Headphones

Headphones aimed at the fashionable consumer are not in short supply these days, but one would think the last place people are concerned about gadget style would be the gym. However, plenty of manufacturers are banking on the belief that you want good-looking tech no matter how sweaty you are, hence the Powerbeats by Dr. Dre Sport Headphones from Monster. These $150 earphones offer a secure fit, integrated iPhone controls, and a sleek look--but they're also pricey for workout headphones, and they don't seem particularly durable or sweat-resistant.

Read the full Powerbeats by Dr. Dre Sport Headphones review … Read more

In my many years reviewing portable headphones, I can honestly say I've never seen anything quite like Digital Group Audio's (DGA) Zipbuds. These unique earphones incorporate a zipper that makes up the Y-cable descending from the left and right earpieces.

The idea behind the design is the prevent the incessant tangling that seems to be inherent to earbuds. It actually makes quite a bit of sense: think about trying to tie a strand of zipper into a knot. Probably not the simplest of feats.

More than that, the zipper is actually kind of stylish in the looks department, … Read more

Among headphone manufacturers, Urbanears can certainly count itself as one that creates some of the most stylish sets on the market. Unfortunately, the high-fashion look associated with the company's Medis and Plattan headphones came at the sacrifice of sound quality.

While I don't expect much of an audio improvement from the Plattan Plus headphones, iPod and iPhone owners who place more emphasis on looks than function might be pleased with Urbanears' latest offering. The Plus 'phones keep the style of the Plattan and add an inline mic and playback controls for the ubiquitous Apple devices. Unlike many competing … Read more

If you're reading this, chances are you've owned at least one MP3 player in your lifetime, and anyone who has used a portable audio player knows that the earbuds that come packaged with these devices are--for the most part--far from impressive in terms of fit and sound quality. Even those who can tolerate the often thin and flat audio will readily admit that stock earbuds are severely lacking in the bass department.

In other words, find me an MP3 player owner, and I'll show you someone who's begging for boomier bass. The good news is that … Read more

V-Moda has gained quite a reputation for its stylish, low-profile earbuds. The good word has been helped along by the fact that these 'phones offer plenty of low-end thump for those who have only experienced the anemic bass offered by stock earbuds. The latest model to be pumped out of the V-Moda factory, the Vibrato Remote, is no exception.

This $129 pair offers plenty of thump, a slick and durable design with a built-in mic and remote for use with the iPhone and iPod, and a unique plug housing that's designed to withstand wear and tear. Better yet, overall … Read more

With Apple thoroughly touting the headphone remote capability of its various iPods, third-party headphone manufacturers are eagerly turning out products with integrated playback controls. One solution we've seen is the in-line remote cable attachment that can connect to any set of headphones, thereby letting you simply update your favorite pair.

Of course, if you need to upgrade from Apple's stock earbuds anyway, picking up a brand-new model with the controls (and mic, if applicable) built in makes more sense. The selection is constantly expanding, but not all the options provide a great experience. We've rounded up some … Read more

Skullcandy has made quite a name for itself in the headphone world, thanks largely to its focus on funky fashion and its aggressive marketing tactics aimed at tweens, teens, and young adults. However, the latest Skullcandy earphones to come down the pipe are perhaps the most adult-oriented we've seen from the company.

The 50/50 earbuds, which are moderately priced at $49.95, come in an array of relatively muted color options and feature inline controls for the iPhone and iPod, as well as a striking low-end response. The audio clarity isn't the best and they feel a … Read more

V-Moda has gained quite a reputation for its stylish, low-profile earbuds, so it's not terribly surprising that the company has decided to dip its toes into the full-size headphone waters. As would be expected, V-Moda's entry into the space is every bit as stylish as its ultraportable siblings.

The Crossfade LP headphones run about $250 and feature top-notch construction, plenty of features, and a comfy fit. Unfortunately, sound quality is not on par with the price point, so if that's your chief concern, these aren't the best option.

Read the V-Moda Crossfade LP review.

If you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, Rockford Fosgate is probably not a company that springs to mind, what with the fact that it is almost exclusively a manufacturer of car audio. Indeed, aside from a few boat-friendly products and a set of DJ-friendly speakers, the only nonautomobile gadget Rockford Fosgate makes is a new pair of in-ear headphones, the PP15mm Punch Plugs. This $99 pair of earphones features a stylish design and plenty of low-end oomph, though the sound distortions present during some tracks will likely scare away audio purists.

Read the Rockford Fosgate Punch Plugs review… Read more