If you want compact wired in-ear monitors for focused audio work, choose iCON Pro Audio Element; if you need over-ear headphones with included 3.5mm and 6.5mm connections, choose Aurikall Monitor Headphones. For a kid, I’d lean toward the Aurikall for its padded over-ear fit and straightforward instrument connections, while the iCON suits someone who prefers a small, noise-isolating in-ear design. Neither is a wireless option.
• iCON Pro Audio Element: In-ear monitors with passive noise isolation and a 3.5mm jack; the trade-off is a wired, in-ear fit rather than padded over-ear cups.
• Aurikall Monitor Headphones: Over-ear design with 50mm drivers and both 3.5mm and 6.5mm connections; the trade-off is a larger headphone format.
• Choose iCON if a compact fit and isolation from surrounding sound matter most.
• Choose Aurikall if you want headphones aimed at musical instruments and appreciate the included connection options.
• For a kid: Aurikall may be the more approachable fit if over-ear headphones are more comfortable than earphones; the iCON may suit a child who already prefers in-ear designs.
The iCON Pro Audio Element is a wired in-ear monitor built around a compact earphone shape. Its 3.5mm jack works with devices that have a compatible headphone connection, and its passive isolation is intended to reduce some surrounding noise. That combination makes sense for focused listening, vocal tracking, or editing in a space where outside sound can distract.
The product information describes an eight-driver hybrid design, with dynamic drivers listed in the 9mm-to-14mm range. The stated frequency range is 20Hz to 20kHz, and the listed impedance is 100 ohms. Those details may matter when considering the source equipment and how the earphones fit into a monitoring setup. The product description also mentions a cable up to three meters long, which can be useful when a listener needs some room to move around a desk or studio area.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-22 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
I’d consider the iCON for someone who wants a compact wired monitor and is comfortable with ear tips sitting in the ears. Passive isolation can help with focus, but it does not make these a substitute for wireless headphones for swimming; the product information does not describe them as wireless or suitable for water use.
Aurikall Monitor Headphones: Who It's For
Aurikall takes the more familiar over-ear route. It is described as a wired monitor headphone for instruments such as electronic keyboards, drum machines, electric guitars, and pianos. Its 50mm drivers and 20Hz-to-20kHz frequency response are specified for audio monitoring, while the 32-ohm impedance is another useful point to check against the intended device.
I’d look at Aurikall for a beginner keyboard player, a home music setup, or someone who wants an over-ear headset with a microphone cable included. It may also be the more straightforward choice for a kid who dislikes in-ear earphones, provided the over-ear fit suits them. Skip it if you want a small earphone that blocks ambient noise through an in-ear design, or if you need a wireless headset. The listed connections are wired, and the supplied details don’t specify wireless use or a water-resistance rating.
• Best for a compact in-ear fit → iCON Pro Audio Element. Its earphone design takes up less space than an over-ear headset, though comfort depends on whether the listener likes in-ear wear.
• Best for instrument connections → Aurikall Monitor Headphones. The included cable options cover 3.5mm and 6.5mm connections, which is useful with compatible instruments and audio equipment.
• Best for passive noise isolation → iCON Pro Audio Element. Its product information identifies passive noise control and an earplug-style design. That may help reduce distractions, but it isn’t a stated noise-cancelling electronics feature.
• Best for a microphone cable → Aurikall Monitor Headphones. The listed 1.2-meter cable includes a microphone. That makes Aurikall the clearer pick if you specifically want with mic earphones or a wired headset for calls.
• Best for a kid who prefers over-ear headphones → Aurikall Monitor Headphones. Soft ear pads and a self-adjusting headband offer a different wearing experience from the iCON’s in-ear shape.
• Best for a kid who prefers small earphones → iCON Pro Audio Element. Its compact in-ear format may suit a listener who finds over-ear headphones cumbersome, but it has no microphone specified in the supplied details.
• Best for a music-making desk setup → Aurikall Monitor Headphones. The instrument-oriented design and coiled cable with a 6.35mm connection are practical advantages when the device supports that jack.
• Best for a listener seeking a sweat-resistant neckband → neither based on the provided information. Neither product is described as a neckband or given a sweat-resistance rating. Aurikall is an over-ear headset; iCON is a wired in-ear monitor.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I’d choose Aurikall Monitor Headphones for a kid who will use them with a keyboard, computer, or other compatible instrument. The over-ear format, included microphone cable, and 3.5mm/6.5mm connection options make them the more flexible fit for that scenario. I’d choose the iCON instead for a listener who wants compact in-ear monitors and values passive isolation. For a kid, the right fit matters more than the driver figures: consider whether they’re comfortable wearing earphones in their ears or prefer padded cups.
I’d lean toward Aurikall if the child prefers over-ear headphones, since it has soft ear pads and a self-adjusting headband. The iCON is the alternative for a child who prefers an in-ear fit; neither product’s details establish a specific age suitability beyond the iCON listing including kids in its age-range description.
Neither is described as wireless or intended for swimming. Both are wired products, and the supplied information does not state that either has water resistance.
Aurikall’s listed package includes a 1.2-meter cable with a microphone and a 3.5mm plug. The supplied iCON details do not specify a built-in microphone or microphone cable.
Either could suit wired podcast listening with a compatible device, but they serve different preferences: iCON is an in-ear monitor with passive isolation, while Aurikall is an over-ear headset and includes a microphone cable. If you’re searching for the best sweat resistant neckband headphones for podcast use, neither matches that description based on the information provided.
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