Editors' Top Headphones
updated June 2, 2006

Whether you're out and about listening to your MP3 player or rocking out at home to your high-end stereo, your choice of headphones is critical. Choose a style that's best for your listening needs; they run the gamut from lightweight earbuds to full-size, over-the-ear models. And if the outside world is still too noisy, consider models that provide active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation. Just be sure to check back regularly (or subscribe to our Home Theater and Music Center newsletters)--we'll be updating the list several times each month.
-- Jasmine France, associate editor

Editors' Top Headphones:

Earbuds |

Full-size headphones

| Noise-cancellation headphones | Portable headphones | Wireless headphones

Full-size headphones

Headphones	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Sennheiser HD 650 Released: 12/05/2003	8.6 Excellent	$329-$499 from 7 stores	The formidable Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are fit for a king--and have a price tag to prove it. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 9.2 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 2 years Limited warranty

Grado RS-2 Reference Series headphones	8.7 Excellent	$495	Grado's RS-2 Reference Series headphones are strong contenders for world's best sound. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Stereo

Sennheiser HD280 Pro Released: 11/01/2001	8.4 Excellent	$99 from 15 stores	Sennheiser's versatile headphones sound great on DVDs and all kinds of music. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Black , 10.1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 2 years Limited warranty

AKG K 601 Released: 08/15/2005	8.5 Excellent	$229-$299 from 3 stores	The AKG K 601 is fast becoming an audiophile favorite--maybe because its sound is more speakerlike than any headphones that we've tested. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 8.3 oz, Stereo , Phone stereo 6.25 mm , Gold-plated plug

Grado SR125	8.3 Excellent	$150	Delivering top-notch home-listening performance, the Grado SR125 will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Stereo

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Released: 09/15/2005	8.2 Excellent	Email me when product is available	The Beyerdynamic DT 880s are extra comforatable and their sound is certainly audiophile level, but stereo imaging isn't as wide open as other top contenders. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 9.5 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold-plated plug

Bose TriPort Headphones (glacier blue) Released: 10/01/2001	7.8 Very good	Email me when product is available	This TriPort set is the poor man's QuietComfort 2. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Glacier blue , 5 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

Sony MDR-V700DJ	7.8 Very good	$84-$149 from 3 stores	These full-size earcup 'phones deliver excellent reproduction of today's popular music. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Black , 10.6 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold-plated plug , 1 year Limited warranty