Top 10 Headphones
01 Phonak Audeo PFE 012
Stuff says
The PFE 012s do about as good a job of satisfying disparate tastes as any in-ears we've tried
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02
B&W P3
Superb sound and a solid, achingly stylish design make these the best portable on-ears around
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03
Soundmagic E10
These brilliant earbuds pack an awesome punch, excellent balance from treble to bass and loads of detail
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04
Sony XBA-4iP
If you take your music seriously, these Sonys are seriously worth the price
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05
Sennheiser MM 450-X
The awesomely portable MM 450-X cans might be the only pair of headphones you ever need
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06
Klipsch Image X10i
Built in iPod/iPhone controls are useful, but it's their sound and size that really impresses
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07
PSB M4U2
They might be a bit heavy but the audio quality is worth the weight
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08
Sennheiser Momentum
The Momentums are the perfect pair of on-ears for the dapper man about town
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09
Grado iGrado
You don’t have to spend the earth for impressive portable sounds; you just have to get some iGrados
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10
Sennheiser CX 680i
Light, comfy and great sounding – a worthy winner of our favourite training buds
Instant Expert
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
1. Anti-noise Headphones dampen background kerfuffle in two ways: noise-cancelling and sound-isolating. The former uses powered electronics to monitor the outside world and generate a neutralising sound wave. It’s normally integrated into comfy over-ear cans, great for long-haul travel. The latter creates a physical barrier, often in the form of tiny but invasive ‘in-ear monitors’ (IEMs), jammed into your lugs.
2. Open day? Open-backed cans let noise in (and out). The plus side is, they’re less claustrophobic and have a pleasing, airy sound.
3. Drivers/armatures These create the music. Most headphones have one per ear, but IEMs have up to three. The main benefit of extra drivers is usually increased frequency response.
4. At the gym Avoid in-line volume controls if you’re working out, as they bounce around. Look for lightweight, water-resistant designs.
