Shop for headphones/headsets

• 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 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:
  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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: While they're not in the same league as the step-up ATH-M50, the Audio-Technica ATH-M35 costs a lot less and offers impressive performance and decent build quality for the money -- plus it has the fold-up element that's missing from the ATH-M30. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Drivers with Copper-Clad Aluminium Wire

• 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: The Shure SE425 sound-isolating earphones are an excellent choice for eclectic listeners who demand stellar audio and a high-quality design. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Metallic silver, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold plated connectors, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years

• 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: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 15 reviews

The Bottom Line: The V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones look good, feel durable, and offer plenty of desirable extras, but the clubby leaning to the sound space does not lend itself well to all genres of music. This set is best suited to DJs and dance music aficionados. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headset, Ear-cup, Gunmetal black, 9.9 oz, Stereo, Gold plated connectors, Limited warranty - 1 year

• 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: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 33 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sennheiser's HD 485s are our new reference headphones for iPod listening, and their remarkably clear sound also clicks with DVDs and CDs. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 7.8 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: Anyone looking for ultracompact headphones with top-notch sound quality should consider the Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones. This set will cost you a pretty penny, but it'll be worth it. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Metallic bronze, 1.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 7 reviews

The Bottom Line: The V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones look good, feel durable, and offer plenty of desirable extras, but the clubby leaning to the sound space does not lend itself well to all genres of music. This set is best suited to DJs and dance music aficionados. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headset, Ear-cup, Phantom chrome, 9.9 oz, Stereo, Gold plated connectors, 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 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: While it may not be ideal for the casual PC gamer, the Megalodon is an incredible sounding and comfortable PC gaming headset that lets you fully customize your sound. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headset, Ear-cup, 7.1 channel surround, Microphone on/mute switch, Volume control, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 11 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 8.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  2.5 stars Average

  Overall score: 5.3 (2.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Sony XBA-NC85D is marginally effective at canceling noise and its disappointing sound quality does nothing to offset the exorbitant price. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug, Noise canceling circuit

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug, Noise canceling circuit

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 70 reviews

The Bottom Line: These full-size earcup 'phones deliver excellent reproduction of today's popular music. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Metallic gray, 10.6 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - 1 year

• 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:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Shure SE315 Sound Isolating Earphones offer an exceptionally durable design, but you can find better-sounding sets for about half the price. Read review

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

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: Anyone looking for ultracompact headphones with top-notch sound quality should consider the Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones. This set will cost you a pretty penny, but it'll be worth it. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Clear, 1.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Ultrasone's Edition 8 headphones cost a mint, but they deliver stellar sound at home and--especially--with iPods. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 9.2 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, S-Logic Natural Surround Sound, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - 3 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: The AKG K 702 Open Back Dynamic Reference Headphones offer an ultracomfortable way to enjoy sound that is remarkably more open than most sets; they're like personal speakers for your head. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 8.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold plated connectors, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.1 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The SRH1440 headphones are comfortable and ruggedly built with highly detailed sound that will surely thrill audiophiles. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 12.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Ultrasone Signature Pro is a German-made Mercedes class set of headphones built for a discerning clientele. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 10.6 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Phone stereo 6.3 mm, Detachable cable, S-Logic Plus technology, Ultra Low Emission (ULE) technology, Gold-plated plug

• 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: One of Shure's first open-back designs, the SRH1840 headphones are comfortable and light, and the sound will surely thrill demanding audiophiles. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, 9.5 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug

• 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