Shop for portable audio devices

• 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:
  4.0 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:
  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:
  4.5 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: 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:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's very affordable RP-HJE355 series in-ear headphones sound as good as many earphones that cost twice as much. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Red, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Passive noise reduction, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's audiophile-grade XBA-4 in-ear headphones deliver highly refined sound, with potent bass, airy treble, and excellent noise-isolating performance. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, 0.3 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, L-shaped plug, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: The MeElectronics M9 sound-isolating earphones are an exceptional value, offering solid audio, a good design, and nice extras for an ultralow price. Anyone looking for cheap replacement earbuds should consider these. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Silver, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - 1 year

• 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:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: You'll get a kick out of the JVC HA-M5X headphones if you like music that emphasizes thundering bass, and their sturdy construction and adequate noise cancellation come at an affordable price. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, 9.9 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Aside from a few complaints about the included eartips and the ControlTalk design, we recommend the Monster Mobile Jamz with ControlTalk in-ear headphones to mobile music lovers, casual listeners, and anyone looking to block out ambient noise with balanced, consistent sound. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headset, In-ear ear-bud, Black chrome, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Noise isolating, ControlTalk, Skype compatible, Gold-plated plug, Answer/end button, Limited warranty - 1 year

• 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:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 6 reviews

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, Ear-cup, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - Lifetime

• 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:
  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:
  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: 7.7 (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:
  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:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.5 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: Although sound quality isn't the greatest, the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds provide a funky design and some compelling features for the price. They're a solid budget option for music phone owners. Read review

Specs: Headphones - Binaural, Headphones, In-ear, Rasta, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug, Limited warranty - Lifetime

• 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: 7.3 (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: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 35 reviews

The Bottom Line: The JVC Marshmallow headphones are an exceptional value thanks to an ultralow price tag combined with solid audio quality, noise isolation capability, and a secure fit. Read review

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

• 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