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Klipsch S3m Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Klipsch S3m review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

8.2

User score

Good
4.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.4

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(291)
amazon
4.1
(121)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(291)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(121)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 8.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • klipsch-s3m
klipsch-s3m

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Klipsch S3m is a lightweight in-ear headphone featuring customized 5.8mm dynamic moving-coil drivers and a frequency response of 12Hz–18kHz. Weighing just 11 grams, these wired earbuds utilize a 3.5mm jack and a tangle-resistant cable, offering an impedance of 18 ohms and a sensitivity of 106dB. Main characteristics include a universal single-button remote with a 360-degree microphone and patented oval ear tips that provide up to -16dB of passive noise isolation. Key pros are their exceptional comfort for long-term wear, compatibility across mobile platforms, and clear, full-bodied audio performance. However, some cons include a perceived lack of deep bass for certain users, the absence of dedicated on-wire volume controls, and a build quality that some find less durable than higher-end models.

Technical Specifications of Klipsch S3m

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.4

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.9

Calls & Controls

4.8
Klipsch S3m has a technical score of 4.76 points, which is lower than that of 56.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(291)
amazon
4.1
(121)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(291)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(121)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.2
Klipsch S3m has a user score of 8.21 points, which is higher than that of 67.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
8.2
Klipsch S3m has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 66.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.8
Klipsch S3m has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Klipsch S3m does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.8 mm
Klipsch S3m uses a driver size of 5.8 mm, smaller driver size than 99.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Klipsch S3m uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

12 Hz
Klipsch S3m reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Klipsch S3m supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Klipsch S3m is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Klipsch S3m has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

yes
Klipsch S3m includes a boom microphone. 84.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Klipsch S3m supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Klipsch S3m does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Klipsch S3m supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Klipsch
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

11 g
Klipsch S3m weighs 11 g, lighter than 94.2% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Klipsch S3m vs the average headphone

  • 95% lower weight
    Klipsch S3m is lighter than the average headphone (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Klipsch S3m is lighter than the average headphone (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.11 g vs 218 g
  • Clear call microphone
    Klipsch S3m offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Klipsch S3m offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Klipsch S3m includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Klipsch S3m includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Klipsch S3m includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Klipsch S3m includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Klipsch S3m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Klipsch S3m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Klipsch S3m has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Klipsch S3m has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Boom microphone included
    Klipsch S3m includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
    What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
    When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

    Importance: LOW

    Klipsch S3m includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 95% lower weight
    Klipsch S3m is lighter than the average headphone (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Klipsch S3m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Klipsch S3m has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Klipsch S3m includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    Klipsch S3m offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Klipsch S3m includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Klipsch S3m includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Klipsch S3m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 34.2 mm smaller driver size
    Klipsch S3m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 4 years older release date
    Klipsch S3m was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    August 2013
  • 34.2 mm smaller driver size
    Klipsch S3m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Klipsch S3m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.5.8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Klipsch S3m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Klipsch S3m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 years older release date
    Klipsch S3m was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    August 2013
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Klipsch S3m was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
Total
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Klipsch S3m and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
291 Reviews
amazon
4.1
121 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
291 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
121 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Klipsch S3m?

  • Patented oval ear tips provide a very comfortable and secure fit, even for long listening sessions.
  • Excellent passive noise isolation that effectively blocks out environmental sounds like airplane cabin noise.
  • Great overall value, especially when purchased on sale, offering better audio than most stock phone earbuds.
  • Lightweight and compact design makes them highly portable for travel and commuting.
  • Clear mids and crisp high tones that perform well for vocals and acoustic tracks.

What customers dislike about Klipsch S3m?

  • Lack of dedicated volume control on the single-button remote; users must use their device to adjust loudness.
  • Flimsy wire and strain relief design, which some users found to be easily damaged or prone to breaking.
  • Bass response is often described as weak or lacking depth compared to higher-end models like the Klipsch S4.
  • High cable noise (microphonics), where movements or the cord hitting clothing can create a distracting 'thump' in the ears.
  • The thin cable can become easily tangled if not carefully stored in the provided case.

Expert reviews

C
cubed3.com
29/12/2013
Klipsch S3m In-Ear Headphones Review - Cubed3

The Klipsch S3m In-Ear Headphones review on Cubed3 awards the product a 7/10 score, praising its overall performance for a price tag of around £40. Engineered specifically for mobile use, these wedge-style earbuds are commended for their rich, smooth, and full-bodied audio delivery, which is powered by a customized 5.8mm moving-coil driver. The reviewer notes that they deliver...Read more

D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Klipsch Image S3m Review - Digital Trends

The Klipsch Image S3m is a conservatively stylish, budget-friendly pair of in-ear headphones priced at $49.99, specifically designed for mobile device users needing a quick, inexpensive replacement on the go. The earbuds come in a variety of vibrant colors and feature an angled cone design with 5.8mm dynamic drivers. In terms of positives, the reviewer praises the S3m for its...Read more

T
totallydubbed.net
13/09/2013
Review of the Klipsch Image S3M – Totally Dubbed

The Klipsch Image S3M is a budget-oriented earphone that mimics the sound signature of the popular S4 model but in a "dumbed down" and more affordable package. The reviewer highlights the mids, design, and lightweight plastic build as primary pros, noting that they are comfortable for long listening sessions and feature a functional in-line microphone for Android devices. The...Read more

A
avguide.ch
07/11/2013
Review: Klipsch Custom and Image In-Ear Headphones

The avguide.ch review evaluates the Klipsch Custom-1 and Custom-2 in-ear monitors, focusing on their distinct ear-hook design and audio capabilities. A major drawback shared by both models is their complex handling; users must meticulously mold the flexible ear hooks and find the correct silicone gel tips to achieve a tight seal with the ear canal, otherwise, the sound loses its...Read more

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