Shop for headphones

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Bona fide $100 audiophile headphones are rare, but the Noontec Zoros' remarkably clear and balanced sound will wow the cognoscenti. Read review

Specs: Headphones, Over-the-ear

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Sennheiser RS 180's sound is competitive with similarly priced wired headphones, which should make the RS 180 irresistible to audiophiles seeking to cut the cord. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Klipsch Image S4 II in-ear headphones add a new, more durable tangle-resistant flat cord while retaining their very respectable sound quality and superior comfort. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, White, 0.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Flat cable, Anti tangle cord, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: The new HD 598's "wow" styling updates the classic Sennheiser look, and the sound has more detail and higher resolution than previous models. We recommend these cans to anyone looking for a pair of headphones with precision sound quality and a wide-open soundstage. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 9.5 oz, Stereo, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement technology (E.A.R.) technology, Duofol diaphragms, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 14 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Cobalt, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: While in sound quality the Monster iSport Intensity earphones are a step down from the noise-isolating Immersion models, they offer good sound and a comfortable, secure fit with an open design that will appeal to folks who don't like having eartips jammed into their ears. Read review

Specs: In-Ear-bud, Sweat resistant, Answer/end button, Noise canceling circuit

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Jays A-Jays Four earphones provide a well-balanced sound and a polished, utilitarian design that make them excellent replacement earphones for your iOS device. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Black, 0.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, JAYS Sound Isolating System, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Beats by Dr. Dre Executive noise-canceling headphones have an appealing design, strong features, and good sound, but they don't quite measure up to the Bose QuietComfort 15 noise-canceling headphones. Read review

Specs: Headphones, Ear-cup, Volume control, iPhone/iPod/iPad compatible, Built-in microphone, Foldable design, Noise canceling circuit

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: While their build quality is nothing special, the Noontec Zoro HD headphones improve on the original Zoros, offering audiophile-grade sound in a $100 pair of headphones. Read review

Specs: Over-the-ear

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.3 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 21 reviews

The Bottom Line: Though the ultra-affordable Sennheiser HD 201 headphones provide natural sound and capable performance, commuters may find the low volume output an issue when listening to music in highly trafficked environments. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 5.8 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: The RS 170 continues Sennheiser's unchanging dedication to sonic clarity and they're well worth the price for anyone looking to grab wireless sound from a TV, AV receiver, cable box, or game console. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.3 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 7 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sennheiser's exquisite HD 800s sound more like listening to full-size speakers than any other headphones we've heard to date. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 11.6 oz, Stereo, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: While they're not in the same league as the step-up ATH-M50, the Audio-Technica ATH-M35 costs a lot less and offers impressive performance and decent build quality for the money -- plus it has the fold-up element that's missing from the ATH-M30. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Drivers with Copper-Clad Aluminium Wire

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: You can debate the price, but the Bose OE2s are very comfortable everyday-use headphones with a compact frame and balanced, detailed sound. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 4.9 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Bose acoustic equalization, TriPort acoustic headphone structure, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: While they're no bargain, the Bose SEI2 and SEI2i have an appealing, sweat-resistant design, are very comfortable to wear, and offer decent sound. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Green, 0.6 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, TriPort acoustic headphone structure, StayHear tips, Weatherproof, Sweat resistant

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews

The Bottom Line: While the Secure Loop design may not be a perfect fit for every ear, the Bowers & Wilkins C5s are among the best-sounding earphones in their sub-$200 price class. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Volume control

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Although they won't satisfy audiophiles and purists, we prefer the Soul by Ludacris SL300 headphones over the competition for their sexy light-up earpieces, supreme comfort, and street-savvy noise cancellation. Read review

Specs: Headphones, Over-the-ear, Gold, Stereo, Noise cancelling technology, Articulating earcups, Seamless signal transfer, iPhone/iPad/iPod compatible

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's very affordable RP-HJE355 series in-ear headphones sound as good as many earphones that cost twice as much. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Red, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Passive noise reduction, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's audiophile-grade XBA-4 in-ear headphones deliver highly refined sound, with potent bass, airy treble, and excellent noise-isolating performance. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Shure SE425 sound-isolating earphones are an excellent choice for eclectic listeners who demand stellar audio and a high-quality design. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Metallic silver, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold plated connectors, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Grado SR80i headphones are a great budget pair that offer sparkling sound with tight bass and are best suited to home use. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Stereo

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 35 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sennheiser's affordable, comfortable wireless headphones sound almost as good as corded 'phones. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 8.1 oz, Stereo, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you like the round-the-head fit, the unique design of the Arriva Leo makes it worthy of consideration for joggers and other active listeners. Read review

Specs: Headphones, Behind-the-neck, Black, Stereo, Portable, Built-in microphone, Bluetooth 2.1

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 30 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 4.6 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: For under $10, you'll be hard-pressed to find in-ear headphones that sound better and are more comfortable than the Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120s. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Black, 0.1 oz, Stereo, 9 mm driver unit, 3.5 mm plug