Headphones

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What's behind our headphone Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 136 models in headphones to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on sound quality and effectiveness of ambient noise reduction. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Sound quality
Represents the tonal accuracy, clarity, detail, ambience, and dynamics of the audio reproduced by the headphone.
Noise reduction
Represents how well the headphone reduces ambient noise when the active noise cancellation feature is activated.
Sensitivity
An assessment of how loud headphones will play for a given audio input signal level. This is an important consideration if the headphones will be used with audio devices that have relatively low maximum audio output signal levels like some battery powered portables. Some models have 2 sensitivity levels given: one with the highest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch ON and the other with the lowest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch OFF.
Type
Over the ear models completely envelop the ear. On-ear models sit on top of the ears. Insert models are inserted into the ear canal. Earbud models rest in the ear outside of the ear canal and may have a portion that extends into the ear canal.
Design
Closed headphones rest on or around the user's ears and rely on a seal between the user's ears and the headphone for proper bass response, and somewhat isolate the user from outside sounds. Open air models rest on or around the user's ears but do not rely on a seal between the user's ears and headphones for proper bass response and do not isolate the user from outside sounds. Ear insert models are inserted into and are held in place by the ear canal; they rely on a seal between the user's ears and the headphones for proper bass response, and somewhat isolate the user from outside sounds. Earbud models rest in the area outside of the ear canal and may extend into the ear canal but do not rely on the ear canal to be held in place; they do not rely on a seal between the user's ears and headphones for proper bass response and do not isolate the user from outside sounds.

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Recommended headphones

Recommended headphones are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended headphones

Headphone buying guide

To find the headphone that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy headphones in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

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The type of headphones you buy depends mostly on your lifestyle and somewhat on your budget; they range in price from $10 to $500. If you're looking for information about headphones, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ headphone reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our headphone buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and headphone reviews to help you choose the best headphone for your needs.

Ratings & recommended headphones

Noise-canceling headphones (23)

Noise-reducing headphones are a good choice for anyone who wants to listen to music or movie soundtracks without being disturbed by outside noises. Any headphones that fit tightly over your ears or inside the ear canal will block some noise by creating a seal. This is called "passive" noise reduction. Over-the-ear and insert-style earphones tend to block more noise than do on-ear and earbud-style headphones (like those that come with an iPod, which sit in the bowl of the ear outside the canal).

Models with "active" noise-canceling technology go a step further. These battery-powered headphones use electronic circuitry to eliminate or at least reduce unwanted noise. Some models let you turn off noise reduction and will work without batteries; others work only with noise canceling activated, which requires battery power.

Some new models may include a built-in microphone and inline control over some phone functions, such as call connect/disconnect. This gives these headphones the ability to be used as a cell-phone headset with specific phone models, such as an iPhone or Blackberry. Some headphones may include a wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, for connecting to a Bluetooth-enabled phone, portable media player, or other device.

You may find that one type of headphone is more comfortable for you, particularly if worn for any length of time. We recommend trying the different styles before buying, as a good fit can affect sound quality, the effectiveness of the noise cancellation, and comfort. If ordering online, try to find a retailer with a good exchange or return policy.

Several of the noise-canceling headphones in the Ratings combined good or very good sound quality with effective noise reduction. In general we found the most effective noise reduction in models that combined passive noise blocking with active noise cancellation.

Stereo headphones (113)

Whether you want to listen to music or movies at home without disturbing others, or get the best out of your portable MP3 player, there's a set of headphones for you. You can buy a portable pair for as little as $10 or spend up to $500 or more for an audiophile headset for use with a home-entertainment system.

For at-home use, almost any good-sounding headphones will do. Look for a model with a higher sound-quality rating if you're a more discerning listener, and consider comfort if you expect to be wearing the headphones for extended listening times.

Portable headphones run the gamut in styles, ranging from on-ear headsets to models that are inserted directly into the ear canal. Since portable players typically use batteries and have limited output power, look for headphones that have medium-high or high sensitivity to ensure that volume levels will be sufficiently high.

If you'll be using an iPod or portable DVD player in a noisy environment, consider the in-ear sound-isolating models in the Ratings. Like earplugs, they tend to diminish unwanted ambient noise. This lets you hear more of the music without cranking up the volume to the point that it could damage your hearing. Keep in mind that sound-isolating models not only reduce unwanted ambient noise but also sounds that you may want to hear, like mass-transit announcements or the sound of that honking horn as you step out in front of a car.

Recently reviewed headphones

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Sony MDR-NC40

(Tested)

Portable close, on-ear noise-canceling headphones that come with carrying case and mini-plug-to-airplane-jack adapter.

Sony MDR-NC40

JVC HA-NC120

Panasonic RP-HC101

Polk Audio UltraFocus 6000

Headphone buying guide

At home, almost any good headphones will do. They can allow you to enjoy a late-night movie without disturbing your sleeping spouse or listen to music while the kids run amok in the background.

If you'll be listening to music or videos on a crowded plane, consider headphones that can reduce ambient noise. The physical design of some headphones can help block outside noise. That's true of closed, over-the-ear headphones, as well as in-ear-style earphones that are inserted into the ear canal, forming a seal against outside sounds, much like an earplug. Active noise-canceling models use battery-powered electronic circuitry that can reduce extraneous noises to various degrees. Use this headphone guide to find the right pair for you.

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