Shop for headphones/headsets

• 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, Noise cancelling circuit, Foam ear cushions, Active equalization

• 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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: For under $10, you'll be hard-pressed to find in-ear headphones that sound better and are more comfortable than the Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120s. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Orange, 0.1 oz, Stereo, 9 mm driver unit, 3.5 mm plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 16 reviews

The Bottom Line: Klipsch's ultracomfortable, noise-isolating ear tips are just one of the reasons I love and recommend the S4-series headphones. If you're an Android user shopping for a new pair of earbuds, the Image S4A headphones are definitely worth the $99. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, Limited warranty - 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 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: 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: 4.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: At around $50 online, the MEElectronics A151s are among the most affordable balanced-armature earphones out there and deliver very good sound for the money. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-bud, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 291 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Klipsch Image S4 earphones offer up sound quality on par with and better than sets that cost many times as much; they are a spectacular choice for anyone looking for new earbuds. Read review

Specs: Headphone - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug

• 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:
  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:
  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: 8.3 (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:
  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, Black, 0.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, TriPort acoustic headphone structure, StayHear tips

• 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: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 121 reviews

The Bottom Line: Koss hit a home run with the PortaPros. Love or hate the design, there's no denying the sound quality here: they're the ideal companion for mobile audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, On-ear, 2.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 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:
  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: 4.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: While they're not in the same league as the step-up ATH-M50 headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30 set costs a lot less and offers impressive performance and decent build quality for the money. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 7.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, 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 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:
  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: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Bona fide $100 audiophile headphones are rare, but the Noontec Zoros' remarkably clear and balanced sound will wow the cognoscenti. Read review

Specs: Headphones, Over-the-ear

• 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 Klipsch Image S4 II in-ear headphones add a new, more durable tangle-resistant flat cord while retaining their very respectable sound quality and superior comfort. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, White, 0.4 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Flat cable, Anti tangle cord, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 108 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Tour In-Ear Headphones offer much in the way of style and sound, but the extra-long earpieces my cause comfort and fit issues for some users. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.7 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, MicroStrand conductors, Patented magnetic FluxTube, 24K gold contacts, In-ear noise isolation, Limited warranty - 1 year

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Jays A-Jays Four earphones provide a well-balanced sound and a polished, utilitarian design that make them excellent replacement earphones for your iOS device. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Black, 0.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, JAYS Sound Isolating System, 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 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