Photograph by Michael Pirrocco

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000

BEST FOR: FREQUENT FLYERS

These noise-canceling headphones are well built, with a cool carbon-fiber band. They're smart, too, with a push-to-hear control that amplifies external voices. Listeners across the board raved about their clear highs, deep low end, and wide soundstage. "They gave De La Soul punishing bass and fluttering highs," said one. [$350; polkaudio.com]