earphones

Convergence is in full-force for mobile devices, so it's no surprise that more and more users are forgoing standalone MP3 players in favor of using their cell phones for audio playback. Accessories manufacturers have been quick to catch on, too, churning out plenty of wired stereo headsets, Bluetooth headphones, and portable speakers for the mobile devices. If you're looking for a way to more fully enjoy the musical talents of your cell phone, check out the options we've rounded up below.

I remain a steadfast fan of noise-isolating earbuds, which I think deliver much better sound--and greater comfort--than your garden-variety earphones.

Don't believe me? Drop a tenner and see for yourself. Buy.com has the Q:Electronics Noise-Isolating Earbuds with Volume Control for $9.99 shipped.

That's right, volume control: These babies have an inline slider that lets you raise and lower the volume without having to reach in your pocket to fiddle with your player's controls. (Why don't all headphones have this?)

The buds' other claim to fame: interchangeable "pads" that come in seven … Read more

Once you dip below the $50 mark in the portable headphone market, you're generally going to be looking at a noticeable drop-off in construction and sound quality. That's why we've been pleasantly surprised lately at the offerings in the budget price range. One example are the $40 MEElectronics M6 earphones, which offer a shockingly durable design that looks good and fits well. Better yet, they provide plenty of bass and generally good audio quality--if you're willing to make a small sacrifice in clarity and balance.

Read the full review of the MEElectronics M6 headphones.

Once you dip below the $50 mark in the portable headphone market, you're generally going to be looking at a noticeable drop-off in sound quality. That's why we're always pleasantly surprised to come across earphones that manage to provide good audio at a low price--even better if they're comfortable, as well. The Yamaha EPH-30 is one such set, and though they're not without their pitfalls, we have no qualms about recommending these $40 earbuds.

Read the full review of the Yamaha EPH-30 Inner Ear Headphones.

Portable electronics aren't particularly known for being environmentally friendly, mainly because of how difficult they are to dispose of and the materials that go into making them. Headphones certainly don't seem low-impact, with their long plastic cords and metal, plastic, and silicone components. However, Thinksound is aiming to change all that with two new lines of earphones designed with the smallest eco-footprint possible. One of the models is the Thunder 10mm earphones, an $80 set that sells for closer to $55 online.

Read the Thinksound Thunder review

Anyone who has listened to me on the MP3 Insider podcast, followed me on Twitter (WeirdEaredJas), or even taken the time to peruse the bio below knows I am cursed with absurdly tiny ears. Heck, you can even see for yourself in the multitude of in-ear photos plastered across the headphone reviews on CNET. Happily for me, I am not alone in my deformity (yes, misery does indeed love company).

In fact, many purveyors of portable audio find standard earbuds uncomfortable and can't get many in-ear headphones to fit properly into the ear. It is for my fellow small-eared … Read more

Walking into the North Hall at CES this year might make you wonder if someone had picked up MacWorld and deposited it into the Las Vegas desert. The space was packed end to end with various iPod accessories, complete with iLounge Pavilion. As you might imagine, headphones made up no small part of the audio offerings on display. Among the many companies on display was Etymotic, which was demonstrating its new mc-series headphones.

The sleek new earphones come in a variety of shimmery colors, including a forest green version not shown here. They also include Etymotic's excellent noise-isolating capabilities … Read more

If you're going to make fitness-friendly tech, teaming up with an athletic company is a good way to go. At least Sennheiser thinks so. The headphone manufacturer elected to work with Adidas when updating its sport line of earphones.

The line includes four new models--the MX 680, the CX 680, the OMX 680, and the PMX 680--ranging in design and price. For more details on each, check out the slide show, but the most compelling info is the fact that the headphones are super sweat and water resistant. Expect to see them on the virtual marketplace later this month.… Read more

LAS VEGAS--Shure on Thursday announced an update to its higher-end SE earphones, and while it may not be revolutionary, it's certainly welcome. Around the end of spring, you'll be able to pick up the SE425 for $299 or the SE535 for $499.

The new headphones feature the same inner circuitry as their predecessors, the SE420 and SE530, meaning you'll get the same stellar sound quality as with the previous models. However, the design updates to the earbuds are rather significant.

Namely, each pair has been noticeably slimmed down, making these 'buds an easier fit for more people. … Read more