating, but Shure’s website claims that they’re sweat-resistant at the least, making them fit for purpose if you’re an on-stage performer.

Finally, the included wire is decently slim, except for the slightly chunky Y-connector. You’ll hear a bit of cable noise if moving around with these earbuds, but it’s decently muted, meaning the SE215 do well at mixing style and substance overall.

All in all, the Shure SE215 are a very solid pair of entry-level IEMs, that offer impressive bass, pleasing clarity, excellent noise isolation, and a neat design. Audio can get a little bloated at top volumes and you might not find them the most comfortable buds on the market, but they’re still more than fit for purpose, whether you’re on the stage, cooking up beats in the studio or indulging in some leisurely listening at home.

Shure SE215 review: Price and release date

• $99 / £90 / AU$179
• Launched in 2011

The Shure SE215 were released all the way back in 2011, but they’re still a super-popular option among musicians and fans of wired listening in general. They’re available for around $99 / £90 / AU$179, but you can pick them up for even less on sale, so keep an eye out for sweet deals. This model is available in a range of color options, including Black, Blue, Clear and Purple.

Shure SE215 review: Specs

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Shure SE215 review: Also consider

Shure SE215 review: How I tested

• Tested for two weeks
• Used in the office and while outdoors
• Predominantly tested using Tidal on FiiO M11S

I tested the Shure SE215 over the course of two weeks. I predominantly listened with them using Tidal on the FiiO M11S, but also tried them out using Spotify on my Windows laptop. I tested the SE215 in the office, at home and while out on walks near busy roads to assess noise-isolation capabilities.

When listening to music I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains songs from a variety of genres – though I also spent hours tuning into songs from my personal library.

• First reviewed: December 2024
• Read more about how we test