There was a time when a pair of headphones had all the comfort of strapping a pair of melons to your head, and all the fashion consciousness of a '70s shag rug. Thank goodness those days are over; headphones and earbuds these days have become as chic and easy to wear as they are technologically advanced. Great headphones or earbuds are comfortable, lightweight, durable, and deliver solid frequency response across the audio spectrum: from 20Hz (that deep low end) to 20kHz (that crisp high end). And here we've found a handful of headphones at the right price.

1. Denon Over-Ear Headphones
   Vendor: Electronics Expo
   Price: $89.92 via coupon code "GRANDSLAM" with $9.99 s&h
   Lowest By: $99

   Is It Worth It?: The technical term in hi-fi parlance for this deal is "yowza," as Electronics Expo cuts more than $100 off the regular price of $199 for these headphones. Features include a 5Hz to 37kHz frequency response, gold-plated 3.5mm plug, 50mm drivers, 6.7-oz. net weight, and more.

2. Pioneer Noise Canceling Earphones
   Vendor: Sonic Electronix via eBay
   Price: $46.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $7
   Expires: May 16 at 5:48 pm. ET

   Is It Worth It?: These black earbuds purportedly remove up to 90% of ambient noise in environments like an airplane, so you can more clearly hear the sound emanating from the 14.3mm drivers. They require a AAA battery, however, to operate for up to 120 hours. They also feature a 5Hz to 16kHz frequency response, airplane plug adapter, and more.

3. Wolfson Noise Canceling In-Ear Stereo Headset
   Vendor: Expansys
   Price: $39.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $13

   Is It Worth It?: These Wolfson Ambient Noise Canceling In-Ear Stereo Headsets come in Black (pictured) or White and feature a peak active noise-canceling output of 30dB, 3.5mm plug, in-line music and volume controls, microphone, built-in rechargeable battery, and micro-USB charge connector. Their lithium polymer battery has a two-hour recharge time, but you can keep listening or talking if the battery is flat; they'll work as a normal headset until you recharge.

4. Refurbished Able Planet True Fidelity Foldable Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
   Vendor: TigerDirect
   Price: $27.99 with $2.99 s&h
   Lowest By: $14

   Is It Worth It?: In the market for a pair of high quality headphones, but can't afford the price tag of the newest models? Consider picking up a pair of these factory-refurbished headphones. They feature an in-line volume control, noise cancellation on/off switch, folding design, and more. Plus, an Able Planet limited lifetime warranty applies.

5. Refurbished Rocketfish Universal Gaming Headset
   Vendor: Goldstar Gaming via eBay
   Price: $22.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $27

   Is It Worth It?: This seller-refurbished Rocketfish Universal Gaming Headset features a noise-canceling microphone, in-line volume controls, pivoting earcup joints, and more. These headphones are compatible with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows and Mac PCs, and more. The set also includes a 10 ft. RCA piggyback-to-3.5 mm audio cable. No warranty information is available on this product, although the seller does provide a 14-day money back guarantee or item exchange.

Lou Carlozo is a dealnews contributing writer. He covers personal finance for Reuters Wealth, and was most recently the managing editor of WalletPop.com, and before that a veteran columnist at the Chicago Tribune.

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