Best Headphones, Noise Cancelling Headphones, Headphone Reviews

Best value full-size headphones

The Grado SR60i headphones score points in reviews where it counts -- sound quality, including bass reproduction. Overall sound is described as lively and open, though some reviewers say the high ranges don't quite match… up to the quality of the midranges. Also be aware that these are open-style headphones, meaning sound leaks in and out. Some don't like the retro styling of the Grado SR60i headphones, and others warn you might need to bend the headband to get a comfortable fit. However, reviewers are unanimous on the Brooklyn-made headphones' value.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

What Hi-Fi?: British audio-enthusiast magazine What Hi-Fi? has up-to-date reviews of many types of audio equipment, including headphones. ...

HeadRoom: Although HeadRoom only rates headphones it sells, editors provide useful overviews based on technical testing. The Grado SR60i ...

Head-Fi.org: Head-Fi.org has forums where users can post their opinions of headphones. Here, user "fjrabon" compares the Grado SR60i with ...

Which? (UK): Which? rates the precursor of the Grado SR60i, the SR60, as a Best Buy. Editors say sound is "rich" and bass is full and ...

AudioReview.com: More than 170 users post feedback on the Grado SR60 headphones here, but the newer Grado SR60i isn't yet listed. Owners are ...

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Buy from
Amazon

for $79.00

Lightweight headphones

Sennheiser PX 100

*Est. $50 Compare Prices

Reviewers say the 2-ounce Sennheiser PX 100 folding headphones outperform other models in their price range, with rich, full sound and accurate sound reproduction, though review sources seem to disagree about the amount… of detail in the high ranges. They're generally impressed with bass response, though. These Sennheiser headphones fold up, making them a great choice for portable players if you don't like earbud-style headphones. Reviews say the Sennheiser PX 100 headphones are more durable than they look, though some users express concern with the thin cord and unstable connector.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: Steve Guttenberg is impressed with the rugged, collapsible design of the Sennheiser PX 100. These headphones perform well for ...

PCMag.com: Like other reviewers, Tim Gideon says the Sennheiser PX 100 are "terrific for the price." He especially praises bass response and ...

Which? (UK): This British consumer magazine rates the Sennheiser PX 100 headphones a Best Buy for value. Their listening panel describes sound ...

GoodGearGuide.com: Ross Catanzariti echoes what others say about the Sennheiser PX 100's sound quality, portability and comfort. He says the cord is ...

Amazon.com: More than 850 users give feedback on the Sennheiser PX 100's performance, comfort and durability. The majority rate sound quality ...

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Budget headphones

Koss KSC75

*Est. $20 Compare Prices

Many reviewers are impressed with the detail and richness of the clip-on Koss KSC75 headphones -- which hook individually over the back of your ears rather than being attached to a headband. Bass is strong, though some… feel higher frequencies suffer from lack of refinement. Sound will leak in and out, so these aren't a good choice for a library. In spite of the unusual design, most reviewers find them comfortable. Users in particular say the earclips tend to fall off, but if you lose one, Koss will replace it under its lifetime warranty.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

GoodGearGuide.com: GoodGearGuide.com's Andrew Kliem says the Koss KSC75's are "[t]he best value for money headphone purchase available." He's ...

Which? (UK): In spite of "clear" and "rich" sound with good bass response, editors at this British publication say the Koss KSC75 deliver just ...

Macworld: Dan Frakes says the Koss KSC75 headphones offer excellent sound with a design that's ideal for athletic use. His only complaint ...

Amazon.com: Most of the 300-plus users who report on the Koss KSC75 headphones praise their sound and value. Some find it difficult to get a ...

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Best noise-canceling headphones

Bose QuietComfort 3

*Est. $350 Compare Prices

The Bose QuietComfort 3 currently get the most attention among noise-canceling headphones. This type of headphone uses special technology to eliminate ambient noise so you can hear music better. Reviewers say these… headphones do a great job of filtering out ambient noise, especially low tones like the drone of airplane engines, although some feel the Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones (*Est. $300) are slightly more effective at passive noise cancelation. However, these Bose headphones are more comfortable and lighter than their brand-mates, and are more suited to the casual user. They also have good extras, like a rechargeable battery and charger. The Bose sound tends to be muted and laid-back, so the QuietComfort series may not be best for those seeking the highest audio accuracy.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: David Carnoy of CNET compares Bose QuietComfort 3's sound quality to the equally well-regarded QuietComfort 2. He says they have ...

GoodGearGuide.com: GoodGearGuide.com's James Dickinson rates the QuietComfort 3 highly for noise cancelation, saying that they "really can transform ...

Which? (UK): A listening panel rates the Bose QuietComfort 3 noise-canceling headphones. While they feel that the QC2s are slightly better, ...

PCMag.com: Reviewer Mike Kobrin prefers the noise-cancelation circuitry and design of this model over the QC2s, but says there is a slight ...

Choice.com.au: This Australian site rigorously tests 15 noise-canceling headphones, giving scores for comfort, ease of use, passive and active ...

Consumer magazine: This New Zealand-based consumer site tests 12 noise-canceling headphones under controlled conditions. They evaluate ...

Amazon.com: More than 150 users rate the QuietComfort 3 headphones, and about half give them a perfect score of five stars. They praise music ...

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Woodwind and Brasswind

for $349.00

Pro-quality headphones

AKG K702

*Est. $400 Compare Prices

Experts say Austrian-engineered AKG K702 headphones offer the most detailed sound and are unmatched by many headphones that cost twice as much. An update of the AKG K701, these headphones offer the same exceptional build… quality with a few improvements, such as a detachable cord. Some reviewers find the low end lacking, but sound is otherwise very well balanced. These full-size headphones aren't very portable, but reviews do say they're comfortable and work surprisingly well with iPods and other mobile players. However, they don't come with a carrying case, an extra common even to significantly cheaper headphones.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: Steve Guttenberg says sound quality on the AKG K702 is excellent, and the headphones are also very comfortable. "Build quality, ...

HeadRoom: Although HeadRoom only rates headphones it sells, editors provide useful overviews based on technical testing. They're impressed ...

GoodGearGuide.com: The AKG K701 headphones are named best open headphones in Australian site GoodGearGuide.com's "Top 5 Headphones" article, and ...

OnHeadphones.com: OnHeadphones.com provides ratings with pros, cons and a bottom-line summation. Editors are impressed with the AKG K701's level of ...

iLounge.com: iLounge.com reviews iPod and iPhone accessories, including headphones and earphones. In his brief review, site editor Jeremy ...

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Headphones: Reviews

Best value full-size headphones

Lightweight headphones

Budget headphones

Best noise-canceling headphones

Pro-quality headphones

Headphones by Price Range


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