Best earbuds (in-ear headphones)
Earbuds are commonly issued as freebie headphones with portable players, but higher-performance earbuds can offer sonics that rival full-size headphones. Their tiny earpieces rest on the outer ear or need to be inserted into the ear canal. Ultracompact and lightweight, earbuds are the most portable of all headphones, and they can provide moderate to excellent isolation from external noise. They also offer little to no interference with earrings, glasses, hats, or hairstyles.
Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones (white)
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 3/5/07)
If you're looking for a premium listening experience, check out the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones. They sound fantastic and will probably outlast your MP3 player.
Read review of the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones (white)
Etymotic hf5 (blue)
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 8/22/08)
The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style.
Read review of the Etymotic hf5 (blue)
Klipsch Custom 3 headphones
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 10/20/08)
If you're looking for a stylish pair of in-ear headphones that don't lack for low end and can withstand daily abuse, the Klipsch Custom 3s are an expensive treat.
Read review of the Klipsch Custom 3 headphones
Klipsch Image Headphones
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 2/28/08)
The pricey Klipsch Image in-ear headphones combine rich sound with superior comfort.
Read review of the Klipsch Image Headphones
Philips SHE-9850 In-Ear Headphones
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 5/23/08)
The Philips SHE-9850 In-Ear Headphones are an excellent choice for style-conscious listeners who demand comfort and detailed audio response.
Read review of the Philips SHE-9850 In-Ear Headphones
Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 7/22/08)
If you're searching for stellar-sounding in-ear headphones that won't lighten your wallet quite as much as the Shure SE530, the Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones fit the bill--just make sure the gigantic earbuds fit in your ears.
Read review of the Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones
V-Moda Bass Freq earphones (blue)
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 10/3/06)
V-Moda's Bass Freq earphones are the perfect accessory for bass-loving Creative Zen Micro owners who are on a budget. If you prefer less low end, look elsewhere.
Read review of the V-Moda Bass Freq earphones (blue)
V-moda Vibe (red roxx)
7.7 Very good (reviewed 11/27/06)
The V-moda Vibe headphones are a great option for style-conscious bass-addicts looking for some worthy portable headphones.
Read review of the V-moda Vibe (red roxx)
Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 EB (black)
7.7 Very good (reviewed 2/1/06)
Bass addicts with a desire to maintain an articulate high end in their music will enjoy the quality Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 EB in-ear set, while purists who prefer flat EQ should steer clear.
Read review of the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 EB (black)
Denon AH-C551 In-Ear Headphones
7.5 Very good (reviewed 4/9/08)
The Denon AH-C551 In-Ear Headphones offer mostly great sound quality and a compact, understated design. They're a solid choice for an everyday earbud.
Read review of the Denon AH-C551 In-Ear Headphones
Radius Atomic Bass earphones (green)
7.5 Very good (reviewed 6/12/08)
The Radius Atomic Bass earphones are a good choice for bass-addicts with an eye for style and a concern for budget.
Read review of the Radius Atomic Bass earphones (green)