Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (outstanding)

The good: The S4 earphones offer exceptional sound quality for the money. They're also very comfortable and come with a few handy extras such as a storage box and cleaning tool.

The bad: The cable doesn't seem very durable, and the included eartips may not work for everyone.

The price: $80

The bottom line: They offer up sound quality on par with and better than sets that cost many times as much; they are a spectacular choice.

Apple In-Ear headphones

Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 (excellent)

The good: They offer great sound, stylish design and an in-line microphone with an iPod remote control.

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The bad: The white design will show wear, iPhone users can't take advantage of the in-line volume control, and owners of older iPods have no use for the remote and mike.

The price: $75 to $80

The bottom line: If you own a new iPod, these are a great value. Owners of iPhones and older iPods will have to decide whether the compatibility issues are worth overlooking.

Philips SHE-9850 In-Ear Headphones

Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 (excellent)

The good: They offer solid sound quality, a sleek design, a comfortable fit and handy extras.

The bad: The headphones' bass response is mushy at times.

The price: $95 to $96

The bottom line: The Philips SHE-9850 In-Ear Headphones are an excellent choice for style-conscious listeners who demand comfort and detailed audio response.

Sony MDR-EX90LP

Cnet rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (very good)

The good: They provide excellent clarity and detail and decent bass response; the understated black-and-silver design meshes well with most gadgets.

The bad: The silicone ear fittings don't always create a seal with the ear; no cable extender for at-home listening.

The price: $65 to $66

The bottom line: The Sony MDR-EX90LP earbuds sound good, but there's nothing particularly exciting about them. They're just good headphones.