If you own a cell phone with a music player built in, the best way to take advantage of both capabilities is with a stereo headset. That is, a pair of headphones with an integrated mike and call-answer button.
Plenty of music phones offer stereo Bluetooth capability, which lets you take calls and listen to music through a headset without pesky wires getting in the way. But at this stage in the game, the sound quality generally will not be as good as what you can get through a decent wired set. Better yet, wired headsets are often cheaper than the Bluetooth competition.
We've rounded up options for every price range. Compare more at reviews.cnet.com/headphones-for-music-phones.
Klipsch Image X10i
CNET rating: ★★★★ out of 5 (Very Good)
Good: The Klipsch Image X10i headphones are extremely comfortable and feature super-slim, tiny ear pieces. They offer exceptionally clear and balanced audio, with good bass response and a reasonable amount of passive sound isolation. A module integrated into the cable includes an in-line mike and a call-answer button that doubles as a playback control for the iPod. There are other useful extras in the package, too, such as a case and a 1/4-inch adapter.
Bad: The headphones are expensive, and the wire is thin and tangle-prone.
Cost: $330-$350.
Bottom line: The Klipsch Image X10i headphones are a great option for iPhone and iPod owners who listen mainly to lossless audio.
JBL Roxy Reference 250
CNET rating: ★★★ 1/2
(Very Good)
Good: The Roxy Reference 250 earphones are stylish and comfortable. Sound quality is decent, bass is present and the earphones offer a reasonable amount of noise isolation. A cool carrying case and a built-in mike for taking calls are nice included features.
Bad: The earphones come with only two sets of ear tips and might not fit all users correctly. The cable is short and might not be durable. Some songs sound overly bright and forward.
Cost: $17-$40.
Bottom line: The Roxy Reference 250 earphones offer great value for the money. They are stylish, work with music phones and include a cute case that does double duty for your MP3 player.
Beats Solo by Dr. Dre
CNET rating: ★★★ 1/2
(Very Good)
Good: The Beats Solo by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster offer a stylish, compact and durable design that lends itself well to on-the-go use. The cable is ultra-nice and features an integrated mike, iPod controls and volume rocker. Bass is thumping, and the package includes a handy carrying case.
Bad: The headphones might not be comfortable for everyone, audio is muddy overall and they leak sound.
Cost: $161-$200.
Bottom line: The Beats Solo by Dr. Dre headphones offer a killer, travel-friendly design that's sure to turn heads, but the audio quality fails to live up to the price tag.
Woodees Inner Ear
CNET rating: ★★★ 1/2
(Very Good)
Good: Woodees Inner Ear stereo earphones offer a unique design with ear pieces encased in wood rather than plastic or metal. They sound more speaker-like than other ear buds, and several genres of music shine with great audio quality. One version comes with an in-line mike for use with the iPhone or other music phones.
Bad: The reverberation within the wood sometimes lends a muffled quality to the bass, and not all genres of music sound good.
Cost: $41-$69.
Bottom line: The Woodees earphones feature a unique wooden earpiece enclosure that creates a sound more akin to that of speakers than earbuds. If you like open, natural-sounding audio, be sure to give them a listen.