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

Portable Headphones

Headphones	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Ultrasone iCans	8.0 Excellent	$59-$69 from 2 stores	High style meets high performance in the iPod-inspired Ultrasone iCans headphones. Specs: Headphones , Semi-open , 2.9 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , S-Logic Natural Surround Sound , 2 years Limited warranty

JVC HA-NC100 Noise Canceling Headphones	7.7 Very good	$38-$79 from 6 stores	The cushy JVC HA-NC100 Noise Canceling headphones don't block out ambient noise entirely, but they do a good job of reducing it--and for an affordable price. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 11.8 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Foldable , Noise canceling circuit , Retractable earphone cable

Sennheiser PXC-300	7.7 Very good	$94-$149 from 8 stores	Sennheiser's featherweight noise-canceling headphones are supercomfy and produce sound quality approaching that of some full-size models. Specs: Headphones , Semi-open , 2.3 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Foldable , NoiseGard active noise compensation

Sennheiser PX100 (black) Released: 11/15/2002	7.4 Very good	$35-$64 from 6 stores	The PX100 is a good choice for travelers seeking a compact headphone design. Specs: Headphones , Semi-open , 2.1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Foldable , 2 years Limited warranty

Audio-Technica ATH-EW9 Released: 01/05/2006	7.3 Very good	$329	Audio-Technica's ATH-EW9 clip-on headphones combine graceful looks and sonics, but they won't rock your world. Specs: Headphones , Clip-on , 1.2 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold plated connectors

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 PXC 250 Released: 02/14/2003	7.3 Very good	$74-$145 from 9 stores	Highly effective noise-canceling circuitry mated with detailed sound and a comfortable fit--what's not to like? Specs: Headphones , Semi-open , 2.3 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Foldable , Noise canceling circuit , 2 years Limited warranty

Sony MDR-710LP	7.0 Very good	$42-$48 from 3 stores	Bass addicts on tight budgets will appreciate Sony's MDR-710LP portable, collapsible headphones, but audiophiles should consider a warmer-sounding set. Specs: Headphones , Ear-cup , 2.3 oz, Stereo , Foldable , Gold-plated plug

Sony S2 Sports Headphones Released: 03/15/2002	6.7 Good	$13-$19 from 5 stores	The MDR-A35G headphones are ideal for active pursuits, such as jogging. Specs: Headphones , Vertical , 0.6 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , L-shaped plug , Water resistant , Gold-plated plug , 90 days Limited warranty Parts and labor