The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Stereo headphones with active noise cancellation technology let travelers hear their music with greater clarity and less ear fatigue. These headphones are useful for those who want to seal out their surroundings, since noise cancellation circuitry is especially effective at countering low-frequency tones (like crowd noise or engine noise on an airplane). Here are four of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market.

Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose was a pioneer in the early days of noise canceling headphones, and their experience shows in the QuietComfort 15. Improved noise cancellation electronics and sound quality make these a step forward from older models. Super-soft cushioning enhances noise isolation, and the QuietComfort 15 headphones handle both crisp highs and thumping lows nicely. A minor downside of the headphones is that they are only usable with noise cancellation turned on, but their single AAA battery provides a solid 35 hours of listening time. Travelers will appreciate the fold-flat earcups, dual plug adapter, and carrying case.

This headphone received a rating of 74/100 from Consumer Reports (the 2nd highest for noise-canceling headphones, just behind the Sony MDR-NC500D). CNet rates this as their number one noise-canceling headphone, giving it an “excellent” score.

Buyers on Amazon also liked this headphone — 266 buyers gave this headphone an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Cancelling Headphones are available for $299.95 from Amazon.

Sennheiser PXC 450 NoiseGard Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sennheiser PXC 450 NoiseGard Noise Cancelling Headphones

There are two companies that excel at building great sounding headphones — Sennheiser and Grado Labs. As expected, Sennheiser’s noise-cancelling PXC 450 NoiseGard headphones produce excellent overall sound. Buyers on Amazon liked this headphone — 97 buyers gave this headphone an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Two AAA batteries provide up to 50 hours of noise cancellation. The headphones can still be used without the canceling on.

There is a volume control on the cable, and the PXC 450 headphones come with both 6.3mm and airplane-style adapters. A unique feature is Sennheiser’s “TalkThrough” technology: a small integrated microphone can pick up nearby sounds while still reducing ambient noise, allowing users to have a conversation without removing the headphones.

You can find the Sennheiser PXC 450 NoiseGard Noise Cancelling Headphones at Amazon for $338.99.

JVC HA-NC250 Noise Cancelling Headphones

JVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones

JVC promises that the adaptive feedback circuitry of its affordable HA-NC250 headphones will reduce ambient noise “clutter” by up to 85%. The headphones are powered by a single AAA battery, which provides 50 hours of noise cancelation – plenty for even the longest flights. They’re lightweight at just 5.3 ounces, and memory foam earpads provide comfort and add passive noise isolation. The HA-NC250 headphones come with a dual-plug airplane adapter and a carrying case (the earpieces swivel flat for storage). And best of all, they won’t break the bank.

Buyers on Amazon liked this headphone — 331 buyers gave this headphone an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

The JVC HA-NC250 Noise Cancelling Headphones are available at Amazon for $100.49.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Noise Cancelling Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 headphones manage to compete with some of their big-name competitors – but at a substantially lower price point. Their QuietPoint noise cancellation technology cuts background noise by up to 85%, and large-aperture drivers provide clear high and low audio tones. The Audio-Technica headphones feature generously sized and well-padded earcups for comfort. They include a carrying case, 3.3’ and 5.2’ detachable cables, plus airplane and 6.3mm adapters.

A huge number of buyers Amazon liked this headphone — 1116 buyers gave this headphone an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

You can find the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Noise Cancelling Headphones at Amazon for $219.95.

Best Waterproof Headphones For 2011

Ever since we saw Michael Phelps with his headphones at the Olympics not only have we asked the question, “What’s on Michael Phelps’ iPod?”, but more importantly, “How can we too enjoy music in and around the water?”.  With science continuing to advance in developing underwater headphones, water lovers can now bring their tunes with them and still get quality sound. Not just for swimmers, waterproof headphones are beneficial for all sports enthusiasts since they are also sweatproof and can be rinsed off after use. By reading reviews across the web (iLounge and CrunchGear are good sources), we’ve come up with a list of the best waterproof headphones for 2011. Though stay tuned, as this technology will be sure to continue making progress.

H2O Audio Surge 2G Waterproof Headphones

H2O Audio Surge 2G Waterproof Sport Headphones

H2o Audio, an innovator in developing underwater accessories, has recently released their improved Surge 2G waterproof headphones that come highly recommended by iLounge. These are the headphones used and endorsed by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. They are 100% waterproof for underwater submersion up to 12 feet and can be rinsed after a strenuous workout. Five sets of varying sized rubber tips are provided to find the right fit. According to iLounge, these earbuds form a more complete seal in the ear than other headphones they’ve tested. Also compared to other underwater options, the H2o Audio Surge 2G offers an unparalleled sound with a sound-isolating fit and bass amplified neodymium drivers to provide a balanced quality both above and below the water.

The plug is designed to fit into H2O Audio’s waterproof armbands and cases so is only compatible with the iPhone 3G and all iPod models. For other Mp3s or the original iPhone you’ll need a case with a pass-through port or an adapter.

The H2o Audio Surge 2G waterproof headphones retail for $49.99, but are currently on sale at Amazon for $25.59. Comes with a waterproof carrying case. Also offered is a model with a built-in waterproof microphone for around $50.00 here.

Aquapac Waterproof Headphones

Aquapac Waterproof Headphones

The Aquapac waterproof headphones have received high ratings and at a retail price of $45.00 are economical. They’ve been tested to an underwater depth of 30 feet, but are not advised for use beyond 10 feet due to pressure on the ear. Underwater headphone testers at iLounge gave the Aquapacs a B rating. They were impressed by the sound quality both above and below the water. The silicone tips create a seal in the ear to prevent water from getting in, though the one downside to the Aquapacs are that they only come with one size tips that will fit average sized ears.

The Aquapac waterproof headphones come with a buoy and keychain cord keeper.

You can get them on Amazon for $31.56.

Audio Bone Waterproof Headphones

Audio Bone Waterproof Headphones

The Audio Bone headphones use bone conduction technology which allow the user to wear the headphones on the outside of their ears. Since we hear differently while submerged in water, this technology completely bypasses the ear drum by converting sound waves into vibrations. There are pros and cons to this type of headphone and after reading reviews by those who have tried them, people either love them or hate them. One of the cons is the price.

Bone Conduction Technology

One of the cons is the price. The audio bone headphones retail for $189.00. However, these headphones do transfer well to all activities, such as cycling or even listening at work, since it allows you to still be able to hear other things going on around you. Another con is that bone conduction is a less efficient way for us to hear, therefore your iPod or Mp3 will generally need to be on the highest volume setting which can cause the battery to drain faster. Some users report a muffled sound quality, while others like that they can still hear outside noise. Your personal preference would depend upon the intended use. Also, many people don’t like the feel of earbuds so the Audio Bones are a perfect match for them. You can read a full review at the Gadgeteer and CrunchGear.

The Audio Bone Waterproof Headphones are currently on sale at Amazon for $141.82.

Budget Pick: H2O Audio Flex Underwater Headphones

H2O Audio Flex Underwater Headphones

These Flex headphones are the newest entry from H2O Audio and our budget pick for a waterproof headphone. These would be a good option for someone who needs waterproof headphones from time to time, perhaps for sweaty workouts, occasional laps in the pool, or just lying in the bath. They are submersible up to 3 feet underwater. Amazon reviewers complained about the fit with these headphones, though they do come with 3 bud sizes. As one reviewer pointed out, be sure to wipe out your ear so that it’s dry before inserting the buds. This will help create a stronger seal and they won’t slip out as easily. Also, wear the wires on your back and insert the headphones from behind your neck. The sound is of good quality and is well-balanced. Those who prefer a strong bass won’t get it here, but again, the price is key. For a full review on the H2O Audio Flex click here.

The H2O Audio Flex underwater headphones come in a choice of 5 cool colors and are on sale at Amazon for $19.41.

Waterproof iPods Cases

H20Friendly 100% Waterproof iPod Shuffle Case

If you spend a lot of time in the water, you may want to consider investing in a fully waterproof system. Companies such as H2oFriendly and Swimman will waterproof an iPod shuffle from the inside out so you can take it right into the water without use of a bulky case. User reviews for both of these systems are excellent both for quality and for ease of use. H2OFriendly offers a 1 year waterproof warranty and you can purchase just the 4th generation 2 GB iPod shuffle or a complete system which includes Velcro securing straps that clip onto goggles and underwater headphones, as well as the original iPod shuffle packaging.

The H2OFriendly Swim System sells for $169.95 on Amazon. Or just the silver waterproof iPod goes for $143.95 on Amazon. You can also order straight from the company’s website if you’d like a choice of iPod colors: green, orange, blue, silver, or pink.

Swimman Underwater Music System

Swimman has an excellent reputation among swimmers and they are currently waterproofing 3rd generation iPod shuffles. At $250.00, their system is more than the H2oFriendly, but they do include a waterproof control adapter and their underwater headphone set boasts superior sound quality similar to top-of-the-line non-waterproof headphones. To purchase Swimman order directly from their website. You can also purchase their headphone set separately for $100.00 here.

The Best Earbud Headphones

The best earbud headphones are designed to give users the best in noise isolation and sound quality. Many steps above the standard low quality headphones that come bundled with MP3 players, or even the inexpensive budget brands, these best earbud headphones earn their price tag through durability and aural brilliance.

Most of these models are very ergonomically accurate, providing the best possible fit for any type or size ear. Most include a wide range of ear tip sizes for any user as well, and the materials and drivers used are much higher quality overall. With well-known earbud headphone manufacturers like Sennheiser, Shure, Ultimate Ears, and Klipsch, these earbud headphones are well known and lauded by users. And not only will buying quality headphones be a great thing for your ears, it’s the best thing for the environment because there are junk yards littered with poor quality, inexpensive earbud headphones that never last more than a few months.

The High-fidelity Sennheiser IE 8 Earbuds

Best Earbud Headphones: Sennheiser IE 8 Premium Audiophile

The Sennheiser IE 8 Premium Audiophile earbud headphones provide great noise isolation bundled with three different sizes of ear tips. These ear bud headphones provide a tunable bass frequency response, as well as an interchangeable cable that is durable and able to last abuse. It has a frequency response of 10Hz – 20kHz and utilizes neodymium magnets to drive each earbud headphone.

The Sennheiser IE 8 Premium Audiophile earbud headphones are beloved by owners at Amazon, who give them a four and a half star rating. While all the consumers note that the product is quite expensive, not a single one regrets their purchase, sending praises on the sound quality that surpasses any earbud headphones they’ve previously owned. Some users noted that all the tips didn’t always fit their ears perfectly, but that’s on an individual basis.

The Sennheiser IE 8 Premium Audiophile is available at Amazon for $286.

The Noise-Isolating Klipsch Image X10

Best Earbud Headphones: Klipsch Image X10

The Klipsch Image X10 earbud headphones are tiny, but powerful. They feature contour ear gels that are intended to slip right into the ear canal comfortably. Five different sized ear tips come with these best earbud headphones, and a 50-inch vinyl cable is included that is durable. They provide quality noise isolation and are so light you may not even realize they’re in your ears. The bass is reported to be huge by buyers and their high quality drivers support the entire spectrum. An airplane adaptor is included as well.

Users can’t get enough of these best earbud headphones, giving them a huge four and a half stars on Amazon. Some  state any type of music sounds better on these earbud headphones, and others note that the comfort of the Klipsch are second to none. Most customers note that the price is quite high, but none really regret paying for it after they put them in their ears.

The Klipsch Image X10 are available at Amazon for $350.

The TruAcoustic Shure SE420-K Earphones

Best Earbud Headphones: Shure SE420-K

The Shure SE420-K Earphones feature a tweeter and subwoofer in each earbud headphone.  Its sound isolation technology provides good separation from outside noise. A modular cable design allows users to actually change the length of the cable at will. Shure’s Dual TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers provide incredibly high-quality audio with a selection of ear tips included for different sized ears. A volume control is also included, as well as a travel case for these best earbud headphones.

Users have found a lot to love with these earbud headphones, giving it a four and a half star rating at Amazon. Some users have noted that it takes a bit to get the right fit with the ear tips to get the best possible sound. One even mentions that Shure provides a replacement service whether the earbuds are in or out of warranty.

The Shure SE420-K Earphones are available at Amazon for $192.

The Flexible Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5 Earbuds

Best Earbud Headphones: Ultimate Ears Super-fi-5

The Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5 earbud headphones have dual drivers that cover 20 to 16,000 Hz with ease. Its noise isolation is said to kill off 26db of outside noise. Its integrated passive-crossover circuit is designed to actually take apart the spectrum and focus on the bass, mid, and treble separately. It comes with four different ear tips and a sturdy metal carrying case. These earbud headphones also come with a one-year warranty and a cleaning tool.

Amazon users love these best earbud headphones, giving it four stars overall. Some  have noted the cable can be a little stiff at times, and the bass sometimes a bit too in your face, but then other owners say there’s not enough bass. Also, some consumers note the fit isn’t always perfect, but again this is on a case-by-case basis for these earbud headphones.

The Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5 is available at Amazon for $203.

Best Headsets Hands Free

The best headsets have been created in response to the amount of laws now in place against driving with cell phones in front of our faces. Manufacturers have jumped in to help consumers keep talking on their phones without having to actually hold it by creating headsets hands free. These headsets hands free are capable of holding a call while users engage in basically any task. There are many different types of designs, such as the earbud style with microphone attached to the cable, or the Bluetooth type that just sits in a users ear and features a mic attached to the end, which points towards the mouth. Manufacturers like Plantronics, Panasonic, Etymotic, and Bose have all begun making various headsets hands free, which have allowed consumers to test each style and find which is best suited to their needs.

The High-Fidelity Etymotic Research HF2

Best Handsets Hands Free: Etymotic Research HF2

The Etymotic Research HF2 Hands Free Headset is an earbud style headset hands free that provides users with some of the best sound quality on the market. With a 20Hz-16kHz frequency response as well as great noise isolation with the adjustable ear tips. There is even an in-line control button that can pause your music or skip tracks. It is compatible with the iPhone (2.5 and 3G versions), Blackberry Curve, Blackberry Bold, and Blackberry Storm and many other smartphones.

While it’s a bit pricey, users have claimed the sound isolation is superb, though at times it can take a bit of time to optimize for each user. Users love the in-line control and the sound quality is far and beyond many similarly priced headsets hands free.

The Etymotic Research HF2 Hands Free Headset is available at Amazon for $144.

The iPhone Compatible Bose Mobile In-Ear

Best Headsets Hands Free: Bose Mobile InEar

The Bose Mobile In-Ear Headset Hands Free employs a similar earbud style as the headphones that come with an iPhone. A tiny mic is attached to the cable near where a user’s mouth would be. Like those headphones, the Bose headset hands free is capable of switching between music and a phone call with ease. It comes with three different ear tips for different sized ears. It also employs the classic sound of Bose speakers in a tiny package. There are three adaptors available for different types of cell phone compatibility.

With a four star rating from Amazon, users really love this best headset hands free.  While some users claimed they didn’t fit their ears, that’s really based on an individual’s ear size. Some users also mention that the treble is a bit low, on oddity for most headphones. Another user noted that a volume control on the cord would have been nice, but overall it’s a great value.

The Bose Mobile In-Ear Headset Hands Free is available at Amazon for $129.

The Compact Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth

Best Handsets Hands Free: Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth

The Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset is a compact device that allows users to talk without the burden of holding a phone or the hassle of an external cable. It has a feature that lets you switch between two different BlueTooth devices as well as a one touch call feature and a dialing feature that is based off your voice. Its battery claims to be able to take 6 hours of talk time. The microphone is designed to be noise cancelling, allowing users to walk through busy streets with no interference. The footprint of this device is very efficient for users trying to cut down on extraneous equipment in their daily life.

With an astounding four an a half star review on Amazon after thousands of users’ input, this handset hands free is definitely one of the best.  Some users note that the noise cancelling feature on the microphone is not as strong as it claims to be, and other users have said that the battery may only get around 3 hours of talk time total on a full battery. But overall, most users laud the sound quality and ease of use.

The Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset is available at Amazon for $45.

The Foldable Panasonic KX-TCA92 Comfort Fit Headset

Best Headsets Hands Free: Panasonic KX-TCA92 Comfort Fit

The Panasonic KX-TCA92 Comfort Fit Headset Hands Free has great portability with its foldable design. Its noise-cancelling microphone is fully adjustable, and the headset hands free is fully reversible for either ear. There is a volume control on the cable and a mute button. Overall it’s a very simple design that provides comfort and control.

Amazon users give it three and a half stars, claiming it a decent buy for its feature set. Some users have claimed the mic can be a bit quiet in certain environments, and users have also claimed that the mute button is a hassle because you’re forced to hold it down when in use.  Overall, still a great buy at the price point.

The Panasonic KX-TCA92 Comfort Fit Headset Hands Free is available through Amazon for $60.

Earbuds just aren’t for everyone. They can be uncomfortable and many simply don’t offer the same sound quality and noise-cancelling benefits traditional, of over-the-ear headphones. While the concept of wireless headphones has been around for years, they have long taken a backseat to earbuds, mainly due to portability issues and an overall lack of quality sound reproduction.

In the past, home versions of wireless headphone models were bulky and simply not suitable for portable use.  But recently, wireless headphones have begun to approach the sound-quality standards set forth by the competition and the design improvements have made them more portable than ever. Check out the top picks for wireless headphones for the iPod.

Here is our round-up of the best wireless headphones for iPods:

The Sony Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter and Headphones for iPod

Best Wireless Headphones for iPod: The Sony Wireless-Bluetooth Transmitter and Headphones for iPod

The Sony Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter and Headphones for iPod offers one of the best and most economical ways to go wireless. The foldable Bluetooth headset makes portability a snap. One of the best features of these headphones is the ability to switch from your music experience to any one of several portable devices with Bluetooth capability with the touch of your finger. 13 out of 22 users gave this product a 5 star rating for battery life, comfort, ease of use and sound quality. Overall, the Sony wireless Bluetooth transmitter and headphones for iPod is a great alternative for users who shy away from earbuds.
The Sony Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter and Headphones for iPod is available at Amazon for $63.99.

The jWin Stereo Bluetooth Backphone For iPods

The jWin Stereo Bluetooth Backphone with Built in Control Function for iPod Touch, Classic, Nano, and Shuffle is a tiny yet powerful alternative to traditional iPod earbuds.  The Digital Signal Processor allows for maximum noise and echo cancellation, leaving listeners with nothing but pure sound for their listening pleasure. Overall, this device rates highly with Amazon users, receiving 4 out of 5 stars in both portability and battery life.

The jWin headphone is available at Amazon for $73.99.

The Cables Unlimited Wireless Stereo Headphones (SPK-9100)

Best Wireless Headphones for iPod: Cables Unlimited 900 MHz Wireless Stereo Headphones (SPK-9100)

The Cables Unlimited 900 MHz Wireless Stereo Headphones (SPK-9100 )is the most economical choice when it comes to delivering high quality wireless sound from a multitude of iPod devices.  This lightweight, portable device makes exercising to your favorite tunes a breeze and like most other Bluetooth devices, can be used to convert virtually any Bluetooth device to a hands-free, wireless device.  The range of these headphones makes listening to your iPod possible from almost any room in your house.

Amazon users love this device and have given it high marks in all of its categories including 4 out of 5 stars in the ease of use, battery life, portability, and comfort departments.

The Cables Unlimited 900 MHz Wireless Stereo Headphones (SPK-9100) are available at Amazon for $40.19.

The JBL Ref 610 Over the Ear Wireless Headphones

Best Wireless Headphones for iPod JBL Ref 610 Over the Ear Wireless Headphones

Beauty is truly in the ear of the listener when it comes to the JBL Ref 610 Over the Ear Wireless Headphones.  Though the most expensive headphones in the bunch, JBL delivers a powerful punch with these headphones.  JBL has long been a recognized name in the audio speaker industry and these headphones are no exception.

Amazon users agree — 15 out of the 24 consumer reviews gives these headphones 5 stars in sound quality, fit, battery life and ease of use, landing these speakers an overall rating of 4 ½ stars out of 5.

The main drawback to these headphones is the price.  These are easily the most expensive headphones on the list.  The JBL Ref 610 over the Ear Wireless Headphones are available at Amazon for $244.50

The Best Headphones Under $100

I’ve tested a lot of headphones in the Reactual Labs. I’ve discovered that there are, in fact, great quality headphones priced under $100. The three of the best rated headphones are: Sennheiser, Grado Labs and AKG. Other popular brands found in electronics stores tend to have inferior sound at this price level.

Here are the best headphone under $100:

The Best Value Headphone: The Grado SR80i

Grado SR80i Headphones: Best Rated

When I think of the Grado Headphones, I think of rich, warm sound. Music seems livelier and more up-front, when played through Grados. The budget-priced SR-80 is no exception. These headphones have a fidelity level that is usually only found in high-end headphones costing hundreds of dollars more. The designer, John Grado, said he strove to design the best sounding phones for the money, and I would say his focus on audio clarity paid off.

These headphones are open-air headphones, and very quite comfortable to wear. They cover the full frequency range from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. They are made in Brooklyn, and they sport a retro design. My only criticism is that they could be sturdier in their construction — my first pair fell apart after a six months — but I am rough with my gear.

The Grado SR80i is available from Amazon. You can also find the Grado SR60i which is $20 cheaper, and another good choice.

Best Rated Headphone: Sennheiser HD 555 Headphones

Best Rated Headphone: The Sennhesier HD 555

Sennheiser produces some of the best headphones for under $100. Unfortunately some of them are no longer available (like the great HD 280 ). Update: the amazing Sennheiser HD 280 is available again. The Sennheiser HD 555 is another fine choice for just under $100. They are sturdy and comfortable to wear for hours. But emphasis is on sound here — and the HD-555 produce wonderful sound. Though the bass isn’t as deep as the Grado headphones, they provide excellent quality sound. Sennhesier says they use internal surround reflector to generate an extended spatial sound field. For me, it sounds like there’s a miniature high-end stereo system with good speaker separation sitting next to my ears.

These headphones have an Open Dynamic design, so someone in the same room will be able to hear what you’re listening to. The HD 555 comes with a full-size 6.3mm jack, but the package includes a 3.5mm adapter.

The Sennhesier HD 555 is available from Amazon.

The Best Portable Headphone: Sennheiser HD 228

Sennheiser HD 228 Headphone

The Sennheiser HD 228 is by far my favorite to use outside my home. Previously, I recommended the less expensive Sennhesier PX-100 headphones. But I found they were much more fragile than the HD 228. These headphones have a great build quality, and they can be purchased for about $70. Their lightweight construction and individually-adjusting earpieces make them very comfortable to wear for extended periods. As far as sound goes, they are the best sounding portable headphones I’ve tried. While these headphones are marketed as “bass enhanced” headphones, realistically you’re not going to get the same level of bass response as Grado headphone mentioned above. Still, in terms of price and portability, this one is a winner.

Available from Amazon.

Best Wireless Earbuds: Sennheiser MM 200 Bluetooth Headset

Wireless earbuds allow you to listen to an iPod or MP3 player without a tangle of cords. They are particularly useful for listening while you are engaged in sports.

There are two types of wireless earbuds: those that transmit wirelessly via an iPod adapter, and those that attach directly to an iPod shuffle. Most of the transmitting wireless earbuds use the Bluetooth protocol, but a few high-end earbuds use a different wireless protocol called Kleer for CD-quality audio. Bluetooth transmits music reasonably well, but if your are looking for high-fidelity sound you should probably choose a Kleer-compatible device.

The iPhone supports Bluetooth headphones, but split-second interruptions can sometimes be heard in playback while an App is loading. iPod audio continues to be almost perfect when running even device-taxing games, but there are occasionally similarly brief interruptions. This will depend on the App.

Here’s our round-up of the best wireless earbuds currently available:

Update:

We’ve found two new wireless headsets that you might want to consider: the Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-905 and the Jabra BT8010 Bluetooth Headset . These were both given “Excellent” rating by CNet, this month (February 2011). They also gave an “Excellent” rating to the Etymotic Ety8, which is listed below.

Etymotic Research Ety8 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds

Etymotic Research is a company that produces high-end earphones that compete with the likes of Shure and Ultimate Ears. They make a set of wireless earbuds, the Ety8 Bluetooth Wireless Earphones which are noise-canceling earbuds that are supported by your ear canal. They come with different sizes of ear-tips to accommodate the many different ear sizes.

The set weighs less than half an ounce and one of them contains the battery and the other the circuit, antennae and controls. However, all of these electronic means the earbuds are pretty large and fairly heavy. Despite there being no cables dragging at your ears, the sheer weight of each earphone is enough to pull uncomfortably under normal use. You definitely cannot run with these earbuds.

However, they do offer excellent sound and great noise reduction. So if that is your priority when selecting earbuds, you might want to try these.

The Ety8 Bluetooth Wireless Earphones are available for about $220 from Amazon.

The Sleek Audio SA6 Wireless Headphone Bundle

Sleek Wireless Headphone Bundle

The Sleek SA6 Wireless Headphone makes use of Kleer Corporation’s digital transmission technology. Kleer uses the same 2.4 GHz range as Bluetooth, but it actually allows for the transmission of uncompressed CD-quality sound. It also uses less power than Bluetooth, so the headphones hold their charge longer.

The only other earbuds using Kleer technology, are the Sennheiser (featured below). These Sleek headphones top our list of wireless headphones, offer excellent sound quality and good battery life.

The Sleek SA6 Wireless Headphone is available from Amazon for $275.

Sleek Wireless Earbuds

Sleek Headphones Use Kleer Technology

Sennheiser MX W1 Totally Wireless Earphones

Sennheiser’s MX W1 Totally Wireless Earphones also uses Kleer Corporation’s digital transmission technology.

The entire system consists of the earbuds, a small transmitter that connects to an iPod or MP3 player, and a carrying case with built-in quick charge function that enables up to three full recharges while on the go.

The transmitter is very small — it’s about  half the size of a pack of gum. It comes with a rubber band to strap to an iPod. In a clear space you can move about 40 feet away from the iPod and still get a clear signal. On a full charge the transmitter will last for about 10 hours, while the earbuds will last for about 3 to 5 hours.

The Sennheiser MX W1 Totally Wireless Earphones are available from Amazon for about $300. You can check out the Amazon reviews for this product.

Sennheiser MM 200 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds

The Sennheiser MM 200 bluetooth headset is a good choice if your budget is under $200 (it currently sells for  $106). The MM 200 earbuds have a lanyard design — you wear the device around your neck. They earbuds themselves are very similar to wired Sennheiser earbuds — the device on the lanyard holds the battery and the bluetooth receiver. So the MM 200 is likely to appeal to those who don’t mind wearing it around their neck.

The battery takes about 3 hours to charge, and its gives you about 9 hours of music, which is quite good when compared to other headsets. The process of pairing the headset with an iPhone using bluetooth was straightforward. The controls allow you to play and pause music, change the volume, and some in-call controls for the phone too.

The earbuds comes with three different sized rubber tips. Once you get the right fit, the quality of music really improves. The overall quality of the sound is very good, as you’d expect from Sennheiser. The only reservation I have is that the earbuds are a bit light on bass.

The Sennheiser MM 200 wireless bluetooth headset is available from Amazon for $106 (currently out of stock).

JBL Ref 610 Headphones For iPhones and iPods

JBL Ref 610 Wireless Headphones For iPhone and iPods

The JBL Reference 610 are bluetooth headphones that are designed to be used with iPhones and iPods. Made by Harman Kardon, they have good sound quality (as good as you can expect from Bluetooth). They are also very comfortable, and the built-in rechargeable battery last at least 10 hours on a charge. The JBL Reference 610 includes built-in controls on the ear cup — you can adjust volume, select tracks, play, pause, plus browse menus when in iPod navigation mode.

These headphones can also be plugged in using a included 3.5mm mini plug (I don’t know of any other bluetooth headphone with this feature).

The JBL Reference 610 headphones are from Amazon for about $140.

Motorola S305 Bluetooth Stereo Headset

The Motorola S305 Bluetooth Stereo Headset is a very functional headset, that sells for $35. This is the best rated Bluetooth Headphone on Amazon (it gets an average rate of 4 or 5 stars from over 100 buyers).

Available on Amazon.

Jaybird JB 200i Earbuds For iPod

Jaybird JB 200i Bluetooth Stereo Earbuds For iPod

The Jaybird JB 200i Bluetooth Earbuds are built for listening while active. They are water and sweat resistant, and they are made to stay secure while in motion. Jaybirds are quite comfortable to wear  – the bulk of the earpieces are contained in the two crescent-moon-shaped units that curve behind the ear when worn.

Jaybirds are also designed to make calls with Bluetooth-equipped mobile phones (they switch from music to calls with the press of a button). They include an iPod adapter, and the process of pairing with the earphones is pretty easy.

The earphones have three buttons on the right earpiece: one that plays and pauses music as well as starts and end calls, and two more that alternate between volume controls (long press) and track shuttle keys (short press). A thin cable, meant to be worn behind the head, connects the right to the left ear piece.

The sounds quality of the earphones is reasonably good, but the bass tends to muffled and under-represented.

Overall, the JayBird JB-200i is good for active types who want a super low-profile set of wireless earphones for their iPod.

The Jaybird JB 200i earbuds are available from Amazon for about $100.

Motorola Motorokr S9 Wireless Earphones

Like the Jaybird earphones, the Motorokr S9 Bluetooth Wireless Earphones are made for sports use. They are water-resistant and can be used with any phone that supports Bluetooth Stereo Profile (A2DP) or Bluetooth Adapter for iPod. The Motorokr S9 comes with a Bluetooth adapter for iPods.

The S9 headset is comfortable to wear. It has a rigid plastic band that sits just behind the back of your neck. The earbud covers are made with soft rubber. The left-hand side of the headset has the Play and Track Skip buttons. The right-hand side features volume controls and a multifunction button for managing voice calls.

The headset isn’t a true in-ear design. This makes it more comfortable to wear, but it also lets more sound in from the outside.

The audio quality is reasonable, but not great,  The battery life is reasonably good (up to approximately 6 hour music listening, 7 hours talk time from a single charge).

One Amazon reviewer had an issue with power button:

The product delivered everything I expected. The only issue I have is the touchy on/off switch. My robe collar will actually shut the headphones off, if I’m not careful. Other than that, it’s a great product.

The Motorokr S9 Bluetooth Wireless Earphones are available from Amazon for around $40.

I’ve tested many products over the past year. Here are three that have particularly impressed me with their efficiency:

A Neti Pot

Recently, I’ve been won over by a simple device: the neti pot. This ceramic pot can be used to cleanse your nasal passages. The practice of Neti comes from the ancient tradition of Yoga and Ayurveda. So how does it work? Basically, you put warm water and salt in a Neti pot. You then pour the solution in one nostril, and it comes out the other one. The flowing liquid clears your sinuses of  dirt, allergens and pollutants.

Does it string? Well, I don’t like getting water up my nose. But neti is non-irritating if you use warm water and the correct amount of salt. This saline solution matches the composition of your nasal mucus quite well. It took me a few days to get the solution and technique right.

You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about Neti in the book Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda by David Fawley. The author really knows his stuff — I’ve read many books by him. Besides giving basic instructions on using the Neti pot correctly, the book goes into the more advanced uses of the Neti pot, including using it to administer herbal remedies.

Sennheiser PX 100 Folding Headphones

Sennheiser PX 100 Portable Headphones

These $35 headphones from Sennheiser (PX 100s) are probably the best portable headphones available.  I’ve tried all kinds of earbuds and lightweight headphones, but in terms of sound quality and comfort, the Sennheisers are the most efficient. The PX 100s have excellent sound quality, and they are comfortable to wear. They also fold up, so that you can put them in your pocket. I’m rough on my gadgets, and the PX 100s have survived a couple of years with me. They’ve been crushed, yanked, and have endured general rough treatment. By contrast, I had a pair of portable Grado Heaphone. They sounded great but of one of the ear pieces broke after a few months.

Merino Wool Underwear

You may have heard me chant the praises of merino wool clothing previously. But merino wool is particularly excellent as an underwear material. It has all the right properties: it regulates temperature, breathes and it doesn’t trap odors. It also doesn’t itch — and believe me I don’t like clothing that itches. You can also put them in with your regular laundry.

Icebreaker and Smartwool both make merino wool underwear for and women. Smartwool boxers are slightly less expensive ($35 each).

The Best Studio Headphones

Update: This headphone is no longer being manufactured but the Sennheiser HD-555 is a comparable headphone for under $100.

Ah, the Sennheiser HD-580 — this is one of the best rated headphones of the last 10 years. The Sennheiser HD-580 has been lauded by stereophile magazines for it stellar sound quality and durability. It’s a comfortable set of ‘phones with soft, velvety earpads. It has a metal band at the top — lesser headphones have plastic instead. It sells for about $120 today — and that’s a bargain (it used to retail for $300).

This is an ideal headphone for hours of listening at home, but not a great choice for iPods and other mobile players that simply can’t deliver enough power to this full-sized audio headset. These are “Open Air” ‘phones meaning, people nearby will be able to hear your music.

Basically, the sound from these ‘phones is almost indistinguishable from the Sennheiser HD-650, which retails for about $300. You really need gilded, audiophile ears to tell the difference between the sound of the Sennheiser HD-580 and the HD-600. The one real difference is structural — the HD-600 has a carbon-fiber housing material rather than plastic. The listed specs on the HD-580 are virtually identical to the HD-600, and it sounds quite similar to the HD-650 too.

Update: This headphone is no longer being manufactured but the Sennheiser HD-555 is a comparable headphone for under $100.

The Cordster is a small attachment to keep your headphone cables untangled. It works with virtually all portable cords, and snaps on and off using a removable Velcro-like fastener. Reportedly, it works well. Available in a variety of colors for $4.95.