Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Shure SE215-CL vs Shure SE535

The SE535 is the step-up pick: three balanced armature drivers per ear (one tweeter, two woofers) give clearer separation and more detail than the SE215's single dynamic driver, and owners rate it highly. The SE215 wins on bass weight and ruggedness for the money, with a warmer, more forgiving sound. Both share Shure's over-ear fit, MMCX detachable cables and up to 37 dB of isolation, so the real split is detail versus bass and how much you want to spend.

  • Choose the SE215 if you want punchy bass, a tough everyday in-ear for stage or commute, and you would rather replace a cable than a whole earphone.
  • Choose the SE535 if you listen critically, want clearer highs and tighter separation across instruments, and plan to keep them for years.

Prices

  • Shure SE215-CL: $89.47 at Empire Pro (last seen Nov 9)
  • Shure SE535: $389.00 at maxgaming store (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Shure SE215-CL is $299.53 cheaper than the Shure SE535 at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)
Shure
Shure SE215-CL In Ear Monitors

Shure SE215-CL

Shure SE215-CL In Ear Monitors

$89.47at Empire ProChecked 19 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Empire Pro
Pros
  • Enhanced bass suits rock, hip-hop and live monitoring
  • Single dynamic driver is forgiving of poor recordings and phone output
  • Detachable MMCX cable means a broken cable is a cheap fix
  • Up to 37 dB isolation with the included foam and flex sleeves
  • Lightweight shell and over-ear wire stay put during movement
Cons
  • Less detail and treble clarity than the SE535
  • Bass can sound bloated to listeners who want neutral sound
  • No wireless adapter option
  • Only one driver per ear, so instrument separation is limited
Shure
Shure Se535

Shure SE535

Shure Se535

5(295 ratings)
$389.00at maxgaming storeChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit maxgaming store
Pros
  • Triple drivers give clear highs and tight, controlled bass
  • Noticeably more detail and separation on complex music
  • Same excellent isolation and comfortable over-ear fit as the SE215
  • Detachable cable plus 1/4-inch and airplane adapters in the box
  • Can become wireless with the RMCE-TW2 adapter
Cons
  • Costs considerably more than the SE215
  • Balanced armature sound exposes bad recordings and low-bitrate files
  • Less bass slam than the SE215 out of the box
  • Needs a decent source to show what it can do

What separates them

Shure SE215-CLShure SE535
Driver designSingle dynamic MicroDriverThree balanced armature drivers per ear (one tweeter, two woofers)
Sound signatureWarm with enhanced bassNeutral-leaning, detailed, strong separation of highs and lows
Frequency range22 Hz–17.5 kHz18 Hz–19 kHz
Impedance and sensitivity17 ohm, 107 dB SPL/mW — easy to drive from a phone36 ohm, 119 dB SPL/mW — also easy to drive, scales with a better source
Noise isolationUp to 37 dB with the included sleevesUp to 37 dB with the included sleeves
Cable and connectorsDetachable Kevlar-reinforced cable, gold-plated MMCX, lock-snap, 360-degree rotationDetachable Kevlar-reinforced cable, gold-plated MMCX, lock-snap, 360-degree rotation, plus 1/4-inch and airplane adapters
Wireless optionWired onlyCan go wireless with the separately sold RMCE-TW2 adapter
Build and replacement partsLightweight low-profile shell, replaceable cable, 2-year warrantySame over-ear shell design, replaceable cable, higher-grade drivers

Price history

$419.00$99.00
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Shure SE215-CL: lowest $99.00 on Nov 9 at Musician's Friend.
  • Shure SE535: lowest $389.00 on Nov 9 at maxgaming store; $419.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Shure SE215-CL

  • Empire ProNew

    In stock

    $89.47Checked 19 h ago
    Visit Empire Pro
  • Musician's FriendNew

    In stock

    $99.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit Musician's Friend
  • Spicer's MusicNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $109.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit Spicer's Music
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by kassandralons0 (98.8% positive, 2,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $98.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 9 stores and price history →

Shure SE535

  • maxgaming storeNew

    In stock

    $389.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit maxgaming store
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $419.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Guitar Center
  • Musician's FriendNew

    In stock

    $419.00Checked 19 h ago
    Visit Musician's Friend
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by musiciansfriend (99.8% positive, 460,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $419.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 26 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecShure SE215-CLShure SE535
colorClearRed
sizeClear—
Speaker TypeSingle Dynamic MicroDriver—
Noise Isolationup to 37 dB—
Connector TypeGold plated MMCX Connector—
Cable Length64"—
Transducer TypeSingle High-Definition MicroDriver—
Sensitivity107 dB SPL/mW—
Impedance17 ohm—
Frequency Range22 Hz–17.5 kHz—
Net Weight30 g (1 oz.)—
Maximum Frequency Response17.50 kHz—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecShure SE215-CLShure SE535
Minimum Frequency Response22 Hz—
Headphone Connector Type3.5 mm—
Connectivity—Wired
With Microphone—Yes
Style—In-ear
Wireless—No
Microphone—No
Background Noise Activation—No
Connector on Cable—3.5 mm
Speaker Configuration

What reviewers say

Shure SE215-CL

Owners and reviewers generally praise the SE215 for its robust build, secure fit, and strong bass, often calling it a reliable entry-level in-ear monitor. Criticisms focus on the recessed treble, the bulky cable, and the need to experiment with tips for a good seal.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityMixedReviewers like the enhanced bass but say the treble is recessed and lacks detail.
  • Noise isolationPraisedOwners report that the sleeves block a lot of ambient noise, making them great for commuting.
  • Build and cableMixedThe detachable cable is seen as durable, but some find it thick and heavy.
  • Fit and comfortMixedMany find the over-ear fit secure and comfortable, though some need to try different tips to get a good seal.

Shure SE535

  • 5 / 5295 ratings

Owners rate it highly and often keep it for years. They praise the midrange, vocal clarity and noise isolation, and like that the cable can be replaced. Complaints center on the relaxed treble, modest sub-bass and the fit of the larger shells.

What people mention
  • Sound signatureMixedOwners like the smooth mids and vocals but say the highs are rolled off and the bass is polite.
  • IsolationPraisedA deep seal with the foam sleeves blocks engine and crowd noise well.
  • FitMixedMany get a secure seal from the sleeve kit, but the large shells press on smaller ears.

Questions and answers

Which is better for commuting and noisy trains?
Both isolate up to 37 dB with a proper sleeve fit, so either works well. The SE215's warmer bass masks rumble better; the SE535 lets more detail through once the noise is gone.
Is the SE535 worth stepping up to from the SE215?
If you listen critically and want clearer highs and better instrument separation, yes. If you mainly want bass and durability for stage or gym use, the SE215 covers it.
Which lasts longer?
Both use the same detachable Kevlar-reinforced MMCX cable and over-ear shell design, so cable wear is the main failure point and is fixable on either. The SE535's balanced armature drivers have no moving diaphragm, which some owners see as an edge in long-term reliability.
Can I use either with a phone?
Yes. Both are wired 3.5 mm and easy to drive; the SE215 at 17 ohm is slightly easier on weak phone outputs. The SE535 can also go wireless with the separately sold RMCE-TW2 adapter.
Which has more bass?
The SE215. Its single dynamic driver is tuned for enhanced bass. The SE535 is more neutral, with tighter but less prominent low end.
Do they fit the same ear tips?
Yes. Both use Shure's sound-isolating sleeve system and ship with multiple sizes, so tips are interchangeable between them.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

—
2.0 (stereo)
Foldable—No
Type of Headphone—In-Ear
  • CableMixedThe detachable MMCX cable is a plus, though some find the stock cable stiff and noisy when it rubs.