Shop for headphones

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 75 reviews

The Bottom Line: While they're no bargain, the Bose QuietComfort 15s currently offer the best sound and silencing capabilities in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Silver, 7.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, TriPort acoustic headphone structure, Bose acoustic equalization, Limited warranty - Lifetime

• 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 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: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 82 reviews

The Bottom Line: With the QuietComfort 3s, Bose has done a remarkable job of shrinking its popular noise-canceling headphones while achieving similarly impressive sound quality--but that engineering feat doesn't come cheap. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 5.6 oz, Stereo, Noise canceling circuit

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC1 headphones are a great option for frequent fliers, thanks to their compact, lightweight design, noise cancellation functionality, and good overall sound quality. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 0.2 lbs, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise cancelling technology, Fold-up design, Soft ear pads, Limited warranty - 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 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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 40 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Beats Pro by Dr. Dre from Monster Headphones deliver a sturdy design and top-notch sound quality for those who enjoy skull-shattering bass. If you're a casual listener and can afford them, they're a worthy investment, but if you're an audio purist then you may want to comparison shop. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, White, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 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:
  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:
  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:
  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:
  4.5 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:
  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: 7.7 (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: 7.5 (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:
  4.0 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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: The sleek TMA-1 headphones by Aiaiai are ideal for traveling DJs who need tough headphones with an up-front, bass-slamming sound profile. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 6.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 0.4 m coil for greater flexibility, 3 mm cotton fiber filter, 40 mm driver unit

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The AKG K495 NCs aren't as comfortable and don't sound quite as good as the Bose QC 15s, but they're built better, offer very good noise-cancellation, and recharge via USB. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black leather with brushed metal parts, 8.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 3D-Axis2 mechanism

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 197 reviews

The Bottom Line: Bose's standard-setting noise-canceling headphones have just upped the ante. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 7.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise canceling circuit, Battery level indication

• 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: Sennheiser's HD 700 isn't just one of the best-sounding headphone models we've tested, it's also remarkably comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 9.5 oz, Stereo, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Limited warranty - 2 years

• 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: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Sennheiser RS 220 is one of the best-sounding wireless headphones on the market, but its super sonics don't offset its ambitious price tag when other models in the same line offer similar performance for less. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 11.6 oz, Stereo, Balance control, Volume control

• 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