Shop for headphones

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Though they look a little cheap, the JVC Flats are lightweight, comfortable on-ear headphones that sound surprisingly good for sub-$15 headphones. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 2.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 46 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones deliver the trifecta of sleek, comfortable design, useful features, and top-notch sound quality. If you can afford them, they're a worthy investment toward an improved listening experience. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 9.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Foldable, 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: While they may not be quite as comfortable as Bose's ultrapopular QC 15 headphones, the Harman Kardon NCs offer slightly better sound and have a built-in rechargeable battery to power the active noise-cancellation circuitry. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Over-the-ear, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Passive noise reduction, Adjustable headband, Bass Boost, Digital noise reduction, Foldable, USB bus-powered, 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:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 106 reviews

The Bottom Line: The unique and stylish Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones offer solid audio, useful accessories, and a look that's anything but copycat. For fashion-forward folks with cash to spare, they're a great option. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, White, 9.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Foldable, Limited warranty - 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 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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: You may be fooled by their featherweight design, but the MEElectronics HT-21s earn our recommendation for their ample soundstage, subtle aesthetic, and portable convenience. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 45 degree plug, Gold-plated plug, Foldable, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 24 reviews

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

• 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:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.3 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 26 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony MDR-NC7 Noise Canceling headphones are an OK option for travel fiends operating on a strict budget. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 4.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Battery level indication, Noise canceling circuit, Foldable, Noise-Cancelling Switch, Limited warranty - 90 days

• 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, Adjustable headband, Dual Chamber Mechanism, Gold-plated plug, Foldable, Limited warranty - 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:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Urbanears Plattan headphones are all about style, which unfortunately doesn't leave much room for great sound in this case. Beware of mushy bass, nasally mids, and an absence of clarity. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headset, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone 3.5 mm 4-pole, Built-in microphone, Hinge construction, 40 mm handmade driver unit, Zound plug, Limited warranty - Replacement - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Urbanears Plattan Plus earphones offer equal parts style and substance for less than Apple's aftermarket earbuds, and we recommend them for casual listeners and fashionistas alike. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headset, Ear-cup, Purple, Stereo, Mini-phone 3.5 mm 4-pole, Adjustable headband, Zound plug, Volume control, Foldable, 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

• 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: The Ultrasone HFI-680 headphones' abundant bass power, forgiving treble, and isolation from external noise should make these an attractive choice for some buyers. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 10.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, S-Logic Natural Surround Sound, Gold-plated plug, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 67 reviews

The Bottom Line: The PX100 is a good choice for travelers seeking a compact headphone design. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, On-ear, 2.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Foldable, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The AKG K 518 headphones are a good value for eclectic listeners who want a portable earphone that needn't be stuck into the ear. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Fuchsia, 5.3 oz, Stereo, Gold plated connectors, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 8.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, TalkThrough function, Volume control, Foldable, NoiseGard active noise compensation, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

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, White, 4.9 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Foldable, TriPort acoustic headphone structure, Bose acoustic equalization

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Onkyo has entered the headphone market with two on-ear and two in-ear models. At first listen, they seem to offer decent bang for the buck. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Over-the-ear, 8.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Detachable cable, Flat cable, Adjustable headband, Gold plated connectors, L-shaped plug, Rotating earcups, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Semi-open, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Single-sided cable, Foldable, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 31 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, On-ear, 2.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Foldable, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.5 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Heartbeats by Lady Gaga Headphones are undeniably unique and there's little doubt that they'll attract fashionistas far and wide, but prospective buyers should be wary of potential fit issues and the overpowering low-end response. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Bright chrome, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Sound-isolating design, Silicone ear cushions, Folding mechanism, Limited warranty - 3 years