Shop for portable audio devices

• 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, 4.9 oz, Stereo, Noise cancelling circuit, Foam ear cushions, Active equalization

• 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:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: When it comes to competing with Apple's iPod Touch media player, the Galaxy Player 4.2 is Samsung's best effort yet, but it's still playing catch-up. Read review

Specs: 8 GB, 4.2 in, 4.2 oz, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion, 8 GB, MPEG 2.5 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 1 Audio, AAC +, OGG, PCM, WAV, MP3, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, AAC-LC

• 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:
  3.0 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:
  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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. None can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface. Read review

Specs: 160 GB, 2.5 in, 36 hour(s), 4.9 oz, Apple Lossless, MP3, AIFF, Audible, WAV, AAC, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews

The Bottom Line: The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. None can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface. Read review

Specs: 160 GB, 2.5 in, 36 hour(s), 4.9 oz, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion, Apple Lossless, WAV, HE-AAC, MP3, AIFF, Audible, AAC

• 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:
  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:
  3.5 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:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 18 reviews

The Bottom Line: Samsung delivers Android's answer to the iPod Touch at a time when you can spend less for Android's answer to the iPad. Read review

Specs: 8 GB, 4 in, 36 hour(s), 4.3 oz, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion, MPEG 2.5 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 1 Audio, AC-3, eAAC+, AAC +, OGG, WAV, MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC, AAC-LC, AMR, 8 GB

• 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:
  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: 3.0 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:
  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:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 440 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though. Read review

Specs: 30 GB, 3 in, 14 hour(s), 5.6 oz, MP3, WMA, AAC, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 31 reviews

The Bottom Line: Though the updates are subtle, the third-generation iPod Touch still leaves its competitors in the dust. Read review

Specs: 8 GB, 3.5 in, 30 hour(s), 4.1 oz, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion, 8 GB, Apple Lossless, WAV, MP3, AIFF, Audible, AAC

• 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:
  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:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 142 reviews

The Bottom Line: The second-generation iPod Touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth. Read review

Specs: 8 GB, 3.5 in, 36 hour(s), 4.1 oz, Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion, 8 GB, Apple Lossless, WAV, MP3, AIFF, Audible, AAC

• 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