Buyer's Guide: The Best Headphones

Headphones should first and foremost reproduce sound well—a stylish design is an added bonus ... or maybe that depends on your priorities! Headphones for portable devices are slowly embracing fashion, but that shouldn't mean compromising audio quality. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for headphones:

- On-ear or in-ear? While on-ear headphones make more of a statement and are more comfortable to wear, in-ear models are more compact and are more effective at stopping sound escaping into the surrounding environment. On-ear models can struggle to produce a neutral output but in-ear models can be quite fragile. In the end, it's all a matter of taste.

- Design. If you opt for a pair of on-ear headphones, don't forget that a folding model can be much more practical for use on the move, and that a carry case can be handy. Plus, make sure the headband is well-padded or you may soon get tired of wearing them. If you choose in-ear headphones, don't forget that they can feel quite strange and sometimes uncomfortable in your ears. You also may find that you can suddenly 'hear' your footsteps.

- Accessories. Check what comes included with each model. A case is always practical and spare earbuds can be useful too.

With these factors in mind, here's our pick of the best headphones out there right now.

Editor's Choice

After making a great range of in-ear headphones, Scandinavian manufacturer Jays has also come up with a top-notch on-ear model. Jays v-Jays headphones are compact, yet deliver surprisingly good quality sound. Plus, the casing and headband are made from fibreglass for boosted flexibility with no risk of breakages. These headphones are perfect for enjoying music out and about, and the best news is that they won't break the bank!

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