A Sound Investment: Headphones

The cabin noise inside a jet can be as high as 80 decibels—equivalent to the din of a vacuum cleaner. Noise-canceling headphones reduce this ambient noise by emitting a "counter-sound" to neutralize it. Yes, it may seem like a gimmick—but the technology actually works. We tested four of the latest models.

• Bose QuietComfort 2
• $299
• Noise-canceling Ability Very good; cancels out 17 decibels
• Portability and Comfort Excellent; somewhat bulky, but smartly designed case fits in almost any bag
• Sound Quality Excellent; powerful, rich, full, with particularly strong bass
• The Skinny Still the gold standard, Bose turns coach into the orchestra circle. The sound can even cancel out a screaming baby
• Ideal Users Those who travel often and want to be as isolated from the experience as possible
• To Buywww.bose.com; 888/275-2073

• Plane Quiet
• $80
• Noise-canceling Ability Good; cancels out 17 decibels, but seems like less
• Portability and Comfort Average; headphones are somewhat bulky, though comfortable, and come in a carrying pouch
• Sound Quality Average; not strong, and rather uninspiring overall
• The Skinny Good—but not great—value for the money. Relatively weak sound output compromises noise-canceling ability
• Ideal Users Anyone on a budget who is mostly interested in in-flight movies
• To Buywww.protravelgear.com; 704/583-1100

• Sennheiser PXC 250
• Less than $150
• Noise-canceling Ability Good; cancels out 15-25 decibels
• Portability and Comfort Excellent; very lightweight, and folds up to the size of a pair of sunglasses
• Sound Quality Excellent; powerful, full, clean, and very clear
• The Skinny An audiophile's alternative to the pricey Bose. Sound quality and comfort are top-rate
• Ideal Users Travelers who value portability (the typical iPod owner)
• To Buywww.sennheiserusa.com; 860/434-9190

• Ultimate Ears
• $550-$950
• Noise-canceling Ability Excellent; cancels out 26 decibels
• Portability and Comfort Excellent; acrylic in-ear buds take getting used to, but come in an engraved metal case
• Sound Quality Superb; extraordinarily clear and clean
• The Skinny The best headphones ever made?Probably. Hundreds of A-list musicians are clients, including the Rolling Stones
• Ideal Users Jet-setters who want to keep up with the Jaggers
• To Buywww.ultimateears.com; 800/589-6531