Bose QuietComfort 15

The Bose QuietComfort 15 noise-canceling headphones are an update of Bose's acclaimed QuietComfort 2 headphones. While reviewers aren't sure about how Bose numbers its models, they agree that the company has improved on an already excellent product. The QC 15s look like previous Bose models, but offer a number of internal enhancements as well as more padding to better block out unwanted noise. Critics say that audiophiles may find the fidelity in the QC 15's high end a bit "off." Although the headphones won't function at all without power from one AAA battery, reviewers say that passive sound blocking is very good, and the cable can detach for that use. A carrying case and airplane adapter are included, too. (*Est. $350) are more compact, but cost more and don't perform as well.