Get lost in your own crystal-clear world, even in economy class. Terence Goh road tests three of the best noise-cancelling headphones

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 15

Sounds like: The QC impresses with its punchy low frequencies – perfect as a companion to dance floor tunes, rock, or anything with a bass line. But its mid-range underwhelms, while its heavy trebles can tire the ear.

Fit: The noise-cancellation is probably the best of the bunch. These cans fit nicely, forming a snug fit with a material that feels luxuriously leather-like. Yet worn over long periods, they can get a little warm.

Buy-it factor: The QC15s are slick, light and the smallest of the trio - perfect for long flights. True to its name, these phones are indeed quiet and comfortable.

Price: US$299.95

CREATIVE AURVANA X-FI

Sounds like: Impressively, the Aurvana noise-cancelling headphones create a convincing artificial 3D surround-sound stage. Yet without its crystallizer switched on, its frequency response comes across as rather flat, sounding sharp at louder listening volumes.

Fit: Slightly tight around the edges, these phones leak some sound, but feel so snug you could probably bungee jump in them without losing them to the river.

Buy-it factor: Ideal for road-warriors and occasional gamers, these well-built phones are also great for those indulging in action movies while others sleep, without giving up the cinematic surround sound feel.

Price: US$299.99

SENNHEISER PXC 450 NOISEGARD

Sounds like: With its tight bass, crisp highs and smooth mids, the PXC450 makes everything sound fabulously luscious, for music styles ranging from Madonna to Mahler. Sound details emerge in the Sennheiser that in lesser phones would just seem muddied and muted.

Fit: Made to cover almost the entire side of the head, the huge cups don’t allow much to get between your ears and the outside world. They are not the lightest though, and long periods of use can be tiring.

Buy-it factor: Perhaps the closest you might get to taking your hi-fi with you on the plane, these headphones will please even the fussiest mobile music maven.

Price: USD $479

INFLIGHT FUN

ZEN X-FI2
Creative’s smartest-looking MP3 and video player is light and inexpensive, with black and silver styling, credit-card sized body and a 64mm color screen. Equipped with Wi-Fi, it runs with Windows PCs, handles flash display, and lets you playlist songs while the music’s running. US$141

SONY PSP
Serious traveling gamers plug their headphones into Sony’s Playstation Portable, or PSP. Its latest version, the PSP Go, was launched in October last year, has 16GB of memory, a 97mm slide screen, and a range of low-memory mini games which are ideal for travelers. US$230

APPLE IPOD TOUCH
Thinner than an iPhone, the Touch is a great inflight companion, mixing both music and entertainment. Switch from your tunes and videos, to calendars, email and touch-screen games downloaded pre-flight. On arrival, find a Wi-fi signal for instant Web access. US$265 (32GB version)

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHING / CAPSULE PRODUCTIONS