Shop for headphones

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: They may cost as much as a big-screen TV, but the PS1000s are simply the best-sounding, most comfortable, and best-looking Grado headphones we've ever tested. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Open acoustic seal, Open-back earcups, Metal-framed outer grill structure, Dynamic driver, Limited warranty - 1 year

• 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: First-rate clarity, detail, and bass impact by way of new driver technology help propel the HiFiMan HE-400 headphones to the top of their price class. Read review

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 11 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Radius Atomic Bass earphones are a good choice for bass-addicts with an eye for style and a concern for budget. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-bud, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: While some folks may encounter come comfort issues, the Velodyne vPulse in-ear headphones offer excellent sound for the money and will particularly appeal to bass lovers. Read review

Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Black, Stereo, 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug, Aluminum housing, 10 mm dynamic drivers, Passive noise isolation

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Shure SRH440 headphones might not appeal to people who use higher-end equipment or who want skull-shattering bass, but as a step into the world of home studio recording, they sound great with a wide range of musical genres--and the price is right. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 6.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Adjustable headband, Gold-plated plug, Coiled cable, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: Despite a few shortcomings, TDK's WR700 wireless headphones--which use Kleer wireless technology instead of Bluetooth--deliver good sound for a reasonable price. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 6 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - Lifetime

• 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 they may not offer the perfect fit for everyone, the ATH-WS55 Solid Bass headphones offer impressive sound for the money. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 5.8 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Dual Chamber Mechanism, Foldable, Adjustable headband, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 7 reviews

The Bottom Line: With a sleek design, a range of ear tips, and supreme sound reproduction, the Ultimate Ears 700 headphones are worthy of an audiophile's ear and earn our recommendation. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, Anti tangle cord, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Sure, the Beyerdynamic T90 is pricey, but no other less-expensive headphone can match the T90's combination of comfort, sound, and build quality. Read review

Specs: Over-the-head

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 134 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an affordable, decent-sounding pair of earbuds, start with the Sennheiser CX 300. Sennheiser's first in-ear design sounds like a winner to us. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-bud, Black, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: Anyone looking for ultracompact headphones with top-notch sound quality should consider the Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones. This set will cost you a pretty penny, but it'll be worth it. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Metallic bronze, 1.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  2.5 stars Average

  Overall score: 5.7 (2.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sync by 50 wireless headphones made the right move using Kleer technology for lossless sound, but SMS Audio needs to fix severe design flaws and lower the price before they're ready for battle. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, White, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Passive noise cancellation, Sync up to 4 users, 40 mm driver, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Westone 2 True-Fit Earphones offer great sound and features for the money; those who find triple-driver earbuds too large for their ears should take heed. Read review

• 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: While the Etymotic ER-4PTs have less low-end oomph than some competing earphones in this price class, they deliver excellent sound with very accurate tonal balance. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-bud, Stereo, Noise isolation technology, ACCU Driver technology, 3.5 mm stereo plug, Limited warranty - Replacement - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Grado's audiophile-friendly SR225i headphones deliver stellar sound quality, though some design caveats may limit their appeal for on-the-go listening. Read review

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

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.2 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: 2.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: While their sound and design may not appeal to everyone, the Panasonic RP-HTX7s are excellent entry-level over-the-ear headphones that are a good bargain. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• CNET Editor rating:
  2.5 stars Average

  Overall score: 5.3 (2.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Sony XBA-NC85D is marginally effective at canceling noise and its disappointing sound quality does nothing to offset the exorbitant price. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug, Noise canceling circuit

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: The MEElectronics M6 earphones are a great value for bass-addicts, thanks to solid sound quality, a rugged design, and plenty of features. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Clear, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Sound-isolating design, Lightweight, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Yamaha EPH-30 Inner Ear Headphones are a fantastic option for anyone on a budget, offering sound quality on par with the sound of sets that cost at least twice as much. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, White, 0.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Durable, Noise isolation, Dynamic driver, 3.5 mm stereo plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 19 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 6.5 oz, Stereo, Extra Bass, Gold plated connectors, L-shaped plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Marshall Major headphones live up to Marshall's strong legacy with a familiar shape and excellent acoustics to match its line of amps. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Over-the-ear, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Foldable design, Soft ear cushions, 3.5 / 6.3 mm music player compatible, Limited warranty - Replacement - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones may lighten the wallet, but they are a great option for frequent fliers and tetchy commuters who need superior noise cancellation. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 6.9 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, L-shaped plug, Noise canceling circuit, Foldable, Noise-Cancelling Switch

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Philips O'Neill The Stretch TR 55LX get a birdie for design but only hit par for sound quality. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Single-sided cable, Self-adjusting inner headband, CCAW voice coil, Gold plated connectors