It's very easy to forget, but the sound quality you enjoy from your MP3 player has usually got a lot more to do with the the headphones you use than anything inside the device itself.

Indeed, just about every manufacturer uses the same technology inside their MP3 player leaving a very even playing field when it comes to the quality of the sound signal produced.  The quality of the headphones included, though, is a lot more variable--and is often mediocre at best.

Ditching the Earbuds

For any real music fan, a new pair of headphones to replace those that come with their MP3 player is just about compulsory.

To help you choose, we've included in our selection the headphones that ship with Apple's iPod, by the far most popular portable music device out there.  Given that most people who care enough about music to own an MP3 player will have probably have slipped a pair of those famous white earbuds in at least once, it seemed logical to us to use them as the basis for our comparison.  That doesn't mean, though, that they represent some kind of gold standard when it comes to quality--Apple's iPod headphones are in fact some of the worst we've ever seen, and it's very easy to find a sharper, less aggressive sound elsewhere.

Other Factors

Sound quality is one thing, but there are some other things you should look at too when choosing headphones.  First of all is comfort, followed closely by portability.  The main choice on both fronts boils down to three options: headphones, earbuds or in-ear headphones.

The first group generally give the best sound quality, the second are easier to carry around while the third are the best at isolating external noise.

If you go for a large pair of headphones, think carefully about the small details, like the quality of the cabling provided.

It might seem like a needless detail, but there's nothing more annoying than a stiff cable that doesn't allow you to wear your MP3 player comfortably.

Another important detail is how well the cable is isolated from accidental scratches.  If you're in the habit of wearing your collar up, you might notice it rubbing against the cable of your headphones, another irritating effect that's easily avoidable.  And gentlemen, it's even worse for you if the cable brushes against your stubble.  Where this is the case, we've pointed out the problems.

In-Ear Headphones

When it comes to in-ear headphones, the most important thing is to ensure there's a good seal in between the outside of your ear and the headphones lodged inside the ear canal--it's the only way to get the best out of the powerful bass notes these headphones can produce.  Most manufacturers deliver several sizes of silicon plugs for their in-ear headphones, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find the right size. You might even need a different size for each ear, but it's definitely worth as creating that seal is the key to good sound quality.

Finally, as a general rule of thumb, you'll need to look at spending around half as much again to get a pair of in-ear headphones that's as good as the equivalent regular on-ear headphones.