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

Wireless headphones

Headphones	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Pioneer SE-DIR800C Released: 01/15/2005	8.3 Excellent	$229-$261 from 4 stores	The Pioneer SE-DIR800C noise-free wireless headphones are the first we've seen to feature Dolby Headphone processing--and they sound great. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , RCA phono , TOSLINK , Volume control , Built-in DTS decoder , Dolby Headphone technology , Built-in Dolby Digital decoder , Built-in Dolby Pro Logic II decoder

Sony MDR-DS4000 Released: 03/15/2005	8.0 Excellent	$499	The Sony MDR-DS4000s are simply the quietest and best-sounding wireless headphones we've tested to date. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Surround Sound , TOSLINK , RCA phono x 2 , Mute button , Built-in DSP , Volume control , Auto power save , Auto power on/off , Built-in DTS decoder , Gold plated connectors , Built-in Dolby Digital decoder , Built-in Dolby Pro Logic II decoder

Panasonic RP-WH5000 Released: 11/17/2005	7.5 Very good	Email me when product is available	Panasonic's RP-WH5000 luxury wireless headphones beat out most--but not all--cordless competitors. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , Volume control , Auto power on/off , Virtual surround sound

Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod Released: 06/22/2005	7.3 Very good	$149	The innovative, Bluetooth-enabled Logitech Wireless Headphones for the iPod are a worthy upgrade for virtually any iPod owner. Specs: Headphones , Behind-the-neck , Stereo , Pause function , Volume control

Sennheiser RS130	7.3 Very good	$88-$179 from 5 stores	The RS130s are Sennheiser's best wireless headphones to date. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 9.9 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Phone stereo 6.25 mm , SRS Headphone

Sennheiser RS120 Released: 10/01/2004	7.0 Very good	$53-$119 from 13 stores	Sennheiser's affordable, comfortable wireless headphones sound almost as good as corded 'phones. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 8.1 oz, Stereo , 2 years Limited warranty