Headphones

Headphone selector

Sort our Ratings based on features, brands and other factors.

What's behind our headphone Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 123 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 cancelation 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

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 (18)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Stereo headphones (105)

Recently reviewed headphones

Creative WP-350 (Tested)

Portable Bluetooth closed, on-ear headphones that come with a carrying bag and USB charging cable.

Creative WP-350

Audio-Technica ATH-BT03BRD

Able Planet XNC230

Able Planet NC190B

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.

Portable headphones let you take the show on the road. If you'll be using an iPod or portable DVD player in a crowded plane, consider a noise-canceling model that can reduce ambient noise.

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