Holiday Gift Guide: Audio Gear Edition

9. Audio-Technica FashionFidelity Bijoue Headphones and In-Ear Headphones with Integrated Control

To start our series of holiday gift guides, we present a selection of high-quality audio gear that'll get your loved ones to listen up and rock out.

Audio-Technica FashionFidelity Bijoue ATH-FW33 Portable Headphones

We think sub-$50 holiday headphones should look special. They’re stocking-stuffers, after all. Audio-Technica makes some of the highest-quality noise-canceling headphones we’ve tested, but the company also branches out into innovative and fun designs that benefit from the trick-down theory of audio fidelity.

These “Bijoue” headphones are supremely comfortable for delicate ears due to the cushioned on-ear design and thin-but-reinforced headband (that won’t get tangled in hair—a common affliction). They travel well by folding in on themselves and into a soft pouch. Let’s discuss the bling: the “Jewel cut” design on the sides of the ears are meant to look like facets of a precious stone, and they do glint quite a bit. Our favorite color combinations are the light pink/white (perfect for a princess), and white/white (screams winter wonderland), but they’re also available in black/black, dark pink/black and brown/black. See the audio and electrical specs at Audio Technica’s site.

Audio-Technica ATH-CK400i In-Ear Headphones with Integrated Control

This is our pick for a replacement to the standard-issue iPhone earbuds for four reasons: a reliable and high-quality in-line microphone taking calls, an easy-to-feel-in-your-pocket in-line remote control (volume, play/pause, fast-forward/rewind), four different ear-tip sizes, and six color choices (black, green, blue, pink, red and white).

Here’s why the four different ear-tip sizes matter: if you choose the wrong size—perhaps a pair that doesn’t feel snug—you’ll probably say these earbuds don’t put out nearly enough bass. And, granted, the bass line is diminished if you pick ear-tips that don’t plug your ear holes. If you have enormous ear canals and the large size ear-tips don’t squeeze into your ears, but instead barely stay inserted, then these buds are not for you. Get the fit right and you’ll get balanced bass from these dainty and colorful iPhone-friendly earbuds.