With so much variety in today's headphone market, sound lovers will increasingly find greater difficulty in deciding if you choose between the different versions available, especially if we are talking about those in-ear ones with cable, as is the case of the Shure SE215, which appear to be outdated models to the detriment of other more technologically advanced alternatives.
Although this is a headset launched five years ago, it still shines and delights those users who want to start enjoying high-end sound, but do not have a very high budget. In addition, They have been releasing improved versions such as the wireless model (Shure SE215 BT2).
There is often a great polarity among in-ear headphone consumers: a very low range of headphones at a ridiculous price with zero features and almost canned sound, or an extremely high range with high prices for very knowledgeable users on the subject, who know exactly what type of product they are looking for.
But right in the middle, we can find a product like this, the Shure SE215, which allows those users skeptical of wired in-ear headphones to get into this type of earphone, enjoy high-end sound and not having to invest with the total uncertainty of knowing if your purchase will be successful.
Which Shure SE215 model to choose, wireless or wired?
There are two versions of these headphones, the basic wired model or the Bluetooth one, we will find them with variations in the name:
- Shure SE215-CL: This is the wired model and everything we talk about in this review corresponds to this headset.
- Shure SE215 RMCE-BT2 (new) or Shure SE215-CL-BT1-EFS (old): model with Bluetooth function. The extras that this wireless version has are that it has Bluetooth 5.0, a 10-hour battery, a 10-meter range from the connected device, a microphone to answer calls, and volume and playback controls.
Everything the basic wired model lacks, the wireless one has.. Not only does it have the possibility of not using cables, but it also has a microphone and controls, essential functions today. If we have to choose one, we would definitely choose the Bluetooth version.
Design and comfort
For those users accustomed to using in-ear headphones, we can say that the design is perfect and will fit any intra-aural anatomy in detail. They do not have additional couplings for the outer contour, which may be inconvenient for those who are interested in using it at a very intense sporting level compared to other alternatives.
In the package we can find a set of 6 silicone pads with different textures, which will allow us maximum adaptation and a low probability of slipping and falling even in scenarios with a lot of movement.
Another very interesting thing they offer, and uncommon, is the ability to exchange the sound cable, which will prevent them from breaking prematurely, since this is usually one of the most frequent breaking points.
As for the design, it is offered in various colors, and the finishes, although valid, Plastic predominates, which provides a lower level of robustness and aesthetics than metal alternatives.
Sound above average
This is the aspect in which the headset possibly stands out the mostIt offers a quality in the bass that is well above average and has been clearly focused on providing stability in the midrange with a tendency towards bass, which means that the high-pitched sounds present in pop and classical music will not stand out as much as in other alternatives.
It's not difficult to differentiate instruments with this headset, but it doesn't shine in this aspect either. It must be remembered that we are comparing it with headphones that cost twice or even three times as much, which invites us to think that, Despite not being a top of the range, it will exceed most people's expectations..
Sound insulation and leaks
We can say that this headset As for sound leaks it is perfect, which will help us enjoy a absolute privacy depending on what we are listening to.
The isolation is almost complete, which can be a big plus for those looking for this feature, although in-ear headphones are generally designed for those who need less isolation than alternatives such as closed-back versions. This could be a pro and a con, depending on your interest, so it's important to keep this in mind.
Does it have any other additional features?
The wireless model, yesFor the same price (or even cheaper) we find the wireless version As we have mentioned above It has the additional features missing in the wired version (microphone, volume and playback control and bluetooth)
However the basic wired model, no. Being a common in-ear headset, we cannot expect great additional features, such as a microphone or a control system with accelerometers or other sensors, very common in other types of wireless headphones.
It doesn't even feature any kind of sound control on the earpiece itself, resulting in a simple pair of headphones that do their job. sole objective of offering quality sound at a reduced price.
We've already seen that it's lacking in both features and design, and perhaps we could have seen a more "stylish" earphone, one that didn't give off that cheap product feel. But it's possible that Shure preferred cut back on this aspect to offer us a well-rounded sound experience at a price suitable for most.
What can we find in the box?
The presentation of the Shure SE215 is quite decent and the accessories are very appropriate for the range we are targeting, given that, being a simple wired earphone, it does not require too much.
He cable is detachable, as we have already mentioned, of type Single 3.5mm jack with Single Dynamic MicroDriver headphone connections, owners of Shure, who will in return prevent us from purchasing a white label replacement cable.
Apart from the Complete set of silicone pads For the perfect fit in comfort that we mentioned in the previous section, we have a practical case and a small tool that will make it easier to replace and clean them.
Who are these helmets recommended for?
As we stated in the introduction, we are faced with a perfect helmet for users who want to enter the world of quality in-ear headphones, without having to justify a high budget. They are sweat resistant which makes them ideal (the wireless model) for sports if you manage to fit them well to your ear.
For those coming from very cheap headphones like the Sony MDR-XB50 or even higher ranges of wireless in-ears like the Jabra Elite 65t, the qualitative leap can be perceived immediately.