Final E500

Japanese audio firm Final is noted for its headphones. The E500 wired in-ears are the cheapest pair of headphones in its extensive arsenal. They weigh just 15g in total with a robust but basic 1.2m black cable with a small slider where the two earpiece cables join.

There’s no in-line mic or volume control and the 3.5mm headphone jack means you’ll need a dongle for use with an IOS device. The jack is mounted at a right angle to the cable, so the wire sits almost flush against your device when plugged in, which minimises cable kinks and noise if your phone is left in a bag or pocket.

The earphones have a cool, understated aesthetic. The buds fit perfectly; the E500s are light, comfortable and secure in our ears, with pleasing levels of natural noise isolation to boot.

Surprisingly, Final’s 6.4mm small aperture dynamic driver, the same driver that’s used in all of the firm’s E-series in-ears, including the E5000s (£219), is nestled inside those housings.

While the cost of the Finals is relatively trivial, we soon learn that their sound is anything but. We cue up Buzzcocks’ Ever Fallen In Love and the intro’s up-tempo riffs and drums are relayed with energy and clarity. There’s plenty of electric guitar detail coming through our right ear, while Pete Shelley’s vocal is textured and central in a pleasingly broad soundstage as the Final E500s reveal a trouble-free treble that never comes off harsh.

As we continue listening, despite enjoying the E500’s timing chops, a shortfall in terms of influence through the low-end continues to present itself. As we listen to grimier tracks from Stormzy and funk-heavy Prince songs, the bass lacks power and authority.

Of course, it’s easily argued that’s acceptable at this price-point – and the Final E500s are almost certainly a step up in terms of timing, spaciousness, clarity and comfort from the headphones bundled with your smartphone.