Our Verdict
The Shure SE425 are a bit better for mixed usage than the SE315 thanks to their slightly better sound quality. They're just as compact and easy to carry around with a stable and durable design that would be decent for sports. Unfortunately their lack of controls, mediocre isolation and the below-average sound they may not be the ideal headphones for more critical listeners.
- Minimal leakage.
- Durable build quality.
- Stable and portable design.
- Mediocre-at-best sound quality.
- No controls.
Mediocre for neutral listening. The SE425 improve slightly on the sound quality of the SE315 with better a Mid and Treble range. However, they still have a big emphasis on low-mid that extends to the high-mid which makes their sound a bit boomy and muddy while pushing instruments and vocals to the forefront of any track. Unfortunately, those instruments and vocals do not sound as clear and detailed as some other in-ear headphones due to their somewhat inconsistent high tones. That and their closed-back, in-ear fit means they have a poor Soundstage that won't be ideal for more neutral listeners.
Mediocre for commuting and traveling. They're comfortable and they're easy to carry on you at all times. However, they isolate a little less than the SE315 and they have no control scheme which is a bit disappointing.
Average for sports. They have a good ear-hook design that's stable enough to run with and they're decently comfortable for an in-ear. Unfortunately, they don't have any controls and the audio cable may get tangled or hooked on something when exercising.
Average for office use. They barely leak even at very high volumes so they're a decent pair of headphones to use at the office. Unfortunately, their sound quality may be a bit fatiguing after using them for a while.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
See our recommendations for the best earbuds, the best closed-back headphones, and the best audiophile headphones.
The Shure SE215 and the Shure SE425 are very similar in design, but they have completely different sound profiles. The SE425 lack bass and over-emphasize frequencies in the mid and treble ranges, making them sound rather boxy and harsh. The SE215 sound significantly better-balanced in the mid-range but they lack detail and brightness, so they have a darker overall sound profile.
The BGVP DM6 are better headphones than the Shure SE425. The BGVP's sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer. They also create a better seal if you can find a decent fit, isolating more against ambient noise. On the other hand, the small design of the Shure fits more people and is very comfortable. They also come with a nice hard case to protect the headphones when you’re not using them.
The MOONDROP KATO are better IEMs for neutral sound than the Shure SE425. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the MOONDROP let you swap out their steel nozzles for brass if you prefer. They also have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. However, the Shure can block out a bit more background noise around you.
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