Labs

As the cheapest pair, these weren't necessarily expected to deliver amazing results. Once out of their finger-slicing sealed plastic packaging, though, they feel reassuringly hefty, the faux-leather earpads and headband cushion both soft yet robust.

There's a whiff of similarity between the Targus and Bose headphones, despite the £200 difference in price. Even with noise cancellation off, the

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circumaural cushions block out a fair amount, and switching it on immediately kills the very bottom, boomy end of ambient noise. Sound quality isn't bad, but there's a lack of evenness in bass handling, and detail is limited at the upper end.

That, and a tendency to distort, won't ruin your enjoyment, but to some extent at least you do get what you pay for. Unsurprisingly at this price, no parts are replaceable.

Still, the price includes an aircraft adaptor, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm jack adaptor, a cotton travel bag and an AA battery. The battery compartment also houses the volume control and the PTT button, which you press for 'talk through'. This doesn't cut the noise cancelling, but activates a microphone to let you have a conversation - a nice touch. There's no button to make other people think it isn't a bit rude to talk to them with headphones on.

It may be worth paying more for better quality, but if you're squeezed on budget you won't be disappointed with the Travel-Ease.