Shop for headphones

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.6 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 26 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are among the best available for less than $200, offering excellent sound and build quality. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 10 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you can't afford Bose's QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones, the attractively designed and more affordable Sony MDR-NC200Ds are worth your consideration. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 6.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Artificial Intelligence Sound, Battery level indication, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug, Noise canceling circuit, Digital noise reduction, Noise-Cancelling Switch

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 5 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, Black/White, 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: 3.5 stars out of 42 reviews

The Bottom Line: While we've heard earphones that sound better for the money, Bose has improved its in-ear headphones so they fit--and sound better--than its previous in-ear model. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Acoustic design, Durable, Comfortable stayhear tips, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 31 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you can't afford Bose's noise-canceling models, the Bose AE2s--and their improved design and sound quality--make for a good alternative at half the price. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Silver, 4.9 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Detachable cable, TriPort acoustic headphone structure, Adjustable headband, Bose acoustic equalization, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 117 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sennheiser's versatile headphones sound great on DVDs and all kinds of music. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 10.1 oz, 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:
  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:
  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:
  3.5 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: 7.0 (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:
  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: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: While they're light on extras, the well-priced HiFiMan RE-400s offer excellent, accurate sound that's aimed at audiophiles on a budget. Read review

Specs: In-ear ear-bud

• 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:
  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:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 60 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a good value in Bose headphones, the company's OE (On-Ear) models makes a strong case--even if they're not cheap. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 5.2 oz, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: We hoped that the Audio-Technica's QuietPoint ATH-ANC7b noise-canceling headphones would deliver more bang for the buck than Bose's noise-canceling models--but they don't. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 7.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise canceling circuit, Lightweight, Fold-flat design, Closed-back headphones, Comfortable earcups

• 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: 4.0 stars out of 6 reviews

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

• 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: 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, Gold plated connectors, Self-adjusting inner headband, CCAW voice coil

• 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: 3.0 stars out of 15 reviews

The Bottom Line: The JVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones make a great travel companion for those who demand quality sound. And they may not be cheap, but they seem that way next to the Bose QuietComfort 3. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 5.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise canceling circuit, Foldable, Noise-Cancelling Switch