5 of the best Beats alternatives

Audio-Technica ATH-ES88 £230 audio-technica.com
These slender cans weigh in at only 130g. Cans? Actually, Audio-Technica prefers the term 'earsuit'. The bassier your music, the more ES88s like it – they can deal with big volumes without leaking sound or stressing out. Pity there's no in-line remote, but at least the cable doesn't transmit noise if bumped. Sleek, subtle and skilful with all sorts of tunes.