These earphones are most effective and show their true value in noisier environments including when traveling (buses, trains, airplanes), on the street, or when others are talking loudly in the background.  They provide a definite improvement in sound quality and comfort when compared to standard headphones usually included with mp3 players or cell phones.

The Shure SE110 Earphones are an entry-level model of Shure earphones, so there are other earphones available that have higher quality audio and better specifications. But, if your focus is on sound isolation and construction quality, then the Shure SE110 Earphones provide good value and are built with durability as a top priority, while also being covered with Shure’s highly-regarded two-year warranty. These earphones are no longer a new product but at current prices, they provide excellent value for your money, especially when compared to their original price when first released.

The goal of this article is to filter out the noise, and to accurately present the common issues and widespread views related to the user friendliness of the Shure SE110 Earphones, from the average user’s perspective, based on user experiences. In other words, comments, views, and personal preferences (positive or negative) that are not supported or repeated by others, are not the focus here.

Highlights of the Shure SE110

• Blocks background noise: Largely blocks out background noise heard when travelling (bus, train, or airplane), from appliances (fans, air conditioners, or heaters), from nearby construction, from street traffic, or from others talking loudly. They almost function as earplugs while they play your music, thus you should avoid using them when your full concentration is required, like when riding a bike on a busy street.
• Preserve hearing: Sound isolation (or noise isolation) helps prevent hearing damage, that can otherwise be caused by listening at higher volumes to compensate for external noise.
• True sound isolation: In-ear earphones are more effective than over-the-ear headphones for sound isolation, due to the tighter seal it forms with your ear. This is a more natural way to block out external sounds, compared to over-the-ear headphones which are heavier and require batteries to cancel out the noise, rather than block it.
• Durability: Well-designed, includes an extension cable that is much thicker than standard earphone, which helps avoid tangled cables that can cause damage to the earphones. Any damage to the extension cable would also not require the earphones to be repaired or replaced.
• Custom fit: Included “Fit Kit” of earphone covers provides more choices for a better earphone fit and seal, for different ear sizes and shapes.
• Longer listening: Improved sound quality and comfort over standard mp3 player headphones, especially for longer listening sessions.
• Warranty: Shure’s 2-year warranty is highly-regarded by users and will replace or repair products without any hassles, while customer service is very responsive and helpful.

Potential Inconveniences for Some Users

• Cord length: The included 3-foot extension cable may be longer than some people prefer, and may sometimes get it the user’s way when moving about. The actual earphone cable is short, so it is not likely to be used without the extension cable.
• Adjusting: For some people, in-ear earphones may not be as comfortable or may take some time to get used to. Without a proper fit (using the included appropriate-sized earphone covers), users may find that the quality of sound that they hear, does not match the quality of sound produced by the earphones.
• Bass preference: While not weak on these earphones, bass levels may not be strong enough for some users.
• Cleaning unavoidable: In-ear earphones (canal phones) can get dirty with ear wax, quicker than other types of earphones/headphones; though the included cleaning tool is effective and easy to use.
• Moving about: A “cable thump” effect can occur when wearing in-ear earphones in general, where you hear a “thump” sound when the earphone cable is touched. This may be a distraction for some people while active (i.e. running or exercising), but is generally not a major issue.

Shure SE110 Most Helpful User Reviews

These are user reviews & comments, both positive and negative, that are rated as being very “helpful” by larger amounts of users (generally over 80%) for the specified web site.

Topic: How They Feel & Sound Quality
95% of Amazon users found this review helpful – Full User Review

Topic: Proper Use
97% of Amazon users found this review helpful – Full User Review

Topic: Very Good Noise Isolation
95% of Amazon users found this review helpful – Full User Review

Topic: Shure’s 2-Year Warranty (Same Warranty, Different Model, Not Shure SE110)
100% of Amazon users found this review helpful – Full User Review

Topic: Noise Isolation & Comfort
78% of Amazon users found this review helpful – Full User Review

From the Forums – Related User Experiences

Forums are often the best places to find answers. Thread summaries show the key points & conclusions of the thread authors, to save you the time of searching the full thread for answers.

Major Online Reviewers

Key Specifications from Manufacturer

More Information

Shure SE110 Sound Isolating Earphones @ Shure Online Store
SE Series Earphones: Black Foam Sleeves @ Shure Online Store
MP3 Players: How Loud Is Too Loud?
Sound Isolating Earphones vs. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Notes: For all quoted, summarized, and linked text, all content credit goes to the original authors. This article is meant to provide a solid start for your research into this product, by showing what other’s have experienced.

Review Sources: Amazon.com, Apple Store, CNET.com, Head-Case.org, Head-Fi.org, PCMag.com, Shure.com