EmailBest Reviewed
Earphones
- Best-value earphones Etymotic ER-6i *Est. $80
- Budget earbuds for the gym Sennheiser MX75 Sport *Est. $30
- Best noise-canceling earphones Panasonic RP-HC55 *Est. $60
- Best audiophile earphones Shure SE530 *Est. $450
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Best noise-canceling earphones
- Effective active noise-canceling
- Very long battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Unexceptional sound quality
- Noise-canceling unit can pull on cord
Of earphones that offer both passive and active noise cancelation, the Panasonic RP-HC55 earphones get the best reviewer response. These earphones block sound waves physically, as well as generate white noise inside the ear, which negates other unwanted ambient sound. User comments indicate that the HC55s have a relatively comfortable fit. However, some reviewers note that if the HC55's cord-mounted noise-canceling unit is left dangling, it may cause the earphones to fall out -- though if it is secured to a shirt pocket with the attached clip, this is not a problem. The noise-cancelation unit is powered by one AAA battery, and reviewers say battery life is very good. Noise-cancelation is effective, but not up to the standard set by full-size (and more expensive) headphones like Bose's QuietComfort series. Most reviewers say they've heard better sound quality in other in-canal earphones.
Australia's Choice magazine and New Zealand's Consumer magazine both conduct comparative tests in which the RP-HC55 earphones score highly. HeadphoneInfo.com is less impressed, but says the HC55 is better than most active noise-canceling earphones. Few other professional reviewers have appeared as yet, but early feedback on Amazon.com is generally promising.
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Our Sources
1. Choice.com.auDetails/Subscribe
Similar to Consumer Reports in the U.S., this Australian publication rigorously tests seven noise-canceling earphones. Editors assign scores for ease of use, passive and active noise cancelation and sound quality. Only the Panasonic RP-HC55 cancels noise to a significant degree, beating out models from Sony, Philips, Koss, Digitech and Audio-Technica. Testers also say the HC55's sound quality is superior to the other brands.
Review: Test: Noise Canceling Earphones, Editors of Choice, Feb. 2009
2. consumer.org.nzDetails/Subscribe
This New Zealand-based consumer publication tests five noise-canceling earphones under controlled conditions. They evaluate noise-cancelation ability, sound quality, comfort and ease of use. The top two picks are the Blackbox C14, which is not sold in the U.S., and the Panasonic RP-HC55. Audio-Technica and Sony earphones tested poorly.
Review: Noise Canceling Headphones, Editors of Consumer, Mar. 18, 2009
HeadphoneInfo.com evaluates a wide range of headphones and earphones. Reviewer Mark Brezinski isn't terribly impressed with the sound quality of the Panasonic RP-HC55, but says that's not a big concern when the earphones are being worn in the sort of noisy environment they're designed for. He'd like to be able to switch off noise canceling and run the earphones unpowered, though it's not much of an issue when the battery lasts as long as it does.
Review: Panasonic RP-HC55 Headphones Review, Mark Brezinski, Dec. 8, 2008
4. Amazon.com
The Panasonic RP-HC55 receives only about 25 user reviews on Amazon, but most are positive. Users confirm that fit, noise canceling and price are among the earphones' advantages, while the bulky noise-canceling unit and sound quality are among its drawbacks.
Review: Panasonic RP-HC-55 Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Silver), Users of Amazon.com
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