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(Nov 09, 2009)
Jasmine France
Senior Associate Editor
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. But don't fret--CNET is here to help you make that decision. We've picked our five favorites across every style and category, if you already know which type of headphones you want, use the links at left to drill deeper. Also, be sure to check back regularly (or subscribe to our Home Theater and Music Center newsletters) as we'll be updating the list frequently.
Klipsch Image S4 earphones
Straight up: these in-ear headphones shocked me with their superb sound quality, especially given the $80 price tag. Sure, they're not precisely "cheap" compared to some models that are available, but they do fall in the sub-$100 range and they offer audio on par with sets that cost three times as much. Truly, if you are looking for a new set of ultraportable headphones, the Image S4 should be a top choice.
Price:$69.00 - $79.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 headphones, Best earbuds
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Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones
Travel-happy audiophiles will be infinitely pleased with the Shure SE530s, but these earbuds should also be a consideration for anyone who has $500 to drop on some sweet headphones. Sure, they're expensive, but the SE530s are also the most stellar-sounding earbuds we've come across since the $1,000
Price:$264.99 - $449.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 headphones, Best earbuds
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Koss PortaPro Headphones
These headphones may be more than 23 years old and look decidedly like they were yanked straight off the set of Tron in 1982, but they're affordable and offer excellent sound quality and superior comfort. We say if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but if your PortaPros happen to break, Koss will replace them for free--for life.
Price:$27.94 - $49.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 headphones, Best portable headphones
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Bose QuietComfort 3
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. Still, if you're a frequent flier who doesn't like earbuds and wants the ultimate in comfort, you can't go wrong with these.
Price:$349.00 - $349.95 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 headphones, Best noise-cancelling headphones
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Jabra BT8030 Bluetooth headphones/speaker
Crossover between cell phones and MP3 players is in full effect, which is good news for those who want to go wireless with their portable devices. One of the more innovative options out there is the Jabra BT8030, a stereo Bluetooth headset that converts into a portable speaker with a push of a button. Pair it with an A2DP-compatible MP3 player for a cord-free on-the-go experience.
Price:$26.99 - $26.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 headphones, Best portable wireless headphones
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