Cowon EM1, Brainwavz Jive, Soundmagic E10 and more: Best earphones under Rs 2000

Fed up with the ear-buds that come with your phone? Need better sound quality? Don’t look further, we check out the best IEM’s that money can buy on a budget.Cowon EM1Price: Rs 1,149Who says there’s nothing such as cheap and good? Cowon EM1’s are deceptively cheap and surprisingly good earphones for the money. If you are looking for a good upgrade from your packaged earphones, look no further. We love these so much that we had reviewed way back and given a, gasp, 9/10 rating for these. What’s more; if you don’t care about inline remote and mic, you can get these pairs for just Rs 850. Sweet!What’s HotGood clear sound, good soundstage, colour optionsWhat’s Not6 months product warranty Brainwavz JivePrice: Rs 1,899Brainwavz Jive is more the “premium” range in the budget bracket, you get metal casing as opposed to plastic casing that most earphones have, 3 pairs of silicone tips plus Comply S-400 foam tips, Velcro cable tie, shirt clip, earphone carrying case and logo sticker. You get all these goodies with clean, crisp sound, however you’ll feel a lack of bass which can be upped with EQ settings.What’s HotClean, crisp sound, unique toned down colours, plethora of accessoriesWhat’s NotNot for bass heads Soundmagic E10Price: Rs 1,999Soundmagic E10 are literally “magic” to the ears. You get an aluminium ear housing, a powerful bass that isn’t overpowering, regular silicone ear tips, double flange ear tips too, a cable clip and a carry case. The earphones have a twisted core cable to improve durability, lessen tangles and noise from RF interference. You have several colours to choose from and an “S” version which includes inline mic for calls for a few hundred rupees more.What’s HotExcellent sound, good bass, good sound stage, good looks and colour optionsWhat’s NotCable looks cheapSkullcandy Smokin Buds 2Price: Rs 1,790What we love about the Skullcandy Smokin Buds 2 are the funky colours, they are happy, cool, and hip, all at the same time. Well the same cannot be said about the sound around the same price range, but that’s okay, Skullcandy has always stood more for style than sound. It has few other redeeming features, “Off-Axis” tech for better angled fit and flat cable for less tangles.What’s HotCool looksWhat’s NotFor the price you can get better sound in other brandsHello Kitty Bling EarbudsPrice: Rs 1,682Aww, who can say no little cute kitties and diamond studded anything. Well…err anyone with common sense, but since most of us lack it, why not go for the Hello Kitty Bling earbuds! These earpads have terrible sound for the price, works with all devices and looks pretty when worn except if you are a guy, then it’d be just weird.What’s HotCats and BlingWhat’s NotYour common sense