Headphones

Sony Active Style Sports Headphones Review
Geek gear

Sony Active Style Headphones: Solid Sound That Stays Put

As a runner, I'm always on the lookout for functional, lightweight headphones that won't slip from my ears mid-workout, and the MDRAS20J Active Style Headphones ($20) definitely fit the bill.
by

As a runner, I'm always on the lookout for functional, lightweight headphones that won't slip from my ears mid-workout, and the MDRAS20J Active Style Headphones ($20) definitely fit the bill. I have to admit I was hesitant when I first placed the loop-hanger design around my ears, as I usually prefer simple earbuds. After a few long runs, though, I appreciated the secure fit. It was nice not having to push my headphones back into my ears every other song, and the convenient cord clip kept the cords from swinging side to side.

When it comes to sound, these headphones are ideal. They certainly don't cancel the outside noise, but for the price point, I was pleasantly surprised by their clear, solid sound, and I didn't have to blast the volume to drown out my treadmill. The bottom line: if you're looking for a practical, affordable pair of headphones that stays put during longer workouts, then the Sony Active Style set is a great option.

Cool Skullcandy Headphones Summer 2012
Geek gear

From Denim to Waterproof: Shop 5 Cool Summer Headphones

Whether you plan to jet-set all Summer or spend your hours poolside, we've found five pairs of headphones to carry you through the season.
by

Whether you plan to jet-set all Summer or spend your hours poolside, we've found five pairs of headphones to carry you through the season. From bright, noise-canceling picks to sleek, waterproof earplugs, these options are sure to satisfy all your music needs. Ready to check out some new selections? Here are five stylish, functional choices you'll love.

Fanny Wang 1000 Series On Ear Edition Headphones ($170) SleepPhones ($40) Skullcandy Hesh 2 Headphones ($70) DryBuds Sport Waterproof Earbuds ($40) Urbanears Edition Plattan Headphones in Denim ($80)
View 5 Photos
11 Essential Road Trip Gadgets
Laptop Bags

11 Gadgets to Tote on Your Summer Road Trip

There's nothing more liberating than heading out with your best gal pals for a Summer road trip.
by

There's nothing more liberating than heading out with your best gal pals for a Summer road trip. Getting away from the daily grind and soaking in the sun along the interstate makes it easy to unwind. The method of transportation may not be very high-tech, but that doesn't mean your accessories can't be. Check out these 11 essential gadgets you should pack along for your road trip this season.

Polaroid Instant Camera PIC-300 ($69) Garmin nÜvi 1450LMT Auto GPS ($130) Gray Kargo Cooler ($119) An Ereader ($99 and up) Griffin PowerDuo Reserve For iPod and iPhone ($70) Casio PQ15-1K Travel Alarm Clock ($16) Insight HX120 Flashlight ($116)
View 9 Photos
Stylish Headphones
Spring Fashion

10 Stylish Headphones You Want to Plug Into This Summer

Music and fashion go hand in hand with one another, and if you're a fan of both, you know headphones are an essential must have.
by
Stylish Headphones

Music and fashion go hand in hand with one another, and if you're a fan of both, you know headphones are an essential must have. Stylish DJs like Solange Knowles and Alexandra Richards are always spotted in the coolest renditions, and if your Summer plans involve visits to the MET, trips to the beach, and chilling at the park — all while listening to your custom mix on Spotify — a fresh pair of headphones is just what you need to complete your look. You don't have to be a DJ or music maven to appreciate these stunning finds, but there's no harm in looking like one, right? Just click the slideshow to shop the most stylish headphone finds and get ready to rock out this Summer.

View 10 Photos
Subjekt Herphones Review
Geek gear

Herphones Petite Earphones: Pint-Sized Power

When you look for tech products for women, you'll most likely find a barrage of pink and lavender gadgets with unimpressive specs.
by

When you look for tech products for women, you'll most likely find a barrage of pink and lavender gadgets with unimpressive specs. But there are a few times that I'm surprised by a "lady gadget," and the Subjekt Herphones ($25) is one of them. These petite earphones — which are touted as being 40 percent smaller than your average earbud — are made for those with smaller ears, and while they're dressed in a fetching exterior combo of white and red (or blue, or black), they are powerful enough to block out the noise of a crowded bus commute in a densely populated city. I should know — Subjekt sent me a pair to try for myself.

The main reasons I loved the Herphones are the top selling points in the product description — they are super lightweight (made of aluminum), have a tangle-free soft cord with volume adjuster and mic, and fit comfortably in my ears. Just in case, you'll get three different sizes of silicone tips to match the width of your ear. Smaller-eared gals (and guys!) will love these headphones, especially since the sound quality is so clean, and they pack quite a punch in the bass department. Plus, I wasn't always mashing them back into my ears, which indicates to me that the fit was exceptional and will cut down a lot of frustration for those on the move.

Are the Herphones worth $25? Absolutely. In fact, you can order your own pair online now.

Turntable and Music Inspired Jewelry
Geek gear

Precious Metals For Music and Vinyl Geeks

Since you had a retro turntable before vinyl became cool again and are most often found with a set of headphones wrapped around your neck, jewelry inspired by your favorite hobby is a necessary indulgence (other than a new mixer or rare vinyl box set, of course).
by

Since you had a retro turntable before vinyl became cool again and are most often found with a set of headphones wrapped around your neck, jewelry inspired by your favorite hobby is a necessary indulgence (other than a new mixer or rare vinyl box set, of course). With its tiny turntables pendants and sterling silver headphones rings, Australian artist Nathan Thomas's Darkcloud Silver line of jewelry is made for the person that always has the latest music gear and never misses a good live show. Who wouldn't want to update white iPod headphones with a lookalike necklace?

View 6 Photos
Review of Workout Headphones Yurbuds, Sculpted Eers, and More
Fitness

Stay Put: Reviews of 5 Earphones Designed For Your Workout

When running, any old iPod earbud just won't do.
by
Review of Workout Headphones Yurbuds, Sculpted Eers, and More

When running, any old iPod earbud just won't do. Earphones that slip off easily can distract you and keep you from meeting your workout goals, and who wants low-quality sound when they need an extra heartbeat-raising boost from their playlist?

That's why you need a good pair of earphones that are designed to stay snugly in your ears while you work out. We tested out five types of workout-designed earphones meant to stay put while elevating your auditory experience. Keep clicking to read the reviews, and check out more earphones designed to stay put. Motivated to don a pair and go for a run? Don't forget to enter our Get Fit For 2012 giveaway for fabulous prizes that will also revamp your workout.

Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Pro A-Jays Four Skullcandy Fix Polk Audio UltraFit 3000 Sculpted Eers PS-100
View 5 Photos
Zipper Headphone Cords From Zipbuds at CES 2012
CES

Zipbuds Help You Say Sayonara to Tangled Headphone Cords

Tossing your earbuds in your bag in a rush only results in a headache later.
by

Tossing your earbuds in your bag in a rush only results in a headache later. Thankfully these headphones and earbuds from Zipbuds will prevent your cables from ending up like a rat's nest so you can grab, go, and tune in without spending time unraveling.

Compatible with your iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and other mobile devices and MP3 players that accept 3.5mm headphone jacks (like, all of them?), the Zipbuds transform into one tangle-resistant cord for easy storage. The brand-spankin' new L.A.B. Headphones (pictured here, $60–$200) are perfect for immersing yourself in your music, while the earbuds are great for everyday listening, commutes, and hitting the gym. Zipbuds has a number of earbuds available to purchase now, while the L.A.B. line will be out this Spring.

Ludacris Soul Headphones at CES 2012
Tech News

Ludacris Shows His Soul at CES

What's the Consumer Electronics Show without a sprinkle of celebrity-endorsed gadgets?
by

What's the Consumer Electronics Show without a sprinkle of celebrity-endorsed gadgets? This year, hip-hop mogul Ludacris was on hand to introduce the latest additions to his Soul by Ludacris headphone line.

In 2012, the new finishes are all about shine. The SL300 noise-canceling headphones come in chrome gold, and the SL150 hi-def headphones are chrome silver. The SL100 model now has a white finish with gold accents. Soul's line of earbuds, the SL49 and SL99, also has new color options including a green and black combo, red and black, pink and white, and platinum.

We spoke to the musician-restaurateur-actor-entrepreneur for more on his life in the tech industry:

  • Style meets Soul — Ludacris said his life is "all about setting trends and pop culture," which is infused into the design of the Soul product line. He draws inspiration from a little bit of everything including fashion and cars.
  • Listening must-haves — Though it's like naming a favorite child, Ludacris keeps a pair of the SL99 earbuds in his pocket for whenever, wherever, and the SL300 when traveling for the noise-canceling experience.
  • Apple fan — He names the iPhone 4S and iPad as the nonheadphone gadgets he can't live without.

    • Pricing and availability for the new Soul headphone and earbud designs hasn't been announced, but the current line on sale ranges from $70 to $300. Check out photos of the Soul line in the gallery.

    Soul On-Ear Headphones Presidential SL300 SL300 Noise-Canceling Headphones in Gold Soul Earbuds SL150 in Silver
    View 5 Photos