Headphones - Reviews

Monster Cable Beats by Dr Dre Tour

RRP: $229.00

HiFi Headphones

Review Date: 25-JAN-2010

Phitek BlackBox M14

RRP: $374.95

If you can afford them, BlackBox's M14 noise-cancelling headphones do a good job of blocking out unwanted background sounds. Audio occasionally feels closed-in and not as expansive as we'd hoped, however.

Review Date: 21-JAN-2010

Sennheiser HD418

RRP: $99.00

Sennheiser's HD418 headphones are sturdy and (arguably) stylish. Reasonably cheap for full-size closed headphones, they'd make a good accompaniment to a commuter's laptop or MP3 player as long as sound quality isn't a huge concern.

Accessories, Portable Headphones

Review Date: 14-JAN-2010

Nokia BH-905

RRP: $399.99

The Nokia BH-905 Bluetooth headphones are among the best sounding wireless headphones we've reviewed. They aren't perfect and obviously won't attract audiophiles, but the convenience of using a wired or wireless connection, the range of bundled accessories and the ability to handle phone calls make these headphones an impressive product -– albeit one with a premium price.

Monster Cable Heartbeats by Lady Gaga

Review Date: 13-JAN-2010

RRP: $159.95

The Heartbeats by Lady Gaga in-ear headphones have comparable sound to other mid-range canalphones, but a very fashion-forward design has the downside of reducing overall comfort and adjustability. The flat cables reduce tangles but also cause distracting microphonics unless secured.

Review Date: 11-JAN-2010

Sennheiser HD 428

RRP: $129.95

Sennheiser’s budget HD 428 PC headphones fill an important market niche – they’re cheap and don’t sound too bad. These headphones also have a nice design.

Sennheiser HD 238 Precision

Review Date: 14-DEC-2009

RRP: $199.95

Sennheiser's HD 238 Precision headphones are well made and comfortable. Sound quality is good, albeit with a flat frequency response that may be missing some of the musicality of other Sennheiser models. The headphones are nonetheless full of detail.

Review Date: 25-NOV-2009

Sony MDR-NC300D

RRP: $549.00

Sony's MDR-NC300D noise-cancelling headphones lack the main advantage of other in-ear headphones -– portability. They sound great though, and the integrated noise cancelling is a boon for office work or commuting. We just wish they weren't so expensive.

Review Date: 12-NOV-2009

Sennheiser HD 438

RRP: $149.95

Sennheiser's HD 438 is a pair of sturdily built PC gaming headphones with good bass extension — useful for action gaming and some types of music. If you can get past the awkward headband and ugly ear-cups, these headphones are a good buy.

Review Date: 03-NOV-2009

Sennheiser PXC 210 BT

RRP: $349.95

Sennheiser's PXC 210 BT wireless headphones provide great sound quality even when connected via Bluetooth, though they don't offer the active noise-cancellation of more expensive models.

Accessories, Portable Headphones

Review Date: 29-OCT-2009

Sennheiser MM 100

RRP: $299.95

For runners, gym junkies and other active types, the Sennheiser MM 100 headset offers good sound quality and the convenience of cordless headphones, with the added benefit of full support for taking mobile phone calls with a simple button press.

Accessories, Portable Headphones

Review Date: 26-OCT-2009

EDITORS_CHOICE

Sennheiser MM 450 Travel

RRP: $649.95

Sennheiser's premier Bluetooth travel headset has great sound quality considering its portability. Good active noise-cancelling and a flawless Bluetooth implementation make it even more appealing.

Creative Sound Blaster Arena Surround USB Gaming Headset

Review Date: 12-OCT-2009

RRP: $169.95

Creative's Sound Blaster Arena Surround USB Gaming Headset is two products in one -- a pair of headphones and a soundcard -- at a reasonable price. It's a good buy.

Brainwavz Beta Brainwavz Pro

Review Date: 08-OCT-2009

RRP: $34.50

For $35, you can’t go wrong picking up a pair of these Beta Brainwavz canalphones. For less than you’d pay for a replacement pair of Apple earphones, you get passive noise-cancelling canalphones with good isolation and decent sound quality.

Review Date: 09-JUL-2009

Plantronics .Audio 995

RRP: $199.95

If you value mobility over sound quality, the Plantronics .Audio 995 wireless headset is a great option. We never experienced audio break-up, and the decent sound quality and good microphone made voice communication a breeze.