Best wired in-ear monitors for musicians

Top pick: Shure SE215 — the stage-standard wired IEM. Sound-isolating sleeves block the drums and monitors so you hear your mix at lower volume, the cable detaches and is easy to replace when it fails, and the fit is comfortable for long sets. If you want one pair that just works on stage and in the studio, this is it.

Who the others suit:

• Sennheiser IE 100 Pro — a light, tough, budget-friendly first IEM for rehearsal and small gigs.
• Audio-Technica ATH-E70 — a step up in detail for players who mix their own monitors and want to hear nuance.
• LETSHUOER S12 — planar drivers with a big, open sound for listeners who want the most detail per dollar; ships from abroad.
• Wave Pro 2 — a hybrid multi-driver set for those chasing a fuller, more "hi-fi" sound.
• KZ ZSN Pro / CCA — cheap spares or a second pair for a bandmate; fine for practice, less refined on stage.

Whatever you pick, get a good seal first — isolation matters more than the driver count.