Best headphones and earplugs

If you have gone tired of the classic white iPod and iPhone earplugs, plainly worn them out, or just want to upgrade to some new headphones with better sound and comfort, then you should continue reading.

There are many alternative headphones for the iPhone and iPod available in the market today, to be honest you can use pretty much whatever headphones or earplugs you would like as most are compatible with the iPod, while if you want to be able to take and receive calls on the iPhone you will need a pair with a built in mic and control. Depending on what sound experience you are after, what shape of headphones/earplugs, and not to mention price tag, the choices are many. The following are some of our favourites and that I think gives you the best value for money. We have also given them our Republic Rating based on quality of sound and value for money.

Best Buy iPod/iPhone headphones
Monster Beats by Dr Dre Studio
These are the flagship model in the hottest headphones to be seen in these days; the Studio model from Monster Beats inspired by the legend Dr Dre. These headphones are not only about style, but about recreating the sound that artists listen to in the studios, giving you as the listener the best possible listening experience. They are also fully iPhone compatible with a built in control and mic in the iconic chunky red cable. Read a full review of Monster Beats by Dr Dre Studio…
Republic Rating: 09/10
Price: £200 from Amazon UK
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Above £50 headphones

Monster Beats by Dr Dre Solo - The Solo model is the little brother of the Studio model, but still keeping that style and sound that you come to expect from Monster Beats. They don’t provide the same noise cancellation as their more expensive Studio model but having used these for a long time myself even the noise from a busy road don’t interfere much with the great music being produced from these headphones. They are also iPhone compatible with mic and control on the red cable.

Republic Rating: 8/10

Price: £128 from Amazon UK

Monster Beats by Dr Dre Tour - If you are after the quality of Monster Beats by Dr Dre but prefer in-ear headphones instead of the classic headphones, then the Tour model might be the one for you. They are keeping with the iconic look and feel of the other Monster Beats by Dr Dre models, and the sound is great from these in-ear headphones.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: £112 from Amazon UK

B&W P5 Headphones - Bowers & Wilkins are probably best known in the iPod and iPhone circles for their legendary Zeppelin speaker dock, but they have now also entered the headphone market with some impressive noise cancelling headphones in the Bowers & Wilkins P5. They themselves refer to the P5 as a “concert for one” and they are really impressive both in sound and design. For the price tag you would not expect anything less either.Republic Rating: 9/10

Price: £249 from John Lewis

Sony MDR-NC500 Headphones - Sony describes these as the worlds first digital noise cancelling headphones blocking out 99% of surrounding sounds. The sound quality is impressive, and it is especially interesting to hear how the sound picture changes depending on the outside noises that needs to be blocked out. The noise cancellation can also be switched off, which sometimes can be very useful.

Republic Rating: 8/10

Price: Amazon UK £229

Sennheiser iE6 ear-canal headphones - The Sennheiser iE6 with high-fidelity bass enriched sound is another winner from Sennheiser, one of the leading headphones manufacturers in the world. These are designed for tough use with their rugged housing and the kevlar enhanced cable, created to deliver impressive sound in the toughest surroundings.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: Amazon UK £96

Koss Pro headphones - This is the little brother of the Bose headphones, but still good value for money and for a bit less money! Well worth the investment for the DJ amongst you, and perhaps not for the sportfanatic.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: Amazon UK £85

Bose Triport Headphones - The price of these headphones might sound ludiocrus, but once you have tried the deep and soulful sound of these Bose headphones you will never regret spending the money for the experience of music the way it should be heared.

Republic Rating: 8/10

Price: Amazon UK £160

£21 to £50 headphones

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones - For the price the noise cancelling ability of these headphones from Sony is excellent. Hear more of the music and less of the noise from around you. Block out a nagging boyfriend or girlfriend, the bus and the train when commuting, or the boss at work with these.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: Amazon UK £30

Koss Stereo Headphones - For the price this headset is perfect not only for your ipod but also for other activities as long as they do not require much running or jumping that is.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: Amazon UK £34

£0 - £20 headphones

Creative Labs Earphones - These are actually pretty good quality for money. The sound isolation is not bad at all and they are quite comfortable for earplugs.

Republic Rating: 6/10

Price: Amazon UK £8

Sennheiser Ear Canal Headphones - Has a powerful bas driven sound. Available in 3 different sizes depending on your ear canal size. Good quality sound and great value for money.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: Amazon UK £13

Sennheiser PX100 Headphones - These collapsible open air headphones from sennheiser has a very impressive sound reproduction. However if you are using them for more than a trip around town then you might want to opt for some more rough headphones.

Republic Rating: 7/10

Price: Amazon UK £23

Prices updated as per 23 August 2010.

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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