All headphones are technically “portable,” but we use the term to describe small, lightweight models, some of which can be folded and tucked away in a pocket or purse when not in use. This category also includes earbuds for use with smartphones—those that come with a microphone and on-cord controls for volume, and to connect and disconnect calls. Note that while smaller, lighter headphones are often more comfortable than their bulkier brethren, you might trade sound quality for comfort.

We use the term “Home/Studio-Style” to describe typically larger headphones that look like earmuffs, the two earpieces connected by an adjustable headband. Most are corded, with wires that run from 3 to 8 feet long—so they can be connected to an audio source such as a receiver or TV. Some fold for storage and come with carrying pouches. There are also battery-powered, wireless models—with Bluetooth or other technologies that connect to a smartphone or tablet without the cord.

These come in two types. The “closed” models cup your ears, sealing in sound and muffling ambient noise. But they might also block out some things you want to hear, such as a doorbell or a child’s cry. Some people find that their ears get hot if they wear them for a long time. “Open” headphones have openings in the ear cups. You’ll be able to hear more external sounds, but sound can also escape, perhaps enough to disturb someone nearby.

These are typically lighter than over-the-ear models and don’t press on the sides of your head; rather, they press on the ears. Many wearers find them more comfortable and less likely to make their ears hot during long listening sessions. But they can allow more ambient sound to enter. On-ear headphones, like over-the-ear, also come in “open” and “closed” versions. Some can fold for storage and come with carrying pouches.

Earbuds rest in the bowl of the ear, outside the ear canal, though a portion might extend into the canal itself. Earbuds are fairly common because they often come with smartphones and portable audio players. Insert-style models are inserted into the ear canal, forming a seal that can help keep out extraneous sounds. Most come with additional earpieces (canal tips) of varying sizes to ensure a secure fit.

Wireless models are common and typically use Bluetooth, which has a range of up to 30 feet or so, to connect to smartphones, laptops, portable media players such as iPods, and even some TVs. While many wireless models have a wire of some sort connecting the two earbuds or cups, companies like Apple and Samsung have also developed “true wireless” models, which don’t have any wires between the earbuds or cups.

Noise-canceling headphones are good for anyone who wants to listen to music or movie dialog without being disturbed by outside noise. The design of some models offers passive noise reduction; closed design over-the-ear and insert-style earphones tend to block more noise than do open design, on-ear, and earbud-style headphones. Active noise-canceling models go further. These battery-powered headphones use tiny microphones to monitor noise frequencies, and then produce those same frequencies out of phase in an effort to cancel them. In general, we found the most effective noise reduction in models with both a design that physically blocks noise and active noise cancellation.

Some models let you turn off noise reduction, so you can still use them if the batteries die. Others work only with noise cancellation activated, so if the batteries die, you can’t use them. You can also use the noise-canceling feature when you’re not listening to music, to reduce outside noise.