Shure SE420 Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Amazing Sound, Tight Package

External-noise obliterating headphones too big for your commuter kit? These buds might be for you. Packing amazing sound into a tight package, the SE420s easily drowned out a random jackass yammering away on his cell phone so we could savor the dulcet sounds on our playlist. So money are these minis that we were hard pressed to find anything negative to say. Even imperfect fit-long the Achilles' heel of in-ear buds-faded away into myth thanks to the comfy foam tips.

WIRED Dual drivers deliver incredible treble, clear mids, and size-belying bass. Great design makes putting them in your ear a cinch. One of the best noise-blockers we've ever tested.

TIRED The price of a supertight fit: After a couple of hours, your ear canals feel, well, violated. Mid-cord miniplug makes them hard to wrap around your iPod.

• Home Audio Components: Headphones
• Manufacturer: Shure
• Price: $350