Sennheiser Momentum headphones combine excellent sound quality and a premium design. Their closed-back cups will block out some ambient noise, though not as much as a noise-canceling headphone. Comfort is a plus for most.

Reviewers say the Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones are better than any other headphones on the market at filtering out ambient noise, especially low tones like the drone of airplane engines. Their overall sound quality is very good, but not as pure as some other headphones. Most reviewers find them extremely comfortable.

The Sennheiser PC 363D has the three qualities users want most in gaming headphones: comfort, excellent surround sound and a good microphone. In addition, professional reviewers say their controls are very easy to operate with one hand. Their biggest drawback is that they work best with PCs, not with gaming consoles.

Expert reviewers generally say the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro delivers better value than any other headphones on the market. Despite their relatively low price, these cans have very good sound quality, even if it may not satisfy the true audiophile. Most users also find them comfortable.