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

Earbuds

Headphones	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Shure E4c Released: 05/15/2005	8.5 Excellent	$224-$299 from 2 stores	Shure's E4c earbuds are simply the best in-ear headphones we've ever heard. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , 1.1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold-plated plug , 2 years Limited warranty Parts and labor , 30 days Limited warranty Money back guarantee

Etymotic ER-6 Isolator (black) Released: 01/01/2002	8.0 Excellent	$84	Etymotic's ER-6 earbuds offer stellar sound quality. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

Shure E3c Released: 12/05/2003	8.0 Excellent	$299	These earbud-style headphones produce crystalline sound. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , 1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold-plated plug , 2 years Limited warranty Parts and labor , 30 days Limited warranty Money back guarantee

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (black) Released: 06/07/2005	8.0 Excellent	$219-$231 from 2 stores	The Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro in-ear headphones sound great and fit securely, but the cord's otherwise well-conceived ear loops are too fragile. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , Black , 0.6 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold-plated plug

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio (black)	7.7 Very good	$110-$203 from 2 stores	Ultimate Ears' no-frills Super.fi 3 Studio in-ear headphones deliver a clear, balanced audio response. This set should be your top choice in the $100 price range. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , Black , Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold-plated plug

Sony MDR-NC11	7.5 Very good	$109	These little earbuds have excellent sound and above-average noise-hushing capability. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , Black , 1.7 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , On/off switch , Gold-plated plug , Noise canceling circuit

Shure E2c (white) Released: 10/15/2002	7.5 Very good	$69	These small, cone-shaped earbuds offer excellent isolation and pro sound quality. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , 1.1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Gold plated connectors , 2 years Limited warranty

Rivet Rhythm Earphone Lanyard (pink)	7.3 Very good	Email me when product is available	Looking for quality portable headphones that won't break the bank? For $50, Rivet offers the lightweight Rhythm Earphone Lanyard, which happens to deliver good audio performance and a snug fit. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , Pink , Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , Lifetime Limited warranty

Sennheiser CX 300 headphones (black)	7.3 Very good	$23-$59 from 2 stores	If you're looking for an affordable, decent-sounding pair of earbuds, start with the Sennheiser CX 300. Sennheiser's first in-ear design sounds like a winner to us. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , Black , 0.1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 2 years Limited warranty

Sony MDR-EX71SL/WK (black)	7.3 Very good	$27	If you're searching for reasonably priced premium earbuds, stop here and take a hard look at the Sony MDR-EX71SL headphones. Specs: Headphones , In-ear canalphone , White , 0.1 oz, Stereo , Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , L-shaped plug , Gold-plated plug