Putting the 'phone' in headphones

These days, more of us are using smart phones for playing music and videos, as well as for calling, texting, Web surfing, and more. The headsets that come with them make it easy to switch from a concert to a conversation but might not deliver the sound quality you want for music.

Good news: You don't have to choose between sound quality and convenience. Some replacement headphones better-suited to music include built-in microphones and phone controls, as well as controls for basic player functions such as play and pause. Like phone headsets, they let you interrupt the music to connect and disconnect calls without digging for the phone in your pocket or purse. Headphones usually offer full functionality only with certain phones, as specified by the manufacturer. Tested models work with some versions of the iPhone; some also work with certain BlackBerrys.

You can get a phone-friendly headphone with or without noise-canceling (the use of active noise-reduction circuitry to reduce ambient noise). The recommended A1 AKG, an in-ear model, offers better noise-canceling than the over-ear A2 Monster Beats, at a lower price. Also, A1 lets you listen to music with noise reduction turned off, a plus if the batteries die. But you'll have to determine whether or not you find ear inserts comfortable.

Among the standard models with very good sound, we recommend B1 Bowers & Wilkins (the first headphones from that speaker maker) and B3 Klipsch, a CR Best Buy. B1 sits on the ear; B3 is an insert.

With any headphones, a good fit is essential for comfort and optimal sound quality. Try various styles and check the retailer's return/exchange policy.