Shop for headphones

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

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, White, 5.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• 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: 7.7 (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:
  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:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 5 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 4.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Adjustable headband, L-shaped plug, CCAW voice coil

• 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, 4.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug, 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: 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:
  3.5 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: 3.0 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:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 83 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 4.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Reversible earcups, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones' impressive combination of design, sound quality, and features put it near the top of the class for portable headphones in its price range. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, On-ear, White, 4.6 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 2x 30mm driver, Mylar damped laminate diaphragm, iPhone compatible remote control cable, Universal cable, 3.5mm stereo mini jack, 2.5mm mini jack

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 25 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 4.4 oz, 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 1 review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 4.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Adjustable headband, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug, CCAW voice coil

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 94 reviews

The Bottom Line: This TriPort set is the poor man's QuietComfort 2. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Glacier blue, 5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• 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: 5.0 stars out of 7 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 4.9 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.3 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 5 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, White, 4.7 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: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: While they may not be truly special for their modest price, the Incipio f38s are solid, good-sounding headphones for the money. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Over-the-head, Neon pink, 5.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Soft cushions, Limited warranty - Lifetime

• 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 Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones' impressive combination of design, sound quality, and features put it near the top of the class for portable headphones in its price range. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, On-ear, White, 4.6 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 2x 30mm driver, Mylar damped laminate diaphragm, iPhone compatible remote control cable, Universal cable, 3.5mm stereo mini jack, 2.5mm mini jack

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.3 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: Frequent fliers operating on a tight budget should consider the JVC HA-NC80 Noise Canceling Headphones, but those with sensitive ears might want to steer clear. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 5.8 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Noise canceling circuit, Foldable

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black with silver elements, 5.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 3D-Axis2 mechanism

• 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!

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 5.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Adjustable headband, Nickel plated connector, Slide switch control, Noise canceling circuit, Foldable